A long-standing item on my wishlist has been a pair of tall brown boots. I hadn't worked out the details in my mind yet (style, material, price, etc), so I was open to all possibilities. I figured I'll know once I saw the one.

A leather pair in a medium brown color from Zara's recent winter collection caught my eye upon its release, but I held off due to the $200 price tag. When it was marked down to $140 at the last sale, I jumped at the chance to try. I had high hopes, but sadly, there was too much material around the ankles, causing unsightly bunching and sagging. The search continues... at a rather slow and leisurely pace, I'll admit.

While browsing Gilt a few months later, I came across a pair of suede over the knee boots from Prada and fell in love. Then quickly lost the googly eyes when I saw the $1000 price tag and the words final sale. As I looked for more info, that nagging feeling of familiarity wouldn't go away. I was finally able to pinpoint the source to having seen Anh wear both the Prada and Miu Miu versions beautifully -- the only difference in style between the two (that I could tell) was the heel height (1" for Prada, 2" for Miu Miu). I'd like to thank fate for allowing me to snatch up the last remaining Miu Miu pair at NM for 55% off ($540). It just so happened to be in a gorgeous dark chocolate brown color in a size 37.

I typically wear 36-36.5 (the latter mainly for pointy toe shoes because I have normal-to-wide feet), so I had reservations if going up another half-to-full size would work. I kept expectations low, way low, this time around. Sz 37 fit me fine in the toebox (couldn't feel noticeable roominess), but did experience wiggle room at the ankles (would be a problem with pumps, but not an issue since my heels won't be slipping out of boots). When worn, I didn't feel like the ankle area looked roomy -- no obvious sagging, just normal creasing. Most of all, I loved how the boots contoured to my calves without being skin-tight. I worried about needing to constantly tug at the boots to keep them from sagging, but nope, no need for that at all. Deal sealed. I do think a half size up (36.5) would've been perfect, but don't have regrets about the 37.

The suede leather is amazingly soft and supple to the touch -- lightweight but not too thin. The inside is lined with smooth, black leather and provides contrast against the brown suede when the top portion is folded down. I personally prefer the over the knee look myself, so don't plan on wearing the boots cuffed.

When not worn, I keep the boots upright by placing cardboard tubes inside (came with purchase), otherwise the shaft topples over. I probably should look into some sort of suede-protectant spray, but have so far just been wearing the boots out during nice weather days.

I remember when I first saw the pointy toe and compared them to witch shoes because the front looked extra elongated. But when photographed (see above photo), the boots look rather proportioned. Aesthetics aside, I figured there was a good chance I'd be tripping over my own two feet. So far, so good and only slight scuffing at the toe. I love the boots so much the first time I wore them out that I promptly wore them again the next day and the day after that. I had no problems with comfort when standing and walking for hours on the ~2" blocked heel.

On a final note, LOL @ me for balking at $200 Zara boots, but bought the Miu Miu pair at $540 without blinking an eye. What a brainwashed sucker I am when it comes to the "name." Sigh. I'm working on it :)