My Recent Boot Binge + Cole Haan Marina OTK Boots Review

Leo & Sage turtleneck // Chelsea 28 via Nordstrom trench (old, similar) // Banana Republic skirt (old, similar) // Cole Haan Marina OTK boots // Coach vintage shoulder bag (current version) // Ray-Ban silver mirrored aviators

Photos by Natalie Dressed

Over the last month or so, I’ve been on a huge boot search. I’ve probably ordered around 10 pairs of either OTK boots or ankle booties (not all have worked out). I think the reason I’ve hesitated to really dive into any sort of boot (until this last year) is because they’re so hard to find for my size and frame. For booties, the cut has to be just right at the ankles, otherwise my legs get cut off and that’s never good for a short girl. For OTK boots, the shaft has to be narrow and form fitting to the calf. So many boot requirements, not enough options, people!

For now, I’m happy to report, my search for the perfect OTK boots has ended. During my boot binge, I picked up these Cole Haan Marina boots, these Joie Jemina boots, these Ivanka Trump boots, and these Charles by Charles David Reed boots (as an FYI, I sold all my old boots to make room for these). They all do a great job at hugging my calves and help elongate my legs. Stay tuned for a full review of each boot.

As mentioned last week, I picked up these Cole Haan Marina boots during their Frineds and Family sale. I heard great things about them from Jean, so I knew I had to give them a shot. First and foremost, the color and suede on these babies are beautiful. The suede is actually pretty thick, which I usually stay away from because they make my legs look quite large, but the shaft is so narrow, it works. Considering I’ve complained about every OTK boots having such wide shafts, these Marina boots make up for it’s counterparts 1000 percent. Thankfully, after a couple wears now, I’ve noticed the leather stretches a bit and conforms to your legs. The boot also hits at a very flattering height on my thigh and the 3.5” heel make them really comfortable and wearable all day. The Marina boots are quite pricey, but after my search for the perfect gray OTK boots was nearing 2 years, I knew I had to bite the bullet.

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