Rothy’s is a sustainable casual footwear and handbag brand that you probably know. I see their famous flats on the streets of Seattle fairly frequently, and some of my clients and our forum members wear them too. Their handbag assortment is a newer addition, and looks as casually fab and chic. Many of our forum members who have tried and tested Rothy’s merchandise are very satisfied with the results.

The Rothy’s approach:

“We’re committed to constantly optimizing our sustainable efforts. From our innovative knit-to-shape methods to our planet-friendly materials, we consider sustainability every step of the way. And we’ve been that way since the very beginning.“

When you have a moment, read their full story and watch the videos. They are compelling, transparent, and passionate. For example, that signature structured and robust Rothy’s fabric is knitted — not woven — and spun from recycled plastic marine water bottles and ethically sourced merino wool. This minimizes waste, and creates a product that’s easily washed, by hand or in the machine. The outsoles of the footwear are made of eco-friendly rubber or vegan leather. Rothy’s also offsets carbon emissions by partnering with a tropical forest conservation project.

Rothy’s footwear is manufactured in sustainable Rothy’s owned and operated factories in China. The supply chain is a completely vertical operation, which is hard to achieve in the footwear industry. From yarn production to final product, no one touches the shoes but the Rothy’s family. Impressive!

The integrity of the Rothy’s product is crisply casual with a sporty touch. I like the bold simplicity of the brand, and the quality looks great too. Footwear spans an inclusive range of sizes from a US5 to US13. There are no wide sizes, but the suggestion is to size up half a size for wider feet because the knitted fabric will mould over the contour of the foot. You probably need to size up for orthotics. The knitted fabric is robust and comfortable, and some footwear styles are more supportive than others. Prices are on the higher side.

I keep meaning to order a pair of Rothy’s to check them out, and will probably do so next year. I like their pointy flats best, and will go for a bright red pair. Rothy’s can make a great pair of at-home-only shoes too. If you have experience with the Rothy’s brand, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Taller boots, from mid-calf and knee-high to over-the-knee heights, are particularly trendy this season. Many of the taller silhouettes look like timeless modern classics to me, especially when the boot fits are tailored and worn with dresses. So, for lack of a better description, I’m calling them Trendy Classics. 

It’s been short boot mania for a decade and, my word, they are awfully practical and much easier to fit than tall boots. Their popularity is understandable. That said, taller boots look fresh by comparison, so by all means dust them off if you kept yours but haven’t worn them in a while.

Here are four colder-weather dress looks with tall boots that look fabulous every season, and might inspire you to create a similar vibe.

1. Sweater Dress and Riding Boots

Combine a sweater dress at a midi or shorter length with casual knee-high flat riding boots. Add a bag, topper, and accessories and you’re done. These boots theoretically go over the knee if you click the link, so imagine that they are shorter and stop at the knee, which is a more common tall boot silhouette. The visual effect when you combine a knee-covering midi with knee-high and over-the-knee boots is the same. If you prefer not to showcase your legs, wearing a midi with tall boots is one way to go.

2. Boho Dress and Western Boots

Combine a bohemian style dress like this tiered boho-lite number here with tall western boots. The shorter hemline is great for Team Legs and showcases the boots, making them as much of a focal point as the dress. Add a bag, topper, and accessories to complete the look if you need layers.

3. Dressy Dress and Dressy Boots

Combine a dressier frock with a pair of dressier knee-high boots and Bob’s your uncle. Dressier boots are usually heeled, but the heels needn’t be high. Dressier tall boots can be the stretchy pull-on type that are usually a better fit for narrow calves. Here, the dress is midi length in that fab ‘70s way, but feel free to raise the hemline.

4. Shorter Dress with Over-the-Knee Boots

Combining very tall boots with shorter hemlines makes the boots the star of the show, and draws attention to the legs. The hosiery here offsets the statement of the boots a bit because it accentuates the column of colour. If you want the boots to stand out more, create a higher contrast between your legs, boots and dress. The shirtdress has been belted, which is not essential. Wear it boxy if that’s your preference. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

I have a pair of dressier navy stretch suede boots from Peter Kaiser that I bought in London four years ago. They have one and a half inch heels, which is the highest heel height that I can manage. I’ve dusted them off so that they are ready to wear with some midi dresses the ‘70s way, which I posted on the forum. But first, you will need to get me out of my hi-tops.

After our recent Link Love post on changing fashion consumption habits, I came across some more articles about sustainable and ethical fashion that I wanted to share:

• 18 fashion insiders share their sustainability must-reads.
• Refinery29 has tips on how to find out which causes a company supports before buying from them.
• Emma Lavelle of Field and Nest shares her thoughts on whether sustainable fashion can be affordable.
• She also compiled and ethical and independent clothing directory, and a directory of ethical and sustainable knitwear for those in the UK.
• From kombucha leather to Piñatex, here’s a guide to up-and-coming fibres that are game changers for sustainable fashion.
• Ecocult rounds up 16 eco-friendly denim brands.
• Last but not least, here are 20 organic and sustainable underwear brands.

Fab Links from Our Members

Theodora was pleased to see that awesome plus-size models stole the show at Versace.

Hudson’s Bay is partnering with Canadian designer platform Inland to support Canadian and BIPOC designers. Nuancedream says: “Bravo, Hudson’s Bay for walking the walk regarding diverse representation in fashion!”

Runcarla directs us to this fun article on the history of the blouse and early manufacturing.

Fall and Winter merchandise is finally hitting stores in the US with an even larger assortment online. Brick-and-mortar stores continue to struggle, which is awfully sad, but a sign of the times. Fashion chains that filed for bankruptcy earlier this year are showcasing new stock so they’re not closing shop just yet. It’s anyone’s guess how retail will look a year from now.

These items have been winners on a few of my clients and forum members recently. Some of the items earned a place in my wardrobe. Read the reviews to get an alternative opinion to mine, and browse the different size and colour options.

1. ECCO Motion 35 Boots

These boots have a vintage ‘90s appeal with Camper flair. A very comfortable, soft, supportive, and high-quality boot that can be worn with most looks. From leggings to cocktail wear and all that’s in between. The boot comes in two colours, and two heel heights. The platform tempers the height of the heel. Great if you wear a lot of black, or like black shoes.

2. Old Navy Textured V-Neck Sweater Tunic

This sweater is available from XS to 4XL, and comes in seven colours. It ALSO comes in Petite and Tall. It’s made of a natural cotton/rayon/viscose mix that feels lovely against the skin. I would not pop it in the tumble dryer, though. The V-neck looks lower than it is, so don’t let that put you off. It works well on curvy body types, wider hips, does not cling to the midsection, and covers the bottom. Especially flattering on curvy petites in a petite size.

3. Sam Edelman Faux Fur Trim Short Parka

Heavy, warm, a versatile length, and fun in the mustard. It’s a great grab-and-go for Winter, and looks special with the faux fur trim. It’s not shaped at the waist but it has princess seams that add vertical integrity to the silhouette. The style works well for straighter and apple-shaped body types. You might not like the boxy shape if you have a defined waist.

4. Dolce Vita Zonya Sneaker

I have the first pair in the collection, and LOVE them. It was rainy and chilly in Seattle recently and I wore them all week with nude-for-me knee-highs. I wore them with pants, jeans, dresses and skirts. To my eye they look super cute with midi dresses and skirts. They are warm, very comfy, soft, cushioning, and are easy to pull on and off with the zippers. They fit my low-volume feet perfectly without insoles so I don’t think they will work for wider feet unless you size up. They are long so my long toes have room. The fit around narrow ankles is great too. My version has a plush inner, but there are versions without the faux sherpa.

5. Ilse Jacobsen Twist-Front Dresses

These classic dresses are a magical silhouette because they define the body where it’s narrowest without cling, discomfort or fuss. Curvy, apple-shaped, rectangular, or narrow-hipped, this type of front-knot detailing is traditionally flattering, and especially if V-necks are your thing. The versions without the empire cut line are better on a larger bust. It’s a little short, but knee-covering if you’re petite. Very comfortable and easy to launder.

6. Boden Westmoreland Sweater

I bought this darling in turquoise to match my coat and corduroy pants, and it’s awfully pretty. It has a very neat mock turtle neck, and gentle lantern sleeves. The sleeves are three quarter in length, so watch for that if it’s not your thing. I haven’t found them tricky to layer under a topper. The fit is fluid yet structured in all the right places. Does not cling. Click the links to get a better look at the silhouette.