My closet has remained relatively consistent for the last decade. I don’t hop on every trend like in my college days when I’d take on a new personality with every outfit. I know what I like and stick to it. Most of my wardrobe purchases I’ve made on a whim usually ends up in a bout of buyers remorse. The items often get returned within 48 hours and my indecision to buy anything becomes more crippling.
The moment I locked eyes with a pair of bold green Steve Madden ankle boots on my IG feed, I saw myself. Not the Amanda who reaches for the same 3-4 outfits out of habit but the bold expressive Amanda who took fashion risks and got excited to dress up for no reason at all. I missed that girl.
A screenshot in my camera roll of the emerald kicks dates back to last September. Eight months later I added them to my birthday wishlist (thanks, Mom). My usual rule of thumb when thrifting is if I’m still thinking about them the next day, to go back for it. When purchasing new, I try to extend the rule to a more intentional timeline. The approach is serving me well.
Christmas came in the Summer. Ripping open the package was similar to being five again and sliding on my tap shoes for the first time. To the annoyance of my parents, I’d click around our tile floor for hours. My instinct was right to size-up. The block heel and extra wiggle room made the leather “break in” period totally manageable. An hour or two of wearing them around the house with thick socks melded them to my feet effortlessly. I guess it also helped that I would throw them on to walk the dog or go to the park. They came with me on errands. I gained a noticeable pep in my step doing the most mundane activities and an excitement that I didn’t remember clothes could bring out in me. Comfort and great quality aside, I was impressed with the vibrant color that was true to the photo on Steve Madden’s site. The great thing about western style boots is they often look cooler the longer you have them. A little dirt and wear and tear will do them good. In the meantime, I love the brightness they bring to every outfit. The steel-toe adds a badness-ness. They elevate my most basic monochrome outfits into a playful more put-together look. I’ll be making an excuse to wear them year-round.
With my cherished long-time coming green birthday boots, I’ve racked up more compliments on them than I have any other item in my wardrobe. I walk into a room with a little more pizazz. A moving conversation starter. Everyone deserves a go-to statement piece that gives them confidence to shake up their sleepy wardrobe. Fashion should be fun. Find your version of green boots and wear them proudly. You look fab!
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