divine angst

Mr. Angst and I are headed to Chicago Thursday night for a long weekend campus visit-slash-anniversary trip.

I hear it’s kind of chilly up there right now.

I’m set for a coat and hat, and I have scarves coming out the ying-yang. I’ve got three pairs of gloves and I’ll take all of them with me.

But I don’t have the right kind of shoes.

I’m planning a superfast-whirlwind-boot-shopping trek today at lunch, so I need someone to tell me what kind of boots to look for. What is the most important quality to look for? Can I still be fashionable? I’m going to one of those big shoe warehouse “we’ve got it all” places, so I should have lots of options (or, at least as many options as would be available in this southern clime). Give me advice!

(BTW, I am only willing to go out and buy new boots for a weekend trip because I figure I’ll need them no matter where we end up. I know DC doesn’t get nearly as cold as Chicago, but I know it gets cold sometimes. Also, if they’re cute, I’ll wear them here, too, even if my feet get warm.)

Update: I have purchased a boot. Well, two. They have a nice grippy-ness to the tread, but are a smooth black leather, thus combining the most critical weather need (traction) with a mildly fashionable material. They are also roomy enough to accomodate a warm sock. Tonight I’ll take them home, put them on with my other winter gear and see how I like them. Should I hate them, they’ll go back and I’ll buy some insulated galoshes. Or duck shoes.