grey booties

What:  Size 8 grey ankle booties
From:  Aerosoles
Purchased:  October 21, 2011
Cost:  $26

I spent all last winter coveting grey shooties/ankle booties, particularly an expensive pair.  I ended up buying these for $20, and while I like them, they're kinda cheap-y and I don't think will last.  Suede is already rubbing off.  Also ever-so-slightly pinchy in the toes.

Anyway, when shopping with KG recently, we hit the Aerosoles outlet store and these were marked to $26.  KG got both the grey AND the black (marked down to $35, I think), but I stuck with just the grey. After seeing KG rock the black ones with black tights and skirt, I was thinking I should have gotten black, even if they were $10 more, but I had purchased the odd black Naturalizer shoes earlier that day, so grey it was.

So, the other day I decided to step out a little bit and actually wear some of the crap I buy on the clearance racks, and pulled on these funky patterned tights, with a grey skirt and black sweater.  It was a little out there for me, but I think worked.  At least it was a little different.

Bottom line:  keeper.  They are more comfy that the other ones I own.  Probably better with jeans.  Still feeling like I should have gotten the black ones, maybe?  Or, really, neither.  The real bottom line is I've gotten two grey booties for $46, which is still cheaper than the shooties I really wanted last year.

back to shoes - brown boots

What: size 8 light brown wedge heel mid-calf boots with studs and turndown
From:  Naughty Monkey (Endless.com)
Purchased:  October 2011
Cost:  $40

I've had my eye on these boots since last March, when they were $30 - half price end of season.  I also liked the darker brown color, but with no job at the time, I could only watch as the dark brown ones sold out and the 50% off marked down price ended.  I also just wasn't sure about them.

And then the job came along, and I had a $10 credit on Amazon, so finally snagged them.

I like them, and wore them my long tiring Sunday with no problems, but I am just not sure I can really pull off the tucked in jeans look.  Maybe my jean legs were not quite skinny enough.  I felt like I had an unfortunate star trek-like quality to the jeans, puffing out at the top of the boots.  Or maybe I'm just not used to this look and need to keep trying, or need to peg my jeans so they are tighter and don't ride up, or need a different pair of pants.  Undecided.  But these are cute boots, with a slight kick as feel to them (studs!), and they were comfortable, so overall worthwhile.

Bottom line:  keeper

New booties

What:  size 8, black suede booties with white stitching trim and 3.5 inch heels
From:  Naturalizer (outlet)
Purchased:  Oct 21, 2011
Cost:  $13.50!

Ok, so yesterday I said I had lost track of how many shoes I've bought, and then I did a little looknig around this morning and I don't think it's as bad as I feared.  When last I counted, I was up to, gulp, 17 pairs of new shoes in 2011.  And I think I've added 4 pairs to that total.  I bought 22 pairs in 2010.  So I'm on the same pace.  Dammit.  How did that happen?  What the hell is wrong with me?  Why can't I stop buying shoes?  This is insane.  I once said I needed a more fabulous life to match my shoes, and you know what, that is still my reality.  I have no place to wear all these new shoes!  It is ridiculous. 

Anyway, here's the story on these.  First, $13.50.  Enough said.  How can you pass that up?  My friend KG and I have been talking for the past 18 months about doing an outlet day, and we finally managed to get our schedules sync-ed up and make it happen.  I will say I bought no clothes for myself that day, btu two pairs of booties.  I did buy clothes for E and A and even Rich, too, and some household stuff, but only shoes for me. 

Naturalizer was one of our first stops, and we were fairly disappointed.  Pickings were slim and prices were high.  Clearance racks were picked over.  And then I noticed these, with an 80% off sticker (and we were carrying extra 20% off coupons).  Tried them on, and I'll be honest, these fit weird.  They are too big.  I put them back.  I kept looking.  KG tried on a pair of fab clearance boots that just didn't quite fit.  I was intentionally shopping for a pair of dark brown boots/booties.  I tried these on again.  KG told me they were ugly, while trying to cram her foot in the clearance boots.  Another shopper agreed with her.  I said they might fit the semi-ugly but charming category.  Other shoppers and KG disagreed.  I put them back.  KG kept dithering over flats and purses.  I searched the clearance aisle for another pair in a different color or smaller size.  More dithering.  I snapped and bought them.  Ultimately, I couldn't pass up the $13.50, and we were simply in the store too long.  I sort of feel like these stylistically work with rolled jeans (boyfriend style jeans) or slim jeans, with a slouchy cardigan, maybe.  Kind of a casual menswear-y, collegiate type look.  Which is a look I like (though I am not describing it well) but don't actually wear.  Bah.  I've worn them twice, and they are too high for real casual wear.  Could i wear them with a skirt and tights?  There's still something about them I like, but I definitely need to think over how to wear them. I've worn them twice, both times with my boot-leg jeans, once with jeans cuffed, once jeans just worn normally.  Eh. 

Bottom line:  I'm going to wear them 5-6 times this year, then shove them in the back of my closet and think of them fondly but never quite have the right outfit with which to ever wear them again.  Until I do a massive show clean out in 7-10 years and whoever is sucked into my craziness at that time strongly suggests I get rid of them.  At least I know myself well, right?  But hey, 6 times is $2.25 per wear cost! 

February 25 - more tall brown boots

What: Size 8 tall brown boots
From: EA Flexo (an Enzo Angiolini brand of flexible sole) (Bloomingdales)
Purchased: October/November 2005
Cost: $150

Shortly after Elizabeth was born, for some reason we were all at the White Flint Mall in Bloomingdales, and I had a little shoe frenzy. I can't remember why we were there, but I decided I really wanted a pair of brown boots and I was going to get them no matter the cost. Then, I found a pair of Coach shoes I had seen featured in ads that I loved that were surprisingly still available and on sale (coming soon - I had forgotten I have them, they are fab, and I really want to actually wear them for the blog), and thus my most expensive show purchase day ever occurred. Look, I never, ever buy shoes early in the season - they're still too pricey for my extreme bargain hunting. But I had money in the bank and I just wanted those Coach shoes, and I really wanted brown boots. I've worn these a lot, and they are quite roomy so they actually can fit my freakish right calf. But for some reason, I do not love them. Which is too bad considering they are my most expensive purchase ever. It's a good price for that brand bought in early fall, though, I do have to say.

But really, what I really, really want, and still do not own, is a pair of equestrian-inspired flat brown boots. Naturalizer had some great sale boots (now sold out), but I was in no position to buy them, so it'll wait another year or five. I got time. And it's not like I need them. Anyway, that day at Bloomingdales unbelievably, I simply could not find a pair of flat brown boots, so I went with these. I feel like they're cool and hint of cowboy boots just a teeny bit. I wish they were a darker brown (which is why I bought yesterday's boots).

So, whew, I think this means I've made it through my entire boot collection. 15 pairs to start (including rain boots and the new snow/hiking boots), and I got rid of 4 of them (with another pair barely hanging on - they'll be gone in the fall, I bet). That's not a bad cull rate. But boy, they are going to kill my average cost per pair. I could probably get rid of the older short black boots, but I'll see what happens for the grand, great accounting day that will happen, with Thrift Store Mama's help, later this spring!

Bottom line: keeper

February 24 - more brown boots

What: Size 8 chocolate brown leather boots
From: Talbots (outlet)
Purchased: November 2008
Cost: $42

I've written about these on AwwwTrouble - that really was a nice experience, buying these. Still makes me smile. I love the line at the talbots outlet. But guess what? They didn't fit when I was 9 months pregnant, which I chalked up to pregnancy swelling, and I was sure they'd fit post-baby, and, sigh, they don't. They almost fit, though (stupid right calf again), so I'm holding onto them. They are the perfect brown color and the leather is a soft as buttah! Boot box under the bed, re-evaluate in the fall blah blah blah.

Bottom line: keeper

February 23 - brown stretch boots

What: size 8 faux brown suede high heel stretch boots
From: Lord & Taylor brand
Purchased: '02-'04
Cost: $55

And now we turn our attention to brown. These boot posts are really going to raise my average prices. Ok, so these boots have been living in the boot box under my bed. I bought these faux suede, stretch boots because they were a heck of a lot cheaper than real suede or leather. But the heel has always been a little too high for me, so I don't wear them all that much. The stretch part means I can wear them, at least (stupid right calf), but I really haven't worn them much lately. Anyway, these are fine, they have a place to live, I'll get more wear from them.

Bottom line: keeper

February 22 - boots the fourth

What: size 8 tall black boots
From: AK Anne Klein (Lord & Taylor)
Purchased: Late winter '06
Cost: $65

And now, black boots pair #4! In my progression of boots, aren't they great and stylish? Nice heel, pointy toe? Real leather?! Totally great. And never worn, because they are too tight for my right calf! ARGH. These boots are the reason why I'm holding onto pair #3. Soon after Elizabeth was born, I successfully bought a cool pair of brown boots (coming soon). They were tight on the right calf, but worked. Anyway, end of winter during Elizabeth's first year, I was at L&T and they were having a fabulous sale on black boots, but I was in a huge hurry for some reason and so I snapped these up without really trying them on. I had tried on another pair of AK Anne Klein boots earlier that winter and they had fit so I think I thought these were the same pair, but once I got home, realized they were too tight. I was losing weight and getting in shape, and thought I'd hold onto them because they were such a great buy, but life yada yada yada and so they've lived under my bed in their original box for 5 years now. Dammit. Can't give up on them, and they are out of th way, so they stay. But something has got to give, and soon. I'll reevaluate in the fall.

Bottom line: keeper, for now

February 21 - boots the third

What: size 8 pleather tall black boots
From: unknown - these were a no name brand purchased at a discount shoe place (famous shoes? Something like that - the store at Potomac Yards)
Purchased: '03-'05?
Cost: $50

I seriously cannot believe I would buy boots and hold onto them, not letting older pairs go. These are the third pair of black boots I've purchased (over ~10 years), after the first two had become totally worn. Pair #2 had really become unwearable, and I desperately needed a new pair but didn't want to spend a lot of money, so another pair of pleather boots. These are actually pretty worn, too - the pleather is starting to crack and peel a bit. But, they are also quite stretchy, and given my right calf problems, I need stretchier boots, so here we go again, I've stashed these in the boot box under my bed. I really should discard these, but they have an out of the way place to live, so I'll see where things are next fall (ie, what fits my calves!) when I pull out my boots.

Funny, you can see the progression of style in the boots - Pair 1, chunky heel, squared off toe. Pair 2, slightly rounded toe, less chunky heel. These, pair 3, still less chunky heel, almost point toe.

Bottom line: on the fence

February 20 - old boots

What: size 8 tall black boots
From: unknown - label worn
Purchased: mid-late 90s
Cost: ?? don't remember. Guessing $60

So I wrote recently I hardly wore traditional pumps anymore. It's because in the late 90s, the tall boots and skirt look really took off. In my work career, early on, especially in the winter, I wore pumps a lot with hose. But, in the late 90s, pumps and hose went out of style, in favor of tights and tall boots. Love that look. These were the first pair of tall boots I bought. I took advantage of some free time over Presidents Day weekend to check out the boot box under my bed, and found these. I totally forgot I still had them. I wore the heck out of them over years, and then bought these, which I discarded in the summer (not really - I actually put them in the hallway, to be discarded, where they got covered with a pile of other stuff, so technically I threw them away yesterday! That is sad.). Anyway, just looking over that long ago July post (for the love of Pete! I've been blogging my shoe collection for over 6 months!!), it's clear I had forgotten about my original pair. I bought these first, then when they became worn bought the ones from July. And believe it or not, I bought my third pair of tall black boots, then my fourth (!), all while still holding onto the previous pairs! Ridiculous! So the second chronological pair have been trashed, and now the first pair have been placed in the donate pile, which is a giant stack right by the door of my bedroom that is starting to drive me crazy! CRAZY.

I have GOT to get the stuff I want out of the house actually OUT OF THE HOUSE. That would help, a lot.

Bottom line: TBD - to be donated!

February 19 - new boots

What: size 8W black suede wedge tall boots
From: Naturalizer (online)
Purchased: November 28, 2010
Cost: $80

My 22nd and final purchase of 2010! Love these. In the early fall, my friend Elaine sent me an e-mail asking about some boots on the Naturalizer site, and I spied these. I cyber-stalked them for a bit - all my tall black boots are in bad shape. Also, I doubt my friend Therese remembers this, but the first time I met her (we worked at sister organizations) she was wearing a pair of black wedge boots, and I've wanted a pair ever since. I was intrigued by these because they came in a wide shaft option. I have a confession to make. My right calf has always been larger than my left calf, but since having Elizabeth, the disparity has become even more pronounced. My right calf is now a full inch wider than my left. Which means, over the next few postings, I'm about to show you a whole series of fabulous boots that don't fit me. It is infuriating. I don't know if getting into shape will help or not, but I'm not willing to give up on my boot collection.

So, anyway, I needed new tall black boots. When at my inlaws for Thanksgiving, I was able to visit an actual Naturalizer store (not an outlet), and I found these in 7.5 W, in the regular width shaft. With a 20% off coupon, they were $80. And they mostly fit. Tight, but zippable. But tight enough that I felt I should check out the extended shaft opening. They were offering free shipping, and it hit me that since there are no stores in DC, there would be no tax. So I ordered 8W extended shaft from the website (they didn't have any 7.5s). And then I dithered for a couple of weeks, which is why they weren't worn in 2010. Ultimately, I kept the extended shaft - theoretically, I could possibly even wear them with jeans tucked in. In theory. These are great, though, it's nice to have them, and I've definitely enjoyed rocking the short skirt, tights, tall boots look.

Bottom line: keeper!

February 18 - new boots

What: size 8 snow boots in light grey, dark grey, and magenta
From: Lands End (online)
Purchased: February 14, 2011
Cost: $26.50

Well, these were supposed to be the 4th pair of shoes I bought in 2011, but thanks to my shootie
debacle (yes, I am bitter, why do you ask?), they are the third. Yep, even though I feel deprived and frugal, I am on par to match my purchases from last year. Anyway, I wrote about shoes I might have on my list for 2011, and hiking boots were high on the list. I wrote that I had missed out on Lands End shoes, but then in my daily LE e-mail, there was a special one day 30% off clearance sale. So I checked, and lo and behold the shoes I had wanted and had been sold out were suddenly available (I bet a bunch were bought in the previous 30% off sale, and then returned). So I snapped them up. These are technically, according to LE, snow boots, but they also make perfect hiking boots. They're waterproof, have good tread, and great support. And my orthotics fit perfectly. Honestly, though, I have got to remember that LE runs big, because I could have easily gotten a 7.5 and been fine. But for boots, I figured more room couldn't hurt. Love these. Hope to get lots of wear out of them this year!

Bottom line: Keeper!

February 17 - boots galore

What: size 8 fabric short black boots with leather cord at ankle
From: Etienne Aigner (purchased at outlet)
Purchased: late 90s, early 00s
Cost: $40

I decided to do some cleaning and organizing of my boots, in anticipation (sob!) of new shooties arriving. I've had these forever and used to wear them a lot. The heels are a teeny bit too high for a lot of wear, but overall they are still comfy. That little band above the ankle fastens with velcro, and since this was the late 90s, I used to have lots of super long skirts. These boots once ripped out the entire hem from a skirt - the velcro would just catch on the hem and cause it to pull. Annoying. But they are fine with pants, I actually wore them with jeans.

Bottom line: still a keeper

November 15 - my mother made me do it

What: size 8 grey croc ankle boots with 2.5 inch heel
From: Talbots (outlet)
Purchased: November 10, 2010
Cost: $35

Folks, meet shoe purchase #20 for 2010. I seriously cannot believe I have purchased 20 pairs of shoes this year. And I can't believe I bought these, even though I love them. First, on November 10 I was feeling lousy with what was about to turn into a raging kidney infection. Plus, I was wearing crappy shoes. Add in I had just gotten a notice that the outlet store as having its seasonal sale with an extra 10% off, plus my mom had given me a gift card to Talbots and you have a perfect storm.

I tried these on on a whim. I am seriously craving a pair of grey shooties. I haven't been able to find any I really like and are affordable, though. So I slipped these on at the outlet and whaddya know, they felt super comfy, and looked sooo much more stylish with my dress pants than my blah easy spirit shoes. They were $78, 50% off, plus an extra 10% off, and I had a $25 gift card, which meant $10 out of pocket. After thinking about it for a while, I texted a couple of people. My friend TSM replied: was there ever any doubt you would get them? My sister, on the other hand, replied: I do not approve of this purchase. My sister, you see, knows I really, really want grey shooties. Ankle boots are not shooties. You wear them totally differently, and my sister knew I was subbing one desire for something I didn't deeply desire, thus leaving the deep desire unfulfilled.

Shooties are hot right now as a look with skirts and tights. Since they end at the ankle, you can wear a skirt. Ankle boots, on the other hand, end just below your calf, cutting off your leg visually at a thick point, so you cannot wear them with skirts. Only pants. I seriously debated for a long time in the store carrying these around. I knew I'd have to write about it here, you see. But, as you can see, they now belong to me. As TSM said, despite great internal (and external!) debate, there really wasn't much doubt.

Prior to my shoe challenge, I would have purchased these and then worn them all November and throughout the winter, pushing other shoes aside. And, since I am writing this in early December, but backdating to November, I can tell you that's exactly what I've done. I freaking love these boots. I was sick the weekend of the 12th, and still felt awful the 15th, but went to a job interview and wore these (with black pants, black shell, and green suit jacket with grey stitching). A man in the elevator complimented them! I only left the house 3 other times the rest of the next week, and wore these boots each time (with jeans). Love, love, love them. Excellent purchase. Super comfortable, looks great with professional or casual clothes. I'm going to have to discard more shoes so that I can wear these more often. Thanks Mom!

Bottom line: keeper!

But I still crave shooties.

November 1 - short black boots

What: size 8.5 short black boots with 1.5 inch heel, zipper up back
From: Etienne Aigner, bought at thrift store
Purchased: October 30, 2010
Cost: $17

#19 for the year. I'll get to 18 in a day or two, but these I could not pass up. I've wanted, for a number of years, a pair of low heel, more casual short black boots. There is a small clothing thrift store one block from my house that carries great brands. It started as more of a cast off clothing place at rock bottom prices, but over time, has morphed into a definite savvy thrift store business. I believe they are clearly buying lots (not lots as in number, but lots as in a pre-sorted box at auction kind of thing) of clothes from some sort of consolidator. It's just become too specialized in specific brands, quality, styles, and sizes. For example, the consolidator sorts through a bunch of donations, and sorts clothes by designer, size, and condition of clothes. This thrift store is buying sets of high quality Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana, Gap, and J Crew as their bread and butter, with the sprinkle of Talbots, Lily Pulizter BCBG, Tahari, etc. I never once go in there without seeing something I own, or recognize from a line I know well. Most items are priced $7-$19. And then sometimes there's an occasional super high end brand, but it is priced accordingly (a Nannette Lepore dress for $75 last week, for example). They also frequently run specials (to clear out inventory, I presume - $7 item for $4, or $9 items for $7, etc).

A friend told me she had scored a pair of great boots here that looked like they had never been worn. So on a whim Halloween weekend I stopped in and saw they were still running their shoe special ($24 now $17), and had extended that to boots, and they had a lot of boots. And then I saw these and grabbed them. They look like they've never been worn. I wasn't 100% confident of the fit, but wasn't wearing great socks, so could not pass up Etienne Aigner low black boots for $17. But then I thought, you know, these aren't going to fit perfectly, which means I will keep looking for comfy low heel low black boots and will end up with two pairs.

So it was with some trepidation that I broke them out for first wearing on November 1. And guess what? They fit like a glove. Love. Perfect. Niche complete.

And then the next day I popped in a discount store (Syms) and guess what else? They had a ton of these exact boots for $40. Just further proof that my little neighborhood thrift store is anything but.

October 18 - black boots

What: size 8 2.5 inch heel short black boots
From: Bass (outlet)
Purchased: 2005 or '06
Cost: not entirely sure. Guessing $40, though it's likely they were cheaper as the Bass outlet has good sales. But $40 is a good guess. Actually I think I bought these at the same time as a pair of Bass tall boots I have, so probably there was some deal.

I have a pair of slightly higher-heeled short black boots, and wanted something more casual. These still aren't quite it. Even though the heel is not too high, it's still a heeled boot. I'm glad I have them, and they fit a niche, but I'd still like a pair of more casual, low-heel black boots (like my brown ones) for every day wear. Yes, I do think it is entirely reasonable (although admittedly a luxury) to have 3 pairs of black short boots, and multiple pairs of tall boots and even some ankle boots, too. One cannot have too many pairs of black boots. Well, of course you can have too many - my point really is there are a lot of black boot niches!

Bottom line: keeper

October 5 - brown suede boots bye bye

What: Size 8.5 AA brown suede low boots with 1.5 inch heel
From: Talbots (outlet)
Purchased: late 90s, early 00s
Cost: ?? $35

I sorted through some shoes over the weekend and found these in the boot box under my bed. I've had them forever, and wore them a lot when I first got them. I wore them with my big chunky orthotics, which wore into the leather, causing this hole. I've held onto them all this time, but it's time to face facts that they are not repairable and certainly replaceable.

Bottom line: trash

October 4 - brown low boots

What: size 8.5 brown leather ankle boots, 1.5 inch heel
From: Talbots
Purchased: late winter 2009
Cost: $40

These boots are awesome, and I wore them all the time last winter. I almost didn't buy them because they were 8.5s, but they should have been my first sign that my feet have gotten larger. They need to be polished, but they are great. I wish I had them in black, and will keep my eyes open for a similar black pair.

Bottom line: keeper

July 26 - discard

What: Size 8W stretch tall black boots
From: ??
Purchased: '97, 98 or thereabouts
Cost: ? ~$50?

So I wasn't going to get rid of off season stuff in my shoe declutter challenge, but was rooting around in the bottom of my closet (otherwise known as complete chaos) and these are big and bulky and got to go. Ah, tall black boots. Loved them. Even if they were pleather and stretch. I was kinda broke in the mid-late 90s so I did not splurge on fabulous black leather boots. I got away with black stretch (even then they're still pricey, for my budget). I have no memory of buying them, but I have plenty of memories of wearing them.

I wore these OUT. Should have thrown them out 5 years ago, but they've been stashed in the bottom of the closet. The pleather has gotten even worse:



Bottom line: trash!

July 10 - rainy days

What: Size 7 black polka dot rainboots
From: Target
Purchased: February 12, 2010
Cost: $25

The first pair of shoes I bought in 2010 - a necessary purchase. My hiking boots shredded - just fell apart - two years ago after many years of great wear. I really need another pair, but the need was never really pressing - until the DC area received an unholy amount of snow, first in December 09, then in February 10. With Andrew so small, I haven't needed to spend much time outside in snow, but February of this year meant I desperately needed something.

Why? Because in the city, people shovel walks. And the city plows. But that means there is a barrier of snow when you need to cross a street - shovelers generally do not shovel out to the plowed area, and plows don't come all the way to the sidewalks. So, to cross the street, you must clamber over a snow bank, piled high with both shoveled and plowed snow. All this foot traffic eventually wears walkways through the snow, but those paths are first slushy and then watery areas to navigate. It's horrible. The day we were finally able to leave the house, there was a 6 foot wide puddle to navigate by the Target. So then you have to go back to clambering over the snow banks, or clinging to the edge of the snow to avoid the water.

I took myself off to Target and up to the shoe department, where I found precisely two piars of boots left, and another woman in the aisle reaching for one of them. So I grabbed the last pair, saw they were 7s, and thought it was worth a shot. They kinda sorta fit, and given the need, I left Target wearing them, and then wore them for short periods of time over the rest of Snowmageddon.

Wore them on Saturday given the morning of rain. I hate these boots. They are not comfortable at all - too tight. Size 7s just aren't wide enough, though they fit in length. It's not like you wear rainboots for hours at a time, though, so until I can get a good pair of hiking/all weather boots, I'm stuck with them.

$25 is not much money. But if I get rid of these boots, I am essentially admitting I wasted $25, which I hate to do. I guess I did not waste the money as I did wear the boots to get out and around in the snow. But still, I can't get rid of them even though I hate them because my right foot fell asleep due to constriction! Must shop for new pair of sturdy, comfortable boots, until then, these will stick around.

Botom line: keeper, for now