Road Test

Style blogger Susan B. wears a Burberry scarf, black sweater, grey jeans and weatherproof black suede knee boots. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

The Knee Boots Have Landed…

I took advantage of the cool, wet weather we’ve had the last couple of days to “road test” some pieces I’m considering for my travel wardrobe. These boots passed with flying colors. I’ve been looking for some sleek, weatherproof knee boots for several seasons, but everything I tried was either too clunky-looking or too tall/snug in the calf. I ordered a few pairs during the Cyber Monday sales to try, and this was the one that hit the trifecta of Style, Comfort and Fit. And now they’re 70% off! (Final sale.) Available in black and espresso suede, and fit is true-to-size.

Scarf (similar) | Sweater | Jeans (c/o) | Boots

I’ve also decided to bring these grey jeans as one of my pants selections. They’re comfortable, they work with all of my footwear selections, and I like how they look.

That slouchy cashmere sweater is on my short list too. (Yes, my mirror is dirty, that isn’t lint. 😆 )

A few of you have asked me about handbags, and I’m still deciding. I ordered the Pearl in graphite when it was on sale, and will probably bring that one. It’s nice to have something that isn’t black. (It’s still 30% off.)

I think it might be prudent to bring a larger bag that will hold a folding umbrella, TBD. For years I traveled with my Givenchy Small Pandora (yes, I still have it) as it holds quite a bit, though it does tend to get a bit heavy by the end of the day. Or I may just bring one of my small Longchamp totes.

Planning A Winter Travel Wardrobe

I’ll be finalizing my travel wardrobe this weekend, and will post early next week.

There are still some good sales on, and a lot of free expedited shipping too.

Eileen Fisher20% off full-priced sweaters

Aquatalialots of markdowns and free next-day shipping through 12/20. Great selection of weatherproof shoes and boots!

BloomingdalesFriends & Family, 25% off a whole lot of stuff, including Eileen Fisher

Chico’s50% off highest priced item with purchase of $100 or more. Code 96855

J.Crewextra 50% off sale styles, 40% off everything else with code SALELOVE.

Talbot’s30% off with code HOLIDAY

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21 Comments

  1. Love the Aquatalia boots. I have several pairs of their booties and they’re the most ones in my closet. I’m really tempted to order the tall boots but hesitate because they’re final sale. I have such a hard time with tall boots because I have an “athletic” calf, meaning they’re bigger than “normal” but if I buy wide calf they’re so big I look like a pirate, lol.

  2. Thanks for the info on the Aquatalia boots…just ordered them. Living in snow country, I only buy waterproof boots and my Aquatalia’s wear so well. They are a good value when you factor in how long they last. They tend to run narrow, IMO, but so do my feet.

  3. Back from Germany where it was very cold…so dress warmly! A few comments. While the boots are a great price, they are on final sale through Aquatalia which means they can’t be returned. So unless one is certain they will fit…caution. I took my last year’s Land’s End packable down 3/4 jacket and 3 colors (2 styles) do the Uniqlo packable down vests. Under that I wore a silk EF layer and at night added an Icebreaker (highly recommend) sweater with a henly zipper. I took an Icebreaker hat liner and a fur beanie pompom hat. I also took a cashmere scarf and an Icebreaker neck warmer. I took Icebreaker tights but didn’t use them. “Combat” style boots are everywhere. I brought black knee boots and Ugg Kelsey combat boots which were amazing! The down jackets and coats are everywhere. Bin voyage!

  4. I am flying to Paris in a few weeks. I bought Gap 360 stretch curvy skinny jeans in black (more like a dark gray color) and I love them! Also got Doc Martens Zillow Chelsea boots. They are a much slimmer profile than regular docs.

  5. Just ordered the Aquatalia boots, that’s a killer price even in CDN dollars and FREE SHIPPING too! I own a few pairs of their shoes ( one pair I paid full price for:() the other I found at the Canadian equivalent of TJMaxx ( Winners) for 29.99CDN!!We have a marvellous equivalent to Aquatalia our own La Canadienne boots which are the same price point but rarely have such deep discount sales. I have been really happy with my Blondo suede waterproof booties but have been longing for a tall pair in suede..
    Thank you for this post et amuse toi à Paris!!
    Actually a commenter on the site said they fit her a bit large but a bit bigger is way better than too small in my books!

  6. I ordered the same gray Pearl bag for travel but I haven’t used it yet. It is so beautiful and just the right size. I have found gray bags a nice change of pace since I wear so much black. I have used a Baggallinni gray bag for European trips (lots of pockets and so lightweight). I’m now using a small Calvin Klein gray crossbody for everyday. Have a great trip!

  7. Look look tres bien in those boots! Hard to believe suede is so waterproof. I have Aquatalia suede booties and love them. I find I take a half size larger in European brands. FYI, my son and new wife are honeymooning in Paris this week. They are planning to travel by train to Italy Sunday. I hope they can. Praying for France to stop the violence and figure out a solution to their issues. Hope your trip is successful and peaceful Susan!

  8. I see that you have once more been captured by the allure and convenience of black :-). Bookending colors is an appealing and popular look. Maybe a different scarf though, I think that one doesn’t do your lovely coloring justice and that for you, there is too much contrast between it and the dark jacket. I have been dealing with this problem myself and have sworn off the purchase of any new black garments in the future. The one exception may be black dress pants for evening wear and possibly dress shoes and handbags.

    Finding matching grays has been a serious challenge! I will need more than one season to pull together a cohesive pod of gray items. I’m even considering having some items made for me.

        1. Yes, I adore grey, preferably “Parisian roof grey” aka “lead-pipe grey”, especially since I stopped colouring my once very dark-brown (almost black) hair, transitioning through Parisienne intellectual “reddish black”, except for an Italian anti-yellowing mask. But the problem with greys, much as I love them and flattering as they are, is that they don’t always go well together – and they do go well with black. Sometimes I’m staying in a research institute for over a month, and have to do my best with a limited wardrobe (scarves are a help).

          My wee cat Livia is solid black, and she goes well with everything. But I buy her red throws and cushions.

  9. Oh yes, you will need your cashmere. I have packed 2 for our trip to Amsterdam (it’s supposed to be snowing there on Thursday when we get there!!). I also have a pair of charcoal jeans & they go with absolutely everything, any color top or sweater. They are a good as black or blue jeans. I’m wearing pink metallic sneakers (by Guess) & am taking my Sam Edelman riding boots & mid-calf duck boots (both are warm & comfortable, even more warm with my cashmere socks!!!). I’m also taking my quilted puffer vests, which are such a warm layer. To top it all off, I have my long (it’s 3/4 length, but on my short self, it goes almost to my ankles) Land’s End puffer coat, it’s on your list as well as Oprah’s list this year. Have a lovely time in France, Susan!!

  10. I am so tempted by the boots, but find Aquatalia inconsistent and I’m worried about utility. Living in Northern CA I don’t find much use. And I wonder: are knee high boots “in” again? Still, they are perfection in terms of the details. And look wonderful on you!

  11. Susan, your posts are always a treasure trove of ideas. I appreciate the knack you have for filtering what’s new and fun in a way that works for those of us who are no longer 24 year-olds. And mixing them with classics. I have just been looking for a pair of gray jeans as a ‘different’ color to mix things up in my mostly black travel wardrobe — the ones you are modeling look great! Bravissima!

  12. You master the art of traveling very well. Wonderful rhat you finally found the perfect boots. I am still looking for a really nice cashmere sweater that doesn’t itch. So far, no luck. Which means they weren’t real cashmere because that doesn’t itch. I should rent myself out as a “is this real cashmere?”- trial person haha.
    Greetje

  13. Susan, I am leaving for Paris this week and our travel wardrobes are much the same. I really love your posts, expecially the travel wardrobes. The more I travel the less I pack, it seems. Let’s hope the giblets jaunts are quiet next Saturday.