Even though I've now realised I don't really live in a winter-dominant place (instead, my seasons are equally divided), that doesn't make me love boots & booties any less. I envisioned adding a pair of shoes for each season this year, and other than my brown spring oxfords, I wanted to add some colour, since I've got all of my basics covered.

First up are the winter boots; in the deep, snowy winter I found myself wearing the same 3 pairs of boots for at least two months straight. So adding another pair to the line-up would be excellent; both of my snow boots are mid-calf, which when combined with a knee length skirt, leaves my upper calf less than insulated. I found that the Rieker Sybille boots that I have were just as effective as 'official' snow boots & with their knee high wool lining made wearing skirts cosy, even when it was 8 degrees out (-13C) and blustery. Since they've also held up well & are super comfortable for my fussy feet, I thought I'd just order another pair. These are also called Sybilles & have the same winter-friendly features, but the detailing is a bit different. And of course they're burgundy. I'm in absolute love with them as objects, but sadly they're also a bit wider at the top than my other pair (and the buckle is already at its tightest setting). Is the gape too much? I'll be wearing these in a casual, everyday context, so I don't need them to look polished. I didn't style them here, just pulled them on with my outfit, & the light grey leggings show the problem more clearly than most of my darker tights would. Also, I knit, so I could totally whip up some boot cuffs...I'm starting to sound desperate, aren't I? Lol; I really don't want to have to go weeding through a million options for vigorous winter-durable & my feet-friendly boots in colours other than black or dark brown again. Thoughts? If I kept them, I know they'd get a ton of wear.

Next up are a pair of green lace-up ankle booties; they were on a great sale, and I couldn't resist such an unusual colour (...especially since green has faerie connotations...and the styling is a bit witchy...). They turned out to be quite comfortable too. I think they'd go easily with all of the grey in my wardrobe; what do you think about combining them with navy blue? And taupes & cool browns? Although I love this shade of green, I've almost never come across it while thrifting, so I have one short-sleeved tee and a slouchy, grandpa-style cardigan that I just got as part of my f/w refresher, and that's it. So they'd be 'going with' most outfits rather than matching; do you think the colour is versatile enough? Other than the neutrals I listed, my main colours tend to be blue-greens, blues, dark reds, pinks, and a sprinkling of purple. I think that the darker colour would help make the suede bits less high-maintenance too; is that the case? (My only suede shoes are light taupe booties that can only come out when the weather is nice.) I'd get that spray protector of course. Any strong opinions on keeping or returning these?

I currently have three pairs of ankle boots: vintage-style brown hiking boots that are sadly probably going to have to be replaced next year, the higher maintenance taupe ones I mentioned, and a slightly dressier grey pair of Fryes, which I need to get to the cobbler for some vibram soles at some point (so that I stop feeling bad about subjecting their leather soles to the woods!). I wear lace up boots a lot in transitional weather, and I'm sure these would be in the rotation. If I do return them, I probably won't grab another pair to replace them, just wait until spring to do some more shoe browsing.

All opinions welcome of course! I'm leaning towards keeping both but am prepared to be talked out of that, obviously, or I wouldn't be doing this post.

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