Yesterday, I was walking down 11th when my heel caught in a grate. When I pulled it free, I ripped the heel off my Ciao Bella boots. Then, I bawled uncontrollably on the cab ride home. I ordered another pair, but I’ve begun to wonder if it might be time to start looking into other brands, as Bluefly’s stock can’t last forever.
Elected Official
Frye Melissa Zip Riding Boot (Neiman Marcus, $368)
Hill Staffer
Vince Camuto Kellini Boot ($197)
Paid Intern
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
I’ve avoided walking on grates ever since hearing about a man who fell through one at Ballston a month or so ago. Now I have another reason to avoid them! My sympathies on your boots
Thanks to Belle I became a Ciao Belle fan. My black pair have gotten almost daily winter use for three years and been re-heeled twice! Thanks for offering up the second option Belle. They look sturdy, but not clunky. and they are a good price point.
So sad! (I cried over a ruined pair of sandals this summer.) But please let me recommend Bedo’s Leatherworks in Falls Church (www.leatherrepair.com). I don’t know exactly what kind of damage was done to your boots but it may be worth taking them there — it’s a small business, not a chain, and they listen carefully to customers and tell you honestly what can or can’t be done. They do shoe repair as well as leather repair and cleaning, and I’ve always had a good experience with them. Maybe the Ciao Bellas can be saved!
I recommend La Canadienne. They are not cheap, but they are super comfortable. I have a pair I wore practically every day last winter, and they still look great this year.
Second the La Canadienne recommendation. The comfort is unbelievable (walked/biked all over Europe in 3in wedges, nearly every day for six months) and when they say something is waterproof, it really is. I need to replace mine (or just get the inside liner replaced), but then again, they are five years old. The pair before that also lasted for three years of nearly daily (hard) wear.
I have the Frye Melissa Zips and they are wonderful. Put them through a ton of wear last fall and winter. With regular cleaning and polishing they still look brand new; the heels are hardly showing wear. Worth the investment!
Belle, how is the sizing for Ciao Bellas?? I ordered a pair in my usual size from Victoria’s Secret, and they were WAAAAY too small. Not sure if I should reorder them a half or full size up.
I second those Frye boots. They’re incredible. They even have a Birkenstock-like insole so I don’t need to add any kind of padding.
I take good care of them and love them. Also, if you buy Frye’s with zips on the sides or the back, they fit better to your foot without being too tight and therefore stretching out rather than the pull-on kind that is more loose and cowgirl-y.
I’m obsessed with knee-high boots from Aerosoles. They have several very cute, extremely comfortable, work appropriate options and many are on sale today. Definitely worth checking out.
As a Ciao Bella devotee I am a BIG, BIG fan of Duo Boots. They are spendy but worth it. Best part, they come in custom sizes which is the bees knees for those of us with “bigger than average” {13 Inches” calves.
https://www.duoboots.com/us/
I have two pairs of Corso Como and they are fabulous! Leather uppers and padded footbeds. They also are streamlined, which I prefer to tassels, zippers and buckles everywhere. If you get them at DSW or ebay you can get them for significantly less than other places.