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“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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I was really excited to see these beautiful, but pricey, shoes IRL. I was able to order them with a 25% off promo. As of posting, these are also sold-out but I do expect there to be pop-backs. Especially if the others have the same flaw as mine.

I found sizing to run a half-size small from my normal shoe size 7. The 6 1/2 is consistent with other Dulci-style offerings I’ve tried on.

The loafer-style is a different option and add a little more interest to them. The kitten heel is very manageable to walk-in. The insole is lined in leather and the calf-hair is trimmed in black. There’s also a black ribbon at the seam of the heel.

And here is where I was so disappointed. You’ll see that the shoe on my left foot has a pattern with darker and larger spots, while the right shoe has spots that are smaller/thinner and look more spaced out.

I kept these out of the box and on my desk for a few days to see if I could get used to the difference but it’s too different for me to overlook.

Both the Kiki and Roxie are offered in this print as well. The Roxie heel, at 4 inches, is too high for me, and I wasn’t interested in a flat, like the Kiki. 
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I’m so disappointed the pattern wasn’t just a little more consistent in the front. I didn’t expect it to be exact but the larger spots on the left shoe make the front of it look so much darker than the right shoe. Shockingly, these are also not a Collection item like the two above.

What do you think about the Dulci Calf-Hair Kitten Heel Loafers? Would you have kept them? 

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Today’s Shoes-day is a two-for-one. My store received two returns from the Sophia Webster for J Crew Collection. One of the SAs suggested I try them on, for fun, when he found out I was a size 7 in shoes.

~ Lola Pumps, size 7 1/2 ~

These silk twill floral pumps are so stunning IRL. The heel is also the floral fabric with a light blue heel tip. They are trimmed in black patent leather. 
I love that the pattern at the toe matches on both shoes. 
As expected, these fit a half size too big. I think I could get away with using a heel pad and insert but I would rather get my true size 37/7. 

The heel is 4 inches which is out of my heel-height range. I try to stick with 3 inches or less. But I was amazed at how comfortable these were to walk in. The lining is leather but it almost feels like there is a good amount of padding or memory foam under the lining. They really were that comfortable right away.

~ Pippa Pumps, size 7 1/2 ~

I would buy these just to displayed them all the time. The Pippa Pumps are absolutely gorgeous. Again, I need a size 37/7 for the best fit. These tie at the ankle and the vamp shows some toe cleavage. Like the Lola Pumps, they were pretty comfortable. These would make a beautiful D’Orsay Flat, don’t you think? Enjoy the pics!

The Pippa Pumps would be perfect for the upcoming party season. You could wear a sack and still look amazing with these shoes on your feet. 
Have you seen any of the Sophia Webster Collection for J Crew in person? 

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~ Quinn Ankle Boot, Dark Cedar, size 7 ~

A few weeks ago I was at the Factory to return these same boots in the Rustic Grey. That day, they started the 50% off everything in stores. I saw the Dark Cedar boots and fell in love with the color. 

I have on a thin sock and they are comfortable, still fitting true-to-size. I like the color of the suede even more than the Rustic Grey. I also like that the heel is darker.

I keep forgetting my “frequent shopper” card but could have gotten an additional 30% off. I now have that tucked in my wallet so I don’t forget to use that savings! 
See my review of the Rustic Grey {here}. 
Have a Great Day!

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During last Monday’s 40% off Flash Sale I was able to get the Sophie Embroidered Loafers in the Wool Houndstooth pattern. I don’t have a brown-toned flat so these will fit right in to that missing space in my closet.

I ordered my normal size 7 and they are TTS. Since the front is shorter than normal loafers, they do show the tiniest bit of toe cleavage in the front, on the sides, 
They are trimmed in Navy suede and are completely flat. The heel almost seems like it is for show. They are lined in leather and fairly comfortable, just from trying them on. They don’t feel like they will need much breaking in. The toe has a gold embroidered emblem that doesn’t clash with the pattern very much.

I’m always leery to purchase something on Final Sale but I am glad I was able to get these. Since we have a mostly mild Fall and early Winter, I should be able to get some good use out of these before I switch to boots daily. There is still enough room to add thin socks and be fairly comfortable.

Happy Shoes-day!

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