Pattern play + fall hues

Leopard stripes scarf1

Blank NYC jacket, (3 colors), 7FAMK jeans (similar), Ann Taylor tee (old, this year’s), BP ankle boots (runs small), H&M; scarf (this year’s), Clare Vivier bag (old, this year’s)

This outfit is comprised of a lot of old pieces, but some of them must’ve been popular as the brands brought back very similar options! I’m so excited that Blank NYC restocked this little faux-leather jacket this year, and in 3 colors to boot including a versatile gray! I wear this so much throughout the year – the shrunken and cropped style makes it work for jeans, dresses and skirts alike. It’s also fitted enough for me to layer under some of my looser cut winter coats, making it useful even on the coldest days. If you’re interested in this jacket, please check out my older review since sizing does run small and narrow in the sleeves.

Leopard stripes scarf

I’m also thrilled to have found my first pair of “keeper” heeled boots in ages! They are not perfect and are still roomy, but were more comfortable and better fitting than many heeled options I’ve tried. I was actually scoping out new color options for these “Trolly” ankle boots I’m wearing in this post, when I stumbled across a taller version called the BP “Transit” boots on sale. My biggest fit issues with boots are not only calf width but also the height – having short calves, so many beautiful boots hit awkwardly at or past my knees, making walking uncomfortable.

BP boots

BP Transit boots in chocolate, sz 5.5

I love my BP Trolley ankle booties to pieces so already knew the shoe and heel part of the tall version had a good chance of being comfy. Based on the listing and the reviews, I went up half size to 5.5 for the tall boots (same size that I took in the Trolley ankle booties), which measured about 13.75″ shaft height excluding the heel, and also about 13.75″ around the widest part of the calves. As with all boots, these measurements probably increase a little bit as the shoe size goes up. Even though the site listed these to have a 15″ tall shaft, I took a shot in ordering since my beloved Aquatalia boot find last year were also listed as 15″+ but turned out to be pleasantly shorter in-person.

The height of these BP Transit tall boots was spot-on for me which I loved, but the circumference of the calf was a little roomy at the boot opening. What made these a keeper was the soft and pliable leather (vs. stiffer which is more common for tall boots) which made them really comfortable on the legs and the gap a little less jarring. Also thanks to some of your tips, I’ll be checking out cobblers who offer calf-alteration services, and will report back on the experience should I go that route!

Leopard stripes scarf2
Leopard stripes scarf3

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55 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    I got this jacket after you reviewed it last year, and I absolutely love it. I can't, however, get the smell to go away. Do you have any tips on this? I can smell it when I am wearing it and feel bad for the people around me!
    Thanks!

    Posted 10.27.14 Reply
  2. rodelma lopez wrote:

    this style jean is my favorite fall style ..love fall season..you look so cool love it

    Posted 10.26.14 Reply
  3. wanderlistblog.com wrote:

    Love all the fall colours on you. Especially love the way your hair looks in this post! Do you use a curling iron or hair wand? What size barrel?

    xo Tam
    wanderlistblog.com | Put it on The List

    Posted 10.26.14 Reply
  4. Sweets & Style wrote:

    WOW. I really love this look. The jacket, the boots and the jeans are simply perfect!
    X
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

    Posted 10.26.14 Reply
  5. Rani wrote:

    Hello Jean! I love your looks und your style, thank you! 🙂
    I would like to introduce the shop of my brother! I hope you like it! 🙂

    http://shop64174160.taobao.com

    Posted 10.25.14 Reply
  6. PaTinka's World wrote:

    Fall looks great on you!
    Great boots!
    xoxo
    Patinka

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  7. shingpei wrote:

    Thank you for your recommendation! I've been searching for skinny calf boots for 4+ years and am excited to see if these work for me. I just ordered them a half size up like you mentioned, too!

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  8. tailoredandtrue wrote:

    I love this look! Cute jacket and bag!

    http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I've recommended stiletto hardware ball of foot inserts in a few posts for these boots. I didn't find them uncomfortable without the inserts, but for longer distances or hours of standing think that the cushions would be a lot more comfortable.

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I haven't tried them in any dangerous conditions like snow or ice, but the bottoms are similar to my BP Trolly ankle boots which have been comfortable and fairly tractioned for walking around in!

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Hi Nina! Sorry for any confusion and thanks for your tip! When I mention shoes run small, I usually mean in the foot area. Both the BP ankle boots and the tall boots that I've tried run smaller in the foot area than many other brands I've tried, so I've sized up from my usual 5 to a 5.5.

    On the other hand, I thought the calf width was roomy. So yes to answer your question, the foot of the shoes are small enough and I love that they go down to sz 4 (might even fit sz 3.5 ladies), but the calf had room to spare for me. And I definitely agree with you that designer boots typically run narrow! My favorite (or rather, only) boots that fit well are from Stuart Weitzman and Aquatalia which keep going up in price each year, now in the $500-600+. Prada and Manolo I've tried on in the $1200-1500 arena also fit beautifully. I like to shop from a range of price points though so was impressed by these boots for just <$100. I also thought calf width alterations were frighteningly pricey, but a reader who used to live in my neighborhood suggested a cobbler who did it for just $25 per pair, which I'm very interested in learning more about!

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hi Karmyn! Thank you so much for your kind comment. I came across Poppy Barley last year and am so impressed by their company mission. I've been recommending them to any ladies looking for custom boots, however I haven't tried them myself so I'm really happy to hear that you were pleased with your experience!

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  13. Jean wrote:

    Hello Joyce! I know…same here in the short arms club. The sleeves are an inch long for me but I have not yet felt compelled to take them to the tailor. Sometimes (perhaps depending on the layer I have under or how I move my arms) they scrunch and no longer feel too long. Tailoring will be a little pricier than normal because I believe there's zippers at the wrists, FYI.

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  14. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! I'm wearing MAC lipstick in charismatic…one of my favorites.

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  15. Jean wrote:

    No problem – and you can't beat the price! Same as the ankle booties…I was so surprised.

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  16. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I got Chocolate, just posted a pic above : )

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  17. Jean wrote:

    Hi Joyce, I would say it's not very shiny but also definitely not matte. the shine is there but low enough so that it doesn't look like cheap faux leather- to me personally, anyways!

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  18. Jean wrote:

    Hi Kim! Hmm…it didn't give me a choice when I ordered but I think it's chocolate? See photo above I just added : )

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    Do you put padding in your BP boots? I read a lot of reviews that complained the boots were uncomfortable because of no padding. If you do, what kind? Thanks

    Posted 10.24.14 Reply
  20. Kelly wrote:

    What a pretty look, I love your bag!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, you're always so stylish. I love the color of the scarf.

    xoxo,
    Tiffany

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, you're always so stylish. I love the color of the scarf.

    xoxo,
    Tiffany

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I am looking for my first tall boots and would like to give these a try. What do you think about the bottom, is it safe to walk? Thanks!

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  24. midori wrote:

    Thanks for the tip! Maybe these will fit my bigass calves. A bit roomy on you might be perfect on me.

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  25. A Golden Tulip wrote:

    you look so cool in this outfit… love that color & fit of those jeans, and the boots go so well with that… that bag, LOVE!!! I am looking for a tall boot too, these are worth checking out,..

    xo
    Hems
    http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean! You look fabulous as always, but I have a question and a suggestion. I'm a bit perplexed as to why you say the booties are roomy when they are available down to size 4 and run small? Do you mean they are small enough but wide? Also, regarding calf adjustments on boots: this can be done but can be pricey. It is not worth doing on an inexpensive boot like the BP. Here's the thing – more expensive designer boots tend to run narrow in the calf, so even if you have to adjust them, the alteration will be smaller and less likely to change the fit or design of the boot. Tall boot styles tend not to change as much over time, so you should be able to keep a good pair for years. I apologize for posting as "Anonymous" but google now publishes my full name. Best – Nina R.

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  27. annie lee wrote:

    love the colours in this outfit! especially that scarf! 🙂

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  28. prudence yeo wrote:

    Love this casual chic look and the crop style of the jacket looks great on a petite frame! Great style!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com

    Posted 10.23.14 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean I recently found your blog and I am so impressed. I am a bit taller (5'2" with a very narrow build) than you but definitely can relate ALL of your problems finding clothes and boots that fit perfectly off the rack. You inspired me to revamp my own work wardrobe recently! I did want to share with you a recent find of my own that specializes in made to measure boots. It's a company called Poppy Barley. They're a Canadian company started in my home town hear in Edmonton. Im sure you can look them up on instagram or on their website. I finally own boots that fit me perfect in the calf, shaft height, and the elusive ankle. I hope you'll finally find the perfect boot that you are seeking 🙂 keep up the great work!

    Karmyn from Edmonton

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  30. Julie wrote:

    Ok, I'm loving the jacket, the bag, and the booties. Somehow I feel like I missed your review of the jacket, but I'm heading there now to read it.

    Style by Joules

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  31. Joyce TeawithMD wrote:

    Hi Jean! My problem with leather jackets has always been that the sleeves are too long for me. I see in your photos that your sleeves are also rolled up. Is this jacket tailor-friendly in the sleeves?

    Love the cozy scarf too 🙂

    XO
    Joyce
    http://www.teawithMD.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  32. Amanda Hawkins wrote:

    Such a great casual yet put together look! I love effortless style 🙂

    – Amanda | The Chic Counsel

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the outfit! Also love your hair and lip color. Can you tell us the lipstick/gloss you used?

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  34. Suzie Q wrote:

    Olive green, leather moto jacket, and leopard–a few of my favorite things for fall. I love how you combined all of those elements together! You look so cute!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    Those hunter green jeans would look great with the cognac color trolley booties! Thanks for the heads up on the tall BP boots, love the chocolate color.

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  36. Hope Howland wrote:

    Oh this look is so cute!! I love the leather with the stripes!
    Hope
    http://www.hhdesignsblog.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  37. Anonymous wrote:

    Hey Jean! What color boot did you get? I'm only able to select the 'Chocolate' color.

    Thanks!

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  38. Joyce Pak wrote:

    The nordstrom picture of the jacket looks a bit shiny. Your jacket looks less reflective and softer, but that might be because of the edits. What is the true coloring/"shiny-ness" of the jacket?

    Thanks!

    http://www.charactersandcarryons.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  39. Kim Uyen Dang wrote:

    Thanks for the boots rec! Did you get the Transit in Chocolate or Brown?

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  40. Brittney @ Quirky Britches wrote:

    Stripes, leopard, and layers in general. Yes!

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  41. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Very chic! Love your jeans<3

    http://www.shallwesasa.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  42. Diana wrote:

    Super cute baggy.
    xo, Diana
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  43. Kblossoms wrote:

    I like the leopard print on your purse. Lovely fall look very warm and cozy http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  44. Audrey Lin wrote:

    Your scarf looks so cozy, and I love the color of your pants! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  45. purpleheart wrote:

    Casual yet put together. Where is the like button like on FB so I can click!

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  46. Arts wrote:

    Jean, you look fabulous as usual. Simple pieces look so elegant on you.

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  47. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Such a fabulous fall look. Love these colors and patterns together.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  48. tellmeyblog.com wrote:

    You look really cute in this outfit! I like the pairing of olive pants with animal print bag!

    xx
    Yvonne
    http://tellmeyblog.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  49. Dressed with soul wrote:

    I wished really I would look as wonderful than you in your olive pants. I own nearly the same pants but wore it therefore only once and didn't like it how they looked on me. Therefore I thank you for your inspiration: I will give my olive pants a second chance!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply
  50. Pastirmaci Oya wrote:

    Hi. This is Oya. you look great 🙂 after ı watched , last week, your video on youtube, I gave up wearing or rather buying long cardigans. thank you Dear 🙂 please go on taking new ones 🙂

    Posted 10.22.14 Reply

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