OTK Boots for Work

Sweater - J. Crew Factory / Jeans - Gap / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Coat (similar color, similar leather detailing) - Marc New York / Bag - Tory Burch / Necklace (similar) - BaubleBar / Watch - Wristology

In case you were curious, it turns out there is a subtle way to wear OTK boots - pair them with black jeans! As opposed to leather leggings, my black jeans blend with the texture of the boots, which definitely tones them down a bit. In case you were wondering whether or not you could wear OTK boots to work because they can come off a little too sexy, this is definitely the answer!

I actually wore this to work and then to a little date night - last week Jeff and I went to see Les Miserables! This has been the month of theater for us because now we've been twice, and I really don't remember the last time we went to see a show. A production is currently swinging through Chicago, and while I found some of the staging odd I thought all of the actors were phenominal - especially Eponine! I also decided that if I were able to play any character in the show on Broadway, I'd definitely pick Enjolras. Not only does he get some great songs, but he also gets to strut around the stage waving a flag and has an epic death. I'd just have to figure out how you're supposed to pronounce his name...

Before the show, we went to dinner at The Kitchen out on the river. There's such a pretty view from the dining room as the sun goes down! The Kitchen is actually a special restaurant for our family, although I can't think if there's a reason besides that my cousin met her husband when they both worked there. We actually had my grandma's 90th birthday party (two days before our wedding!) there too. The food is always spot on, and last week was no exception.

Before I go, I just wanted to share a little housekeeping - I'm currently completely buried at work thanks to our big annual conference coming up next week, so content might be sporadic for the next week. I say "might" with the hope that I will get some stuff scheduled, but I usually have all of my posts scheduled a week in advance and am currently scrambling to get this written before my self-imposed publishing deadline and have nothing in my drafts pile, so I'm anticipating a bit of a struggle. You can always catch me on Instagram to see what I'm up to - see you around!

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Sometimes I think, "Left side cool, right side not so cool"

Bonus points if you can place this quote ;)

Jacket - J. Crew / Sweater (comes in six colors!) - J. Crew Factory / Leggings - Spanx / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Necklace (similar) - Madewell / Bag - Tory Burch / Earrings (similar) - Charming Charlie

I put this outfit on, and Jeff said, "You look... cool? Is that the right word? Cool?"

So you know, if "looking cool" is your endgame, just pair a pair of (faux) leather leggings and OTK boots together. It's not something I would typically consider for everyday, but the combination instantly elevates my normal sweater/jacket combo in a way that my skinny jeans never could. I just love the texture combo of the semi-shiny leggings with the matte suede boots.

In previous years I've tried coated jeans rather than leather leggings to get the leather look, and while I love coated jeans they just don't seem to be in stores anymore. Leather leggings it is! Coated jeans were nice because they were, in fact, jeans, so you didn't have to worry about wearing them with shorter tops, but leather leggings are awesome because they're so comfortable!

I snagged this pair during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale after hearing great things about them for years, and you guys, they do not disappoint. I was initially concerned because the brand is Spanx. As any girl knows who has worn shapewear, it isn't normally something I'd consider "comfortable" - I was worried these would be super compressing and tight. Definitely not true! They're amazingly stretchy and oh so comfortable. I did go up a size (to an XL) which may be contributing to their comfort level, but they still fit really well.

What have you been up to this week? We went to the Cubs game on Tuesday with a couple of friends, the game was a total bummer but it was still really fun to go. Or at least, I still had fun. I'm not sure the men in our group would agree ;) I spent most of the night partaking in the complimentary open bar and buffet in our section though, which may be contributing to my feelings ha ;) Jeff actually had tickets again last night which meant a night at home alone for me. When I'm at home by myself all the time it can get lonely, but I haven't been on my own in a long time so it was nice to have a quiet night to myself - I read, opened a nice bottle of wine, got some of my backlog of work done, and even managed a bubble bath! Not bad ;)

Jacket - J. Crew / Sweater (comes in six colors!) - J. Crew Factory / Leggings - Spanx / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Necklace (similar) - Madewell / Bag - Tory Burch / Earrings (similar) - Charming Charlie

Previously on KDTI - OTK Boots:

 

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How to Wear Over the Knee Boots for Fall

Dress - LOFT / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Bag - Tory Burch / Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Earrings - c/o Charming Charlie

I stayed away from the OTK boot trend for a while, but not because I didn't like the look - because every pair I tried on was too short for me! Except for, you know, that $700 pair that I was never ever ever going to buy. This pair (that I found on Amazon of all places!) completely met my OTK boot needs!! They're long enough, they stay up, and the material isn't actually suede so I don't have to worry about ruining them. Win win win.

Now that the weather has cooled down (well, at least a little - I think I saw 85 in the forecast for Chicago this weekend!) I'm so excited to give these another run. I bought them in the dead of winter, and then once spring came I had a very short window where tall black boots felt appropriate. But for fall? Tall black boots are perfect! I love wearing them over jeans or leggings or faux leather leggings, but my favorite way to wear them is with bare legs and a short dress. I look for dresses that are at least an inch shorter than where the boots end so it doesn't look like your whole leg is covered up. 

The best part about wearing over the knee boots with dresses is that they let you wear your short dresses in much cooler weather than normal. I was out and about in this outfit all day and night last weekend, and despite the chilly 62 degrees on the thermometer I was comfortable all day. I kept telling Jeff it was because I had on some sweet boot pants haha.

This particular dress is making me dream of owning some gray over the knee boots too. How many pairs of OTK boots is it appropriate for one person to own? Asking for a friend ;)

Dress - LOFT / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Bag - Tory Burch / Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Earrings - c/o Charming Charlie

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The Five Shoes You Need for Fall

Ugh, I know, I know, it's only August. I don't really want to be thinking about fall either. BUT, if you wait for the weather to change (as I have in years past) you're going to have some very unhappy feet when the rain and cool weather roll in. Today I'm sharing 5 pairs of shoes you need to get you through fall.

While I have many, many pairs of shoes in my closet, I tend to rely on a few basics to get me through the cooler months. Here are some of my favorites:

Everyday Booties

These booties are currently my holy grail shoe. They are so comfortable, can easily be dressed up or down, and basically go with everything. They've made it through two years in my closet now, and I don't anticipate them going anywhere soon! When you're looking for a pair of booties to wear everyday, make sure you get a pair with a comfortable heel height for you. The heel on this pair is just low enough that they're comfortable for everyday wear, but I usually go for an even lower heel. I also look for regular leather as opposed to suede, which will work better for all weather conditions. This pair also comes in a pretty medium brown.

Riding Boots

As much as I love a good pair of booties, sometimes it's just too cold for those exposed ankles. That's where riding boots come in. A good pair of riding boots is classic, and while they don't quite go with everything, they go with just about anything I want to wear on a daily basis. Sorry ballgowns. Look for a pair made out of real leather because it will wear beautifully, with a small heel for comfort, that has classic detailing that you'll be able to wear forever. I also love zip-up styles as opposed to pull-on, because they have a more flattering fit and are easier to put on with jeans.

Fun Flats

I love having a fun pair of flats in my closet to switch things up every now and then. I'm still loving loafers, but lace-ups and mules are really fun right now too! I have this pair of mules that I wore basically all spring, and now I would love a pair in a more fall-appropriate color. They're so comfortable, and they're really easy to slip on and go!

Over-the-Knee Boots

I really apologize for posting a photo with snow in it - I know, it makes my heart hurt too. But you need these boots. They're incredibly stretchy and fit closely to your calves, they're insanely comfortable, and they stay up. Which, really, is the most important part. This pair is basically amazing and full of magical rainbows to do all of those things for that price. OTK boots are a super cute way to wear your dresses into fall, but also work really well over leggings or jeans. Plus, they're insanely warm in cold weather - it's like wearing a pair of pants over your pants! Oh, and I know I already said it, but this pair is the best. Don't even look anywhere else. I'm not even going to link up any other options. Just know they run about a half size large - size down!

Rain Boots

Okay, am I basically saying all that you need for fall is boots? But really, rain boots are different. I used to be a rain boot non-believer and marched everywhere in college in my trusty, rusty flats. And then I tried rain boots, and oh my gosh you guys, they made all the difference. Especially in the fall, when it can be wet and rainy and cold. Or just especially muddy in a pumpkin patch. But believe me, you definitely need some rain boots in your life!

So tell me, what are your essential shoes for fall??

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OTK Boots and a Skirt

Sweater (similar), Skirt (similar), Necklace (a birthday gift!) - LOFT / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Bag (similar) - Coach Factory / Watch - Wristology

One of the reasons I really wanted to hop on the over-the-knee boot trend? It means you don't have to wear tights! I seriously hate having to wear tights, they're so constrictive and uncomfortable, so I usually end up not wearing skirts or dresses at all in the winter! But with OTK boots, that's not a problem! Plus, they're super warm. Like, 100x warmer than tights. I've heard these boots referred to as "boot pants," and that's seriously what they are! 

Not a lot in my wardrobe ends up standing the test of time, but my skirt and sweater have been around for what feels like forever at this point (or, you know, at least five years). The sweater gets pulled out every year when I want to feel spring-y (and even made it into our engagement photos!), and the skirt has had several lives - the entire hem came out at one point and then it took me about a year to manage to get it fixed. I actually can sew a hem, but this one is invisible and was too much stress for me to try to fix myself. I'm glad I finally got it repaired though, because it's one of my favorite things. The a-line style is super flattering - my sister even complimented me on it, and it's hard to pull a compliment on my clothes out of her ;) Looking at these pictures is making me wonder why I don't own more pretty little skirts like this one. Adding that to my shopping list!

Sweater (similar), Skirt (similar), Necklace (a birthday gift!) - LOFT / Boots - Kaitlyn Pan / Bag (similar) - Coach Factory / Watch - Wristology

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