Monday, November 26, 2012

Flat, Faux ... Fabulous!


Okay.  I give up.  Sort of.  All you taller-than-me folks who are so jazzed about flat boots ... you win.  Again, sort of.  I bought some.  Well, almost.

I am a high-heels kind of girl. The last time my height was measured, it was 5' 0" and I am hanging on to that with both hands, considering how much of a toll my age has taken on my frame. I work in heels. I play in them as well, and that tells you a lot about the kind of activities I enjoy. My physical proportions look so much better when I am in heels, and I know how to walk in them without clomping, teetering or slumping. I have even run in them. When I am not in heels, I take care to keep the muscles and tendons in the backs and fronts of my legs supple, stretched and toned. I don't have the prettiest pins, but they are fit, and to quote David Lee Roth, "I ain't the worst that you've seen."
And if you are one of those people who insist upon relating horror stories about the evils high-heels contribute to foot problems, back problems and the objectification of women, spare me... please. I've been a card-carrying feminist for more years than some of you have been alive, and I've heard all the medical and social warnings before.

But I have noticed, with rising alarm, the proliferation of flat boots on young women and old. In a recent post, I rejected them out of hand as a trend I would not follow. I just don't think they do a lot for some women. Like me. But some trends just take getting used to, and I've been watching women of all sizes, shapes and ages wear them, and mostly managing to look cute. And suddenly, my go-to, high-heeled suede boots looked a little more than "last year" with jeans. Less than modern. So I decided to stop being stodgy and at least try some on.

My first instincts were right. Lots of them just pointed out how short I really am, many of them made me look wider than I think I am. And while some didn't do any particular harm, they did not flatter. All of them messed with the proportions I'm used to seeing in the mirror. Worst of all, my backside didn't look right in flat boots! So I did what anyone with any sense would do, and gave up. I'd rather try on jeans all afternoon, or repeatedly hit my head against a wall.

But finally, love struck in the form of a pair of tall, black, fold-over boots from "Call It Spring". They're the kind that look like equestrian boots with half-chaps. I put them on, looked in the mirror and knew I had found the ones I wanted.

I have faux-fur, and faux-leather, and now I have faux-flat boots. Underneath the faux-fold-over-half-chap, there is a little 3" wedge, cleverly disguised as a flat boot ... designed just for women like me who just aren't ready to give up their heels.



There you go. Another life lesson, at advanced age; faux can be just fine!

I love them so much that I'm using their picture to link up with all the brave beauties at Patti's Visible Monday .




28 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. I am so jealous of people that can wear heels that easily. Wearing heels for too long makes my head hurt, literally and every other part of my body too.

    Those boots look rocker fab I have to say.

    Bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I've heard a lot of complaints about heels hurting different parts of the leg, feet, toes, etc. but never the noggin. I'm sorry, 'cause you look really cute in them! Glad you like my boots ... I'm going into the big city (gawsh, gawk, golly-gee-whizz!) today and am trying to put together an outfit to go with.
      I'm a little old to be a rocker, I think, but too young to sit in one. (groan ...) So I ought to be right in there somewhere, age wise.
      Seriously, thanks for reading, and writing your own adorable blog!
      J

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  2. Cute, cute boots! They are a bit edgier than a standard riding boot and I love that. We are grown-ups here, {maybe you and I didn't grow upwards as much as other folk, but I digress} and if you enjoy wearing heels, and feel good in them, then stand tall with your decision.

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    1. There are GROWN-UPS here????? WHERE???? Seriously, I'm glad you like them because I really envy your shoe choices. I always worry about falling to the cutesy, girlish side as that can start looking little-old-lady-gone-wrong. These have a little edge, and look less bikerly than in the photo.
      Thanks for reading, and writing your own blog. Looking forward to seeing more!
      Jan

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  3. Glad you found a perfect pair! Looks fantastic. Love to see it on you!

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    1. I may even find some like them in other colors! I'll try to get pictures now that I've gone ON and ON about them. Hope you, family and pooches had a great T-Day, and are staying sane for the oncoming freight train that is the coming holidays.
      Can't wait to see what you wear!
      Jan

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    1. Took a while to get to my point, didn't it? Hope all is going well for you, and as always, awaiting your next post!
      Jan

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  5. If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work at all. I see no reason to try to work a trend, if it doesn't work for you. In this case, I say the faux is FAB!!! ~Sarah

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    1. You're quite right, there. I often have this little Stacy/Clinton echo in my head reminding me that looks can be modified for the individual, and that's what is at work here. (That and my stubborn insistence at not being left out!) And, boy, am I re-considering what actually does (and does NOT) work after seeing outfit photos of myself!
      Thanks, Sarah, for reading and commenting. Looking forward to what you feature next at your place!
      Jan

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  6. As a high heels lover I hear you! Unfortunately I've had to make friends with the flat boot and shoe out of necessity. I used to run in heels but London's pavements and public transport have defeated me on too many occasions now for me to risk rolling an ankle anymore. I want to move somewhere I get in and out of a car more often! I love the boots you've featured though - a wedge heel is always a good and fashionable compromise between a flat and proper high heel.

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    1. Yup. What I like best about the compromise is that it's kind of sneaky and covert... I've always enjoyed feeling like I'm getting away with something! Public transportation ... how I miss it. There isn't any here, and it makes me crazy to have to take a car everywhere. And it's 40 miles to everywhere.
      Thanks for reading, and I'm so looking forward to seeing your next post!
      Jan

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  7. Ohhh, so cute! I used to wear heels exclusively back in my corporate office days. Now my closet is full of flats. I miss the heel days. Sigh...

    Great pick on these boots, they are cool and edgy.

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    1. Thanks, Allison. I love all that's possible for a shoe to say about the wearer. Any little dose of cool or edgy is a plus for round little me.

      Appreciate you for reading, and certainly for your blog!
      Jan

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  8. You embraced the flat and did it your way! Brilliant. Thanks for sharing the fun with Visible Monday : >

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    1. That's one of my character flaws ... I almost always do it my way! Ask the Huz. So glad you had fun with this little, 'cause that was my goal. Really feel like I have to give it my best when I'm linking to your Visible Monday!
      As always,
      Jan

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  9. Congrats on your new found relationship with flats. I've never gone beyond kitten heels and even then I prefer flats - there's so many cool styles. Although I do/have worn platforms...

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    1. Yeah ... well... don't be fooled by my temporary acquiescence. The relationship is tenuous. It's more about just the appearance of flat-ness!
      Thanks for reading and your very fun and informative blog!
      Jan

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  10. Glad you found the boots with a bit of hidden lift. And love that you worked into your post a lyric sung by David Lee Roth. That made me chuckle.
    I'm 5'4" and feel I need a heel to better elongate my short, stumpy legs....but this year I've given in to the flats/loafer trend and have found them so comfortable that I'm willing to appear hobbit-like on many days now. :)

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    1. Lisa ... you NEVER look like a hobbit. I'm happy to hear someone got the reference, or remembers who he was/is. "Jump"... a favorite work-out tune.
      It remains to be seen if the public will see me in real flats. I get nervous if I get too comfortable! Thanks for reading, and your writing!
      Jan

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  11. I love boots with a little heel or wedge , but I usually wear riding boots to work . I love the ones you picked .

    Carrie

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    1. We have a pile of quarter-horses, and I have a pile of old riding boots in the closet, both English and Western styles. I don't wear them as for me, it feeks a little cowgirl-equestrienne-literal. But since I haven't ridden in years, perhaps I should drag them out and put some elbow grease into their appearance. Thanks for the reminder.
      Thanks, and looking forward to your next post!
      Jan

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  12. So cute! Im so happy you found a pair that you love!

    <3Chelsea Elizabeth

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    1. Congrats on your third blog-aversary! Will be joining your many followers soon, when I figure out how to do that ... what an adorable montage of your outfits! Nice to meet you! Thanks for reading.
      Jan

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  13. Faux-flat... lol! Cool-looking boots, I look forward to seeing them on you!

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    1. Yeah, well... the Huz took photos yesterday, but I was not thrilled. Will show because I made such a big deal about these boots, but won't do it happily.
      Thanks for reading, and your blog!
      Jan

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  14. Lovely flat boots you got there.. The only way to run around shopping for more and more boots!

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    1. Oh, too true. Boots really are my downfall ... I've ridden all of my life, and have lots of those boots to prove it. They are just so evocative, just this side of costume.
      Thanks for reading, and glad to hear from you.

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