Rusted Revolution

When it comes to contests, drawings, or raffles of any kind, I consider myself to be the unluckiest. At least… until I received an email from SoleStruck‘s very own brand manager, informing me that I had (FINALLY) won my first ever contest (check here for the post that mentions all the winners).

The New Year/New Shoe giveaway was sponsored by Matiko, a relatively new brand launched in 2002, that makes some of the most drool worthy… and affordable… and comfortable shoes (a triple threat!) I’ve ever encountered. Part of the contest was that the five winners had no clue what pair of Matikos they’d be receiving… and boy, what a pleasant surprise was waiting for me when my shoes finally arrived this past Thursday. I have no clue how they decided what shoes they were going to give to which contestant, but man, oh, man do Matiko and SoleStruck seem to know me well. I’ve had a life long affair with ankle boots, and so naturally, waiting for me nestled in white tissue paper were a pair of fabulous Matiko “Lani” ankle boots (in black, my favorite color, of course).

I love the “Lani” shoes because they’re superbly chic, so versatile (I could come up with a billion outfits that these shoes would go with), but they’re also classic enough that I could see myself wearing them next year, and the year after that, and so on. With a rounded toe, sleek heel, and horizontal quilting/pillowing on the side of boot by the buckle, they certainly make a statement, but remain conservative enough that unless I wind up working for a major corporation with a strict dress code after graduation (highly unlikely), they’ll be as appropriate for happy hour at a bar as they are for work during the day.

Below are three different ways I can wear my Matikos… to a casual party or bar, on a normal day, and to a dressier event and/or work:

F21 knit sweater, DIY Calvin Klein shredded denim shorts, black tights, Aztec-inspired gold necklace, gold bar ring, Matiko "Lani" ankle boots

Kenji cropped short-sleeved sweater, black and grey tunic tanks layered underneath, black nylon tricot leggings from American Apparel, Miu Miu sunglasses, Matiko "Lani" ankle boots

Halston draped wrap dress, black tights, Rusted Revolution overlapping chain necklace, Matiko "Lani" ankle boots

Thank you SO much Matiko and SoleStruck!!! You are the best!!!

xoxo Lesley