I was so excited to see my favorite wool-blend scarf (also styled here) from last year re-stocked *update: this color just sold out : / * I love the darker-toned colors, and the smaller size for days that don't yet warrant a big blanket scarf. Speaking of past-year favorites, this faux-leather jacket (runs small) is still in stock in all sizes, and is one of my staples for layering both over tops and under my winter coats. I also wanted to do a detailed review of these Stuart Weitzman "Lowland" boots, which are really beautiful quality and fit well on narrow legs. They are slimming on short legs, warm, and make even the simplest of outfits more chic. I've shared a few similar boot options as well at the end of this post, at more budget-friendly price points.
Style and material: The Lowland are a pull-on style suede flat boot with leather ties at the upper back. The boot is made of stretchy, medium-weight suede that can comfortably accommodate a small range of calf/leg widths, and fully lined in a satiny material. Per the website, the suede is "backed with lycra to create the fit factor of a legging." The material feels really nice quality, so to protect it, I sprayed mined with two coats of Cadillac leather/suede shield spray which is supposed to help repel water and stains. I also got this little suede cleaning brush to remove dirt, but haven't had to use it yet.
The easiest way to get in and out of the boot on is to fold the shaft all the way down to the foot of the boot, stick your feet in/out, and then roll the shaft back up. The sales associate also suggested knee or thigh high nylon socks, which make it nice and smooth to slip boots on and off. As for the back string ties, I like to knot them twice into a bow then tuck the string ends into the boot shaft.
Colors: I tried on almost every single color and have to say my top favorites for versatility are londra (pictured on me), loden, praline, and the nero plonge stretch. There are subtle differences between the first three, with the londra having more gray tones, the loden having more olive, and the praline more taupe which I also really loved. The nero plonge stretch is new this year and is the first time I've seen SW make an OTK boot fully in a matte black leather. This one looked and felt really nice and sleek on, but is priced above the suede options.
Comfort: I've walked several miles in these already and found them to be comfortable with no breaking-in needed. The footbed is lined in leather and the soles have rubber traction. There is a built-in cushion at the heel of the insole, however the ball of foot area does not have much cushioning. I add inserts to many of my shoes (am currently experimenting with a few brands to find my favorite) to maximize comfort, and may do so with these as well.
Sizing: These start in a size 4, good news for ladies who have a tough time shopping for that size. I found them to run a little big in the foot area. I'm usually between a 5 and 5.5, and these boots in a size 5 have a little room to spare in the toe area even with socks on.
Calf / shaft fit: I own Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots (like their signature 50/50s) which are designed to hit right above the knees, and in comparison these are a thigh-high boot. They also make a higher upper-thigh high "Alllegs" boot which I feel would be pushing the boundaries on petite legs. The Lowlands fit snugly around my calves and thighs, but can also be scrunched for a slouchier look.
Measurements of a size 5 boot: 4" across the ankles, 5.75" across the calves, 6.75" across the thigh opening, 1" heel height, 21.5" shaft height, excluding heel, when measured from the back. Keep in mind the suede material accounts for some thickness within these measurements.
Sold at: $798 at Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Saks, Shopbop, Zappos, and Forward by Elyse Walker (FYI, I like shopping designer items at this last store - they have free express worldwide shipping & free domestic returns, with no tax when shipping to most states outside of CA).
Sold at: $798 at Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Saks, Shopbop, Zappos, and Forward by Elyse Walker (FYI, I like shopping designer items at this last store - they have free express worldwide shipping & free domestic returns, with no tax when shipping to most states outside of CA).
And here are a few other over-the-knee suede or "suede look" boots at different price points:
Under $45: F21 faux-suede boots, starts in sz 5.5 but no shaft width measurements avail
Under $150: Ivanka Trump Livi (use FRIENDS for 25% off) in faux-suede; read Zappos reviews
Under $250: Corso Como Laura with genuine suede front / stretch fabric backing
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