NAS - Blondos and Tall Boot Woes - YouLookFab Forum

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NAS - Blondos and Tall Boot Woes

Thistle

Veteran

The Blondos Angie recommended arrived today. And, like the Aquatalias and AGLs before them, do not fit my now "huge" calves. I measured, and my calves are now 16 inches, so I guess that puts me in wide width country. DH also liked them out of the box. I got the "oooh, try those on!" when he saw them. He likes tall boots. A lot.

So, for anyone looking at the Blondos, they are indeed comfortable on the foot bed. The "mesh" is more leather-like than fabric-like. It has a fun texture. They do still have a ladylike vibe, which I was after in a boot. And I LOVE that they are weatherproof!!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bl.....n=wishlist

I pulled out my UGGs and Taryn Rose boots from last year. The UGGs are snug now where they were a touch loose before, but the Taryn Rose ones have a bit of muffin top to them. I would not rebuy them, but I am going to try to find a cobbler to stretch them a touch as I already own them. If it doesn't wrk, I am really no worse off than where I am right now.

I had no idea weight lifting could change my body so much! Now, if only my hips would decrease by the same 7% my calves increased!

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35 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh.....such a shame, Thistle.

Have you considered Duo Boots? You might find something that works.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm sorry, Thistle. (((HUGS))). But we'll get you sorted. Don't worry!!

How do you feel about the Steve Madden moto boots?

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Thistle, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Try Frye Melissas! They fit my 17" calves (although I did have to buy longer shoelaces). I bet you your husband will like them. They do go on sale about once a year.

Anonymous

Crap!
Ok, one of my calves is actually 16 ( one is 15.5). How long do they need to be? I'll help you look!

Anonymous

Try the SW on Angie's picks. I do have the OTK version and they fit me.

Thistle

Veteran

Suz - Oooh, I like the Duo Boots. I will give them a look! And I will check Zappos as you can sort there by calf size.

Angie - The motos are on the way!

DeclawedJaguar - Fryes are nice boots but not as ladylike as grabs my heart. I really do like refined and ladylike. If my budget and large calves would permit, these babies would be mine! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/pr.....ort&c

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!

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

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 Wolkys? Or these Naturalizers?

Sheila

Veteran

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.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Here are some you might want to try:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ec.....nalizedsor

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 & strap at the top of the calf, allowing for tightening up or loosening up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Sheila

Veteran

These are the Melissa boots by Frye that I own:

http://www.zappos.com/frye-mel.....ge-leather

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

As frustrating as it seems now Thistle, just think how thrilled you are going to be when YOUR pair of boots find their way into your closet

Mona

Veteran

Hugs, Thistle. I am sure you will find a boot that fits you soon.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Hey....look at these...just went looking at the Nordstrom site, and *voila*

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/na.....0686?origi

The blurb says:

A curved gore perfects the N5 Comfort System fit of a lightly textured boot burnished for a classic look.

1" heel.
15" boot shaft; 16" calf circumference. Wide calf.
Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole.
Side zip closure.
By Naturalizer; imported.
Available online only.

As far as I can tell, this is a great NAS sale price - and I also have some Naturalizer brand shoes ...very comfy!

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

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Marley

Veteran

So sorry Thistle! But don't despair - you will find some that work for you - and just think how happy you will be! FYI - if you are lifting heavy weights, then your muscles (like calves, biceps, etc.) are going to get larger. If you just want to sculpt your body (have more muscle definition, but not make your muscles - and consequently body parts - larger) then lift light weights with more repetitions. (I used to be a competitive weight lifter!)

Marley

Veteran

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!

Susie

Veteran

Oh I think you should try the one velvety posted. That is very nice looking and it sounds like it could work.

Thistle

Veteran

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!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

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.

The one VC posted looks nice too. What is the SW one that you tried on before and what was wrong with it?

Thistle

Veteran

Here is the boot: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....personaliz

Fabulously comfortable, and the back of it is all stretch material, so it does accommodate my apparently wide calves.

DH hated it. His first words: "What happened to the rest of the boot?" And normally, he loves tall boots.

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.

I am still trying to figure him out. He is much more daring with what he likes on me in some ways, and totally clueless in others.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

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.

Glory

Veteran

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.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Thistle --

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.

Try to get the circumference of the boot IN YOUR SIZE before ordering. Smaller shoe size, smaller calf measurement. (I type bitterly)

If you're at all prone to leg swelling, measure at end of day not beginning.

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 won't zip...gores/stretch only help but so much.

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!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vix, that is beyond smart. Thank you for that tip.

pil

Veteran

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.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thistle: 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. Now, I could wear with tights, but skinny trousers? Hmmmm. Not sure. They say they stretch. I say maybe. I'm going to wear them around at home a bit to see. Once I get them on, with bare legs, they're quite comfy, even when of squat down in them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow - -interesting tip, Beth Ann. That is good information. It sounds as if the SA have seen this in the past. Hmmm.

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 did stretch out.

sarah

Veteran

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.

amiable

Veteran

So sorry they don't fit - Aak! I love them though! I better get off before I start justify buying them for ME!

Mochi

Veteran

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?)

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.

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