The Perfect Boots

Never mind Valentine's Day, today the only love I'm posting about is the love of BOOTS.  The search for the perfect pair of boots is a quest most of us embark on at some point in our lives.  For me, the Holy Grail has been a pair of black, knee high, leather boots.  This may sound like an easy task, but let me add in a few other descriptors for my ideal boots: 1) They have to fit my slim calves well, avoiding the 'welly' look, and 2) They have a nod to '60s style with a platform sole and heel.  The hunt for these ideal boots has seen me purchase a few pairs of past season Clarks from Ebay - no joy there, it seems a thin sole was all the rage a few years ago - and take a gamble with several pairs from Zalando, including brands Gabor and Rapisardi.

In the past I'd heard of British brand Ted and Muffy (formerly Duo), and knew that they offered different calf sizes.  However, a quick visit to their website confirmed that their boots were out of my price range, with their knee high boots starting at around £225.  I forgot about them for months and months to be honest.  Then, this January, I visited their website once more, to find to my delight they were holding a 70% off sale!  Now that's my kind of discount.  I found I was spoilt for choice with a range of really rather lovely knee high boots, and it wasn't long until I found their 'Cosima' style, and a ray of golden light shone down upon my computer screen as I clicked 'Buy'.  Originally £250, I purchase them for £125.

Boots: 'Cosima', Ted and Muffy (last pairs now £110, be quick!)

Dress: F&F, via charity shop

Poloneck: Boden

Pagoda Umbrella: Charity one (brand new)

Baker Boy Hat: Unbranded, Ebay

Bag: From on hols in Spain!

The quality is very, very good.  The softest leather.  Fully lined.  The smell when you open the box and dig through those layers of tissue paper is wonderful.  As for fit?  These are the best fitting boots I've bought in quite some years.  Being really critical, they are indeed very snug on the calf, but the leather will ease.  On my long legs they could be even taller.  They are not quite as well fitted at the ankle, but it does mean the range of movement is non-restrictive.  In terms of comfort, they're just brilliant.  I broke them in around the house for an afternoon wearing nothing else and then wore them to work one day.  The walk to the station was a breeze, with my legs staying dry, high up and out of the puddles.  No rubbing or sore spots.  They are sturdy, and I can run in them when I'm late for the train.  They are 95% perfect!

I bet if I was to visit one of the Ted and Muffy stores I could come away with a pair of boots that fit me 100% accurately.  The closest one to me is in Bath, so I think I'll pop in next time I'm visiting the city.

What is your personal boot Holy Grail?  And have you found it yet?

Linking up with: Share in Style, Visible Monday, Reasons to Dress,#IwillwearwhatIlike, Throwback Thursdays, Passion for Fashion, Hat Attack