NAS Round 4: Sweet...or silly?

I felt pretty confident about most of my NAS purchases. But there are a few that I'm not so sure about and I could use your help! 

First, the Angie Pick Aquatalia Sweetie boot. This is actually my SECOND try with these beauties. I bought last year's version, the "Ora" (which appears virtually identical to me) -- and brought them all the way back to Canada -- only to return them as an unnecessary extravagance. I had managed to locate two pairs of knee high boots that fit, one dressy and one more casual  -- an amazing achievement considering my short and slightly narrow calves -- and I thought those would fill the boot hole all on their own. 

It must have been some time in January when I realized how much I could use a more casual, weatherproof, easy-on/ easy-off boot. I mean, I don't just want one. I NEED one. Sometimes, fussing with zippers when you come in the door just isn't fun. And sometimes you want your pants to be the star of the show, not your boots. Knee highs call attention to themselves. :) 

Yes, I have my snow boots. But ...yeah. Those are snow boots! (In other words, they're gear). And when it isn't downright snowy, I'd like a non-gear boot that is still casual enough for every day and lets me get in and out quickly. 

So, here they are again. 

I got these boots in the larger of my two sizes, as I often do with casual boots -- so that I can fit an insole or a thicker sock. They're comfortable, so that's not an issue. The workmanship and quality is great. 

The problem is...I think they look a bit odd on me. It's probably because my calves are so short. I feel as if they cut me off at an unflattering place. It's a proportion thing. So I wonder whether I might do better to hunt for a waterproof casual bootie instead of a mid-calf boot? Then again, a sweet in the hand is worth two in the bush. Who knows if I will find such a bootie? 

The other issue: They are black. With my light hair, do I really want another pair of black boots? I already have black knee high boots. These are by far my most worn knee high boots -- but that is less on account of their colour and more due to their level of formality -- they're neither super dressy nor super casual. I also have black booties and ink booties. 

Here they are with skinnies (pic 1), boyfriends (pic 2), from the side with skinnies (pic 3) and last year's version (Oro) and this year's (Sweetie) going toe to toe in a close up. :) 

If you made it all this way, I'd love your thoughts. 

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46 Comments

  • claracluck replied 9 years ago

    since you will be wearing them mostly outdoors why not try them with a winter topper / coat to play with the proportions abit  or maybe black pants just so your eye can adjust  to the height of the boots.I am by no means the expert but I really like the boots on you.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Clara -- good points. I do have a couple of photos taken last year with black pants and the winter coat I'd usually wear with them, for reference. Also with a skirt, not that I would probably wear them with a skirt. 

    In real life I would wear with jeans more often than anything else. 

  • claracluck replied 9 years ago

    they look great especially in three I say yay.

  • marianna replied 9 years ago

    Well, I have last year's version and I can tell you these are amazing boots. I wore them all winter long and they held up like champs (and we had a BAD winter in Chicago). Truly waterproof and I felt confident walking on snow/ice.

    Besides the fact that they're functional, I think they look great on you! I totally understand the bit of awkwardness with a mid-calf boot, but they do not look weird, especially as you've styled them with low contrast pants and tights -- perfect!

    I vote sweet :)

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    I like them with the jeans and black pants, Suz. It sounds like they would be really useful for you.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 9 years ago

    I think they look a little (only a very little) bit bulky and maybe draw the eye down for that reason.

    But I totally get the desire to have easy on/ off boots and clothing for winter!

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    I think they look amazing and they bookend your coat nicely.  Your puffer is also dark, correct?  I'd say they are keepers.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Well I've looked and looked at the pictures and I think they look incredible on you. I think the mid calf height is very flattering but it is a height that you need to get used to. I don't think they shorten your leg line and actually I think they look ok with the skirt as well.

    I think for snow they are better than ankle booties.

  • frannieb replied 9 years ago

    I here everything you are saying about easy on and off boots that are not gear.  MN had a brutal winter last year. I think they look great however I err on the side of being warm and dry over completely high fashion. But then again I spend about 60 minutes outside during various duties for school between, greeting buses, lunch duty and dismissing busses.

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    I like these boots for you- if you do! They are great for a cold climate with skinny and straight leg pants and may well peek out nicely from a bootcut on a rare dry day. I live in a cold, often snowy climate and like higher booties (as opposed to tall boots) on most days. I find tall boots confining for daily wear and driving. Somehow booties and mid-calf boots are practical with casual looks. YMMV and the investment isn't trivial, so I wouldn't keep them if there was no appeal. I think the proportions are lovely on you. Good luck with your decision.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I think they look great!  No weird cut-off point in my opinion.   Photos 4 and 5 are too dark on my computer to see any detail/difference in height/design etc. I have a pair of moto boots like this that I have worn consistently for the past 4 years. (so easy to kick off and pull on with one hand , or no hands :)   I find they can look casual, a little funkier/dressier, and even styled much dressier with the right pieces.  I know we share the same kind of winter climate (although I think Wpg takes the prize for the worst snow and ice)  and I personally feel we can't have too many pair of good looking functional boots and coats.  

  • kerry replied 9 years ago

    Love them! Super cute AND super practical. I think they're very flattering on your leg and definitely look balanced with winter bulk on top. Love the in-between height - easier than knee high and warmer and drier than ankle bootie - perfect boot - sweet :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I really like them on you, Suz! I don't see any issues at all with the height. They look fantastic with your jeans, and I like last year's with the skirt and your coat, too.
    If you've pined for them since last year, I'd go ahead and keep them. You won't need them for a while, so you can still return them a little later if you change your mind.

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    I would not worry about bookending these with your hair as when you wear these, it will mostly be with your navy coat which bookends these well. 
    The proportion looks slightly off because of the mid-calf shaft height and a little bit of bulkiness. I would not return these as I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I would say keep.

  • Parsley replied 9 years ago

    I love them on you, Suz!
    Maybe I'm biased, because I have some very similar Stuart Weitzman boots from last year that I ended up wearing almost to the exclusion of all my other boots. I found the height very versatile and flattering. They worked with casual dresses and jeans, and were the main footwear I wore for walking all over Paris last winter. Aquatalias are such great boots, and will be super practical for your climate.
    I vote KEEP! I think you'll be glad you did.

  • Aquamarine replied 9 years ago

    I really like them with the jeans/pants, not so much with the skirt (but you have that covered with your other boots). I have trouble with this height of boot too, but honestly these look good *and* practical.

  • DonnaF replied 9 years ago

    I'm not a boot wearer, but my DD swears by mid-calf boots for shorties because she feels they don't overwhelm or dominate the way that tall boots can.  These look great on you!  [And if I were a generous parent, I'd probably get these for her.  Ah, but I'm not.]

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    They look fine with darker pants and jeans and OK with the skirt and black tights. Honestly I am not in love with the style itself (which was one of the reasons I returned them yesterday). Ideally I would prefer a lower shaft - bootie style - or this height but more fitting on the leg - but it would mean a zipper or laces and you do not want to fasten those boots as I understand.

    As casual mid-calf boots go they are great and worth considering if you like the style. Their practicality is beyond question!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    LOL, DonnaF!! You'd have to be a super-generous parent. Even the sale price is a bit steep! But yeah...I think they might be worth it. 

    Thanks, everyone, for your input. I think maybe this is a case of my eye needing to adjust. Parsley, your experience travelling with similar boots is telling (I travel a LOT), and it's also interesting to note that yes, as Firecracker says, I've been thinking of them ever since last winter or I would not have re-ordered. Marianna, it really helps to hear how they served you last winter! Shannon and LisaP, as 'Peggers" you two know serious winter, so your views hold weight! And Mona, I think you're right -- the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for my lifestyle. So this year, I think I will KEEP!  :) 

    Thanks for the help -- I will experiment with them a bit and keep track of how often they get worn!  This does not rule out a brown or taupe weather proof bootie, after all. My other footwear purchases will be a bare minimum this year -- I really stocked up on footwear last year.  :)

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Yes, Sveta...this is exactly it. And I am not sure. But I guess they are so practical that it's worth experimenting to find out what I think. 

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    The only real difference that I can see is that the buckle is on the side in the new boots, and it appears to be at the back in the boots from last year. I think they look good with your jeans which, as you stated, is what you would mostly wear them with. What color coats do you have? They look good with the coat you are wearing in the pic. I wouldn't go any shorter in a boot because of walking in the snow - any shorter and the snow will get inside. And I totally get you about not wanting to fuss with zippers when coming inside - I hate having to do that. Slip on snow boots that are gear but don't look like gear - a total win in my book. 

    Do you have coats that would look better with brown boots? I am assuming these don't come in brown. Is there room for two boots if you find a pair in brown? As long as you're OK with the color, I think these boots are a yes.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Killer Slam dunk to my eye. I like all the ways you've styled them, Suz. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thank you, Angie. As ever, your approval seals the deal!  :)

    Karie, you are  SOOOOOOO observant!!!

    And so right!! The buckle is on the back in this year's version. (Is this like those "name five things that are different in the photo" things we give to little kids???) 

    You know what? I actually like them better with the buckle on the back (which is this year's version.) So maybe that's why I unconsciously held out last year. Now I have the perfect version for me. :) 

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    I suspect you've decided to keep.  I was going to add that it's telling that you bought them twice.

  • Alana in Canada replied 9 years ago

    Yay, I am so glad you are keeping these! I am glad to hear this height is back in style, too. I had a pair this height for many years--until they just fell apart.

  • Marley replied 9 years ago

    I remember when you tried these last year, they confused me - and they confuse me now!  Are you planning to wear these as snow boots? - or indoor fashion boots?  If snow boots, I think they're fine - but if fashion boots, then I think they look really bulky and too much like snow boots!  Hahahaha!  I'm confusing myself!

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    Ah, yes, I had the boots mixed up - the ones from this year have the buckle on the back. I like that better too.

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    I think they look great on you and the recommendations from people who wore them last Winter carry a lot of weight. You have to be happy with them and ultimately only you can tell if they are right for you.
    They are very similar to last year's boots but I think the Sweeties seem to have a rounder toe.
    Now I have to finish deciding about mine... They are comfortable but the top of the boots stained my stockings and that is something I don't like...

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    I think they look good. It is a kind of moto vibe. I think a little chunkiness comes with the territory for the functionality, and the eye adjusts to expect that, especially in context( winter in Canada).
    I'll bet once you have them you'll reach for them often.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Well I am glad that is all decided so I can just admire. I have a feeling they will be a workhorse for you Suz!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    unfrumped, yes -- they are meant to look a bit like a moto boot. That's the inspiration for the design, I'm sure. 

    Joyce, that is interesting about the stains. And unfortunate! I also wondered if the toe was rounder this year?! But when I look at the online photo it does not seem so. Still, I remember that I immediately liked last year's toe  -- and  wasn't sure about this year's -- so I suspect you might be right. I'll be curious to know what you decide. 

    Karie -- that's right. You'rs still super observant, though! 

    Marley -- in my life, there's no such thing as an "indoor fashion boot."  I don't wear boots indoors, period. 

    Seriously...I work at home. My indoor life is pretty much led in slippers!!  

    (Okay, occasionally I might go to the grocery store, the dentist, out to lunch or to the theatre and keep my boots on. But if I go to somebody else's house I'd be taking them off. Just as I would take them off at home.)

    Because when I do go out, I go out on foot -- walking. I live in a snowy, icy, slushy, cold climate. We have winter from the start of November until the end of April. (Different levels of winter -- but believe me, it's all winter!) That means that in inclement weather (i.e. most weather where I live) my boots get pretty yucky. Meaning nobody wants me tramping into their house wearing them -- least of all me! :) 

    Fashion booties are my go-to from September until whenever the snow starts to fly -- some time in early December (if we're lucky). From then on, it's boots all the way until the end of March (or later). 

    SNOW boots are Sorels or Kamiks. Boots that take serious serious snow and -40C temperatures. Those are for deep winter. 

    So the Sweeties are, I guess what you might call OUTDOOR "fashion" boots of a sort to the likes of me. You know, for those days when it is not actively snowing, the sidewalks have been plowed, it's not seriously icy or slushy, but it might snow or sleet or rain while I am outdoors. And when I want to look okay, and not like I am wearing actual gear. 

    Does that make any sense? I suspect it's like talking another language....

    Beth Ann, you're right. And Alana, who knows if they are "in." But if the shoe works....  :)

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    They look great on you and will be practical for your weather! I am glad you decided to keep.

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    "Outdoor fashion" boots makes total sense to me, Suz; it's what you wear when you need just a bit of protection from the elements; real winter, on the other hand, tosses fashion out the window because your only concern is staying warm, dry, and upright when you walk outside your house. "Outdoor fashion" boots are our chance to wear "normal" winter boots.

    These boots will fill that niche, Suz, as long as they thrill your "fashion" side as much as your practical side. They are a bit different than your regular style, which might be making you pause, but the fact that you are drawn enough to order them a second time speaks volumes. I'd say give them a chance to make you happy this winter.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Logging in quickly to say you MUST keep! Love! I added a Frye pair of similar height a couple years ago and they actually got more wear than my tall boots that year. So versatile. You will love them. Keep for sure!!!

  • ElleH replied 9 years ago

    Love them on you. I wanted to try them on but they look too similar to my Frye Veronica slouch.

  • Inge replied 9 years ago

    The outdoor fashion boot description makes so much sense to me, Suz. And I'm glad you are keeping the Sweeties. I love them on you. Yes, they aren't the most streamlined boots, but that's part of their appeal. I like that they have a moto boot vibe, but the quilting makes it more refined and dressy casual, if you know what I mean. Moto-inspired boots have that slightly bulkier look, and I really like that. Works great with heavier Winter coats and trousers and jeans. They look great with your jeans tucked in, and they will look great with your black trousers too (I also loved how last year's boots looked with the skirt, so I've no doubt you can wear the Sweeties with skirts and dresses too).

    I think you have just got yourself a super versatile pair of boots! (and you are going to love being able to switch between knee-high and calf-length boots. Yay for variety during the long Winter)

  • Marley replied 9 years ago

    Oh wow - I think I get it!  Outdoor fashion boots - perfect!  I had never thought about those in-between winter days when its not seriously snowing and blowing - but, its not dry sidewalks, streets, etc. either!  I know that I am so "pampered" living in So Cal - when I stayed with my mom (who lives in the mid-west)  last winter for 3 months I was completely clueless as to how to dress my feet - both indoors and outdoors!  These boots make complete sense to me now Suz - glad you're giving them a whirl!  (But, really glad that I don't need to worry my pretty little head about how to survive such extreme weather conditions!)  :-)

  • MsLuna replied 9 years ago

    Suz, I really like these boots on you! I don't think there's anything off about the proportions or where the boots hit your calves. You were able to create a longer leg line with these, particularly with the black bottoms. I like them - gives your look a casual and slightly tough vibe!

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    Late to the party. :). Sounds like you decided to keep them, and I am sure hey will be workhorses for you.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ha, Marley, some time I will come to So. Cal and learn the ins and outs of fashion there. I hope!! Ah, what bliss to be able to decide on footwear based purely on your outfit -- rather than the other way around. 

    Thanks for the kind words, all -- I'll keep 'em and see if I can make them work. :)

  • san replied 9 years ago

    I think they look great on you and the proportions are good.  I hope mine look that good on me.

  • Lisa replied 9 years ago

    I like these and vote keep.  In your climate I don't think one can go wrong with lots of boots and even duplicating colors (tall black, short black, bootie black, etc).  While there are always colors, I have noticed that far too often the best made boots that are stylish and truly can handle poor weather, only come in black or brown.  And I don't mind the midshaft height.  I think it's refreshing from a short boot and a tall boot.  Plus mid height should also work with a bootcut jean over it, and/or a boyfriend jean tucked into it.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Ok, so I confess to thinking they looked like, um, weatherproof boots. Haha. But they are weatherproof boots. So now everything is right and proper in my mind. Definitely hot.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I'm super late here but am glad you're keeping them.  They look better than last year's model.  Last year's did not fit as well in the calf.

    Wishing I had use for something like this… wait… maybe I do!?

    No No No… Short winters … NO!
    :-o

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    I'm also glad that you are keeping them.  We have mostly outdoor fashion boot weather where boots for some sort also help provide warmth.  Maybe I should be looking into this length rather than knee high? 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Joy, if you wear a lot of pants or jeans in the winter, this length might be an easier fit for you than knee length -- it doesn't matter so much if your calf is slim because they can't fit tight in the first place. I guess they might look fun with a mini skirt but you and I are unlikely to wear that, so they are basically a pant boot. If that is okay with you -- why don't you order them to see? At the sale price they are a superb bargain, no question. 

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