Wide Calf Boots...Oh The Torture.

Hello pretties! Today I was out shoe shopping with a friend (we were looking for shoes for her wedding...yay!) and as we walked up and down every aisle of shoes at DSW, I couldn't help but become overwhelmed by the desire to find cute boots. If you are anything like me, though, finding cute boots that actually fit is a time-consuming, seemingly hopeless struggle.

When I say "anything like me," what I mean is that I have very wide calves. I actually didn't even realize it until this year...when no knee-high boots in Macy's would zip around my calves. But then again, I've only ever owned one pair of tall boots in my life and they're from Torrid, so they fit me just fine. And so, with no luck at any store in the mall, the search for boots began.

But there is no happy ending to this story...yet. I have not been able to find anything that I really like that will fit me. Even stores like Avenue that claim to make "wide calf boots" do not have anything that I actually like that will fit. Most of them are still too small around the calves to fit my small, size 7.5/8 feet. How disappointing.

I'm also not willing to break my bank over a pair of custom-made boots. No thanks. I'm a teacher, remember? Not exactly rollin' in the dough here.

I DID find one pair of boots at Target, of all places, that will zip around my calves, but they are high heeled and the material is some weird sort of stretch fabric. I bought them, but have kept them in the box with the hopes of finding something better.

Here are a few photos of the boots I really like. I am going to go over to Avenue tomorrow after work and try them, but I have a feeling it might not be a successful trip.

I'm looking for a pair of dark brown riding boots like these:

and a pair of tall black, flat boots like these:

I've talked to quite a few ladies recently, both straight-size and plus-size, who have trouble finding boots to fit their calves. Apparently, those of us who have super-muscular calves or just larger calves because of body shape, genetics, etc. are out of luck for the moment.

So tell me what you think...do you have this problem? Have you found anything that fits? I would love to hear your feedback.

♥Case

PS...this is my 96th blog post...get ready for a surprise on my 100th post ;)

Nautical Nonsense

Today I woke up and wasn't feeling very inspired, but I knew that I wanted to wear my super soft new red cardigan (found thanks to OneS of the lovely S&S...I wanted to post the link because I know that several of us have been looking for a great red cardi...and this one is only $18!) ...so, being in a hurry, I randomly pulled out my blue and white stripey tee, threw my hair in a messy side-braid, and away I went. I kind of felt like I had a sailor vibe going on all day, and I enjoyed it.

I made a new photo-taking apparatus (see the duct tape in the background? lol) and I actually really like the way these photos are coming out...yay for creativity! Boo for my unmade bed in the background! Sorry, guys. One step at a time here. ;)

Stripey Tee: mark., 2 for $28

Red Cardigan: Target, $18 (I am in LOVE with this thing! So soft & the perfect red color!)

Pants: Kohl's, $25ish years ago

Key Necklace: GWP at Lane Bryant Outlet

I also busted out the classic red lipstick today to go with my loving-red-things mood...I applied it very lightly with a lip brush and threw some gloss on over top so it wasn't too crazy, but I thought it was a nice touch to my red fever!

Today I had a conversation with a 3rd grader about fashion. She informed me that girls should care about fashion and that it was fun to go shopping, especially for clothes. That's my kinda girl right there. :)

Happy hump day, yo!

♥Case

Sleepyhead

This is going to be a short post because I need some sleep! I still wanted to share my OOTD with you, though, so here it is!

I feel so tough in my olive green cord blazer...so I added a lace-trimmed, flowy tank and a dainty necklace to even things out a bit. I was in love with my outfit all day.

Top: Avenue, last year, clearance $7

Pants: Kohl's, $24.99 purchased with a gift card

Corduroy Blazer: Old Navy, from my sophomore year of college...never wore it then but glad it is making its way into my wardrobe finally!

Shoes: Kohl's, $30ish last year

Necklace: Banana Republic Outlet, $10 after coupon

PS. Just ordered my Halloween costume...hope it's not too scandalous...but then again, I am single for the first time since I was 16 ;)

Just sayin'.

♥Case

Comfy Cozy

Today in Ohio the weather has made a turn for the worse...it is downright cold! For me, that means breaking out my most comfy jammies and snuggling up with a blanket and book so that I can hide from adjust to the cold weather. Now I know that our comfies are not always the most glamorous of items, but I have found what I consider to be the holy grail of comfortable pajamas and I feel it would be very wrong not to share with you...by far, my favorite pj's are Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's Sleepwear. I probably would have never thought to purchase these on my own, but I received a pajama set for Christmas last year from my Nan (one of my favorite people- my super-stylish grandma) and I was absolutely blown away by how comfortable they were, so she bought me more for my birthday.

So why am I going crazy over these pajamas and so in love with them that I am taking the time to write an entire blog post on them? The fabric is seriously unbelievable. It is very lightweight and so soft that it's almost silky...and yet snuggly enough to keep me warm and cozy. And it is incredibly stretchy, so it will fit a wide range of sizes!!! Plus, as if that weren't enough, because they are from the Simply Vera line, they are uber chic. I not only feel super relaxed in these, but I also feel like I look cute. What more could you ask for?

I'm telling you- next time you are in a Kohl's store, find your way to the intimates section and just feel a pair of these pajama pants or a nightshirt or a chemise. You won't want to leave the store without them.

Hope no one is offended by my pale tummy (I am trying not to be embarrassed about this but I couldn't get a better picture)! Tonight I am only wearing the pants from my set and I wanted you to be able to see all of them...the cute little black drawstring is made of the prettiest ultra-sturdy black ribbon. I am so in love.

Here are just a few photos of some of the Simply Vera by Vera Wang pajamas currently available on the Kohl's website:

Stay warm and fuzzy, loves.

♥Case

Pattern Mixing

Posted this on my Twitter so I thought I'd post it here for some reader advice! I was out shopping today and tried these two items on separately, and then thought, "Hey...what if I tried that pattern mixing business that is so popular these days?" Now I have never done this before and I am really bad at it, that I know for sure. So I thought maybe you could help.

So am I getting this right or no? I bought them thinking I would try them on and think about it some more...but I can't decide if this top and cardi should stay with me or go back to the store.

I feel like it looks kind of funky/eclectic...but those of you who feel more talented at pattern mixing- Help! What do you think?

♥Case

Jewel Tones

I love that this fall is a season that warmly accepts jewel tones...because let me tell you- I am loving them. Especially rich, deep purple and eggplant colors.

I'm also a huge fan of mixing these shades of purple with gray or deep taupe colors...what a pretty combination!

Today you are getting close-ups of my top . I really love it and got it on clearance from Torrid when they had an extra 50% off clearance sale this summer. It was meant to be worn sleeveless, but I thought it would look cute over a black tee. Next time, though, I will probably choose a black tee that is a little more fitted through the arms, because the loose sleeves on this one made me look a little frumpy.

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Top: Torrid, $12ish on super clearance

Long-Sleeved Tee: Old Navy, $10ish last winter

Necklace: Kohl's, a few years ago

Also- if you look closely, you will see that my nails are also a deep purple color. I recently picked up one of the newer shades of my favorite nail polish, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, in Purple Pulse. I love it for this fall. It retails between about $5.99-$7.99 depending on the store you buy it from.

Talk to you soon my precious jewels ;) (haha get it- jewel tones? yeah- I'm lame!))

♥Case

Gallery Hop

Last night a few friends and I headed down to the Short North here in Columbus for their monthly gallery hop. I had been to the hop once before, and both times have been completely different. Last night was a lot less crowded than when I had gone before- I'm assuming due to the weather. However, both times were just as fun. I love walking around and looking at all of the art, checking out the boutiques, and of course sampling some of the delicious unique food. Last night we actually even sampled 8 different kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches in a contest they were having. We also sampled wine and had ice cream from jeni's, a popular funky ice cream shop...yummmmm. :)

Because it has been so chilly out lately all of a sudden, I had to wear a jacket and I even bought a scarf from one of the boutiques we stopped in. Here are pictures from the evening (thanks to St of S&S for the photos!):

As you can see, especially in the 3rd photo, this outfit was not very flattering for my body at all, but I didn't care because I felt cute and comfortable all evening.

Plaid Shirtdress: Old Navy, $25ish last fall

Leggings: F21, $5.80

Denim Jacket: Old Navy, $34.50 before discount (last winter)

Scarf: The Emperor's Newest Clothes (local boutique), $25

Belt: NY&Co, $1.99ish

Boots: Torrid, $48 before discount last fall

Wristlet: Coach, gifted

Oh! And before you ask, I carried a friend's son's umbrella because I did not have one with me, so it was a running joke throughout the evening that I had a spiderman umbrella. Pretty chic, no? ;)

If you are ever in Columbus make sure you check out the gallery hop in the Short North...it is the first weekend of every month! And invite me! :)

Hope your weekend was fabulous!

♥Case