Hey all, I have a WIW but also a problem I'd like your advice on.

First up, the WIW. I picked up this detailed leather "top" on a whim and a very good deal -- it came with a little bandeau top to wear underneath, I suppose if you're young and slim and daring. Uh, for me, not so much, but I envisioned this being worn without the bandeau thing and layered over different tops, as an easier layering piece than my tailored vests that button up the front. I've tried it on with a few pieces -- both knits and wovens -- and I think it will be fun with a few different options. I was anxious to break it out, so I threw it on today over the most basic combination -- jeans and a white button-down. I included a pic to show the detail and perforation (pic 10).

I then decided to try debuting the EF topper from NAS, which still has tags on it, mainly because the weather has just not been all that cool yet. But the season for it is starting. I have been a bit on the fence about keeping this, but once I put it on, I feel like it's a nice change of pace from my usual structured moto jackets and blazers. The leather sleeves keep it feeling more "me" and I like the way they play off the leather vest. Tags are still on. What do you think? Cut the tags and keep?

I tried to include a couple of pictures that are a little overexposed so you can see the color and texture of the pieces. Sorry for so many photos.

Now the problem. I love these Hinge booties from NAS -- they are a more rugged, slightly more voluminous bootie than my other ones, and I like the casual but simple vibe. I love the finish and color too -- they work with black, grey, brown... However, when I wore them the second time and did a lot of walking, the spot just below my left anklebone started to rub me in a most uncomfortable way. It seems as if the zipper is wrinkling in, and it's pressing on my foot. The same thing is happening on the boot on the right, but it only rubs me on the left -- my left foot and ankle are larger than my right. I don't see sizing up as a solution though, because these already have plenty of room in the foot, enough that I wear thicker socks with them.

I don't want to give these boots up, and I've already worn them twice (and I think the box went out in the recycling), so I don't know if Nordstrom would entertain the idea of a return. Does anyone have any ideas?

In the meantime, I changed into my Ugg Cortonas (6). Pics 7-9 are the Hinge booties. You can see how the leather underneath the zipper wrinkles up when you zip the boot up -- it doesn't create a problem on my right foot, just the left. I wonder if it can be softened up more? There's got to be some solution. I can wear them unzipped, but it makes them a bit more floppy and RATE than I really want to wear them.