https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:54:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986596 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 04:00:02 +0000 Thistle 986596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the insight, Suz.</p> <p>So, I am a beginner, at least for heavier weights. I did light weights and they really did little for me. Perhaps too light. </p> <p>Maybe because I am a beginner things are happening faster. I am surprised at my biceps. They are the most noticeable to me because they are so close to my face. I actually have little muscles now. First time ever where I flex and there is a real muscle. There is even a little one at rest. It is weird. I had thought it would take at least a year for this.</p> <p>I have been following the New Rules of Weight Lifting including upping my protein intake, I am using protein powder. Yeah, not ideal, but I hate eggs and it is the only way I can get enough protein. </p> <p>Maybe my legs will return to their old shape. Who knows, I just hope I am building bone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986578 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 03:31:28 +0000 Echo 986578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry, Thistle. I suffer with the same issue. I was a dancer in college, and my calves have always been extremely muscular. As it stands currently, they are muscular AND I am carrying too much weight for my frame, so tall boots are extraordinarily difficult to fit. My favourite boots are actually from the Netherlands, so that doesn't help anything. I have a horrible finding anything that fits, ever, so I will watch this thread to see if there are more suggestions for wide calf options.&nbsp;</p> <p>But as you know, it is well worth it. Like you said, bones (and muscle strengh, too) are more important than boots, and this is really proof that your workouts are working! I consider that a victory! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986568 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 03:23:06 +0000 Suz 986568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No probs, Mochi! But apologies to Thistle for threadjacking!&nbsp;</p> <p>My first comment still holds. Tall boots are one of the toughest fits out there for most of us. I sure find them difficult to fit, anyway. And it sounds as if lots of others do as well! Before YLF, I thought I was the only one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986560 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 03:15:39 +0000 Jamie 986560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, heck! &nbsp;Hang in there, Thistle! I'm sure you will find the right pair for you, especially with so much assistance. I often just pass some tall boots by since I know they won't work for me and my athletic calves. &nbsp;Keep up the exercise - it's all good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986531 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:26:27 +0000 Mochi 986531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Very sorry to have put you on the spot, Suz! Thank you.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes/page/2#post-986515 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:45:19 +0000 Suz 986515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;<br />Body shape will certainly change with a consistent program of weight lifting.&nbsp;The degree to which it changes and the precise way that it changes&nbsp;depends on a lot of factors -- body type, original condition, exercise program being done, age, diet.&nbsp;</p> <p>But for&nbsp;women who have some body fat to lose, resistance training will typically lead to <b>smaller</b> overall girth.&nbsp;</p> <p>A <b>temporary</b> increase in measurements in some areas is not uncommon, maybe especially in beginners.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it's actually quite difficult for most women to "bulk up" via weight training alone. Most need a special diet as well as an individualized&nbsp;exercise program for this to happen.&nbsp;</p> <p>What Marley says is true <i><b>to a degree</b></i>. Doing fewer&nbsp;reps with heavier weights&nbsp;tends to&nbsp;increase muscle size (if a diet is in place to support this and a proper program is followed.) Doing many&nbsp;reps with lighter weights tends to burn fat, which in turn<b> reveals</b> existing muscle. </p> <p>But it's all relative. Even doing lots of reps with "lighter" weights will eventually build muscle --&nbsp;when weights are progressed and nutrition is in place. And&nbsp;heavy lifting -- if done consistently enough&nbsp;--&nbsp;will also boost metabolism and&nbsp;burn fat. And that results in smaller girth.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986481 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:10:53 +0000 Mochi 986481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, it's weird because I have large calves and *finally* they're starting to slim down--through weightlifting. (ETA I'm specifically doing kettlebell workouts.) I wonder if the increase in mass is a temporary state while you build muscle but have not yet burnt fat there? (Could Suz maybe chime in here?) </p> <p>Forum member Lauren had also recommended the J. Crew Harper boot. But that's 18 inches so probably a last resort, unless you don't need a slim fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986480 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:09:49 +0000 amiable 986480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry they don't fit - Aak! &nbsp;I love them though! &nbsp;I better get off before I start justify buying them for ME! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986422 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 00:36:25 +0000 sarah 986422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, it's really too bad that the SW's are out - are they for sure? Maybe you could walk around crab-like so that DH can only see you from the front, because 1) they are GORGEOUS boots, and 2) to find a boot that fits when you really need them and then throw out that option seems like such a shame. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986420 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 00:34:19 +0000 Suz 986420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - -interesting tip, Beth Ann. That is good information. It sounds as if the SA have seen this in the past. Hmmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>I will say that a few years ago I had a Franco Sarto dress boot that I was convinced would never go onto me. And they told me something similar. And it worked. And it <b>did</b> stretch out.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986406 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 00:07:25 +0000 Beth Ann 986406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle:&nbsp; I just got the Blondos, and I couldn't zip them either, until the SA told me to scrunch them down and wiggle them up.&nbsp; Now, I could wear with tights, but skinny trousers?&nbsp; Hmmmm.&nbsp; Not sure.&nbsp; They say they stretch.&nbsp; I say maybe.&nbsp; I'm going to wear them around at home a bit to see.&nbsp; Once I get them on, with bare legs, they're quite comfy, even when of squat down in them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-986031 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:09:29 +0000 pil 986031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry for the aggravation, Thistle. This will surely sort itself out just as your search for jeans did. I'll be reading along though. My Blondos are on the way - it will be interesting to see how, or if, they fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985999 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:35:59 +0000 Suz 985999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, that is beyond smart. Thank you for that tip.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985984 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:17:41 +0000 Vix 985984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Thistle --</p> <p>Ah, the frustrating calves/boots situation; sorry! I know it well. Definitely check out Duo, or there's a wide calf boot site online whose url escapes me.</p> <ul> <li>Try to get the circumference of the boot IN YOUR SIZE before ordering. Smaller shoe size, smaller calf measurement. (I type bitterly)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If you're at all prone to leg swelling, measure at end of day not beginning.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Remember you'll need to add ~ 3/4" to that for a more ideal *boot* calf circumference. [Ex: 15" calves need a boot that's 15.75" in circumference or it probably&nbsp;won't zip...gores/stretch only help but so much.</li> </ul> <p>And my #1 tip for real-life boot shopping: dare to be that woman with a tape measure. Saves tons of time and irritation when you measure before trying a boot on!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985977 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:01:15 +0000 Glory 985977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some of the Frye boots come in a wider width so that might be worth looking at. I also would recommend the Duo boot. Allie from Wardrobe Oxygen has written about these a few times and it might be worth reading up. I think she was able to work with them via email to ensure the calf would fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985892 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 11:32:50 +0000 goldenpig 985892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great boot. So is that definitely out? Men can be so difficult sometimes! My DH is very opinionated, both positive and negative, about what I wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985888 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 11:28:22 +0000 Thistle 985888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is the boot:&nbsp; <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/stuart-weitzman-setaside-boot/3520425?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=2375500&amp;fashionColor=&amp;resultback=0&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....personaliz</a></p> <p>Fabulously comfortable, and the back of it is all stretch material, so it does accommodate my apparently wide calves.</p> <p>DH <b><i>hated </i></b>it.&nbsp; His first words: "What happened to the rest of the boot?"&nbsp; And normally, he <i>loves </i>tall boots.</p> <p>And no, I never feel bad when he dislikes something. He always follows it with, "They need to make stuff as beautiful as you." Or something similar. </p> <p>I am still trying to figure him out. He is much more daring with&nbsp;what he likes&nbsp;on me in some ways, and totally clueless in others.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985879 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 11:21:32 +0000 goldenpig 985879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really think you should try the Frye Melissa lace-ups. My style is ladylike through and through and they fit right in. And the calf fit is adjustable with the laces, in case your calves continue to fluctuate due to weight lifting.</p> <p>The one VC posted looks nice too. What is the SW one that you tried on before and what was wrong with it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985875 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 11:16:39 +0000 Thistle 985875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley- I honestly didn't think the gains would be so big or so fast. I guess calves and biceps grow first! I am trying to regrow bone first and foremost, so from all the research I did, I have to use heavy weights. It is a learning experience for me! All in, I would rather have bones than boots, so hopefully those are growing too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985677 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 02:32:40 +0000 Susie 985677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I think you should try the one velvety posted. That is very nice looking and it sounds like it could work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985669 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 02:28:00 +0000 Marley 985669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also Thistle - maybe now is a good time to remind your DH about those SW boots that were so comfortable and fit you so well!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985665 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 02:26:33 +0000 Marley 985665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry Thistle!&nbsp; But don't despair - you will find some that work for you - and just think how happy you will be!&nbsp; FYI - if you are lifting heavy weights, then your muscles (like calves, biceps, etc.) are going to get larger.&nbsp; If you just want to sculpt your body (have more muscle definition, but not make your muscles - and consequently body parts - larger) &nbsp;then lift light weights with more repetitions.&nbsp; (I used to be a competitive weight lifter!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985603 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:48:39 +0000 velvetychocolate 985603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey....look at these...just went looking at the Nordstrom site, and <b>*voila*</b></p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/naturalizer-juletta-tall-riding-boot-wide-calf-online-only/3560686?origin=coordinating-3560686-0-2-3-8-Rich%20Relevence&amp;PageCategoryId=PP" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/na.....0686?origi</a></p> <p>The blurb says:</p> <p><i>A curved gore perfects the N5 Comfort System fit of a lightly textured boot burnished for a classic look.</i> </p> <ul> <li><i>1" heel.</i></li> <li><i><b>15" boot shaft; 16" calf circumference. Wide calf.</b></i></li> <li><i>Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole.</i></li> <li><i>Side zip closure.</i></li> <li><i>By Naturalizer; imported.</i></li> <li><i>Available online only.</i></li> </ul> <p>As far as I can tell, this is a great NAS sale price - and I also have some Naturalizer brand shoes ...<i>very comfy!</i> </p> <p>These are an amazing sale price, imo. And I bet they look like a million bucks with skirts and dresses all through fall and winter.They can be dressed up during the week and worn casually on weekends too! Very good deal, if you ask me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985572 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:31:25 +0000 Mona 985572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs, Thistle. I am sure you will find a boot that fits you soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985569 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:29:32 +0000 Transcona Shannon 985569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As frustrating as it seems now Thistle, just think how thrilled you are going to be when&nbsp;<i>YOUR</i> pair of boots find their way into your closet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985565 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:26:34 +0000 Sheila 985565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are the Melissa boots by Frye that I own:</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-melissa-button-bordeaux-vintage-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/frye-mel.....ge-leather</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985562 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:25:06 +0000 velvetychocolate 985562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some you might want to try:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ecco-hobart-tall-strap-boot/3446553?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=2375500&amp;fashionColor=Black&amp;resultback=380&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ec.....nalizedsor</a></p> <p>I don't have these exact boots, but I do have two pairs of tall Ecco brand boots and they do 'adjust' - because some of their styles have a buckle &amp; strap at the top of the calf, allowing for tightening up or loosening up. </p> <p>I have a pair of tall, flat Ecco brand black riding boots that I bought from NAS last year - I can't remember the style name of them (perhaps another YLF'er might remember these?), but wanted to tell you that that I can tighten or loosen the top of the calf - very, very handy because I'm able to wear them tightened up with hose or tights (with a dress/skirt), or loosened up with a pair of straight cut jeans tucked into the boots. </p> <p>These NAS Ecco riding boots linked above also seem to have that same feature where you can adjust the calf a bit. Not sure what size you take - and the Euro sizing is always a bit challenging to figure out. In my case, I take a size 38 in all Ecco branded shoes and boots, which corresponds to a size 7.5 - thing is? I normally take a size 8 in most other brands - just so you know, because you might need to size down a half-size if you try Eccos. </p> <p>editing to add: the Ecco brand is very comfortable to wear, and they make their shoes and boots with a wider toe box, yet with a closer fit at the heel. This allows 'room' for the toes and provides a lot more comfort than you'd normally experience with other brands. They aren't "wide" shoes, just that the design of them is kind of special - the heels are regular or even a bit narrow, and yet the toe area is relaxed/wider. Very comfy - you'll have to try them - hard to explain how a regular fit in the back of the heel in conjunction with a slighter roomier toe area increases the comfort factor so much. </p> <p>These aren't the most exciting boots, but they will be comfortable, and you can adjust the fit at the top of the calf. Meanwhile, if they fit - you'll feel like you're wearing running shoes ...while looking dressed up in these. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985561 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:24:09 +0000 Sheila 985561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I may put this out there for your consideration: I think the "Melissa" is a type or style (or fit) from Frye that has a lot of permutations. The ones I bought 2 years ago were not as tall and they did not lace up. Check around on Zappos, maybe, for more variations with a look that might suit your taste better. However, if I were shopping for boots, I would definitely be interested in the laceup Melissas linked on Amazon on this thread. They are very cool! Oh and I have chunky calves and mine fit quite well. Good luck in your search. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985552 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:14:58 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 985552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I guess I'm less ladylike than I thought, because I thought the Melissas were a lot more refined than other Fryes. I'll shut up then. How do you feel about these <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/wolky-pardo-brown-leather">Wolkys</a>? Or these <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-juletta-wide-calf-black-leather">Naturalizers</a>?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas---blondos-and-tall-boot-woes#post-985546 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:09:12 +0000 Thistle 985546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - Oooh, I like the Duo Boots. I will give them a look!&nbsp; And I will check Zappos as you can sort there by calf size.</p> <p>Angie - The motos are on the way!</p> <p>DeclawedJaguar - Fryes are nice boots but not as ladylike as grabs my heart. I really do like refined and ladylike.&nbsp; If my budget and large calves would permit, these babies would be mine!&nbsp; <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/prada-pointy-toe-boot/3532408?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=0&amp;fashionColor=&amp;resultback=1133&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_5_A" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/pr.....ort&#038;c</a></p> <p>If I am going to wear dresses and skirts this winter, which I have loved this summer, I do need to get tall boots sorted as these really add to my warmth and comfort factors! </p>