We just got back to Philly from an amazing vacation.  We did a house exchange in France, then flew to Barcelona to meet up with my big brother and his fam.  Much more about our trip soon, but at the moment, we need to talk about these boots.

I bought these unassuming little beige (taupe?) Nordstrom Anniversary Sale boots (they’re the Lucky Brand Bashina boots), almost on a whim.  I didn’t realize that these boots would quickly become the cornerstone of my travel capsule wardrobe.  I wore these boots all over France (and a little bit in Spain, too).  The reason this style of bootie – chunky heel, lighter color, cutout detail – is so good is because it’s so darn versatile.  Flippy little summer dress?  Wear the boots.  Denim cutoffs?  Yes, boots.  And then, when temps drop, pair the boots with skinnies and jackets and – this is important – your outfit comes together effortlessly because the taupey-beige is one of those colors that manages to go with everything while matching nothing.

To keep my outfits somewhat cohesive (I swear, that’s how I should start describing my personal style, ‘somewhat cohesive’), I found that a lighter bag helps to pull it all together, even when I was wearing black.  (Actually….especially if I was wearing black).

Two things of note:

1.  I’ve mentioned these boots before, and they keep selling out.  Never fear, I rounded up several other solid options (and a few I even like better).

2.  I’ve gotten a few questions about cut-out boots with socks.  I’m not convinced that it’s not possible….but it’ll be tricky.  I’ll play around once the temps drop, but at the moment, I plan to treat mine like sneakers:  bare ankles.  So we’ll see.  (I’ve also included a few pairs in the roundup below that will easily pair with socks…)

Keep reading to see how I wore these booties all over France for a little Wear Now / Wear Later styling game…..

Wear Now – Taupe Ankle Boots And Dresses

These pics were shot in Nantes, France, where we did our house exchange.  We loved wandering around the downtown, and would stop at La Cigale for champage (me), and hot chocolate (the kids).  Why hot chocolate?  La Cigale is situated right in front of the most amazing fountain – my little guys spent hours running through, then would come back to our outdoor table and warm up with the thickest, richest hot cocoa.  Bliss.

Outfit Details

dress: Tularosa Holden Dress (size S for reference – the XS fit too small around my chest)

bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Backpack (my exact color is sold out, but I rounded up a few more light colored bags below….)

shoes:  Lucky Bashina Boots

Wear Later – With Skinny Jeans And Comfy Blazers

These pics were taken in Normandy, where the nights were pretty chilly.  And you’ll see this outfit again (and again and again) – it was almost the only thing I wore for our entire France trip.

Outfit Details

top:  Rebecca Taylor (size 2 for reference) – I do realize how insanely expensive this entire outfit is…..in my defense, everything was bought at major discount during the Anni sale.  Here are a few pretty top alternatives for under $200:

jacket: James Perse Double Breasted Blazer (size 0) – make no mistake, this is a sweatshirt and a jacket.  Insanely comfortable, yet the lines are so freaking good.  I’m obsessed.  Do we want a round-up of sweatshirt (or ponte or knit) blazers?  Let me know.

jeans:  AG Legging Ankle Jean – Size 25 for reference (and I hacked the bottoms myself)

bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Backpack (my exact color is sold out, but I rounded up a few more light colored bags below….)

shoes:  Lucky Bashina Boots

Shop Taupe Booties

Shop Light Bags

I realize that a few of these bag picks might strike some as an unusual choice.  My criteria was thus:  the bags had to feel light enough for hot summertime temps, yet have enough…ooompf to be paired with black and denim this fall.  Picture these bags with your fav skinnies, black blazer, tshirt, and a delicious oxblood scarf (plain or plaid or even this bright one).

xo,

S

A huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!! I always love a serendipitous find, and these boots were certainly that.  (Please restock, would ya?  Especially Size 8 – readers are now stalking eBay, haha.)  As always, all product choices, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  And readers, thank you for your continued support.  There are so many blogs out there, and we are so very grateful that you choose to read this one.