Snow Leopard (& Nordstrom BP Trolley Ankle Boot Review)

snow leopard1J.Crew coat (2010 color) and wool skirt, Ann Taylor leopard cardigan (old, similar)
BP ankle booties (starts in sz 4+ in several colors), F21 tights, Coach purse

There are few things more beautiful in the Boston winter than a blanket of fresh snow over the city. We took a break from running errands to snap these photos while the powder was pristine.snow leopard4I wanted to share a purchase from last month that I can soundly recommend after wearing several times now. These cute BP by Nordstrom booties start in a rare size 4+, and come in five leather or suede color options. If you are just warming up to the ankle boot style (I’m aware they’re often considered as a “no no” for petite women), I would suggest basic black leather. When paired with opaque tights, dark pants or skinny jeans, a black ankle boot is chic and lengthening even for shorter legs. bp ankle boots
I already own both black and cognac high-heeled booties, so was looking for another neutral color in a lower, more stable heel for everyday wear. These fit the bill, plus have nearly 5-star ratings from hundreds of reviewers. The vast majority of lower-star ratings are from shoppers who found the boots to be too small.
bp ankle boots2
Bootie likes:

– Soft, smooth leather which I was impressed by right off the bat. I got the “grey” color which has kind of an aged / vintage leather look that’s darker at the toe and back of heel areas.

– Narrow ankle opening (mine measure ~ 8.75″ around the inner circumference, with a 4″ shaft height). My usual problem when trying on ankle-height boots is a wide gap between my ankle and the shoe opening – makes it look like I’m playing dress up in mom’s closet. There is a small gap here which does not look too bad even with tights or bare legs.

– Chunky and low (~2.5″) heel is stable and walkable, enough so that this could be a commuting shoe on non-snowy or rainy days. No breaking-in required.

– Comes in extended sizing so small-footed ladies don’t have to layer up on thick socks. The description notes these run small and suggest ordering half size up. I went with my usual size as I’m most often in thin, slippery tights. If you usually wear thick cotton or wool socks with booties, I would agree with going half to one whole size up. Nordies free ship & returns makes it easy to try multiples sizes if necessary.
snow leopard3 Two areas of improvement: 
– The leather does not appear to be treated for inclement weather or precipitation. I plan on looking into do-at-home protector sprays or finishes.
– I only noticed this after running errands for several hours, but there isn’t much cushioning in the front. If you plan on being on your feet for prolonged periods of time, I’d suggest sizing up to fit a gel or cushioned insole at the ball of foot area for more comfort. snow leopard5

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54 Comments

  1. Jean wrote:

    Here it is – it's definitely not ideal, but is my temporary solution for now! http://www.flickr.com/photos/53737603@N04/12897300854/

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  2. Sophia Dinh wrote:

    I know you are pretty busy (as we all are) but I hope you haven't forgotten me, Jean! 🙁

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  3. Taylor Jane wrote:

    I have recently become an avid fan of your blog – I truly appreciate the petite reviews along with reasonable prices of your clothing. I bought the J-Crew Coat after reading your blog.
    Thank you for the BP boot recommendation. I recently bought one after reading your review! They are truly comfortable.

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  4. Sophia Dinh wrote:

    Hi Jean! I would really appreciate that! I look forward to seeing the pictures. 🙂

    Posted 2.25.14 Reply
  5. Vicky L. wrote:

    Love the outfit! And definitely just ordered a pair of those booties in black 😉 thanks for the review!

    Posted 2.25.14 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Hi Ann! Black is always appropriate I feel for accounting/finance interviews. I think anything in the navy and gray arena are also perfectly fine. Best of luck if you're interviewing soon!

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – it was a faux fur collar from H&M; a while ago – I hope they will bring it back as they have for 2-3 years!

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Hi Mei- I went with sz 5 as I'm usually in tights and don't like my feet slipping and sliding, and they fit comfortably but are a snug fit with thicker socks. I might sell these to my friend who usually wears 4.5 – 5 then order a 5.5 so I can wear all types of socks.

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi Sophia! I tied two knots onto the strap (really wish it were adjustable). I will try to snap a picture and post the link in this response later this week!

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! Unfortunately I haven't been able to find something similar right now but will report back if I do.

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Thanks! If memory serves me right they are the "olive" color option : )

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hi Helen, unfortunately I've searched the net and haven't found anything similar! Will keep my eyes open and post if I do.

    Posted 2.24.14 Reply
  13. A.C.T Style wrote:

    The whole Ensemble looks so chic !!!Weather seems to compliment your look and not the other way around 😉

    http://www.actstyles.blogspot.com

    Posted 2.23.14 Reply
  14. rodelma lopez wrote:

    I love winter with the fresh snow…and that whole outfit its just so beautiful

    Posted 2.23.14 Reply
  15. Ann wrote:

    I love how you managed to look so happy and cheerful under the frigid, windy snowstorm!! 😀

    Jean, I have a bit of an off-topic question: What color suit would you recommend for interviews in the accounting/financial industry (big 4)? Would black be too harsh?

    Posted 2.22.14 Reply
  16. Jess wrote:

    Wow!!! You look amazing. i super like your outfit. Love the mix and match of colors and prints. Great boots as well. It really seems perfect for this season. Great choice indeed!

    Posted 2.21.14 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    Can you tell us where we can get your fur scarf from?!

    Thanks!!

    Posted 2.21.14 Reply
  18. Iv wrote:

    This outfit looks heavenly. I love the cheetah + fur + leather combo….AND the fact that you can get away with a white skirt in the winter!

    Ivche

    Posted 2.21.14 Reply
  19. Meghan Silva wrote:

    These pictures are so dreamy, love the look too.

    Meghan Silva's Blog

    Posted 2.21.14 Reply
  20. Suzie Q wrote:

    Absolutely love these photos! You captured soft, white snow perfectly! Love the taupe color of the coat and booties! Great detailed review of the booties, they are stylish but the heels seem thick enough to be comfortable on the feet for a while.

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 2.20.14 Reply
  21. Dice wrote:

    The boots are cute and look great on you!

    Posted 2.20.14 Reply
  22. Susan GirlwearsGreen wrote:

    The boots look great on you! Definitely need to check it out!

    http://girlwearsgreen.blogspot.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  23. thelegalcareergirl wrote:

    I love those boots, so adorable and cute! The leopard print cardigan is also gorgeous!
    http://www.thelegalcareergirl.wordpress.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  24. Mei wrote:

    Jean, did you size up in these? 5 or 5.5?

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  25. Sophia Dinh wrote:

    Hi Jean!

    I have a similar Coach bag and was wondering how exactly you knotted the straps? I tried feeding both straps into one ring, but the result is a purse, not a cross-body… I'm also (barely) 5' and the bag looks silly on me without shortening it.

    Thank you! 🙂

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  26. Orange You Classy wrote:

    i love the booties and your pop of animal print!

    xo, Liz
    http://oyouclassy.com
    http://oyouclassy.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  27. The Lipstick Channel wrote:

    I want that wool skirt-it's the perfect neutral white.

    http://www.thelipstickchannel.com

    ~Esther

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  28. Kate | The Fancy Pants Report wrote:

    Love how you made casual booties, work appropriate. I have a pair of black acne pistol boots that i wear all the time, but they're little pricey and i want them in a different color. i may need to explore this option instead! xx

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  29. Fernanda Pereira wrote:

    Gorgeous, Jean! Amazing outfit, amazing pics!

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  30. The Internet and The Unicorn wrote:

    These shoes are really great! I also had done a review on them on my blog. The black ones look similar to the Rag & Bone boots, but at a much more affordable price point!

    theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  31. Pauline MoiNonPlus wrote:

    Waow ! You look fantastic even under the snow !

    About that, you stole the snow we are waiting for here ?! We don't have a real winter in France this year, and I can't wait to wear my moonboots 😉 XD !!!!

    Les Selfies de Pauline
    http://lesselfiesdepauline.blogspot.fr

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  32. this is lemonade wrote:

    Gorgeous colours! Love the luxurious shades that you've paired together. I must say the snow is pretty beautiful too <3

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    I have a pair of nude Sam Edelman and Cole Haan booties and I have to say I love them, for comfort, quality, and versatility. I think that the nude color manages to avoid becoming a "no no" for petite women because it blends in with the color of your skin.

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  34. Carol from Life Style and Image wrote:

    Thanks for sharing your review. The colour of the boots make them very versatile for all seasons.

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  35. Kellie The Shoe Diva wrote:

    Hmm I always have problems with shoes that have no cushion in the front. Some shoes just look so darn cute that I bear with the pain of being on my feet most of the time lol I'm googling gel insoles online now, thanks for the tip.

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  36. k come karolina wrote:

    you look so cool!!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  37. lifeandcity wrote:

    Love the collar on that coat!

    http://lifeandcity.tumblr.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  38. Maggie Adofo wrote:

    I've been searching for affordable and good quality booties to finish out the season with. -no luck yet for me-

    xo
    Maggie A
    LOVEMAVIN/YOUTUBE || LOVEMAVIN/BLOG

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  39. Sheez Petite wrote:

    Love your color choices – a quite fashion statement in the snow!

    http://www.SheezPetite.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  40. Thien Do wrote:

    I've always loved your thorough reviews! I've been following your blog for a while now and I actually live not too far south of Boston. The winter has been rough and styling outfits has been difficult!

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  41. Melanie wrote:

    Gorgeous pictures! Adorable!
    Love your coat! The color of your boots fits perfectly with the outfit! Stunning style!

    Mel
    http://melandeve.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  42. pureandsimplblog wrote:

    As a petite lady, I'm finally beginning to warm up to booties. 😛 Can't wait to see how else you style them!

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  43. Le monde des petites wrote:

    Wowww! Gorgeous pics and outfit!
    Love the first pic, with the snow!
    Love so much the fur you wear and your bag! I have the same, but in pink!

    xoxo

    Le monde des petites
    http;//www.lemondedespetites.com/

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  44. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Love this look snow leopard! ESP love that fur collar. It gives the look that extra glam oomph!
    Just gorgeous. And how do you take picture with active snow and look gorgeous?!?! Impressive.

    OUTFIT POST:: SUNNY with a CHANCE of STRIPES

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com
    http://www.eyelikefashion.com
    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    xo

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  45. Happiness at Mid Life wrote:

    These pictures are stunning with the gorgeous snow fall. Your outfit was made for this weather. These booties are really cute and tempting.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the collar/scarf too! Would love to know where I can get similar. It really makes the outfit! Great pictures!!!

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  47. Anonymous wrote:

    love the color of your tights!! are they green? navy?

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  48. Helen wrote:

    I love the collar/ scarf you paired this with! Any idea of where I can find one like it? 🙂

    Posted 2.19.14 Reply
  49. Emy wrote:

    I just want to say that the coat looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the color.

    Posted 2.18.14 Reply
  50. EM wrote:

    You still manage to look beautiful even in a massive blizzard! I love your coat 😀

    http://www.ericasedition.blogspot.com

    Posted 2.18.14 Reply

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