Etcetera, J

 

The Perfect Boots: Myth or Reality?

12/13/2010

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The past two months, coupled with numerous online sales, have found me on a quest to find the "perfect" pair of boots. I really wasn't sure what I was looking for, but knew they were out there. My 13.5" calves had to be able to fit inside the shaft, whereas the shaft itself couldn't be taller than 21" (as to not feel as the boots were eating me up, feet side first). That, and the fact that I really did not want to spend a boatload of money on them made the quest just THAT much harder  (e.g. the Stuart Weitzman 50/50s, even on sale!). I also knew that they had to be comfortable for my wide, flat feet, making a high heel another no.

After oh, about ten orders and the boyfriend starting to wonder about my level of crazy, I've come to the realization that each pair offers a different thing - perhaps a slight wedge, a flat sole, a riding style, or even an over-the-knee (a no go for me). This means that I'll have to re-evaluate my wants and see which number of boots can best fit them because there truly isn't just one magical pair that will go with every outfit.

Anyhow, here are some of the boots I've ordered and tried on and not kept. Please forgive the poor quality of photos and shooting locations (still trying to find the best place in the condo for photos). Not pictured are Coach Benitas, Loft OTK flat suede boots, and Frye Missy Short Cuffs.
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1.) Frye Maxine Loop Pull-On $187
These ended up being just as clunky as they look. They were heavy and far too wide in the shaft. They were also too masculine for my taste. Return!

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Happy Birthday, America!

7/9/2010

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In honor of this month's 4th fete, I have compulsively contributed to Uncle Sam in the form of sales taxes. That is, numerous sales (free shipping!) coupled with stress has resulted in five(!) orders currently being shipped to my home. I want to say that I've scored big in terms of savings, yet my bank account is showing that I have moved farther away from eradicating my debt. I've not even mentioned my in-store gains. I also want to say that I'll most likely I'll find something wrong with some of the items and return them, but really, they were so on sale. I suppose I could refrain from unnecessary purchases through August...

Exhibit 1: Juicy Couture Rose Wish Necklace (in gold)               retail price: $48                                         Neiman Marcus sale price: $27                    minus me (with tax): $29.50

Anyhow, I mentioned that I have been under quite a bit of stress. I have been unhappy with my job (as un-exhilarating as it is), but mostly more so with some of my crummy coworkers. If we didn't happenchance upon each other in the governmental dungeon of my workplace, we definitely would not be friends or even acquaintances in real life (you know, the life that occurs not there). For the time being, I must stick it out. I am also taking an online summer UCSC extension course which is far more time consuming than I expected nor want it to be. I am stuck writing, at minimum, a four page paper every week through the end of August. Barf.

For the fourth, we had a mostly lovely time at his boss' home in the lake estates area a bit south of us. I think that it's only fair that we celebrate some holidays with peoples of his choice (especially since my family had no gathering slated). I was able to wear my new Ann Taylor Loft petite layered ruffle top (a $17 score), along with green cargo bermudas and my Sam Edelman Daisy sandals. We finished off the holiday weekend with a trip to the Alameda County Fair at which I won us a goldfish (named Gershwin) who died the next day.
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