Every 30-something needs: comfortable shoes!

It seems like every year, I’m asking all my fashion and beauty people for good recommendations for shoes — I’m talking comfortable boots for women, appropriate for the 30-something city person who walks everywhere, even in inclement weather (hello, Fall!). Because I am a sucker for comfort above all things.

This is where I insert a picture of a stylish, comfortable-looking boot. One that fits all my criteria. Notice how this space remains noticeably picture-free.

An uncomfortable foot is an uncomfortable person. FACT.
Hashtag, shoe therapy.

My checklist is:
No heels.
Real leather — footwear that will eventually “mold” to my foot. Not patent leather either. Nothing plastic-looking.
Low- or mid-calf height — that will. not. sag.
Not ugly.
And not those fuzzy UGGS, for that matter. C’mon, I’m 36, not 16!
COMFORTABLE FOR WALKING SEVERAL CITY BLOCKS IN ONE EVENING.
No heels!
Bonus: warm.
Bonus, bonus: won’t upset my bank account too terribly.

But seriously, people. I AM WILLING TO PAY.

I typically get a few of those from the list, but never the full package. I don’t need a snow boot, since I rotate between my Hunters (with liners) and Sperry’s on wet and flurry days. The Hunters are stylish, yes, but not easy on the feet for long walks — even with insoles. I love my cross trainers, but I haven’t signed away my life to yoga pants and tennis shoes. Yet. I find a cute pair, but they’re cheap; I find a slightly-expensive pair, and they’re ugly. Most often, I succumb to the cheap, but then I get one season out of them.

Why can’t I be stylish AND comfortable? And why can I still not find the right pair of boots? So, spill it, 30-somethings: what boots are your fave?

Wearing the unwearables… MAKE IT SO!

That face is one of a woman who is REALLY pissed that her boyfriend packed her camera and tripod doo-hickie. *groan*

iPhone photos it is for a while… we’ll be in the new place by the end of October, so it will be a welcome change of scenery, with many new places to take photos (including my own private patio).

Feeling a little “wild” for a performance of Electra at the Public Theater with some of my fellow Yelpers.

This outfit — consisting of wardrobe items that have spent quite some time in my closet — fit the (play) bill for the theater. That skirt? I owned for nearly four years before FINALLY bringing to the tailor to have it fit properly at my waist.

The result: super comfy style that is fun-meets-classy (yes, I can actually walk 5 blocks in those boots!).

Top: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Sweater Shawl (in hand): hand-me-down from my awesome sister (LOVE this cover-up!)
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Boots: Hmmm… I actually cannot remember. Likely, online (off-brand is “Delicious”)
Necklaces: Claire’s Boutique 

How in the world do you wear over-the-knee boots without looking like a hooker? I have no idea.

I may or may not have purchased this very pair just to find out. 

The trick is being demure in ALL OTHER places — not showing off legs, tits AND ass (I’m looking at you Station Square hootchie). Although the length of this dress looks like I’m wearing leather pants in some photos. THAT’S A WHOLE OTHER BLOG POST.

Seriously.

I even attempted to fold down the tops (yes, I know… YOUR TAG IS SHOWING) to see if that made a difference. Maybe a balance of over-the-knee and lower (or no) heel would have fared better for me. To be truthful, I’m not sure that I can leave the house with a straight face wearing these. I might have to get drunk first.

But you know what? That’s what makes fashion awesome — playing around in your closet to see what works. And make a ridiculous statement (on your blog, of all places) with what doesn’t.

Dress: NY & Company
Vest: Express (gift a few years ago)
Hooker Boots: ShoeDazzle
Necklace: Revival (the cutest boutique in Akron! Highland Square is where it’s at, Ohio peeps!) 
Ring and Earrings: both Nina Nguyen (on loan from Spoil Me Fashion) 

Also: I’m still not completely sold on this NY&CO dress. As much as I want to love it. Something’s off with the shape. Something that I think not even a higher hem might fix. Or… maybe I just need to style with different colors. I’M NOT GIVING UP YET!

Thoughts?