It's obsession time again.

Which is never helped by having a look at Pinterest.

It's not a sock, it's not a boot....it's a sock boot.  What is a sock boot I hear you cry?  Well. It's not a sock it's not a boot... it's a sock boot.  Seriously though, who the hell knows.  It's semantics which encourage us to buy more boots.  And who the hell cares?  I'm in. 

My definition of these would be an ankle boot that's probably slightly higher up the leg so verging on mid calf and one that is snug to the skin.  No flappy top to my boot thank you very much. Not on my sock boot anyway, as from what I can gather, they're quite often an elasticated fabric part on top of a leather lower boot.  Clear as mud?

Obviously I can only say "often" as sometimes they also seem to be just snugger leather or suede with no fabric (or "sock" in sight).

Are we all singing from the same carol sheet now? (delirium is setting in.  I actually laughed outloud at writing that.  I need more wine.  Immediately.)

These are the perfect solution of what to wear on your feet with a skirt.  A short skirt yes but definitely - most definitely - a midi skirt.  And I know I'm not the only one who has really struggled to find footwear to go with these sorts of skirts (cue a shed load of skirt blogs imminently...)

They are also the ultimate solution for my "promised to be favourite sort of trouser into the Spring" - the cropped wide leg (or flare.  Personally I shall be sporting the wide leg version - I already have the eminently wearable ones from Me+Em which are now in the sale). 

What better way to prove how they simply work than turning to Pinterest.  I thought I was set with my black trousers and hell yes I am but I now officially need a pair of denim ones (see how bad it is for the bank balance and obsession levels?  Although thinking about this after one glass of mulled wine too many, I have some old boot cuts that I turned up for oversized hem but I'm wondering if I can chop and fray for a crop jean.  Yes, we all so know this is a Bad Idea).

Love all of these looks. 

Suffice to say I shall not be exploring in any way, shape or form, the (muffin showing for us of a certain age with a predisposal to prosecco and sod all exercise) side cut out top.







Why do these work?  Well.. they're not going to be for everyone, that's a fact.  They're slightly out there and I think if you're a skinnies fan, you're not going to buy into these at all.  But for balancing out the proportions with a midi skirt or cropped trouser, these to me work perfectly.  A wide finish on your skirt or trousers teamed with a wide topped pair of ankle boots just doesn't work - you can't have flappy on flappy.  A neat, close fitting top to your footwear to set off the wider finish of the garment is what is needed.  

These are the babies you need. 

Top of the shops is Topshop (god I need to get out more)

Majesty Ankle Boots from Topshop £82 which is a squareish toe.


The Magnificent sock boot £79 in black 





And in the chestnut £79




More black in suede this time. 

HEX Sock fit ankle boots from Topshop £72


Or the leopard print.  Just wow (in a good way).

Hex Sock Fit Ankle boots £72




Master Tortoiseshell Heel £85




Magnificent Suede Sock Boots £79 in navy sude - also available in black and tan.


And elsewhere now - they don't specifically coin the (clearly made up) phrase of sock boot and prefer to use the (normal) description of "ankle boot".
s.Oliver Premium ankle boots from Zalando £90



Hogl Heeled ankle boots in grey were £125 now £87.50



And in the black which aren't in the sale.  £125




Grey leather which again don't entirely fit the brief but they do look very snug against the leg.  Which is what you want.

 Sam Edelman Reyes Steel Grey Ankle Boots £165



Slightly lower now and I have to say I am really coming round to the blockier heel.  I have a feeling that these are going to be a lot more prolific in the next season.. they're much more comfortable for a start. 

Tiger of Sweden Violet boots £250




I did used to have loads of these although they were knee high (and no, they weren't ever called Knee High Sock Boots.  Cant imagine why) from LK Bennett.  In fact I'm sure I used to have some ankle ones as well - I used to work opposite their flagship store in Mayfair on Brook Street and so was first through the door for the sales and used to come out armed with bags (and sadly I'm not joking - seriously I used to wait outside like a total saddo.  The Shame.  But the one with the good bargain shoes...) 

And they still come up trumps. 

Kelly Nappa Ankle Boot from LK Bennett £295





Some lower ones again - Shelley Patent Leather Ankle Boots from LK Bennett £295





Love the sole on these. 

Mai nappa Leather ankle boot was £275 now £195 



And then I thought - hang on.  I've got some like this.  Ok so they're not identical and they don't have the fabric sock at the top but they do have a suede, closely fitting top to the boot with the same cleat sole as the ones above (it was that which made me think, hmm, familiar...) and they're from, you've guessed it... LK Bennett. (Bicester now I am no longer privvy to loitering in Brook Street pre sale).  

I bought them about 3 years ago - and wore them on my 40th birthday as it was snowing.  They're suede with a patent toe and again, a stockier straight heel.  I am going to crack these out this weekend as I reckon they will serve the purpose perfectly.  For the first time ever, writing my blog has actually saved me money *small jig and immediately thinks what else I Need*...

Having said that - my bargain of the day I've found at ASOS.  These I think look (in the picture can I please  say... I haven't seen them in the flesh but a friend of mine recently bought a fabulous pair of velvet ones from ASOS which looked amazing - and they may have even been these....) Definitely worth a look. 

ASOS Raise up Pointed Ankle toe in black £38 - not to be worn in the rain.



I am rather taken with the bottom ones - but it does lead me to think about heel heights.  Mid, low or high?  Which would work better for you?  I so rarely wear heels during the day now but maybe I should make of an effort and drag some of my old boots out. 

Finishing with pics from the last couple of days.  Still doing a good impression of someone who is dead on her feet here.  This was before I decided I needed to cake on the mascara at this time of year.  If only to stop people asking me if I'm ok...