When I read LR's post on her Top 25 Duchess Looks From 2011, I fell in love with the boots that Kate was wearing with this red Luisa Spangoli suit.
LR let me know that they are from Aquatalia by Marvin K. and the style is Rumba. I clicked over to buy the boots. Nordstrom had them listed as a Nordstrom exclusive and indeed, I couldn't find them available anywhere else in North America but sadly, Nordies was sold out of my size.
Undeterred, I set off on a quest to find the boots and after a bit of online sleuthing and the help of a friend overseas, the boots were on their way to me.
This is my first time purchasing Aquatalia brand and I
am quite sure it won't be the last. Details include stretch nappa suede uppers, a 3" heel with a 3/4" platform, a gunmetal side zipper, rubber sole and microfiber lining.
The boots are made in Italy. The construction looks to be top notch and they are very
comfortable. There is extra lining in the foot portion of the boot to add a bit of warmth. Even wearing just tights, my feet are never cold in these boots.
The suede is buttery soft and has a silky texture. The thick rubber platform sole and sturdy leather-wrapped heel give these boots traction and comfort.
I love the way these boots hug the calf. My calves are quite slim so
most boots gape a bit at the top and if the shaft is gaping too wide it looks
sloppy and that is a deal breaker for me. My ankles are freakishly skinny so I didn't expect these to hug my ankles, and they didn't. I don't mind the slouchy look on these though.
The almond-shaped toe is classic and feminine. They are not too pointy and not too platformed, either of which could make them look dated. The sleek design works perfectly with suits and dresses as well as more casual outfits.
Worn here with No.2 Jazzy Purple pencil skirt from J.Crew and I.N.C. cotton sweater shirt. Tights are Oroblu in plum.
Worn later the same day (with the same plum tights) out to meet a friend for a casual dinner. I.N.C. silk ribbed sweater, Rock & Republic denim skirt, lariat necklace by David Yurman.
Although the suede is waterproof, I sprayed them with leather protector before wearing them outdoors and I'll be careful to try and keep them dry. These boots should last for years with proper care. If you are looking for a stylish and functional winter boot, put the Rumba on your list.
Very cute boots indeed! I have a pair of Aquatalia boots and love them to death. They are so comfortable and durable. Where I live(Canada), winter is 5 months long with lots of snow and these boots are truly weatherproof. With all the salt on the road, never leave salt rims on my boots and they still look like new after 2 years of wearing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
http://mui28.blogspot.com
I read rave reviews of Aquatalia boots and wonder how I missed them. I'm also in Canada - Calgary - and winter here can be crazy cold with lots of snow or warm and windy when the chinooks roll in and melt everything so it can be a mess. I've been babying these so far but I'm sure they get hit with some salt, snow or slush before too long. Glad to know they can take it.
DeleteOh, I wanted these boots so badly but they are out of my price range and will be long gone by the time I can save enough. They look so nice. I hope you will show us more of them.
ReplyDeleteThese boots are expensive initially but apparently they last forever so the cost/wear should end up pretty low. I plan to wear them a lot, I'm sure you'll see them again.
DeleteI never heard of Aquatalia before but I am off to check them out. They look great on you! My calves are not that skinny however, I would say average, so I am afraid they might be too tight. Funny, I actually do not own any high heel boots, only flats and low (2.5 inch or less) heel. I use boots as comfort footwear and many days I commute in boots and then I change into pumps.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how this brand is not more widely known because everyone seems to love them. A well-kept secret I suppose. The suede stretches, your calves would be fine in these I'm sure. I have to walk about 20 minutes from parking to office (parking downtown Calgary is impossible and almost $30/day) so I always wear boots for the walk in but I have no problem walking in heels. Usually I change into shoes but some days I like to keep the boots for a different look.
DeleteAquatalia boots and shoes are great. I love these Rumba boots!
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of Aquatalia wedge sandals with a 4" heel that are awesome, and I had a pair of their boots for years and years, they lasted but I eventually tired of the style. Those things were indestructible.
Dani, with your stamp of approval they must be great because you are an excellent judge of quality. Have you featured the sandals on your blog? I don't remember and will have to watch for them this spring and summer. I expect to keep these for a long time so I'm happy to know they will last.
DeleteOK, I want these boots. Want, hear me?
ReplyDeleteLOL Fred. I hear you!
DeleteI agree with DaniBP, Aquatalia boots are virtually indestructible. I had a pair while in university and put them through quite a bit of abuse, but they looked brand new even after several years. Yours look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLouise, it sounds like I am the last to the party for Aquatalia. Glad I finally found them and if yours could make it through college then they must be indestructible.
DeleteGorgeous boots! Kate has awesome style and I would love everything in her closet. Her husband isn't too shabby either!
ReplyDeleteKate does have awesome style. I love the way she is somewhat understated and always looks to be happy in the moment. By all accounts both husband and wife are genuinely nice people.
DeleteI love Kate's style! She's a real down to earth gal. Recently she made an appearance in a coat dress, worn with another pair of Aquatalia booties, which cost about $500 (and of course, promptly sold out online). I love that she can rock accessible items. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see someone famous that wears accessible clothing. I find it inspirational for those of us wanting to dress in a proper, yet stylish fashion. I'm sure she will have a fashion following for some time to come. I'm happy to have found these boots thanks to her and LR's blog.
DeleteLove with the denim skirt-- gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt's great they way these boots can be dressed up or down. Versatility is one of my favorite attributes in clothing and accessories.
DeleteThx for the shout-out -- those Rumba boots look FAB on you! Those are still on my wish-list....I love my Aquatalia ankle boots though, so those will suffice for now. :)
ReplyDeleteI like how you paired them with the coloured tights and pencil skirts.
Love your blog LR. I will bet the Rumba will be back for another season this fall. And you also have Aquatalia boots? Wow, they must be good.
DeleteOuuuu those are some nice boots! Are you planning on pairing them with red like Kate?! I bet they would look fabulous <3
ReplyDeleteTasia
I don't have a lot of red in my wardrobe, not even one red skirt. I do have a red military jacket that would probably look great with these boots and a black pencil skirt so I'll have to try that. That's for the suggestion. ;^)
DeleteOoooo hope you do try it out! All I can think about is those boots with J. Crew's chili ultra eyelet pencil skirt :P hehe
DeleteHi nice to meet you I came through Tabitha. These boots are perfection. I had been looking for ten years for absolutely plain camel and dark brown boots and found them In New York finally in a tiny store in Soho (and typically the name fails me...)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my humble blog. Tabitha's blog is always entertaining, she comes up with such intriguing ideas for her posts. I like the classic look, something not so memorable but perfect in their own way. I'm also a fan of smaller boutiques and have found some gems there. If you think of the Soho store, let me know. I will be in NYC next year and likely in London this year so whichever Soho, I might be able to visit.
DeleteThese boots are a fabulous, timeless and classic design. I love Aquatalia brand. I have a pair of boots and a pair of all weather shoes with a crepe sole. They are so comfortable and they always look good. Both your outfits are sublime. The streamlined shape would work under jeans as well.
ReplyDeleteThis brand certainly is comfortable and I love the look. Thanks for your compliment on the outfits and suggestion to wear the boots with jeans. I have my go-to boots for jeans but I like the idea of these with a pair of trouser jeans so I'm going to try that.
DeleteThey are beautiful and very classic looking boots. I think you'll enjoy them for many years. Great investment! :)
ReplyDeleteABC, that is quite a compliment coming from you, I always admire your style. Thanks!
DeleteI can never find boots which fit my thin calves, so it was great to read this post. I have never heard of this brand before but it looks like it should work for me. Stuart Weitzman is another good brand for thin calves.
ReplyDeleteAquatalia was a new brand for me too. I had one pair of Stuart Weitzman boots and they were slouchy so it's good to know that they may boots for thin calves. I'll have to give them another look, thanks for the recommendation.
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