Pages

26 October 2016

stepping out of my comfort zone {+ $100 giveaway!}


As someone that sticks with what she likes and knows and rarely leaves her comfort zone, I was extremely pleasantly surprised by a couple of booties I recently tried from Rack Room Shoes. First up! These Steve Madden Nelmas in a shoe color and heel height I normally avoid. My unspoken rule of clothes/shoe buying thumb is: could I wear this to Costco? because most weeks - that's as fancy as things are going to get. Of course there are exceptions for church and nicer occasions but if it's not comfortable enough to wear to my favorite warehouse - odds are that I won't wear it at all. 


But these fit the comfort bill and help elevate my most basic outfits. I'm pretty loyal to my wedges but never took into account that chunkier heels might be much easier to walk in than traditional heels and wouldn't you know? They ARE.


I love the cutouts on the side that make for getting them on and off easily but the back of the shoe is nice and sturdy and won't let your foot slide out when waltzing through the produce aisle. I had actually had these in my cart for a couple of weeks because they are such a great price for a quality brand but I was going with predictable brown - I'm so glad to have them in black though. Rebel Grace 4ever.

Next! I've talked about how I've come around to the ankle boot but again, a heeled ankle boot seemed like a silly staple to employ in my closet for reasons of practicality and comfort. Until I met the Franco Fortini Lexi ...


and was blown away by how comfortable they are. They are lined with Nylex which feels like it should be a euphemism for, "cloud" because they compete with my cozy slippers in the soft department but magically manage to wick away moisture which is greatly appreciated during Florida's summer-like fall temperatures.


They feature real suede, a real wood heel, are exclusive to Rack Room Shoes and come in the following earth tones: olive, wine, taupe, and grey. I'm wearing taupe - which I'm sure you deduced.


I love wearing them with denim but they'll be great to pair with dresses/skirts and tights when the time comes.


In my never ending shopping indecision, I've tried on loads of shoes and boots included and can say that these are a phenomenal price point for the quality and the style feels classic enough to stick around for years to come so they are a great investment.


As the seasons change, shoe sizes in our household shift, and trends evolve - Rack Room Shoes is our go-to spot to find affordable footwear for the entire Camp. Rack Room Shoes has recently launched a brand new app that offers exclusive, app-only savings and makes it super easy to browse and purchase brand name shoes for men, women, and children.

The Rack Room Rewards program offers extensive discounts, coupons, and $15 in rewards for every $200 spent.

Rack Room Shoes is generously giving away a $100 gift card to one of you fine readers. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter by simple visiting Rack Room's site, leave a comment back here with your favorite pair or pairs of shoes, and be sure to register your comment with Rafflecopter.

Thank you so much for playing and many thanks to Rack Room Shoes for sponsoring this post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

322 comments:

  1. Looks like their site is down right now, but I love the suede booties you're wearing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I LOVE chunky heels and I've been itching to get a pair of my own! Like you, I am loyal to wedges, but they're not right for all seasons/looks. Love these shoes! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I tried to visit and it said "We'll be back soon," that they're doing site maintenance. Bad timing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those taupe booties are perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Franco Fortini Lexi in wine please!!! The way you describe them has my soon-to-be-postpartum feet screaming with comfy delight!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really like the Franco ones you are wearing the best, but I would love them in grey!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the Franco Fortini Lexi boots, probably in taupe, but maybe I'd go out on a ledge and try olive. I love ankle boots, especially since I live in the South.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the grey booties you are wearing the last few photos!

    ReplyDelete
  9. i can't even open the link to the olive version of those boots and i still know i want them. so cute!
    and totally agree with you - i had to embrace the "if i can't wear it while chasing kids then i'll never wear it" wardrobe

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOVE those gray booties! Seems like rack rooms site is down right now, but trust me, I'd be choosing booties! I've been on the hunt forever...

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've been on the lookout for some new booties! Thanks for the suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, and I'd totally buy the 2nd pair in your post 😀

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Rack Room site is down for maintenance right now but I would love to get a pair of those Lexi booties you're wearing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. My go to booties got trashed a rainy outdoor event and Ive been searching high and low for new ones. Love the taupe color

    ReplyDelete
  15. Excellent choices! I could use a new pair of black ankle boots myself. (I'm forced to come around to the ankle boot given that no riding boot ever has worked for my short legs...)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love those booties you have on - I'd probably buy something along the bootie line :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  17. love those Franco Fortini Lexi booties you are wearing!!!! I'd love a pair especially if it feels like walking on clouds. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Booties are my weakness and these are all perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Their website is down right now, but I'm on the hunt for some cute and comfortable booties like yours!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Maybe another pair of flats or shoes for my kids.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The website is down, but I have been looking forever for some super comfy flat booties!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love those booties! So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I think I would get a pair of the Mayari Birkenstocks

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love some booties for winter!

    ReplyDelete
  25. ah i love them all, those black booties are my favorite! :) thanks, grace!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm loving the XAPPEAL STEWART bootie in that lovely wine color!

    ReplyDelete
  27. The XAPPEAL Nora booties are something I'd totally add to my closet!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Those Nalmas look pretty sweet and I also love the BJORNDAL Rachels!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love the black Steve Madden ones you are wearing! I've been looking for some black ankle boots and those are exactly what I've been searching for.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would totally buy the Franco Fortune Lexi booties in Olive 😀

    ReplyDelete
  31. As usual, I love the pair you chose. I'd definitely go with the Lexi as well!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Site is down, but I love your black booties!

    ReplyDelete
  33. It might be time for me to venture into the world of booties. https://www.rackroomshoes.com/122265/ABBEY.prod?pg=&pp=&filter_cat=style/bootiesshooties-style

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love the suede booties you're wearing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. There are so many great choices! I like the Franco Fortini Winchester boots, and the xoxo Morgan boots. Or even a pair of shoreline converse!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Franco Fortini riding boots would be great to wear here in Nashville TN!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love both of these! So cute on you

    ReplyDelete
  38. I've been feeling the need for a pair of basic white Converse, but there are GOLD ones on the site. Probably will have to go with those!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh those shoes look so good on you! I just moved to NYC and I'm a liiiittle nervous about the chilly temps this winter so I'd buy the Sperry Sweetwaters! Or a pair of Bearpaws.... Or both. Anyway, love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'd get Converse for the family.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love both pairs you are wearing!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love love the black Steve Madden you have on! Perfect for me to pretend that Fall exists in Southern California.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love the Lifestride Wendy boots!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I would love to get the https://www.rackroomshoes.com/122297/LAURENE.prod?pg=&pp=&filter_cat=style/bootiesshooties-style

    ReplyDelete
  45. Laredo Cross Point - I've been wanting new cowboy boots for a long time!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd love any of the BOC booties!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Franco Fortini Lexi in Olive!! But those black booties are so cute too!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh those Francos. I just love them in the wine!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love the Steve Madden ones you're wearing!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'd definitely buy the black booties you blogged about! They look so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'd love to have a pair of those Franco Fortin Lexis!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Gimmee all the booties. *heart eyes*

    ReplyDelete
  53. The suede booties are really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  54. The Limelight Jena's are super cute too!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love the lace up flats look, just a little scared to try it :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. My favorite pair on the website is the "NO PARKING LAURENE".

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love the Franco Fortini Lexi -- I think it's because your style makes them look so great!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Love the tan booties you're wearing! Need them!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love yours, but after broswing I think I would go outside my comfort zone and get the Franco Fortini Lexi in maroon!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm getting ready for winter and would love some cute Khombu boots!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love those Khombu boots-looks like they would be so warm for winter!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the Report Giddi boots. The braid detail is darling!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I'd love darker converses! Matching for me and my girls!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Loving the converses! Maybe a dark pair?!

    ReplyDelete
  65. These outfits are perfection!! You look great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Been thinking about something like the Bjornal Rachel. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I would grab those Lexi booties in grey!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Either a new pair of asics or the Franco fortini Stamford 2 riding boots.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Signed in as hubby's account, entering under my (non-google email... Rachel W). You always look adorable. I like less heel now too and comfort reigns.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I like the STEVE MADDEN NALA pump!
    Jennifer Rote

    ReplyDelete
  71. Tommy Hilfiger Shana boots! I've been on a quest for a two-toned pair to go with black and brown.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like the xappeal Yates boots.......Livivua

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love the ones you're wearing, and the "Madden Girl Bolero" are great too!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Hmmm. I think I'd choose the CLARKS SILLIAN CHELL. :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Am I the only one who thought of veggie tales with your line about waltzing down the produce aisle?! I'm a big boot fan and passing the love to my daughter as well.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love the Franco Fortini Lexi in Olive!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I gave up buying anything with a big heel, I'll just never wear it. But booties with short heel are so cute too so I'd definitely look at those!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Both pairs suit you well! I'd go for the "No Parking Laurene"--similar to the ones you have on!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Ooh, cute! I'm rocking a lot of ballet flats these days, I'll have to see what they have...

    ReplyDelete
  80. Oh, I love the G by Guess Jelus! They're a little summery, but I still couldn't resist them!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Steve Madden Nelmas for sure! Love the cutouts

    ReplyDelete
  82. I desperately need some new workout shoes. The Nike Trainers are so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I love those taupe booties! Perhaps I could retire a pair I own from target that are missing the bottom of the heel! 😂

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love the booties! I have a pair of Steve Madden booties that I got a size too small because #sale and really need a pair that is my actual size ��

    ReplyDelete
  85. I love the Xappeal yates. And maybe I'm out of the loop, but I love that they have category called shooties. ☺️

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love all the ankle booties! Especially the Eurosoft panora and the report giddi. I heart eyes them
    -Carissa Brummelhuis

    ReplyDelete
  87. I love all the ankle booties! Especially report giddi and eurosoft panora!! Heart eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Well- I need some new winter shoes and something that can be a little dressy and tall boots do not work on me and I've been wondering if ankle boots are the thing for me? Maybe "no parking Laurene" is just the thing!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I need some new booties to wear to Costco!

    ReplyDelete
  90. "could i wear this to costco" -- lol'd grace.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love the black and taupe! Both great choices!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Love the xappeal Nora.
    Bridgetarnell

    ReplyDelete
  93. I would get the Report Giddi! Love the detail!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'd get a pair of Converse in the classic white. I've been wanting a pair for a while!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I've been having the hardest time finding a pair of ankle boots that are nice enough to wear to work but casual enough to wear on the weekend. I like the chunky heel look, I've seen more of that style than the wedge this year. I wish I could try the boots with the toes but out because they are gorgeous but I'd freeze in Cleveland.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I have no need for them but I'd snatch up pair of Sugar Aviator flats!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Never shopped here before but definitely need to check them out!

    ReplyDelete
  98. I love your suede booties, but I still haven't been brave enough to try them. What I need most are running shoes...

    ReplyDelete
  99. Loving the boots but I would probably go for some converse or Nikes for that comfort factor!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I think I'd go for the lifestride boots in black..because I too am a creature of comfort and I'm also still digging the tall boot trend. https://www.rackroomshoes.com/125168/SUBTLE.prod?pg=&pp=&filter_cat=category/boots

    ReplyDelete
  101. Gah, shoes! I'd put that credit toward some Ugg minis that I could slip into on a. Old winter morning on my way to barre class and, of course, also tromp through Costco in. I'm longgggg overdue for a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Naturalizer Naomi Pumps - I need shoes to wear to the office.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'd snag a pair of Ugg minis that I could slip into on a cold winter morning on the way to barre class and, but of course, tromp through Costco in. I'm lonnnng overdue for a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I'm almost embarrassed to say, because I am not a huge UGG fan, but I love the Kookaburra cable boots. They look really cozy. There are so many great styles that it is hard to nail down just one.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I'd snag a pair of Ugg minis that I could slip into on a cold winter morning on the way to barre class and, but of course, tromp through Costco in. I'm lonnnng overdue for a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Both of those booties are cute! I like the Steve Madden Nelma in brown!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I'd snag a pair of Ugg minis that I could slip into on a cold winter morning on the way to barre class and, but of course, tromp through Costco in. I'm lonnnng overdue for a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  108. The Madden Girl Boleros are calling my name! So many great shoes on that website!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Those black Steve Madden booties are aaaamazing!

    ReplyDelete
  110. I need some new booties! Like 5 pair!

    ReplyDelete
  111. I really need some Florida friendly booties, that would be my pick!

    ReplyDelete
  112. I don't know what shoes I'd want but as a college student in New England, something definitely warm and comfortable considering winter is rapidly approaching. Both boots pictured above are so cute though!

    ReplyDelete
  113. I've been looking for a low ankle boot and I think the Bjorndal Rachel boogie would do the trick!

    ReplyDelete
  114. I love the ADIDAS CLOUDFOAM RACE tennis shoes :) I would probably get those!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Lame, but the first thing I'd apring for are some Minnetonka slippers. Considering how cold-adverse they are, the Italians are surprisingly resistant to turning on the heat. The marble and wood floors in or apartment are freezing!!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Love your taupe, but I think I'd go brave with the wine color in the Franco Fortini Lexi!

    ReplyDelete
  117. I would get the taupe booties you are wearing !

    ReplyDelete
  118. Loving the cutout styles this season!

    ReplyDelete
  119. I have been looking all over for some cute taupe colored booties. Love this pair!

    ReplyDelete
  120. I would get some winter boots. We just moved from Florida to Pittsburgh and I'm dreading the snow!

    ReplyDelete
  121. I like the Limelight Denmark Boots.

    ReplyDelete
  122. I'd definitely go for the Franco Fortini Campbell boots!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I've been looking for a good deal on bogs rainboots for my kids. Then I don't think I'd have a problem finding something for myself as well!!

    ReplyDelete
  124. I love both pairs of boots you're wearing! They look so good!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I'd get the Franco Fortini Winchester wide calf boots. I need a new pair of boots as the baby foot growth has made my last pair too tight.

    ReplyDelete
  126. I've been looking for a pair of ankle boots. I love the Franco Fortini Lexi in gray AND taupe. RRS is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  127. Adore the boots! Adore!!!! And you are simply stunning, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  128. I've decided to "never say never" on fashion; I've made fun of and then caved to every style in the last 15 years. So I'm sure I'll be wearing booties soon! :P

    ReplyDelete
  129. As always, Mama Patton nailed it in her bootie chooses. I too love the Franco Lexi and that would be my choice!

    ReplyDelete
  130. I love both pairs you are wearing! I would probably get the Eurosoft Panora for myself and some for my kiddos! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  131. I would love to get the ROCK & CANDY SPRAYPAINT boots. So cute but so many I want!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Any heel that makes it seem like I'm walking on cloud pillows is my shoe! I like the Eurosoft Panora too!

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm with you...LOVE the FRANCO FORTINI LEXI!!!

    ReplyDelete
  134. I would buy the Clarks Sillian Chell boot. They look so comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Loving the Franco Fortini Lexi in grey!

    ReplyDelete
  136. Gosh Grace, I absolutely LOVE both of your choices!! I also like the Lifestride Lexy in black :)

    ReplyDelete
  137. I'd love the comfy looking Clarks Chel booties in dark gray!

    ReplyDelete
  138. I totally want those Steve Madden Nelmas! So gorgeous! You should step out of your comfort zone more often, it looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  139. love those franco booties, but i'd probably get them in gray...! :)

    ReplyDelete
  140. I like the Carlos Santana style! Very versatile

    ReplyDelete
  141. Love the Franco fortini lexi boots! SUPER cute, and I'm curious about the lining

    ReplyDelete
  142. I am in DESPERATE need of new flats! I really like the XAPPEAL Sydney shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  143. I really love the Franco booties you are wearing in taupe!

    ReplyDelete
  144. I need some no flats for work and I really like the XAppeal Crawford! Also I want some booties to wear with skinny jeans and I really like the No Parking Laurene style! Thanks for this opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  145. I love the Steve Madden cutout booties you are wearing!

    ReplyDelete
  146. I need those Franco Fortini Lexi boots!

    ReplyDelete
  147. Twist my arm - I'm super into your Franco Fortini Lexi booties in the grey or taupe. Let's be bootie twins! :)

    ReplyDelete
  148. I love the Franco Fortini Lexi!

    ReplyDelete
  149. I would choose the Bjorndal Channing. Lots of great choices.

    ReplyDelete
  150. I'm LOVING the Nelmas that you're wearing!!

    ReplyDelete
  151. I really like the CLARKS SILLIAN CHELL in gray.

    ReplyDelete
  152. Can't go wrong with a classic pair of chuck taylors :)

    ReplyDelete
  153. This is so great because I really need new ankle boots. I'm loving the Steve Madden ones you got, but in the brown since I have black boots already. I also really love the Franco Fortini Lexi boots in the taupe-ish color.

    ReplyDelete
  154. Great giveaway! I like the Madden Girl Bolero boots.

    ReplyDelete
  155. I love those black boots with the cutout!

    ReplyDelete
  156. I don't have any ankle boots (only riding boots) so this would be a perfect opportunity to add to my closet! I probably would go with a black/gray version of the ones you're wearing so I could good out of them at work.

    ReplyDelete
  157. https://www.rackroomshoes.com/100721222467/122246.prod?r=10&c=4&orderby=ordate-desc&q=lexi&st=PRODUCT&utm_source=Camp%20Patton&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=FallFashion LOVE these in taupe. Fantastic.

    ReplyDelete