of boots and being short.

 


Years ago, when my sweet brother had cancer (long story for a different day) and the chemo made his legs swell, the nurses would give my mom these awful compression socks to put on him.  Think straight jacket for your legs.  When I say that Matty wasn’t a fan, what I mean is, HE. HATED. THEM.


Yesterday morning as I pulled these normally loose riding boots over my swollen calves and (yikes) zipped them up, I finally understood why.  But as we were running out the door to church and I had no plan B for hiding the hideousness that has become my ankles and feet, I just went ahead and wore them.


When we got home and I gratefully slid my legs out of the boots, I finally understood why those nurses were so insistent with those dang socks.  The swelling was all but gone.


Just call them my compression boots.


Speaking of boots.  Please tell me I’m not the only shorty out there who has a heck of a time finding riding boots with a short enough shaft.  Every pair I find end up hitting at a really awkward just slightly too high spot on my knee.  I really love these ones from Aldo, but truth be told I wouldn’t cry if they were an inch shorter.  And guess what, almost no one sells riding boots with a 13 inch shaft height.  I guess there aren’t all that many women my height looking for leather riding boots. Go figure.

Dress: Gap.  Jacket: Old Navy (old, similar here, love the wash on this one.).  Boots: Aldo (last year, similar here.) Bag: Tommy Hilfiger via Marshalls (find it here.)  Brooch: H&M (similar here.) Sunglasses: Loft.

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34 Comments

  1. Allyssa wrote:

    Yup, I always have that problem! And if they’re not too tall, they’re too big in the calves!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  2. I have the same woes! Dang short legs!!

    And if you can believe it, I actually wore compression socks when I was pregnant on particularly swollen days on my own accord!!

    Chelsea
    http://www.hautechildinthecity.com

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  3. Maria wrote:

    I have two problems with boots: I’m too short for most of them AND I have thick calves, so many are too talle AND too tight. It’s a battle that I choose not to fight and leave the boot wearing to my taller counterparts. But you pull them off nicely :)

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  4. Christie wrote:

    “I guess there aren’t all that many women my height looking for leather riding boots. Go figure.”

    I am, too! I just ordered a pair from Nordstrom that I’m hopeful about but I think they will end up hitting just below my kneecap. So awkward!

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-runway-boot/3167229?origin=related-3167229-0-0-1-1&recommendationAttribute=Fallback&pprd=0&cm_ven=Linkshare&cm_cat=partner&cm_pla=10&cm_ite=1&siteId=TnL5HPStwNw-6vBAjLMqd4GBa5pmzfltCA

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  5. I have problem with boots too…. Most of them don’t want to zip over my calves and from what I heard I have normal looking legs…. I’m an average height so the length isn’t a problem but with winter coming, and pregnancy progressing I’m going to be scouting for wider boots… You look GREAT!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  6. Ambar wrote:

    I have the same issue. It look my fiancé(now husband)and I almost two years to find a pair of both the right height and color. I think he was more frustrated no one catered to my little legs than I was.

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  7. Yep- same problem. Last winter I ordered 12 pairs from Piperlime and about 2 of them worked! The people at UPS thought I was insane when I came in with three boxes to ship back! Over the years I’ve had good luck with Ralph by Ralph Lauren, some Banana Republic boots, and some Nine West boots, but it’s always hit or miss!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  8. Great outfit. I am a nurse and when I was pregnant with my son I wore compression stocking everyday to keep the swelling down and it worked. I didn’t wear them at my baby shower and I had elephant ankles by the end of it. Although compression stockings are cumbersome they do the trick.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  9. There totally are that many shorties looking. . . they just don’t care. I have the same problem you have. Well you look adorable.

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  10. Darci wrote:

    I’m 33 week pregers with my 4th and have to wear full length compression tights (due to painful varicose veins). The tights are awful, I dread putting them on every day but I have zero swelling AND my legs and back never feel tired. I’m a true convert; compression tights/socks can work miracles!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  11. Emily wrote:

    I have read your blog for a little while now. Of more frustration that the fact I am short is the fact that I wear a size 5 and it is nearly impossible to find shoes in my price range and size on my student budget. Why don’t more companies make size 5? My sister-in-law wears a 5 too! And I know plenty of people who do! I just don’t get it!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
    • Do you have a Nordstorm Rack around you? They always have lots of the ODD sizes. Make a friend at a department store and have them call you when the new stuff comes in. Us odd sizes they only get 2 of so they sell out fast.

      Posted 10.15.12 Reply
    • Emily wrote:

      I have been to a couple of Nordstrom Racks before. I still didn’t find much of a selection. It’s been a while so I should maybe try to get to one again. It’s just from what I remember they still didn’t have a big variety of “cute” shoes in size 5. They had lots in the smaller sizes but nothing I liked.

      Posted 10.17.12 Reply
  12. Hey girlie…Help for your ankles. GREEN BEANS…steam fresh organic green beans and eat them for a few days. Your swelling will go away. This was a life saver…but of course I should say…limit your sugar intake as well.

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
    • oh…and you look FAB!

      brakeintofashion.blogspot.com

      Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  13. Audra wrote:

    Honey, I’m 5’10”, it’s tough on all sides-trust me! You’re adorable!
    Audra

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  14. Kerry wrote:

    You are the cutest pregnant woman!

    I think your boots look great on you! I have the same riding boot woes, though. It’s so frustrating.

    Kerry
    laconceptiondesfemmes.blogspot.com

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  15. Brenda wrote:

    You might try these: http://www.zappos.com/born-sage-charcoal-leather#prdInfo

    I have two similar pairs from last year, black and brown. I’m 5’1″ with short legs so I have trouble finding boots that fit me well. These fit well and have a 12 3/4 inch shaft height.

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  16. Here’s a good pair:

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/halogen-brianna-boot/3176210?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6627&pprd=0

    I am 5’1 and have the same boot issues as you do and these are awesome!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  17. Kimberly wrote:

    This is why I wore my TOMS shoes almost every day the last month of my pregnancy. They were tight and they kept my feet from swelling. I didn’t have any problems with my ankles or calves until the week before I had my baby. And about a month after. . .

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  18. I just can’t get over what a stunning pregnant women you are … and that you are still blogging … I give you so much credit!!
    Jess
    JESS CAUSE BLOG

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  19. Danielle wrote:

    I have the same problem with boots!

    These are my favorites. The calves are kind of narrow though, which is perfect for me but maybe not for others in this thread.

    I also like that they are not too expensive, and not too hot for our mild winters. I’m sure they wouldn’t survive a “real” winter but they work for my needs.

    http://www.rackroomshoes.com/product/xappeal/dominique/1402.122278.html

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  20. newpetite wrote:

    You look lovely! DSW s my go to store for boots or shoes! I have these real skinny legs and most of the boots are really big in the calf area. So getting slim calf boots is nothing short of a miracle!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  21. Pkystar wrote:

    I have the same problem too…add in “shapely calves”‘, so it is tough to find some boots! I found a lovely pair, they fit my calves, but are about the same height as your boots on you…and I decided not to care because I love them so much!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  22. yep. i’m 5’1 and CANNOT find boots that hit at the right spot. they are all too tall and hit so awkwardly!! if you find some, definitely let us all know — sounds like you aren’t the only out there with this problem! shorties unite!!

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  23. Nataliya wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  24. Karin wrote:

    Totally agree about the boots. If there are any entrepreneurs out there wanting a nich……size 5. Short shaft?

    Posted 10.15.12 Reply
  25. THANK YOU!! 5ft0 over here and hate the tall boot trend. i can never find ones that fit!

    Posted 10.16.12 Reply
  26. brnidtica wrote:

    I’m 4’11” and have the same problem. I’ve have 4 pairs of boots by Enzo Angiolini and Jessica Simpson that I absolute LOVE!! They’re the only ones I’ve found that fit perfect! You look great!

    Posted 10.16.12 Reply
  27. Megan wrote:

    I am right there with you! I am have been searching high and low for boots that don’t take up half my leg! Can’t wait to chec the suggestions from the comments above.

    Posted 10.17.12 Reply
  28. Lisa wrote:

    Just under 4’11” here! I have the same problem, can’t wait to check out the suggestions! LOVE your blog!!

    Posted 10.18.12 Reply
  29. looking good momma! almost there! xo

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

    Posted 10.18.12 Reply
  30. stephanie wrote:

    i’m tall(ish), but i sympathize!

    and you’re totally channeling posh spice in that first pic. dead ringer!

    ps sunnies sale on the loft site right now! SCORE. $15 =)

    <3 your blog!!
    stephanie

    http://stephamanie.blogspot.com/

    Posted 10.18.12 Reply