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How To Buy A Good Pair of Boots

(Featured Boots from 6pm.com: J-41 Venture, Yellow Box Citywalk, Soho Lab Mischa, Carabou Inboot, Dolce Vita Green, Oh Deer Rachels)

6pm.com has some incredible featured deals right now, including:

• Winter jackets, 50% off
• Crocs at $11.50
• Vans and Heely's at up to 50% off

Don't forget that you can order up to December 16th and have your things shipped by regular mail to receive them by Christmas!

My favorite thing to buy from 6pm.com is a pair of boots (okay, maybe two), so I brought you some boot fit tips for finicky shoe choosers! Sometimes it can be hard to get the right fit for winter shoes (they just seem bulkier and harder to manage), but I have a few suggestions that usually work for me.

1. Pregnancy, weight change, exercise routines, and age can all change your shoe size. While it's not an absolute necessity to get your feet measured, be sure to check and see how your shoes (your "usual size") fit.

2. Did you know that socks can add bulk to your shoes to the tune of a half size? Even tights and nylons can make your boots feel tighter.

3. Consider ordering up if you are between two shoe sizes.

4. Your foot should feel somewhat snug in your boot, except for the heel, which will seem a little bit loose and slide. The "sliding" feeling that you feel with your new footwear will disappear when the leather begins to conform to your feet.

5. Check the ball of your feet, which is the diest point. This should correspond to the widest point of the shoe. If the ball of the foot is positioned too high up in the shoe, then it will add crowding to toe area and will make for a more uncomfortable fit.

6. Don't be afraid if the vamp of the shoe, or the instep, fits close to your feet. That is normal, and it actually should have a closer fit than that of a regular shoe.

7. Sometimes you buy a pair of boots in the "right" size, but they feel slightly strange: either floppy, loose, or with a few areas that rub. Before you return your boots,consider whether or not the minor spots of wear and tear are solvable with inserts like gel incoles and moleskin.

8. The more you wear your boots, the more comfortable they will be!

Getting a Little Country: Bootbarn.com!

I'm not much of a cowboy boot person, but after having a quick look through the Boot Barn, I have already decided that I've really been missing out! From leather fringes to super-slouchy suede, I would say that I am onto something new here!

(Oak Tree Farms' Rodeo Boots)

These soft suede boots are a comfortable, cool option when you're feeling overwhelmed by all your plain leather footwear. From Oak Tree Farms, they are incredibly affordable at around $60-- and yes, they are real suede!

(Seychelles "Gravel" Boots)

An unusual pair of boots for sure in a mottled gray, you'll be eyeing these to add to your collection. Fun and festive, with a decorative floral pattern, these boots are a fun way to play up the grays and blacks in your wardrobe, while still mixing in some really exciting colors as accents.

(Frye Veronica "Slouch" Boots)

Slouch boots are a hot style for anyone looking for a new pair of shoes to match with dark jeans or a prim striped summer tee from J. Crew or the like. From the start of early fall onwards, these cool boots will probably end up making the rounds in your closet.

(Frye Jane Stitched Boots)

Frye Boots in general are a little more expensive than the usual boots you'll find at the Boot Barn, but that's because these boots will probably last as long as you can stand to keep them. If your boots tend to be too wide on you, these ones are a nice medium width to fit close to your feet.

(Chippewa Women's Snake Boots)

Don't be deceived by the name of these boots-- they have an elegant, equestrian vibe that's actually designed to protect your legs from thistles and animals. Even though these boots look surprisingly hefty, they are specifically designed to be lightweight.

(Oak Tree Farms "Fringe" Boots)

These boots are my top pick of the day, and there's a distinct possibility that I'll be buying them shortly. With side fringe that looks very much like the more expensive, designer type, these boots are a fantastic deal. They are under $100, too! They'd look amazing with slim leggings and jeans in dark colors and a gorgeous tunic.

(Oak Tree Marisol Boots)

Not all boots are rough-and-tumble! These ones from Oak Tree Farms have a fun whimsical style that I'm thinking about pairing with slinky going out dresses. With a slightly more studier shape (a rounder toe and close-fitting calf area), and the price is definitely right at just a little over $100.

Ready for a Change? Start with Your Feet

Winter: Longer Boots

If you’ve been wearing boots since fall maybe it’s time to take advantage of the sales and go for over the knee boots to add to your collection. While thigh high boots do have a tendency to highlight your legs, they can be a lot more friendly than you’d think. Try to wear them with more layers and cropped jackets to lengthen your legs and add balance to your long boots. Laced-up equestrian style boots look elegant on tall women, while bold smooth suede flatters a wide range of heights and body types.

How to Wear Yours
-Try your over the knee boots in flats. You’ll avoid all thoughts of Pretty Woman by staying sensible and jaunty. You’ll find that you’ll wear them in a lot faster, and you’ll find more places to wear your over the knee boots.
-Maximize your wardrobe by choosing wisely. Some boots can be folded down below the knee. Wear yours with a funky wrap dress and tights,, or folded down over distressed denim.

Spring: New Styles to Anticipate
And on to next season! Spring’s footwear is already giving me tingles, and if you’re into planning your wardrobe a little in advance, then here are some top spring shoe trends to get geared for.

Flamboyant designs rule as conversation pieces for every wardrobe. One pair of trendy 2007 peep toes will dress up even your tired black work trousers, so for those of us on a budget, it’s a perfect opportunity to freshen your look if you’re on a budget. H&M’s shoe collection is looking totally on trend , so here are a few look to get ready for:

Button Detailed Boots
Heavier heels and a soft rounded toe make these boots top my list. In a lower ankle height, they’re perfect for dinners come springtime. The round buttons add a tiny touch of Victoriana, so to avoid overkill, stick to slightly more refined styles to highlight your boots and not swamp them.

Perforated Pumps
Slightly silly but young and fresh, they’re perfect shoes for a barbecue or a fun event on the weekend. They’re a nice departure from serious sandals and pumps, and with a peep toe, will add a tiny touch of sex appeal.

Simple Slingbacks
Work classics at their best, H&M’s sling backs for 2007 will be a permanent placement in our wardrobe. Low, square heels and a closed toe will work well with tailored styles and pencil skirts. Wear yours with an understated clutch to let your footwear do the talking.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni