“Why are there boots in the freezer?” That’s the question Husband asked me last week.

“Because I have large calves.” was my answer.

Husband was baffled, which is always amusing to me.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, that I have large calves, and it’s so very hard to find boots that fit. Pull-on styles are almost always out of the question, as are cheap, non-leather boots, over-the-knee boots and even boots with a nylon/elastic back (think Stuart Weitzman 50/50). J Crew has extended-calf options and I have a pair from a few years ago in black. Corso Como is another great brand that works and I have a pair in a light brown. And that’s it…two pairs of boots.

I tend to buy booties because of the calf issue. But this year, I wanted a pair of dark brown distressed boots. I’ve been looking for a few months and have tried on several different styles all over the place, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Steve Madden, etc. I finally found a few at Zappos that looked like they might accommodate my calves.

~ Frye Shirley Artisan Tall Boot, Dark Brown Washed Vintage, size 7 1/2 ~

I sized up a half size, hoping to either wear thicker sock or at least to give me just a little more room in the calf area. These are a pull-on boot with no zipper or buckles. I struggled a little to get my foot past the heel but once it was in the boot was fine. I also had to use the side tabs to help get the boot on.

Once they were on, the calves were not tight or uncomfortable at all but there was no room for anything thicker than a really thin sock. I decided to try stretch that area by freezing the boots. Have you ever done that? Stretched your shoes by putting them in the freezer? It’s the quickest and cheapest way to stretch shoes. I’ve done it a few times and can definitely say that it works.

Basically, you take a freezer bag, fill it halfway with water, squeeze out as much air as possible and put it in your shoe. Most people need to stretch the toe of the shoe or that general area. Since I needed to stretch the calf of the boot this time I used binder clips to keep the bag at the top of the boot.

I love the craftsmanship of Frye shoes. I have a few pairs of boots and a pair of Mary Janes I don’t wear but just can’t seem to let go of.

The detail at the back reminds me of boots Anthropologie offers. In fact, these are offered on their site in another color, Whiskey. That color is lighter than these and were my second pick. They also come in Black and Grey. 

I’ll be using those boot straps quite a bit, at least until these stretch out a little more.

Are you a fan of Frye? Have you ever stretched your shoes using water and and the freezer? 

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Not only can I not believe it’s December but that 2014 is almost over. I have just a few more gifts to wrap as well as decorate and put up the tree. Most stores last week had their Black Friday offerings early so I was able to grab a few items from Madewell last Monday.

~ Gemscape Layering Necklace ~

I am really into wearing layering necklaces right now. And if those necklaces are already layered for me, it’s even better. I like the rock and fringe mix of the Gemscape Layering Necklace. There are 3 jump rings to adjust the length as needed. 

~ Ensign Necklace ~

I would love to get the Ensign Necklace engraved with my initials. For now the plain flat surface will work, especially when layered with the Gemscape Necklace. This is one length, with no additional jump rings for adjusting.
  

~ Curvature Cuff Bracelet ~

I love the look of the Curvature Cuff Bracelet and spent about 15 minutes trying to find another bracelet that would be the best match with it. I settled on the Studded Rail Cuff Bracelet.

~ Triangle Ponytail Clip ~

I find it difficult to find cute clips or ponytail holders that I like. If I am going to be lazy and put my hair up I want to look cute doing it. These ponytail clips are perfect and so far, seem to hold all my hair without issue. I think there might be some issue if you have thinner hair, at least with the Triangle Ponytail Clip

I love these pieces as well. 
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In-Store, there was 25% off jewelry and the Early Black Friday promo of 25% off was stacked on top of it. 
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~ Open Shawl-Collar Cardigan, Burgundy, XS/S ~
I know they were trying to make this an oversized, cozy cardigan but this is really large. There are two sizes, XS/S and M/L. This cardigan feels comfortable on and I can see wearing it around the house and on the couch bundled up. But for full-price or a smaller promo off, it’s not worth it to me. As Gigi would say, this doesn’t pass the Forever 21 test. I have two from there that are just as cozy and were a lot cheaper. 
~ Navy ~
I thought that maybe I would like the Navy color more and that I could overlook the over-sized fit but it’s just not a keeper for me. 

Anyone ready for Cyber Monday? 
Have a Great Sunday!

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I purposefully worked today so I wouldn’t be out in the madness that is Black Friday. I did venture out for coffee this morning it seems everyone was fast asleep in bed, having shopped yesterday starting at 6 p.m. On the way home from our Thanksgiving at my brother’s house, we did pass the outlet around 7:30 p.m. and it wasn’t as crazy as I thought it would be. We did see lines outside Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and other similar stores driving home though. I hope they got some good deals.

I did shop today, but online only. Here are a few “deals” I took advantage of.

~ Tory Burch ~
20%, 25%, or 30% off depending on how much you spend

I was able to get my beloved Rayna Dress with this promo as well as a cropped Simone Sweater to match it. The Lizzie Tunic is a gift and the Willa Dress is one I’m hoping will be a great dressed up but casual dress for daily wear. 
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~ J Crew ~
Take 30% off with HOLIDAY

The Elephant Parade Tee was too cute to pass up and the rest of the items are for The Boy for Christmas. He loves the Ludlow Chambray Shirt
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~ Anthropologie ~

Take 25% off with HOLIDAY25

The Capri Blue Bar Soap in Volcano will make a great little gift. It’s my favorite scent I get a new candle every few months. I never noticed the Harlyn Sienna Silk Trousers but I hope they fit as the green looks gorgeous. I also bought the Harvest Moon Poncho in Ivory. 
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~ Sam’s Club ~
iTunes $25 4-pack

This 4-pack worth $100 was $79.47. These make great stocking stuffers!

$100 iTunes Gift Card Multipack, 4x$25

~ Etsy ~

I think this rolling pin with Christmas items is perfect for easy but imprinted Sugar Cookies. I found it at BoonHomeware. They are shipping from the UK so I think this will arrive just in time for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS pattern embossing wooden rolling pin, laser engraved.

Are you shopping any Black Friday sales or did you take the day off? I am actually almost finished since I bought a lot of items last year at Anthropologie after Christmas. I have ring holders, aprons and other little items for gifts this year and they all were between $4-$10 each.

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