Last weekend, we had tickets to go see the Dropkick Murphys at the B-E-A-UTIFUL Fox Theatre in Oakland. [Seriously, the Fox Theatre was one of the best venues ever, with lots of room to stand without being smashed to death by moshers or whatever those crazy kids are called and also, the decor was awesome and included Buddhas. Buddhas, I know!]
The day of the show, though, I had somewhat of a shoemergency. Actually, if you follow me on Twitter, then you know I’ve had a shoemergency for quite some time now, but being as I basically live in running shoes, it wasn’t actually a five-alarm shoemergency until last Friday. When I needed something other than running shoes or Uggs. Not that I’m above wearing Uggs to a punk show. I’m not. I just wouldn’t want to get them dirty. I am so punk rock, as you can see.
Five-alarm shoemergency in effect, I ventured out to the outlet center in my new town. Being as I’m, what the French call, on a boo-jay, I’ve set a self-imposed ban on the outlet center. There are just too many appealing stores in there and to make you jealous, I shall list some of them: Burberry, Banana Republic, Gucci, Michael Kors, Le Crueset, you can see why I’ve imposed the ban…
I decided I’d only go to Nine West. I’d always had good luck at the Nine West outlet across the street from where I used to work (is it just me or is anyone else wondering how I’m always working or living withing two miles of an outlet center?) and this time was no different. Boots, boots, everywhere! In every color and style and size! After much trying on and walking around deliberating with one boot on my left foot and an entirely different boot on my right, I finally decided on these puppies:
Seriously, they have got to be the most impractical shoes I’ve ever owned, but dammit, if they’re not also the cutest.
I got home, however, and realized that I do not own a pair of jeans that are boot-friendly. I own wide-leg jeans and flared jeans and boot-cut jeans, but almost all of them are of the “long” variety, which means even my boot-cuts had too much fabric for proper boot tuckage. I’m no slouch, so I made due with the situation and tucked my jeans into a pair of Chris’s old man socks (like I said, I’m so punk rock.) This actually worked…Kind of…The jeans would come loose from the socks and sort of stick out the top of my boots, which made me feel like a cowgirl or a horseback rider or something.
The point is, sock fix lasted through the evening and even through brunch the next morning, but if I want to make these boots more useful to me, I’ve got to find an alternative way to wear them. And that’s where you come in! Do I need to break down and buy skinny jeans? Do they even make skinny jeans for girls like me (I’m not into the low-rise nonsense, my bottom is too big for that.) Or, do I dare try leggings? Where does one buy leggings, anyway? In other words, HELP! I’d love to hear y’alls’ advice.
Also, here’s a picture of my whole ensemble…I thought we hadn’t taken any pictures that night, but lo and behold, I found one! [There may or may not have been Kahlua in that coffee.]
By the way, for those of you wondering, yes, my hair still looks a fright (see post below this one), but I am hoping to rectify that situation soon.
Yep, you have to break down and do the skinny jeans — sorry! It’ll make all the difference with boot-tucking, though, I swear. I’ve had good luck with Old Navy’s, and they’re only $29 so even your boo-jay will be pleased. Leggings I’ve found at Urban Outfitters (ugh, but they were on super sale) and Nordstrom Rack. Good luck!
I don’t usually wear heels since I’m already 5’9″ and totally clumsy but those boots are fierce! Good find! 🙂
If you don’t want to buy skinny jeans, you can simply buy equestrian boot clips
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-3711&ss=clips
Or make your own
http://bitsandbobbins.com/2007/03/15/clip-those-skinnies/
(I haven’t personally tried this out but it looks like a good idea! I know one of my coworkers ordered a pair too!)
Good luck! You’ll have to let us know if you end up buying a pair of skinnies … or what solution you come up with!
oooh Gap’s new “born to fit” jeans in Always Skinny are awessssoooommmeee
Thanks for the advice, ladies! I did find some skinnies at Old Navy today; I fear they won’t be skinny enough, though, due to my freakishly small calves, but we’ll see!
Sarah (marie p) – I had no idea those things existed! You are quite the maven!
I just twist my regular jeans into a “pegged” fashion and call it a day. The boots cover up the mess and no one is the wiser. Skinny jeans frighten me.
i have been on this path myself! my boots are not nearly as adorable as yours are. they are more of the fuzzy inside/flat heel/too thick to wear with my pants on the outside-variety. i did the peg option last winter but it was a bit of a pain but i’ve been on the skinny jean fence because i don’t think they will make my bottom happy either. rach said to try straight leg perhaps…i’m on a mission and may just have to hit old navy and follow your lead! thanks niece!
aaaak — you are way to fashion forward to me… plus you loook amazing in that photo! Good luck on your venture. My advice would have been, just wear the uggs/nikes.
I broke down and got a pair of skinnies…and you’ve seen my thighs and butt. I went with Express’ skinny jeans. Not bad. Really freakin’ comfy. I also have a pair of J Brands that I stole from a friend that are great, but (because I stole them and did not buy them myself) the waist is a little big. Other than that, the calves on the J Brands work great with boots — better than the Express pair actually. And leggings are wonderful. You can definitely pull them off.
just thought i’d add an update…bought the skinnies from old navy and they are pretty awesome. fit is good and tuck in is a breeze! thanks for the suggestion niece! have a great thanksgiving with everyone! sorry we can’t be there. xoxo