Surviving Winter: A Good Pair of Boots

Posted on January 24, 2012 by emsarconi

Today we’re going to start from the ground up, meaning today is all about shoes (my favorite topic). See when it’s snowy and icy, you can’t just wear your tennis shoes (or as they call them in Canada, runners). They aren’t warm enough and you’ll just fall on your butt. My first year, I went out to buy my first pair of winter boots and ended up with something so ugly, I literally only wore them on the coldest of cold days. I don’t want that to happen to you. There are attractive snow boots out there, but you might have to search for them.

When purchasing said boots, or searching for said boots, I’ve found that there are three essential questions you must ask yourself and one thing to consider.

First: are they sewn into the sole? Can you see stitches? If not, that means they’re glued and you probably don’t want that because they are less waterproof than stitches. I wouldn’t consider this a hard and fast rule, but it’s definitely a deciding factor for me.

Second: what is the traction like? Do they have nice, thick, preferably rubber soles? No? Maybe not the best option for winter.

Third: how tall are they? I would say the taller the better. Again, not a hard and fast rule, and might be a issue of personal preference, but lets just say when that truck plows through that puddle, you want to tall tall boots to protect your nice pants.

Lastly, when purchasing boots consider insulation. Those ugly boots I bought first year where lined with faux fur, and of course there is the obvious choice of buying a pair of Uggs, but I would seriously advise against Uggs as a winter boot. Yes, they are cozy and warm but they also get salt stains like no other and have no traction.

1. Are they sewn into the base?

2. Good traction

3. Tall (this is a preference)

4. Insulated is better

Here are some ideas:

(Pepperlime, DSW, Doc Martens, LL.Bean)

My Doc Martens have become my favorite pair of shoes ever. They are so comfortable, keep my feet dry and prevent me from falling on my butt all the time.

Hope you’re enjoying the snow! I sure am!

Good Day Sir!

Posted on October 8, 2011 by emsarconi

So normally I don’t post on Saturday because I have things to do and I’m sure you lovely people have things to do besides sit on the internet all day (maybe not, no judgment), but yesterday was a little bit crazy. I always spend Canadian Thanksgiving with Nate’s family who live in a mid-sized city outside of Toronto. After my class I had to rush to the bus station to catch a bus out, which conveniently put me right in the middle of rush hour (which should really be called rush-three-hour because that’s how long I was on this bus).

But I’m here now and the scones I made were delicious! Plus, Nate’s parents have cable, a rare luxury in the life of a poor university student.

In the spirit of thanksgiving, falling leaves and pumpkin pie, here are 5 Fabulous Fall Boots (all of which I would be most thankful to receive!).

1. b.o.c by Born Leighton Boot

I want these the most, I think they’re SO lovely. Ugh I would wear them always.

2. Kamlik Rain Boots

I actually own a pair of these babies in that green color above and I LOVE them. They are unbeliavably comfortable and great quality for a pretty reasonable price (made in Canada too!). They come in a lovely array of colors and run a bit small (order a size larger), so they aren’t great if you have big calves, but I would highly recommend them.

3. Beatrice Riding Boots by Jessica Simpson

Nothing beats a great riding boot.

4. Feather by BC Footwear

5. Michael Antonio Solange

I’ve been thinking about these boots a lot. I think they would be a pretty good alternative to the ones at the top, but is the heel too high? I think the heel might be too high…

Have a lovely weekend! and happy thanksgiving to all :)

Something Sparkly

Posted on September 21, 2011 by emsarconi

Even though the first day of fall isn’t until Friday, Toronto seems to have gotten a jump on things with a cozy, gray day of rain. And oddly enough, I’m kinda itching for things to get moving weather-wise. What is this summer/fall limbo?! Where are my piles of leaves, dusky afternoons and streets smelling of wood-fire?! I want to wear all my cozy sweaters, thick socks and one of the bajillion cowl scarves my grandma has knit me over the past six weeks (I literally now have about thirty). I am happily anticipating Thanksgiving and alllll things delicious. Last night, I made whole-wheat apple muffins and tomorrow I’m making a plum cobbler and right now a lovely cup of perfectly brewed tea is sitting by my side.

In a weird way, all the things that come with Toronto fall make me anticipate California Christmas. Does that make sense? I’ve never had a “White Christmas” so Christmas-time in California is like fall in Toronto. All this weather makes something inside me jump up and down and yelp, “Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming!”, even though there are about two-and-a-half months between now and Christmas. It’s kinda cruel, don’t you think? But, when Christmas comes, I get to go home.

In the spirit of Christmas, let’s oogle these gorgeous flats from ModCloth (because I really am in truly, madly, deeply, in love with them and wish I had 40 dollars to spare *cough Christmas present mom, cough*). They’re like the grown-up version of the ruby slipper-esque flats I used to wear ALL THE TIME as a six year old. I believe I also had them in pink and silver.

Some things never change.