Pix-Elated

So, like Viva, I am in search of new snow boots. My beloved Kamik Brooklyns were just too small in one size and too big in the next size up -- I had to let them go to a new home. They were not the most stylish boots on the block and they didn't have great treads, so were not ideal on ice, but they were lightweight and rated to -40C !!! That's one seriously warm boot!

Anyway, you don't want to know the number of styles I have tried on and sent back. Either the fit was wrong, or the style, or both. Sorels are an absolute no-go on me -- they just don't fit me properly, or at least the snow boots don't. The Tivoli comes closest and it doesn't quite work, plus it isn't super warm so probably not best for my climate anyway.  

I have had Baffins and Santanas and Kamiks and Merrells and Columbias and Pajars and heaven only knows how many brands on my feet. 

Last week I ordered a few new options to try -- in Finds below. Well, lo and behold, any of them might actually do! All have some pluses and minuses, but all fit quite well, feel comfortable, and work with my slate grey puffer coat. They will also work with the new short puffer I have ordered on super sale as my "fun" winter jacket. 

At the moment, I'm most inclined to keep the Ugg Adirondack. It is the most expensive (though all were on sale when I purchased, so the price is more reasonable than it often is.) It is also beautifully made and the fit seems best for me. The only notable downside I can see is that it is a bit harder to get on and off -- but on my foot/ calf not noticeably harder than the Timberland. A zippered boot (like the Santana) is of course easier to get on and off -- but water can come in the zip. 

If you have experience of these boots, do you think they are warm enough for my climate? They are rated to -20C. We get days colder than that at times, though not many as a rule. I wear my boots for shovelling snow and such, but mostly for walking. And I walk miles at a time so I need real comfort. I do have a short hiking snow boot that I wear for snowshoeing and other types of outdoor sport activities. But in town I prefer a taller boot to tuck my jeans into.

Would love to hear from anyone who has purchased them, pluses and minuses! 

Thank you!! 

Angie, thanks again for posting your reflections on your evolving style. I learn so much from hearing about your process and engaging in a bit of reflection of my own. And thanks to everyone else who has done the same; I've enjoyed reading about where you are in your fashion (and other) journeys.  

This will be long, so if you don't want to read, please do not. I like to write it all down to make better sense of it. 

2015 was a year of many changes for me. I quit my full time job, picked up additional contract work, and travelled to Israel, China, the west and east coasts of Canada, and to Iowa. I also made monthly shorter trips to places such as Toronto, Stratford, Montreal, Ottawa, and more. I went back to school as a (much older) student and as part of that arrangement I also returned part-time to teaching. I tried to continue with my creative work. I parented a teen (enough said!!). We also (quite suddenly) ended up caring for and housing another teen for several months -- one we do not know well and who has significant problems. He is living with us again temporarily as I write.  And this summer, my mother died in a matter of days following a brutal fall and knock to her head; I had to rush home from China to be with her. 

It has been a lot to bear, and to tell the truth, I wasn't able to put fashion at the top of my list. Luckily, my wardrobe was up to the challenge. 2015 was the "year of the working wardrobe" for me, thanks to YLF. I did edit, prune, shop, and augment my closet. But for months and months at a time I just enjoyed what I had and made it work together. Basically, I concentrated all shopping into about four short periods (for seasonal needs) and apart from that, didn't bother. 

On Deb's  recent post I noted that I made 47 purchases (not counting undies and gear or jewellery). I also retired 32 or 33 items. So while I haven't quite reached the point of one-in-one-out, it's clear that my wardrobe is finally assuming an appropriate size for my needs. (For those who are new, I've been on YLF for five years and have been building a wardrobe from the ground up after significant weight loss. I had to buy everything -- and I've had to develop a style persona as well. Obviously, I have made some mistakes and missteps on the way and have had to wait to make some purchases.)

I feel pretty good about the size and functionality of my closet and my evolving style. I have somewhere between 120 and 140 items for my 4 season climate (including coats and footwear) and that seems to be working quite well. I certainly don't need more; I could possible reduce a bit -- but I do enjoy this variety and nothing goes completely unworn (although obviously some pieces get less frequent wear). 

Here again are some of my favourite outfits and purchases for the year, in no particular order. 

Thanks, everyone, for your support and fashion advice over the past year! It's so great to come here to share the fun of a new purchase, the frustration of a fashion fail, or the joy of a tried and true combination that never lets me down. You are all inspirations! 

I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts about where I might be headed in 2016!