Accepting My Width: Tall Boots For Wide Width Moms

I’ve always dreamed of living a full life; one with a wide breadth of curiosity and experiences that ultimately shape who I am. But outwardly, I appreciate the use of fashion as an expression of one’s values and, this year, I’m on a mission to spruce up my own image.

Admittedly, I am not an actual fashionista. I love to admire how images and personas are created by the use of fashion, but the inspiration never really makes it to my actual wardrobe. More importantly, my body isn’t the muscular image of my twenties, making it less fun to dress.

Loving my full frame figure has never been easy, but the urgency to “pull my look together” became obvious when Alina made a comment about my choice of clothes (I won’t even call it an outfit!) as we walked to her school one morning. The realization that I’m molding my children constantly continues to be my biggest source of motivation in life. It’s time to accept my body and make wardrobe choices that make sense.

Identifying My Needs: Wide Width Boots

Recently, I began a very pragmatic approach to my fashion needs for this fall/winter. I looked at my closet and determined what I lacked. I studied my favorite plus size fashion bloggers who also portrayed their lives as mothers. I then decided on key pieces that I would buy immediately. The first on the list: tall boots that fit my wide calves.

Wide width is key, because struggling to strap into tall boots that don’t fit wastes time and eats at my self esteem like nothing else. Just thinking of myself hunched over in a shoe store, attempting to zip up a pair, gives me anxiety! Not only have I accepted the fact that I need “wide width” boots, but I’m embracing the challenge to find a pair that really works for this mom body of mine.

With that criteria, I set out to find tall, wide width boots at Payless that made me feel like a “pulled together mom”. I checked out Payless on Pinterest and started to envision all the outfits I could create. I then headed to the store to try the boots on in person.

I’ve worn my new Payless Questt Riding Boot almost every day since I purchased them. Actually, they fit so perfectly that I decided to buy the black pair too! The riding boot has an embossed, soft upper with strap and buckle accents. The side zipper is smooth and easy to access. The small 1 1/4″ heel, jersey lining and padded insole make it a comfy boot, too.

At the time I purchased the cognac color, Payless was having their BOGO sale (Alina got new mary janes for school… so cute!). But when I went back to purchase the black pair, boots were on sale for up to 50% off. So although the retail price of these staple fall boots is a great value, the sales make them an even sweeter deal.

Slowly but surely, I’m starting to love my body. I had a couple health scares in 2015 and I’ve decided that I, at the least, deserve to be nice to myself. For me that means eating meals that nourish my body, managing my time with purpose and making a bit of effort in my outward appearance with simple wardrobe additions that help me look pulled together.