Aquatalias are simply gorgeous and I'm totally lusting after them . Did a massive closet clean out this week and am now feeling a bit refreshed on what I need and I'm thinking those may fit the bill, they look lovely on you.

A little update. I tried a few other brown boots with fitted or sock-style shafts, including a size up in the higher-heeled Aquatalias. None of them were there for me, comfort-wise…but I found a darker brown version of the Everly boots that notsaf posted upthread. They are very comfortable straight out of the box! Not quite as much of a statement as a chunkier platform style or a higher heel, but still quite attractive. I brought them home to try around the house.

The Aqualalias look great- and yay to dark brown boots for you!

Sock booties are so much easier to wear than stiff leather. Why are the ankles of nonstretch booties so big?? I just got these L'Artiste ones, and Love them, but am concerned about the ankles rubbing.

ST, I hear you about wide openings in booties — I imagine it’s to compensate for heavier/stiffer leather to prevent rubbing on calves, but I really don’t love the way those catch on my cropped or rolled pant legs or long skirts. Or the look of them with long skirts — the fitted ankles of sock-style and narrower shaft boots make such a nice flattering line. But I’m finding many of them aren’t right for one reason or another. Some of the fabrications look weirdly wrinkly or kind of cheap in action.