Reddit mentions: The best mid-calf boots for women

I relate so much, because I too am a mommy who needs practicality and comfort but would also still like to feel pretty and female sometimes! I think little touches can go such a long way. Things with just a touch or lace, for example. Or jewelry. I mean, if you could find some quality, understated, feminine earrings that go with almost everything and that you really like (matching bracelet or necklace optional) just 1-2 subtle pieces of jewelry alone can do so, so much to dress up and and feminize an outfit. And yes pearls or zirconium can go with black and ripped up jeans. Shabby chic. Also, investing in a nice, polished-looking, grown-up woman handbag, in black to go with your stuff (and in a zip-top tote style with lots on storage and inner pockets to go with your lifestyle if you ask me) might be nice and take your whole look up a notch and do more than you'd think to feminize your outfits. A pair of super comfy but feminine/sophisticated/slightly dressier looking shoes in black could have the same effect. Shoes and accessories can do so much to "upgrade" a look.


OK, sorry if that was a bit of a tangent, because you were asking more specifically about adding soft colors, florals, lace and such. Not about adding earrings, a quality handbag and pair of flats :P
I think the way you can do what you're talking about without feeling awkward is to not overdo it all at once and not introduce too many touches in any one given outfit.


For example, if you go for lace, then skip the pastel colors and stay black. The lace itself is already going to be super feminine, the black will look good with the clothes you already have in your closet, and you won't feel like you're trying too hard and making some glaring departure from your normal style. Maybe something like this top in black?


Same with florals. If you go for florals, go for a subtle floral(this could mean a small print or a dark print or just a low dosage of a lighter/bolder floral- a little splash somewhere).
For example, a pair of black floral patterned rain boots would be practical and comfy while also being pretty/feminine, and they already would go with all your slim/skinny jeans and black apparel. (If by chance you like those, there's also the very similar "black botanical" on this listing. And I am also very partial to that bees pattern!)

And finally following the same subtle-modifications theory, if you want to add some soft color in, you go for a simple tank or tee in a cut you would be fine wearing in black, and let that be enough of girliness for one outfit, leave the lace and florals and skirts for another day... that way the addition feels manageable and not awkward. for example you could do a simple top like this
in the amethyst or petal pink or daffodil, with your black pants or jeans, and your vans and your favorite cardi or hoodie layered on top. It's just same old you with a little infusion of fresh feminine color.


And then just play and have fun with those kinds of small bite-size additions.


You already feel comfortable in black and in sneakers, so how about a pair of black sneakers embroidered with tiny cherries? You don't have to change anything else, wear them with your ordinary clothes. Or, if you want to lighten up the outfit, you just add a feminine cut white/off white tee that will play off the white soles of the sneakers. Nothing else changes, your same black or blue jeans, your same favorite black zip down hooded sweatshirt, whatever. On the other hand if you want to add a pop of color to your outfit, you could paint your nails the same shade of cherry red the shoes have going on. OR you wear a long line tee in cherry red. NOT BOTH, one is enough, and all your other usual clothes can stay. Or some other thing. Whatever floats your boat. Superga has sneaks in pastel ginghams, too.

Those links are just random examples but I hope the main idea I was trying to get across came through!


Sorry I rambled on so long. Good luck, have fun!

My mom bought me my expensive prom dress, winter boots, and purse as presents, since once I stopped growing she thought it was worth spending more for things that will hold up and keep me warm (and for the prom dress, she wanted to spoil me for getting good grades in high school).

As for things I bought myself:

• Gold class ring (with matching steel one), ~$450 ($70).
  
  Why did I buy it? At my college almost everybody got the ring. It's very recognizable, there's a big to-do about choosing a student committee to design the unique features for that year's ring, they announce the design, there's a big event when the rings are delivered, and everyone flips their rings around together at commencement to signal that we've graduated. The gold one is for fancy events and interviews, and the steel one I wear every day since it can get banged around.
  
  Was it worth it? Yes. I don't wear the gold one much, but I'm glad I have it and it makes me feel fancy when I do wear it. Other alumni have recognized me by my ring, so it kind of acts as a beacon for that. The company that sells the rings also lets students spread out the payments over 6 months with no interest, so it was less painful for college me and I was proud that I bought it for myself.
  
  
• Frye Martina engineer boots, $210
  
  Why did I buy them? Part of it was for the name, and I wanted a pair of boots that wasn't knee-high. I liked the style of these well enough and they were much cheaper than some other Frye boots I was considering, so I pulled the trigger.
  
  Was it worth it? Mostly. I do like how solid they feel and the leather is very soft and a pretty reddish brown color. They make me feel a little bit too cowgirl sometimes, though, and I can't walk in them all day and still be comfortable (I pretty much wear flat shoes otherwise). I got insoles for them and that helps somewhat, though I also had a misstep while navigating through some sidewalk construction and twisted my ankle. I probably wouldn't buy them again. That said, I am looking forward to wearing my boots again in fall, including these.
  
  
• ONA Capri camera bag, $350
  
  Why did I buy it? I wanted a grown-up leather bag that I could use for traveling--something that could fit a lot of stuff, protect my nice camera, and still look stylish.
  
  Was it worth it? I haven't used it that much yet, but I will on my upcoming trip to Japan (real soon!). I carried it without the DSLR during Outsidelands, and it was pretty comfortable (other than biking there) and kept everything organized well. The strap is kind of long, so I have to choose between having the bag high enough on me or being able to use the shoulder pad, which doesn't fit over the buckle. But it's a lovely bag and I'm glad I got it.

I think "nobody cares" is a lazy answer. The OP is trying to fit in with the locals and get some advice on the local style.

Germans do not wear very much makeup and a lot of women here do not wear makeup at all. A friend visiting from LA remarked about it, how when she did her normal routine she felt very "made up" compared to everyone else. On the other hand, especially in Munich people tend to dress more formally than Americans do. Back in the US, I would wear sweat pants and flip flops to go grocery shopping, but if you do that here you look like a homeless person. I almost never go out without jeans or black leggings.

As far as winter fashion, I highly recommend buying a parka-style jacket in a dark color. By that I mean a jacket with a hood and long enough to cover your butt. Something like this. Germans also wear a lot of scarves, I never used to wear them but now I use one all the time. Really helps to keep your neck warm. And definitely get a pair of ankle boots. I never wore something like that in my life (also lived in a hot climate), but they are perfect for walking in mushy snow and keeping your feet warm and dry. Those I recommend to just buy here in Munich, then you can see the local styles and they should not be too expensive. Go to Marienplatz, there is tons of shopping and department stores where you can get shoes and jackets.

Also, if lots of your shoes are heels, just keep in mind you have to walk a LOT more in Munich than you did back home. And there are cobble stones, and stairs, and puddles, and rain, and snow, etc. And Germans do not wear shoes inside the house. So I realized, wearing nice heels just means I have to suffer on the way to visit a friend, and then take them off as soon as I get there! What is the point of that!?! I stopped wearing heels completely after the first year, so consider leaving your strappy sandals at home. It will be too cold for them anyway.

Will you be staying until summer? In summer the usual "rules" are relaxed a lot and you see more people wearing shorts and casual clothes. People in Munich love going to the river and outdoor pools, so there is a little more beach style on hot days and you could get away with more bright colors in that time of year. When I moved here I had brought a lot of sleeveless shirts and sundresses with me, but got rid of them all because it is so rarely warm enough to wear them.

These are so fun

edit: also all of this is already on my WL, i forgot to say that. EDIT: I stopped being lazy and came back and found the ones I was missing, so they're not on my WL but I specified that by each of them

1. Something grey I guess this is really silver... oops.

2. Reminiscent of the rain Not on my WL

3. Something food related that's unusual

4. Something for someone else - My girlfriend had a stroke last year and when she was in the hospital on all her medication she was telling me she wanted a Pooh Bear pillow pet and her grandma got her a "happy napper" in the shape of a bee or something and she spent days telling me she needed a Pooh Bear pillow pet and I've looked everywhere for one for her since last July but I can't find one!

5. A book you need to read - This is the book A Christmas Story was kind of based on and that's my favorite Christmas movie because it's hilarious.

6. Under $1 Not on my WL

7. Something related to cats

8. Something not useful but so beautiful I must have it

9. A movie everyone must watch - My best friend saw this a few years ago on TV and when she was telling me about it I thought it sounded so stupid but she made me come over and watch it anyway and it's seriously the funniest movie I've ever seen. Anyone who likes movies that are kind of stupid-funny absolutely needs to see it because I laugh so hard every single time.

10. Something that would be useful when zombies attack - An external charger in case your phone dies when you're not around somewhere you can plug it in when you're out fighting or hiding from zombies would be super important so you can stay in contact with people and make sure they're not turned into/being eaten by zombies

11. Something that has had an impact on your life - Highlighting things for school so I can find them later has been more helpful than listening during class. Except I go crazy and highlight the entire page.

12. An add-on item

13. Most expensive item - My explanation for this is the biggest "first world problem" in the universe, but oh well. I'm a college student and my current computer is a desktop so I can't take it to class with me or work on stuff before class in the student lounge and I can't lay in bed and watch Netflix and when I move across the country soon after graduation, I'm gonna have to pack it all up and move it with me and it's gonna take up so much space and it's just such a pain. Plus, this computer is getting kind of old and slow and it'll randomly just turn off and it's so annoying and I've tried everything to fix it and everything that people who have looked at it have told me haven't been able to help and I'd really rather just get a new computer because it would be so much easier for the future. Wow, that sounded so whiny.

14. Something bigger than a bread box

15. Something smaller than a golf ball

16. Something that smells wonderful

17. SFW toy

18. Something that would be helpful going back to school. - I have class 3 hours a day, 5 days a week and I get starving sitting there that long so I always try to take something with me to eat, but it's so annoying to try and find something to put it in or have it get crushed in the packaging and stuff.

19. Something related to your current obsession

20. Something so amazing you must see it - IT'S A BIG BOX OF GEL PENS, NOTHING IS COOLER! I remember when they sold them at the store by my grandma's when I was like 8 and they were like $2.79 each so I could never get any, when I finally could get them they weren't cool anymore but I still loved them.

BONUS - Something made in Oregon. *Not on my WL

Fear cuts deeper than words ! :)

I'm a college student, so I totally understand buying cheap stuff. Here are some of my personal finds.

I bought these cute rain boots for myself about a year ago, and they've held up well! They come in a lot of patterns; I have the argyle plaid just because I like plaid, but the polka dots are cute too. :)

I have this scarf in red. It's super warm and comes in multiple colors. :)

I'm pretty attached to my phone, so I have these gloves. I love the knitted pattern, and it's a must for me to still be able to do stuff on my phone while I have gloves on.

I have some heated purple slippers (battery operated) from Sears, and they're really nice since my floor is wood. I have my eye on these adorable slippers though because they're just so cute. I love food with cute faces on them. :D They're kinda pricy though.

Also, Hot Hands are a savior. I would buy them from Walmart or Target; it's cheaper, and you can get however many you want. These kept my hands warm when I was outside in freezing temperatures from midnight to 10 am!

What a fun contest!

1. What's a birthday without cards? Pretty ones even:) Added to my Cave of Wonders wishlist on July 10.
   
   
2. I've got nothin :/
   
   
3. Ooh... I've got probably close to 60 of those to choose from. How about [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/DramaContemporary-Hungary-Books-Eugene-Brogyanyi/dp/1555540546/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1143OIB90TSSU&coliid=IGO9DFBZKV5ZA) about Hungarian plays? It's on my Booked with bargains list because used copies start at a penny. It's also on my Geeking out list, added July 12.
   
   
4. H'mm, I have something that's so awesome [it doesn't need an eating utensil to use!] (http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-51101B-Personal-Blender/dp/B0017XHSAE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=IBCF1BBG8UQ5H) A blender that transforms into a travel mug is nothing short of magical. And this one was added to my geeking out list on July 12.
   
   
5. An animal that serves as a tea companion is the [best sort of animal] (http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Monkey-Infuser-Drip-Tray/dp/B005SQ4BJW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I3UICS49GSTJLJ). This monkey tea infuser was added to my geeking out list on July 6.
   
   
   
6. SQUEE. Best color ever. Take [that] (http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-6100PL-Purple-Tea-Infuser/dp/B000G34EXA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I3PE33RG7P10TP) (purple tea infuser June 3 cave of wonders) and [that] (http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Retractable-Ballpoint-35830/dp/B001B0DCSU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I3AM1W644F6QCA) (purple ink pens Cave of Wonders July 10) and [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Amethyst-Gemstone-Beads-Purple-Inches/dp/B002696YHG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I34UR3X5LMFOLE) (purple beads July 26 fun sized list) and [POW] (http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Rollerball-Retractable-Purple-PIL26071/dp/B0013CKDVK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I15QGVSYNUVTKR) (another purple pen fun sized July 10) and [WOW] (http://www.amazon.com/TopCase-Metallic-PURPLE-Macbook-Unibody/dp/B0040BLOZU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I3AAZB1THZQHKZ) (purple computer case geeking out added July 7).
   
   
   
7. A little game I like to call [sorting neat facts in a world that makes sense] (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Posh-Logic-100-Puzzles/dp/0740778609/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=QIOVI9G7K472&coliid=I2IGINW5WZS3K1), otherwise known as logic puzzles! Added May 30 to Puzzled and Poetic
   
   
8. My guilty pleasure would be good deals on shoes. This isn't necessarily a good deal but [they're cute!] (http://www.amazon.com/Military-Combat-Fold-over-Multiple-natural/dp/B00BFMCN98/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2KZTB0H1P6VLH&coliid=IBK6GKPEQ9ZHX&psc=1)
   
   
9. This would be a [tool for learning] (http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Basic-Skills-Board/dp/B000NVBE10/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2SXK6EXO51EGC&coliid=I1JUL7SJ6EWSH1) added June 26 to Student Resources.
   
   
10. I don't know about you, but my childhood coincided with the BOOM in gel pens [similar to these] (http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-58350-10-Piece-Assorted-3-Dimensional/dp/B000LR4ZDA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I2DY1WDG2BV378) added to my geeking out list July 12.
    
    
11. These [handy cards] (http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Pants-Designs-Collection-Journaling/dp/B009EEF36O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I164DKZ2CB4CV3) are to help organize my journal entries- added to geeking out on July 12.
    
    
12. One of my hobbies is jewelry making, and [this is a chain] (http://www.amazon.com/shipping-16-Vintage-Antique-Twisted-Chains-Jewelry/dp/B00AIKTSX2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I172SEPLDWH9I5) to incorporate in said hobby- added to geeking out July 13
    
    
13. All right, how's research on [another country's textbooks] (http://www.amazon.com/Textbook-Reds-Schoolbooks-Ideology-Post-Communist/dp/0271058560/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2KZTB0H1P6VLH&coliid=I2M3GLH2G3KYAA) for nerdy? Added to Booked with bucks on July 9.
    
    
14. Ain't nothing more natural than me and [my tea] (http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Decaf-Spiced-Peach-Tea/dp/B00081H3BA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=IDESGPH15UE82) (ignoring the fact that I don't actually own this kind of tea) added to Geeking out July 12
    
    
15. Speaking of [tea and green] (http://www.amazon.com/Harney-Sons-Coconut-Vanilla-Sachets/dp/B00796KNHS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1R9P80O1URJSU&coliid=I2UWULYHAV7V4Y) here's something added to cave of wonders just yesterday
    
    
16. If [this hat] (http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Cloche-Bucket-128SH-Brown/dp/B00AAVT7XA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I5GBSKLYUIN0H&psc=1) were mine, it would indeed be worn! Added to geeking out July 12.
    
    
17. Funny? (stares blankly and humorlessly) Oh wait! [There's this] (http://www.amazon.com/How-Survived-Communism-Even-Laughed/dp/0393030768/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1143OIB90TSSU&coliid=I2BSGBOA78R0S0) Added July 26 to booked with bargains
    
    
18. [More purple beads!] (http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Pearls-Czech-Round-Purples/dp/B00B5DBYCE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I3122TPXZTZMMI) added to fun sized list back in March.
    
    
19. Gardening? [My flowers] (http://www.amazon.com/Lucite-Cabochons-Ivory-Yellow-Flower/dp/B002UGWX5C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2AWRGPWU7U5BD&coliid=I13QBBKH7U4RRU) happen to be more of the glue on variety ;) Added in March to fun sized list.
    
    
20. SIGH. I'm terrible with "favorites" questions. This one no this one no this one should be my motto. Or that one or that one or that one. Can't decide.
    
    Edit: after almost an hour of hunting down this list, I forgot to include the raffle phrase! Happy happy cake day! :) Hope it was a good one!

Boots: I have Raynauds so I have a lot of opinions about boots and here are all of my recommendations:

• For walking around when it's cold and/or icy but not a lot of snow on the ground and you need to look vaguely professional: Blondo Varta These are insulated and extremely waterproof, like totally dry feet after walking an hour in the pouring rain. And they have enough treads on the bottom that they're not slippy. I wear them almost every day in the winter and am a huge fan
  
  
• Taller and great (this is a link to one random pair but I think you can still find them somewhere else in more sizes): Ugg Evanna. After 2 years, these started occasionally leaking a little if I walk through actual puddles in them, but aside from that they're quite good.
  
  
• For when it is fucking freezing and there are giant snowdrifts and you don't care if you feel like you're in a spacesuit as long as you're warm (sold out right now but they come back periodically): Carrabasset snowboots
  
  Face and head: I think the best is a knit hat with an inside fleecey part over your ears, like this. I wear glasses, so I usually don't cover my face because they fog up, but sometimes I use a buff.
  
  Warm underlayers: if you don't mind spending money, merino wool ones are lovely. They are $$ though so I mostly wear Uniqlo HEATTECH all over my whole body and would definitely recommend that.
  
  Also you didn't ask for this but Darn Tough socks are A+. And if your hands get cold, buy a giant box of hand warmers and keep them in your pockets.

Thicker tights last longer in my experience. Also putting them on the right way helps too. Gathering it all up at the toe and pulling it up your leg instead of putting them on like pants. I also make sure to take of my rings before putting them on and use the pads of my fingers and avoid the nails. This all sounds more complicated than it actually it. Just little things I've learned from tearing way to many pairs of tights. It's worth it to invest in a pair of thick, spanx brand tights. My pair of spanx tights have lasted 2 years. It's incredible. My sister even got a pair thats reversible, grey on one side and black on the other. Crazy awesome. I try to pick up a pair if I see a good deal or a cool pattern whenever I'm shopping. I've lost good tights, but I try to keep rotating them enough that I'm never too crushed when an awesome pair gets a run. J Crew and Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters all tend to have sales at the end of each "season" and I usually swipe a couple pairs half price or off.

I'll see if I can find the boots. I bought them on amazon a couple years ago. I couldn't find my boots but these ones are all similar. Mine were just super cheap, and I don't use rainboots super often so it worked out pretty well. But these styles are what I was talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/dav-Quilted-English-Knee-High-Gunmetal/dp/B00433G8YC/ref=sr_1_13?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1342265981&sr=1-13&keywords=rain+boots

http://www.amazon.com/dav-Womens-English-Solid-Knee-High/dp/B00433C53A/ref=sr_1_32?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1342266004&sr=1-32&keywords=rain+boots

http://www.amazon.com/Chooka-Womens-Preakness-Rainboot-Black/dp/B003BTIZUE/ref=sr_1_30?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1342266004&sr=1-30&keywords=rain+boots

http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens-Rainboot-Drizzle-Green/dp/B003AOBXO0/ref=sr_1_158?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1342266078&sr=1-158&keywords=rain+boots

They are rainboots that don't look like the typical hunter boot, or bright yellow wellies.

Hope this helped!

They are Tsubo Loe. I have them in black and brown. I love the look of them and the zipper and leather are excellent quality, but the sole gets scuffed super easily at the front so I need to get polish or something. Someone else here had issues with the front of the boot too. Also the heel is all rubber, so I worry it'll wear down quickly.

But other than that I fucking love these boots. Finally I found a boot that's great for work and the weekend. I definitely recommend them.

London fashion is very similar to NYC, I'd say. Lots of black and classic silhouettes with a dash of punk. So if you dress like a typical Brooklyn-er, I'd hazard a guess that what you normally wear will work perfectly! Here's what I'd probably bring:

• Plane outfit: cozy cardigan, comfy top underneath, high rise dark jeans (or leggings if that's your jam), leather jacket, combat boots, possibly a scarf
  
  
• 5 pairs of socks
  
  
• 7 pairs of underwear (better to over-prepare)
  
  
• Minimal sleep outfit (I don't usually wear pajamas, but you're going with a friend, sooo...)
  
  
• One spare bra, preferably one with a different function than the one you wear on the plane (strapless, push-up, bralette, whatever you end up needing)
  
  
• A flannel and/or a chambray button-down
  
  
• 3-4 tops to layer under your flannel/chambray/cardigan
  
  
• Denim skirt (to be paired with tops for more casual evenings out)
  
  
• Black tights (can't hurt)
  
  
• Low block heels (the smaller the heel, the easier to fit in a carry-on. Plus Europeans love goddamned cobblestones.)
  
  
• One all-out going out outfit (I just got this, which just screams London gay bar to me)
  
  
• One spare pair of jeans if you have room
  
  And that's it! I'd make sure everything could be mixed and matched, with the exception of the going out outfit, and you should have more outfits than you even need.

BOOTS AND SHOES I love boots and shoes you have no idea the terror you've unleashed.

Docs

Always, always Docs. Lowest prices are usually on either Amazon or ebay.

• Phinas (own, adore)
  
  
• Classic 20-eye (own, still haven't broken in)
  
  
• Triumph (own, love)
  
  
• Pascal (own in violet and adore. Looking at black crackle suede and pewter patent)
  
  
  
  Vans
  
  I fucking love Vans, and they've only been getting better with leather and futuristic options.
  
  
• black holographic slip-on
  
  
• black leather slip-on (get this and not the perforated, the perforated has a really clunky-looking sole for some reason)
  
  
• metallic leather slip-on in silver (I own this, they're gorgeous)
  
  
• Xtuff Sk8 Hi
  
  
• metallic leather sk8 hi (I'm waiting to see if they make a silver version)
  
  
• leather quarter sk8 hi (for a slightly more casual look)
  
  
• mids for a slightly more streamlined look
  
  
• kvd is like a sneaker/ballet flat hybrid
  
  
  
  Converse
  
  I'm a Vans girl through and through, but these rubber high-tops have been tempting me for months. Colors other than black are on sale.
  
  
  Ash
  
  I adore Ash boots and shoes, even though one pair has only really worked for me so far. I still live in hope, though. The trick is to add these to the 'saved for later' part of your Amazon cart, check every day, and jump when the prices drop.
  
  
• Voice sneakers (Own. Love. Wait for a sale, I got them for around $150.)
  
  I have ordered and sent back these shoes because they didn't work for me personally. But I have thick, chunky calves and short legs. (Thanks, Dad, former linebacker for Purdue!) The shoes themselves were good.
  
  
• Vulcano
  
  
• Peace
  
  
• Space
  
  These shoes/boots I haven't tried yet, but are on my watch list.
  
  
• Blade
  
  
• Vespa
  
  
• Texas
  
  
• Voxan
  
  
• Lula
  
  
  
  
  L.A.M.B.
  
  Gwen's clothing is hit-or-miss and her bags are overpriced, but usually you can grab her futuristic-looking shoes a year or two later for under $100. These are heels and sandals.
  
  
• Will
  
  
• Meridith
  
  
• Carter
  
  
• Sophy
  

I have two pairs of boots I'm lusting after, but they are out of my price range. Hoping someone can help me find some dupes!

First: Sorel Danica Tall. Hoping to spend under $100, don't have to be real leather but that would be a plus.

Second: Teva De La Vina Low. Again, hoping to spend under $100, don't have to be real leather. I prefer the burnished look of the "Bison" color to the shiny leather look of the black.

TIA for any help!

EDIT: I wear a size 8.5 or 9 :)

I can't say enough good things about the Teva De La Vina boots. I have the lows in bison and wear the hell out of them. They are the perfect marriage of function and fashion in my mind. I even walked through a shallow creek (~6" water) and my feet remained dry. Looks like Amazon is offering an extra 20% off today with code 20WORKBOOT.

As for other clothing, I think you might get the most out of fashion-focused athletic clothing, such as Lululemon (or comparable brands). It's not cheap, but many pieces are very versatile. Some examples: Here to There Tank, 105F Singlet, Studio Pant, Better Together Pant, Seize the Day Jacket. These "Play All Day Shorts" in black are my go-to summer shorts. They wick sweat like nobody's business, but can be dressed up very easily. If you watch, you can probably find a pair on eBay for under $40. I live in a sweaty place, so I prefer to wear technical fabrics when I can. It also makes it easy if you don't have access to a dryer, as most should air dry anyway.

Finally, a ranch down the road from my sister's house makes these Krazy Goat Socks. Silly name aside, these are hands down the best warm socks I have ever owned. Due to the silver threads woven in, you can get quite a few wears per wash without risking stinky feet. The pair I received over a year ago still look brad new, even though I wear them every opportunity I get.

I'm late but I looove fall/winter shoes, so here are my most important ones :)

Gabor booties with a little heel. Pics make them look way more clumsy than they are.

Timberland boots in black. I love these so much. Extremely warm and comfy. Now going for the 3rd winter and I need to get the sole fixed, otherwise they are great.

These!

One pair of wedge booties, which have been my go-to boots for at least three years.

Plus one pair of Lowa Renegades, for the really tough weather and of course for walking the dog.

I neeeed black, flat, tall boots. This is pretty much the only thing missing in my shoe rack right now :)

I've got two pairs of ankle boots I wear for traveling, an old Merrell Shiloh Cuff and the Teva De La Vina ankle. (Though TBH the "low" Tevas might be better if you have narrow ankles like I do because with the ankle ones I worry the rain will get in between the boot and my skinny jeans.) Unless you've got a well-loved pair of broken-in sturdy boots, I'd go for a comfort one like those, because they're good for all that walking immediately and you can often find them for $50-60 on Amazon.

The majority of my shoes are Keens. I do have a pair of Keen Baby Bern boots, which are great since I live in a cold and snowy place. I also have these Keen Elsa booties, but they also have taller winter boot versions. Most recently they've been carrying these leather chelsea boot style and this ankle zipper style that I'm thinking about getting. I would keep an eye out because they do carry different styles that might be slightly more office appropriate than the hiking boots. Most of my leather sandals are from Keen as well.

I'm currently wearing these Doc Martens , which I got years ago, and love, they are holding up great.

I'm sometimes wearing these Rocket Dog boots, which I got because they are cheap, they seem to keep water out, and while they are kind of loose, it means they are quick to get on and go out, easy to wear with skirts.

I have a pair of Madden Girl combat boots, which is an even lower price point than Steve Madden, but one boot I have has lasted years. I wore them very often 3-5 times a week in the fall and winter from 2011 to right now. I'm about to replace them since the fake leather is peeling off on the inner sides, but other than that they are really comfortable. Like work a retail 12 hours shift comfortable. I'm going to get these next to replace them soon.

I have these for snow boots, coming from Central New York.

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Womens-Ice-Maiden-Winter/dp/B00H7WWN2M

I used to have a pair of Sorel's but the ankle part was cutting into me. These Columbia boots are super comfy, very warm with fluff inside, and have large mobility in the ankle which is unlike most snow boots.

Thanks for all your suggestions! I just got a pair of Columbia Ice Maiden II Winter Boots and also a pair of Minnetonka Cally mocs. Here's to toasty warm feet!

Merrell and Keen both have some nice looking flat boots (e.g. 1, 2, and 3). I've seen lots of people wearing those Merrells with skirts and looking very stylish.

Suggestion, since Steve Madden's tend to be cheaply made and there are quite a few complaints about broken zippers and things. These are some awesome boots that are similar and will likely hold up better for longer (I'm partial, because I have them). If you're willing to spend the extra few bucks, it'll probably be worth it. Here you go!

I have a few different casual boots that I wear throughout the winter (and the fall and the spring because it's almost always cold where I live). Current line up:

• Timberland tall waterproof boots
  
• Waterproof leather Uggs (sooo warm!)
  
• Teva de la Vina. My most comfy boots, along the the Uggs.
  
• Bean boots for the muddiest, slushiest conditions.
  
  
  
  

Black like my cold dead heart. You can see them here.

Here are some from Timberland.

This pair by Sebago looks quite nice, but it's only available in size 5. I found them in a 9 here, but otherwise you might have to wait for them to restock.

I bought these amazing boots and they are my favorite things ever. They aren't bulky at all. They are lightweight, fashionable, and will keep you toasty warm and dry. I know they aren't cheap but online black friday deals are going to be coming out soon. I got mine on sale and they are worth every single penny. New England winters suck too so, I feel your pain there. I hope you find everything you are looking for!