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Sexy Boots. Cringe!

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Sexy Boots. Cringe!

But really, a little lift is sometimes necessary during layering season.

Becky Malinsky
Feb 19
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Sexy Boots. Cringe!

5thingsyoushouldbuy.substack.com

While I love the cold, I also run cold. Rarely is there a time in the winter when I need to de-layer at a restaurant or so much as wear an open neckline, god forbid a breeze touch my bare skin. Because of this constant full coverageness from the chin down to the wrists, it can be easy to feel a lack of femininity in getting dressed or just a faint closed-off-ishness. Does this make sense? This, I believe, can be solved by a little (actually not so little) lift.

Yes, the term sexy boots makes me cringe, but the feeling I get when putting them on seems to be just the February antidote I’m looking for. I am not sure I’m doing the feeling justice, but just trust me, they spark a micro flame inside, and make me walk taller, figuratively. And literally.

I plan to pack them for Paris Fashion Week, but also have been and will be wearing them to every dinner out from now until April. Below: the pair I committed to (and the many reasons why), how I’m wearing them, plus four more I endorse. Happy strutting!

Saint Laurent scrunchy boots. With my go-to winter dinner outfit. Skinny jeans + a black jacket with gold buttons. Mine is vintage but this is cute! And this one too! YES, SKINNY JEANS! I do not discriminate. :)

Now, these are high. They are not “comfortable”. Though they aren’t actually all that uncomfortable either. But the point is, I’m not trying to forget about my feet here. My feet’s job in winter (sometimes) are to remind me I am a woman. Don’t worry, a lower heeled option at the bottom.

Uniqlo blazer (belted of course as the French girls do), Paco Rabanne gingham pants. A solid pink alternate that looks super nice.

I zeroed in on this pair because I can’t get enough of the the “scrunchy” boot look. I have been contemplating one for a few years, enthralled with the French Vogue team who has worn them for decades, declaring that they never went out of style to begin with (for those out there saying…wait is it 2002 again!?) I put them to the back of my mind during Covid, when I didn’t leave home for two years. But since I’m still swooned by the style, felt it was time to commit. And no one does a sexy boot better than Saint Laurent, amirite?

With blousoning pants. Here, our favorite Tory pants!! The winter red sweater from our holiday dressing list and a shearling, to make the heels look effortless. My shearling is sold out sadly, but I also love this one.

You may be wondering about the whole ‘Taste vs. Style’ thing. These typically are not actually my style or my taste. A wildcard! Which is partially why I like them so much… I think. They are totally out of left field, and a wildcard can sometimes be the spark you need. So don’t be too rigid with it all. Emotion is at least 72% of the reason why I love to get dressed as it is. And they definitely make me feel something!

For work with a blazer and dress…or like…for a special work occasion. This blazer happens to be Sportmax. But really Acne’s are perfect. A Paco Rabanne dress. A similar black dress with extra extra lace trim here, Jadore! Our favorite white Tshirt and jet black tights.
Plus long coat, so you can see how nice they look for out and about.

They are great with tights and a dress for some serious daytime fun (above) or like…literally instead of Blundstones! (below). LOL!

Pair with your favorite pregnancy sweater (not pregnant, this is leftover from my pregnancy!) or your husband’s cashmere, silk scarf, and VOILA! *My sweater is the Row in a size large but this is also a great one.

One of the great things about heeled boots, I’ve found, while putting together all my winter outfits with them, is that they seem to make all the other “classic must have” things in your closet - that have felt stagnant for a while - come alive again. Like your black blazer. Slip dress. Black skinny jeans. I mean, all things that you have at one point told yourself: “I should really buy a ____” but maybe you haven’t enjoyed wearing in years. Case in point. Slipdress below. Simple blazer, black tee and skinny jeans below that.

With the same big sweater. Any slipdress you have, and I know you have one! And your trendiest bag. :)
Classic blazer (similar here), my fancy t-shirt (are you sick of hearing about it yet?) and the same skinnies.

Also….you can go reallllly simple with them. Just added my Dorsey necklace and a black cami.

Just add diamonds (or diamond-like product.) With my same skinnies and a super duper dark navy Uniqlo +J blazer. But your black blazer or tuxedo jacket will do the trick.
Outfit is simple…getting the shot is not. Enjoy me literally falling over trying to get the boots and necklace in the same frame.

And when all else fails…just take a page from the ever eye rolly French girl handbook!

Also enjoyable. Embracing “French style” cliches! Would love to wear this to a cocktail! Someone quick, invite me somewhere! Me+Em cardigan, St. John skirt, sheer tights.

The goods

My beauties

And of course, since this is five things…four more interesting pair to consider if you won’t wear something that high. or hate a point. or are looking for something tall. yada yada yada.

Knee highs! With a low heel. The severity of this shine and croc stamp and height make the low heel work. I was actually looking at a different Toteme pair for this letter when friend of 5 Things Sabina S. showed me what was UP when she arrived at our coffee date in these, black skinnies and a shaggy sweater. So chic.
If you’re looking for more of a 90s platform vibe like friend of Five Things Tanya M. This Souliers Martinez pair is such an elegant shape without looking garish.
Paris Texas super slouchy boots. For the advanced slouchers. Always worn amazingly well by friend of Five Things Valentina Collado.
No street-ish style for you here. Just a great easy to wear sexy boot! I love her. Discussed at length with friend of 5 Things Lily S. Her sizing is very limited so here are a few different sites with select sizing. Net A Porter, FWRD, Moda Operandi, Nordstrom

That’s all for today folks. Sorry I’m making your feet uncomfortable again. But it really is fun every once in a while, no? We’re alive!

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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NOTE: I use affiliate links when applicable which means I may get a small commission from things you buy (no cost to you!) Thank you for supporting my work and trusting me with your shopping! I do not take it lightly.

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Sexy Boots. Cringe!

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9 Comments
Jen
Feb 19Liked by Becky Malinsky

I enjoyed this post even though I don’t see myself venturing into sexy-boot territory again anytime soon. But totally feeling that need for a thing that makes me walk a bit taller and is not my usual style and bc of that is exactly right :)

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s v
Feb 21

Still pondering what kind of elevated boot to wear with wide leg pants…

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