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Last year, I remember staring at closet overflowing with clothing that I didn’t really like and hardly ever wore. I had just given birth to my son a few months prior, and a lot of the clothes that I had worn before no longer fit well or were nursing friendly. We were also several months into the pandemic, and I found myself living in oversized shirts with holes and stained sweats with pilling fabric. I didn’t feel put together or confident and even though I really wasn’t going anywhere, I wanted to feel not only comfortable but also classy in the clothing that I owned.

Around the same time, I taught myself how to sew on an old sewing machine my grandma had gifted to me a few years prior. As I spent hours and hours learning how to operate my machine, what type of fabric to use, and how to read a pattern–I started to question the fashion industry how we know it. Why could I buy a blouse for $10–a shirt with hems and buttons and binding that I knew would take way over an hour to complete. Once the fabric, notions, and shipping costs were combined, the maker would only be left with mere pennies for their work.
I felt really conflicted with this new realization. When our son was born, we became a one-income household and really didn’t have room in our budget for me to go out and buy a lot of new clothes–let alone from ethical brands. In the past, I would go on multiple shopping sprees a few times a year–loading up my cart with discounted items–purchasing something because it was cheap even if it didn’t fit quite right. This left me with a jumbled assortment of clothing that didn’t quite fit and that I didn’t quite love; hence, only about a third of my clothes were actually getting worn on a regular basis.
One day, I came across a few different Youtube channels–Audrey Coyne, Dearly Bethany, Justine Leconte, and Emily Lightly–that focused on discovering your personal style and building your wardrobe around a few key principles. All four of these ladies discuss topics such as color palette, ethical fashion, capsule wardrobes, and quality over quantity. I really liked the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but thought it would have to be something that I could embrace when I was no longer growing a family. However, these ladies talk a lot about building a wardrobe with specific, intentionally purchased pieces that can work through various seasons and life changes.

So, I purged my closet–several times actually. I get emotionally tied to clothes, even ones I don’t wear, and I struggle to resell or donate things that I spent money on. But, I was determined to build a minimal wardrobe that suited my lifestyle, values, and budget. I was able to keep several of my items, but I resold or donated over 2/3 of my wardrobe. Now, I am rebuilding my wardrobe with a few things in mind.
- Does this item support slow fashion and ethical fashion practices?
- Do I absolutely love this item?
- Will this item fill a gap in my wardrobe?
- Does the color of this item work with my skin undertones?
- Can this item be worn with at least half of the items in my closet?
That last one was a big switch for me. In the past, I bought clothes with only that individual piece in mind–never thinking about how it would fit with my wardrobe in its entirety. Now, I carefully consider each piece in my seasonal capsules and think about whether a new item I want will work with what I already own.
One item that I noticed I was missing was a good pair of versatile boots. I have two pairs of boots that I bought from a fast fashion brand a few years ago, and they are already falling apart and losing their shape. Nisolo generously gifted me a pair of their Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco, and I have to say–these really are the perfect boots! Here’s what I love about Nisolo and these boots:

What I Love About Nisolo
- Intentionally Designed – Nisolo’s shoes are contemporary classics made that are made responsibly. (Learn more)
- Ethically Made – All Nisolo employees earn a fair wage, healthcare benefits, and work in a safe environment. Nisolo publishes their lowest wages publicly. (Learn more)
- Fairly Priced – Nisolo sells directly to the consumer, reducing a need for middle men and higher markups. (Learn more)
What I Love About These Boots
- They have custom memory foam insoles and are comfortable from the first wear.
- They are waterproof and can be worn year-round.
- These boots mold to your foot shape and can be adjusted to fit narrow feet.
- They are classic yet rugged–these boots can be paired with anything from leggings to jeans to dresses.
- The Tobacco color looks lived-in and pairs well with neutrals.
Here is a week’s worth of fall outfits styled with the Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco:
Linen Romper & Cozy Cardigan

- Romper: Little Deer Handmade (similar)
- Cardigan: Target, not a sustainable purchase; bought several years ago, (similar-ethical)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Handmade Linen Dress

- Dress: Handmade by Me (HubbaDing Patterns June Dress; Isee Fabric Cloud Mid-Weight Linen)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Vintage Jean Jacket & Cotton Dress

- Jacket: My Mom’s from the 90s! (similar from Levi’s)
- Dress: Secondhand from a slow fashion brand (similar)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Gaspard Jumper & Handmade Wide-Leg Pants

- Sweater: Gaspard Jumper from Sezane
- Organic Wide-Leg Pants: Handmade by me, Elsie James Clothing
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Levi’s Overalls & Secondhand Mock-neck Tee

- Overalls: Levi’s Women’s Vintage Overalls in Afternoon Stroll (waterless)
- Mockneck Sweater: Madewell, bought secondhand (similar)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Organic Pullover & Secondhand Jeans

- Pullover: Handmade by me, Elsie James Clothing
- Jeans: Target, bought secondhand (similar from ethical brand)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
Vintage Rain Jacket & Secondhand Jeans

- Rainjacket: Secondhand & Vintage (similar)
- Jeans: Target, bought secondhand (similar from ethical brand)
- Boots: Nisolo Amalia All-Weather Boots in Tobacco
- Socks: (similar)
If you’re a mom like me, you don’t have to wait until you’re done having children to figure out your personal style and develop a wardrobe you love. It takes time and planning and saving and choosing versatile pieces with intention, but you are worth the investment.

These boots are definitely an investment piece. However, as I mentioned above, capsule wardrobes focus on staple pieces that allow you to do more with less. These boots are high-quality and durable and can be worn with countless styles through every season.

How would you style Nisolo’s Amalia All-Weather boots? I’d love to chat, so send me a message here or on Instagram with your outfit and styling ideas!
Love this blog
Thank you so much for reading, Madina!
Lovely! Very inspiring 🙂
Thank you so much, Emily!