LL Bean Shearling Lined Snow Boots

I first came across the famous LL Bean "Bean boot" when I saw on the local news that they had a backlog of boot orders. I'm going to guess their boots were highly sought after because of last year's crazy snow accumulation in New England. Their boots were in such high demand that it would be summer when they would become caught up on their orders. 

So I placed an order for a pair of the Bean 8" boots with shearling lining back last February, but didn't get the boots until July.  For the last couple of weeks, I've been able to wear them everyday and wanted to give my review on them.  Reviews say they run large so I opted for a size 6 women instead of my usual 6.5. Good thing I did because even the 6 has a little wiggle room which is good because I need the extra space to avoid nasty blisters on the heel and toe area. I left the top two holes unlaced so I can slip them on easily for convenience.  I also like that they don't look to bulky and overwhelming on small framed women. 

Interior of boots

Back of boots, rubber bottoms and tumbled leather upper

Not surprisingly, they are heavy on the foot which I got use to after a few wears.  Maybe a little heavier than the Hunter rain boots.  They keep my feet warm (wearing regular athletic socks) at about 35 (°F) outside but anything colder like today which was 18 (°F) my feet were starting to feel cold.  Not numbing cold but definitely cold. 

 

Optional shearling inserts sold by LL Bean.

The shearling lining is only along the boot shaft so I guess it keeps your ankles warm. The rest of the shoe is lined with a waterproof barrier which has a slight cushion to the heel and toe area. Some people recommend using the shearling insoles but it didn't feel comfortable as it squishes your feet to the top of the boots. So, I took them out and put back the original insoles.

Not too clunky?

Final verdict: Worth purchasing for snowy winter weather. Also backed by LL Bean's lifetime guarantee and feels incredibly durable.  Love that they are made in Maine. Comfort level: From 1-10, I'd give it an 8.5. No blisters after wearing for an entire day which is a plus in my book.

Missing Summer..

What I wore over the summer.. Siwy Camilla Shorts in Loveless and Isabel Marant Dicker Boots in Taupe.  I love pairing these boots with mini skirts and shorts.. I think they look the best with bare legs.  So it's booked.. we are going to Orlando in August before DS starts school! I'm excited.. big changes up ahead and we are moving! :)

Isabel Marant Dicker in Taupe

Ugh, just when I nearly paid off my credit cards, I tack on another item and a couple more.  This time it was somewhat justified since they seem to be the HG of boots this fall.   I took a chance and placed myself on the waitlist at Lake Boutique even though they told me there were already two people ahead of me waiting for the only two pairs they were receiving.  I ended up getting a call last week saying one of the ladies did not reply back! Woot!  Now I've got to make a trip down to the cobbler to get them resoled even though the Dixie has held up pretty well after a few wears.

ETA 6/30/12 The Isabel Marant Dicker Boot is available khaki and black in all sizes at Matches Fashion!  Free worldwide shipping for orders $310 and up with code "FREE06".

Isabel Marant Dicker in Taupe

Chocolate Dixie versus Taupe Dicker

Heel height difference

Other suggestions:





Ash "Jess" Bootie (wishlisted)



Steven by Steve Madden "Pembrook"



Leopard

I totally forgot I bought this pink leopard tank dress from H&M a while back and finally found it while digging through my clothes.  Decided that it was too much leopard and threw on a white tee to turn it into a miniskirt. I put on my Isabel Marant Dixie boots (which I'm still very in love with) and called it a day.

What I'm wearing:

Necklace: Forever 21 here

Tee: Vince size xs similar here

Dress: H&M size xs similar here

Boots: Isabel Marant Dixie (sold out, but closest thing is Anthracite Dickers)

Bag: Balenciaga

Isabel Marant Dixie Boots

I know the Dicker boots are all the rage right now, but I opted for the Dixie because of the lower heel height.  I'm in love! These boots are so versatile and can work with shorts, skinnies, dresses, and skirts.  Ordered them from Matches Fashion and the service was superb. Though I would have loved a pair of the taupe color, I ended up with the brown since it's a little better at being stain resistant. I'm adding black Dickers to my wishlist though!

Sizing: I am usually a 6.5 in American sizing and the 37 fit perfect without socks.  If I wore athletic socks it would probably be too snug.  So for half sizes I recommend going up to the next full size.  Also, the Isabel Marant Dicker boots are back in stock at Matches for only $420 with free shipping.

What I'm wearing:
Boots: Isabel Marant Dixie (sold out) (Dickers available here)

Shorts: Frankie B. here

Cardigan: J Crew Girls size 14 here

Tank: Vince (old)

Necklace: Tom Binns





Jimmy Choo for Ugg Kaia Boots

What is more comfortable than a wearing pair of cozy Ugg boots in brisk and chilly weather? I have been a fan for nearly 6 years and have gone through a few pairs and even ended up giving a couple of pairs to my mom!  Though not as chic as other women's boots like Frye and Loeffler Randall, they will always be number one in comfort with a touch of cuteness.  When they first launched the Jimmy Choo for Ugg line, I thought the $595-$795 price range was way too steep for a pair Uggs especially since regular Uggs will run you less than $200.  Like my friend told me, "they are too bedazzled for me, I'll stick to my regular Uggs."  I agreed that some of them had a bit too much studding on them and were really busy looking.  Of all the styles, I liked the Kaia leopard print the most since it had an interesting blue color and also the least of amount of studs. 

When I heard they were marked down to 40% off, I hesitantly purchased them off the Nordstrom website for about $357.  When I got them in the mail, I was on the fence about keeping them since they were still kind of pricey in my opinion even with the discount.  And so they sat unused for 3 weeks until I made up my mind.  I decided to log on see what else Nordstrom had to offer and noticed that the boots were further marked down to 60% off! I chatted with an online rep and they said they would honor the price adjustment as a one time courtesy since I had passed the allotted time.  Woohoo! So I ended up getting them for $238, and that was when I promptly took them out of the box and wore them out.

So far I'm liking them.  They go well with basic and neutral outfits which I tend to usually wear anyway. They are more sturdier than the traditional Ugg and require an extra 10 seconds of tugging them on since they are slightly stiffer.  The boots feel slightly heavier than regular Uggs probably because the studs, but it's not enough to bother me.  The sheepskin lining is slightly better than the regular Uggs, but still not the same as the models from 2007 and before.  They use a better grosgrain trim than the usual satin ribbon, so overall they are well made.  I'll be looking forward to another collaboration next season if they decide to do another.  What's next? Jimmy Choo and Crocs? I'm only kidding!

Click here to check out the Kaias!

Kaias and I at dusk:)

Olivia Wilde and her Kaia Boots. source tlfan.