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NAS Shoe Deliberations

julesegr

Hi, all -- first time posting and I apologize for the length. These are the shoes I'm currently considering. I'm 5'1, so I like height, and I live in Michigan, so I love weatherproof. I don't work in a professional environment but I do enjoy fashion and designer trends, even as I live primarily in denim and knits. My style is best described as "modern classic." Any thoughts and advice welcome. These are mostly designer picks so I can't keep them all, but I can definitely keep a few!

1. La Canadienne tall boot - I don't really have a tall black boot because they've been tricky to fit (shaft height) and I don't really know how to style them. I usually prefer booties, both with jeans and dresses, but maybe it's because I never found the right one? These do fit well, plus they are waterproof. The low heel is good for running around but it's lower than I like for going out, except in the dead of winter. Should I give tall boots one more try or admit they aren't for me?

2. Stuart Weitzman "Perfection" bootie - I could use a comfortable heeled bootie that I can dress up. I didn't try this in-store because I thought they might be a smidge too high, but they are now on their way to me.

3. Rag & Bone "Margot" tassel bootie - I have these without the tassel in black leather but they are showing their age. This style fits my lifestyle, is comfortable, and is a great height. The gray is so pretty and the tassel is cute, but this style has been around a while. Is it worth the upgrade or is it time I move on to newer options?

4. Stuart Weitzman Pump in Sea Croc - I love these for being classic and edgy at the same time, and I love the block heel. I could use a new pump but are they versatile enough for my lifestyle?

5. Paul Green "Jo-Jo" in Graphite - Seems like a good, everyday fall shoe. I like that it's not totally flat. While not weather-proof, they seem weather-resistant.

6. Aquatalia "Farin" bootie - a potential weather-proof workhorse.

7. Toms "Majorca" Peep Toe Bootie - my attempt to capture this year's burgundy shoe trend.

8. LK Bennett "Lara" Bootie - a wildcard alternative to the "Perfection", but doesn't look as comfortable or weather-friendly.

La Canadienne 'Stefanie' Waterproof Boot (Women)

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Stuart Weitzman 'Perfection' Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$595.00 $297.49

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5

Rag & Bone 'Margot' Fringe Cap Toe Bootie (Women)

$495.00 $247.49

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Stuart Weitzman 'Classic' Pointy Toe Block Heel Pump (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$385.00 $192.49

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Paul Green 'Jojo' Loafer (Women)

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Aquatalia 'Farin' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$450.00 $269.98

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TOMS 'Majorca' Peep Toe Bootie (Women)

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L.K.Bennett 'Lara' Bootie (Women)

$395.00 $197.49

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11 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome!

These are all beautiful choices. I can't help because I want them all as well!

I'm seriously considering the La Canadiennes. I tend to wear my shorter boots/ booties as well, but there's nothing like a good riding boot, and like you, I have a shorter calf. If these fit you, they would likely fit me, so they are calling my name. I don't know this style but I can certainly vouch for quality and comfort in this brand. Well worth the money.

Both Stuart Weitzman shoes are gorgeous.

Thistle

Veteran

Lovely choices!

I always recommend trying anything you like on and walk around in it. See if you still like it.

If you do, then comes the hard part of seeing how it fits not your current wardrobe and the realities of climate and life.

Joyce B

Veteran

I love your shoe choices!

Anonymous

I like those La Canadiennes a lot. And I've heard really great things about them from forum members.
Love the blue SWs too!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, and I love that you posted. May I suggest a few of these instead, since you can wear high heels.

Aquatalia 'Verona' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$495.00 $247.49

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Topshop 'Mega Buckle' Bootie (Women)

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Stuart Weitzman 'Classic' Pointy Toe Block Heel Pump (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$385.00 $192.49

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18

Aquatalia 'Taylor' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$475.00 $299.25

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Ecco 'Alicante' Bootie (Women)

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6

Eileen Fisher 'Ink' Open Toe Block Heel Bootie (Women)

$245.00 $146.97

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Munro 'Luisa' Open Toe Bootie (Women)

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You don't sound super excited about the La Canadienne tall boots; if you want something with more of a heel, I'd hold out for the right pair. This is the first year in a while that I've noticed several heeled tall boots at NAS (the flat equestrian look has dominated for a few years now, it seems to me), so I think there are bound to be more heeled tall-boot options on the horizon this season.

Two things jump out at me in your question about the Rag & Bone "Margot": 1) you like this style and 2) you need a replacement for your black booties. I would say this style is still going strong, so get this new version of them and enjoy the heck out of them. I don't see gray suede as a replacement for your black leather ones, though, so you might want to keep an eye out for a replacement in that category. Maybe the Topshop ones that Angie pointed out. I tried on these Donald Pliners and loved them; they are an updated silhouette with the block heel, slightly higher shaft, and pointy toe, and they felt amazing on. I ended up getting the less expensive Steve Madden "Pistol" (which was remarkably comfy and nice-looking in person), because I have a lot of nice booties already and didn't want to buy another "investment" pair.

I love, love, love those Stuart Weitzman pumps. I agree with you on the look--edgy and classic all at once. Your lifestyle sounds like mine. I get enamored with pumps, but I don't wear them often. I do like to have some gorgeous ones on hand for when the occasion arises, and I'm trying (with mixed success) to create those occasions, by simply wearing them.

Good luck, and let us know what you buy and keep!

eta: Adding a tall, heeled water-resistant suede boot to Finds.

Donald J Pliner 'Edyn' Block Heel Bootie (Women)

$298.00 $178.80

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Steve Madden 'Pistol' Bootie (Women)

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UGG 'Ava' Tall Water Resistant Suede Boot (Women)

$224.95 $149.90

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Those Uggs are beauties, Sharan, but I'm betting the shaft is too tall for a person who is petite.

I speak from long experience. I am 5'4" but my calves are proportionately very short and fitting tall boots is an absolute nightmare for me. When I find one that works I am tempted to take it. La Canadienne is one of the few brands that usually makes at least one model short enough for my calves (and narrow enough).

Gigi

Veteran

Hello from a fellow shortie (5'2").

I have the La Canadiennes and just love them. But for me, I love them because they are practical and also dressy, so they elevate my everyday look. I wear them for errands on wet or snowy days here in Minnesota. I have a hard time with both shaft height and shaft circumference, and these were the only boots I could find that fit right. They are also comfortable and warm and hold up well in the elements. If you are looking to try a tall boot that will be dressy but practical, a more everyday-errand type of boot, then I would try these. But if you're looking for something for dressing up to go out, I would pass because the heel is too low to be very dressy (I prefer a higher heel for dressing up also).

The other comment I wanted to make was regarding choosing between the SW Perfection and the Bennet Lara. This completely depends on your climate. In Minnesota, we have roughly six months of really awful weather, with snow and ice and rain. This means that my wardrobe of wearable shoes is *extremely* limited, and anything I can do to add to it is appreciated! I have my La Canadiennes, a pair of weatherproof booties from Blondo, some weatherproof heeled boots from Aquatalia, and a pair of dedicated snow boots. That is IT. And I get so, so bored! So if your climate is like this, I would pick the SW over the Bennet because it will greatly expand your options for winter. In fact, I may just order the SW ones myself.

julesegr

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate them. I just revisited the five (!) pairs I had sent from the store and eliminated the brown Farin bootie and Majorca burgundy peep toe. I'm hanging onto the Margot a little longer, for the reasons Firecracker said. I'm also now debating the Paul Greens, thinking I may not want to invest that much in a flat.

The La Canadiennes are definitely still in play. Suz, I really think you should give them a try! They fit great and are so comfy -- they are lined with something cushy like Uggs. I also love the true black of the suede. I can see them being very useful and are by far the best riding-style boot I've tried to date.

Gigi, you make some great points about weather and it was a good reminder. Practically speaking, I know that I need to focus the bulk of my budget on shoes that can withstand the elements, so for that reason, I'm comfortable eliminating the Lara and any of the peep toes. I have a peep toe bootie from last year and that's enough, given our climate.

As for the other suggestions, I'm curious about the Eccos as a burgundy alternative. If I replace my black booties, I prefer the Pliner and "Pistol" booties to the Topshop ones, but only because I don't love silver hardware. I have an older Aquatalia similar to the Verona (a blue/black combo) so I don't need that one but I do like the Taylor. Unfortunately, it's currently sold out in my size. I'm also still waiting on the two SW pairs, for which I have high hopes. I'll keep you posted!

Ecco 'Alicante' Bootie (Women)

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Steve Madden 'Pistol' Bootie (Women)

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8

Donald J Pliner 'Edyn' Block Heel Bootie (Women)

$298.00 $178.80

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2

Aquatalia 'Taylor' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$475.00 $299.25

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I tried on the Eccos in gray and seriously considered them. I wasn't sure I'd have enough opportunities to wear them, though. If I had seen the burgundy in the store, I probably would have bought them. I haven't seen the color in real life, but it looks gorgeous online. I found the style to be really comfy and nice looking. They could dress up or down easily. FYI, the smaller of my two usual Euro sizes fit me in this style.

Lisa

Veteran

I am no help on fit because I haven't seen anything in person yet myself, but I have had great success with Ecco being a comfy brand in the past. Some lovely picks you have here.