Handmade Style Vlog: Cozy Outfits for the Fall Season

[@sewonsister]

Ha ha ha ha ha! I just turned 55. I pretty much only wear Birks and Hokas. I live in CA. I don't give a shit. I'm also a teacher and on my feet ALL.DAY.LONG. So...ya. I plan my outfits around my ugly ass shoes that don't make my feet hurt. I love your videos. Keep on keeping on.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for sharing! i do love a cute pair of shoes--i think that's why i have a hard time letting them go.

[@christinenielsen8142]

I think when we reach the stage of life when we’re ranting about kids these days & their outerwear choices we are ready to go all Birks, all the time. Join us on the comfy side! 😂

[@knottygnome]

good point! 🤣

[@BethSicilia-q2g]

Wow, after reading comments that are a parade of foot problems, thought I would add my 2 cents. After 2 foot surgeries, I sadly gave away my heels (being 5 feet tall, sometimes I want and need heels) and turned to comfortable shoes 24/7 BUT I will not give up the search for cute shoes - and there are cute, comfortable shoes - I have Dansko sneakers, Vivaia boots, Kate Spade loafers ! These are all expensive but I like them and can wear them without discomfort. (Not for all day walking, of course) Good luck in the change, and BTW your makes are great and inspiring. I always look to see how you wear and style the clothes, since I am of similar height and build. Love the channel!

[@knottygnome]

thank you for sharing. yes, there certainly seems to be no shortage of foot issues!

[@msebik4171]

I’m retired and find my shoe collection to be embarrassing. Even at this stage of my life, I find it hard to give any of them up! But I do err on the side of comfort more and more saving the prettier shoes for special occasions. I love these videos of you styling your clothes Sarah, you look great.

[@knottygnome]

thank you! yes, it's odd how we can get so attached. i feel like i've spent a lot of resources building a collection over the years--i don't want it to go to waste!

[@denisedorsey2889]

Sarah, regarding your sweater: I think you might get more wear out of it if you removed the sleeves entirely and turned it into a sweater vest. With all the colors in the yarn you could layer it in so many ways. I can see it with a burgundy long sleeve T. (It’s a color I THINK I see in your sweater) and it would look great with your coloring.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the suggestion. i'm not sure how well that would work in practice b/c it wasn't designed to be sleeveless so the armholes might end up fitting kind of funky. i'll give it some thought though.

[@cedar0girl]

LOL, you are so funny! I am the orthopaedic foot lady! I live in birks (not clogs but softbed sandels) with cute thick socks (usually darn tough) OR blundstone boots (with my orthotics lol) but then again I'm going to be 3x20! I live in Canada and will never shame anyone for wearing a winter coat!! You are very talented. I wish I had your ability and your energy 🥰 p.s. LOVE the trenchcoat!!!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much for the encouragement! i appreciate it.

[@robinduggins2561]

At 60+ years it's comfort all the way for me, clothes and shoes. I'm certainly old enough to not give a darn. Besides, I lean a bit boho anyway and my Birkenstock style sandals are my favorite to wear. I actually recovered the footbed at the end of the summer season with some leather I had and now they are ready for next summer.

[@knottygnome]

that is one thing i appreciate about birkenstocks. they last for a long time and are great quality. well, except for the one pair of plastic ones that i got for a beach trip--those are awful.

[@lindarogers4188]

Your denim dress is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@susanhemion2981]

I’m 72 and I love vintage Havana and Converse. I wear what I like and most of my clothes are arty and ageless

[@knottygnome]

that's awesome!

[@marieg2815]

New denim dress looks sharp!

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@LisaFaiss]

I’m about 10 years older than you and I wear shoes that match my lifestyle in a rural area…hiking shoes, ankle boots, and topsides for summer. Love the jacket over the button down and T-shirt. I’ve seen that recently as a runway look.

[@knottygnome]

thanks! i thought it might be too many layers but i really ended up liking it.

[@cindywinkler4172]

That denim dress is sooooo good! Lovely job

[@knottygnome]

thank you! i appreciate it.

[@nonsequitur5057]

Love your videos! Some years ago I broke my hip in a really stupid accident. And I had to hunt for shoes that would help both support my foot and my life style. I live in the SF Bay area so, it's sandals and boots . . . I found Taos. They make sneakers that are incredible and boots that you could take a walking vacation in one pair! We have a local shop that carries them. Every time I'm in there I end up in a conversation with someone about how they wore Taos all over Europe, etc. I usually by mine on-line. They have sales all the time and if you look under "Clearance" you might be delightfully surprised to find $500 boots for $150 or less because they only have your sized left. They also have inserts of the footbed that you can put into other shoes. Sorry, have to go! The best to you! Thanks again for the videos!

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the suggestion! i haven't heard of that brand. i will look into it.

[@TheFalmairscots]

I am of a certain age and have to change shoes 2-3 times a day due to pain. I can no longer wear heels, just flat shoes with arch support innersoles. I spent my working years on my feet constantly and now I'm paying the price. Take care of your feet, don't stress them with uncomfortable non-supportive shoes! I have Birkenstocks as well as an assortment of other "clunky" type shoes, but really, lots of them are very cute. You can be stylish without heels.

[@knottygnome]

i know i'm conflating a lot of things, but i hardly ever wear heels anymore anyway. i was referring more to things like ballet flats or loafers--flat shoes but a lot of them don't have arch support and are too formfitting to put insoles in them. so i can wear them for a few hours but get pain if i walk around in them for too long. thank you for the advice!

[@julierode-hickey4932]

I'm 67, recovering from a foot injury, and must aways wear a 1-2" heel. Never barefoot or flats. My young, cool podiatrist understands my desire for fun shoes, so she offered to preview any potential purchases. In south Texas, sandals can be worn most of the year. I've found comfort in Bzees sandals and booties. They are machine washable fabric.

[@knottygnome]

it's interesting how everyone's foot needs are so different. it makes it more understandable how it's so hard to find good shoes.

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

I used to wear long sleeves in the winter until my internal thermostat stopped functioning 🤫😆. Now I only wear three quarter length sleeves. So maybe there’s a future for your beautiful sweater without making any alterations! Thank you for your truthful videos ❤

[@knottygnome]

I definitely run hotter than I used to but it gets so frigid here i'd be surprised if i can ever get away without long sleeves during winter!

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Sara ❤! I only wear “barefoot shoes.” They have gotten cuter! Shoes should not hurt!

[@knottygnome]

i tried those back in the day and they gave me shin splints. so much pain--never again!

[@michelewegman2173]

I think you should wear comfortable shoes always unless going to a wedding or something where you have to dress up

[@knottygnome]

very good advice!

[@mscurlypixie1]

I love your videos. I’m almost 50 and I am all about comfort shoes. Vionic shoes are very comfortable and some of them very stylish.

[@knottygnome]

thanks! i've tried Vionic but i haven't found a pair that fit me well yet.

[@lisagoldring2838]

For the 3/4 sleeve sweater, save the cuffs. Then add the stripes, and graft the cuffs back onto the sleeves, and it will look intentional!

[@knottygnome]

great idea! thanks.

[@lisart2488]

Great outfits Sara. I realised a while ago that I am miserable if my feet are sore. Comfort is key so I only wear shoes now that fit that criteria. I used to live in Sheffield in the north of England and I'm a southern softy and I used to get teased for wearing coats in the winter. People would go out in their shirt sleeves in snow blizzards. I had no idea what they were trying to prove but I was warm 😂

[@knottygnome]

yeah i've definitely seen that phenomenon--being the "tough" guy/girl without a coat. i'm with you though--i'd rather be warm.

[@janevellenderartist]

cute outfits. Your shoe comments really made me laugh. Yes, you do reach an age when Comfy shoes become a must. 80/20 is a good plan. I still keep searching and buying hoping to find comfy and cute, I do have the odd success, so you never know!

[@knottygnome]

very true! sometimes i can make shoes work by adding or switching out the insole. it is possible.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

That jacket from Friday is so cute.

[@knottygnome]

thanks, Christine!

[@BethyM-j2f]

Birkenstocks are an investment. I like the sandals better. That said. It’s hard for me also as I love shoes!!! Rock them.

[@knottygnome]

i thought the same, but since all of my other pairs have a very low CPW, i think birks are very much worth it. i have shoes that are at like $10 CPW--not nearly as good.

[@mairead5891]

I have three pairs of Birkenstock Milanos and three pairs of their Bend lace up shoes. I wear orthotics and trainers and the Birks Bends are more or less the only closed toe shoes I can wear. I can recommend the Bends though, the footbed is a slightly 'gentler' version of the sandal footbeds, and you can remove them and put in a regular insole or your orthotics. They also look more like trainers too. They also have a nice selection of ankle boots too - some Chelsea style, some laced, which I've been hanging my nose over! My dad always used to say to buy the best shoes you can afford, we use our feet at lot, and good quality shoes wear better.

[@knottygnome]

thanks for the recs. it's good to know they work for you--i've heard that other birk styles aren't as good as their sandals or clogs.

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

Berkies and sneaks all the way! I wore heels everyday for 25 yrs and now have no idea why I put myself thru that - other than “it was what we did”. I have a few comfortable dressier options for special events & my trusty snow boots, but day to day life is comfort first. And you know what? I’ve discovered that nobody really notices or cares other than me. I wish I hadn’t thrashed my feet and endured sore feet for as long as I did. Don’t get me started on pantyhose!!

[@knottygnome]

i agree that nobody else cares but you, but i dress for myself and i like to have options. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@leoniefryer4238]

I’m always on the lookout for flat and comfortable shoes that are still a bit stylish. 😂Oxymoron, maybe. I will always choose the comfortable shoes these days. I’m grateful for my healthy feet 🙏 and want to keep them healthy.

[@knottygnome]

very good point!

[@crumpetsteaandsewing]

I absolutely love these styling videos! I love Monday, Thursday, and Saturday's outfit, and that denim Minerva garment is gorgeous. Topstitching can be overwhelming. I'm currently at the end of a project that has topstitching details. So, I definitely feel your frustration. 😅 Shaming someone for wearing a winter coat is wild. What an odd thing to do. Why would you not wear a coat in winter? 😂 In regards to shoes, my feet are wider now that I'm in my 40s. I purchased a shoe stretcher for a pair of Marc Fisher loafers I purchased last month. I was disappointed that they were very narrow, but I loved the design so much that I decided it was worth the risk to try and widen the shoes. To my surprise, it worked! 😊 I'm also choosing to wear more comfortable flats and kitten heels these days. Loafers are trending. So that's my go-to shoe style currently. I'm glad you didn't permanently injure your foot. Take care!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much, Tea! I've been working on adding more comfy shoes that still look cute. I appreciate that you took the time to watch.

[@tanishalladay6403]

Thanks!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much! that is really kind of you. ❤️

[@SunShine-000]

Agree on 3/4 sleeves- Talbots has their lovely cashmere Audrey sweater in so many gorgeous colors-all in 3/4 sleeves! No way I’ll ever buy a cashmere sweater with 3/4 sleeves, or short sleeves, for that matter,😂

[@knottygnome]

i hate them so much. i'm glad that they aren't as prominent as they once were.

[@Craftytutu]

I wear trainers(sneakers) most of the time as I have a metal ankle. There are SO many gorgeous designs out there Sarah 😄 If I’m not going to be walking much I occasionally wear an ankle boot with a low heel as I still get some support where I need it but can feel a bit more dressed up. I’m mid fifties but still like an edgy look. 💞

[@knottygnome]

i agree, i have so many cute sneakers. it's just that sometimes you want to wear something else, you know?

[@Craftytutu]

@@knottygnome Yeah I understand ☺️ Sometimes I really miss being able to wear pretty heels 👠 especially if you’re going out for dinner or on a night out. I still own 2 pairs, haven’t worn them for years but can’t bear to part with them 🤣 I love your videos, thank you for all the great content 💞💞

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

I enjoyed all these outfits very much! I had to give up on heels, and don't like it but I didn't feel stable in them. I bought Munro sandals this past summer at Nordstrom and they've been good. In the winter I wear a lot of booties - Clarks, Skechers, Beezees - whatever I can find in wide or double-wide that is comfortable and warm. I wish manufacturers would make more fashionable shoes for those of us with foot issues! I don't want frumpy shoes! I don't much care for the look of Birkenstocks and am tired of wearing sneakers. Good loafers work for me, too. I hope you come up with a solution that feels good and looks good!

[@knottygnome]

it's a challenge for sure!

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

@@knottygnome forgot to say I liked your Halloween handbag friend 😄! I put a raccoon with a little Santa Claus hat on mine at Christmas 😁!

[@knottygnome]

@@MaryCunningham-u5j thanks! i'm definitely having fun with bag charms.

[@MaggieClark-v3p]

I have turned to Clark’s and Vionic shoes for comfort.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the suggestions!

[@lindakrol5376]

I wear Vionic and earth origins - rarely wear shoes that not totally comfortable...

[@knottygnome]

i've tried Vionic b/c my foot doctor recommended them but strangely i haven't found them very comfortable at all! i think a lot of their shoes start at a size 6, while i wear a 5 or 5.5--that's probably why.

[@ShereeThomas30]

Really cute outfits ❤ Love your jewelry

[@knottygnome]

Thank you so much 😀

[@barbarajohns6613]

I don't like 3/4 length sleeves either, but how would your sweater look under the jacket you wore on Sunday? (Simplicity 9388) Hard to tell on the computer about the colors, but the sweater has a smoother front than the shirt and might look nice. About the girl who doesn't believe in winter coats, I wonder what her view is on raincoats and umbrellas. 🙂

[@knottygnome]

that's a great suggestion, thanks! the sweater would probably work well under the cropped jacket. i don't know her, of course, but i wouldn't be shocked if she doesn't spend a lot of time outside. much easier to get away without a coat if you never step out in the elements.

[@annewhitney8809]

I live in Southern Ontario and we don’t have as severe a winter as Western New York. Americans seem to think that once you cross the invisible line called the border it’s instant flash freeze.

[@knottygnome]

yes, i know that Canada is a large geographical area. i shouldn't have lumped it all in as one thing. my apologies.

[@sewmytroublesaway]

Hahahaha I wear Birkenstock Madrids about 6 months out of the year, when it's warm enough. I've been debating getting a pair of Bostons for winter but I can't decide if they're too ugly 🤣🤣🤣 but I wore them in college so why not??? I just bought some Toms for when it's too cold to have my toes out. It's not as cold here (Western Australia) l as NY so I don't need hardcore winter shoes. I had a good laugh with your shoe discussion, thanks!

[@knottygnome]

tbf i think the bostons can be styled in a really cute way. it's just that they can also look like you wandered out of the house in your robe and slippies if you aren't careful. 🤣

[@sewmytroublesaway]

@@knottygnome hahaha yes! Very true

[@elizabethsmith3553]

Hi Sarah. I don't know if you're able to watch a British show called 'The Repair Shop' - it may be on BBC America or KZbin, but they have a person called Susie on there who restores leather and suede items. Might be worth seeing if you can get some tips.

[@knottygnome]

thanks for the tip! i will see if i can find it.

[@Lorij83]

Have you tried Clark’s or Merrell shoes? It is so hard to find good, supportive shoes. They can make sandals;why can’t they make shoes?

[@knottygnome]

i have a pair of Merrell hiking shoes and i've bought their snow sneakers before. i should give clarks another try. it's been awhile.

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

Merrell makes a great leather clog too. They aren’t as good as they used to be, but are a nice option if you want a leather shoe look. Hopefully they aren’t discontinued- seems to happen more often lately. Bought last pair from Zappos about 4 yrs ago and still wear 2x a week in the colder weather.

[@clairefrancois6046]

❤❤❤

[@nicolegooding7724]

Personally, I've had a luck buying Mad Tosh from people's stashes on Ravelry. If it was me, I'd be unlikely to wear the sweater with color blocked sleeves., even if they were the right length.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the suggestion. i have one sweater now with contrasting sleeves (sock arms) and i've knit one in the past where the sleeves were two different colors and i loved it. so i don't think that would bother me at all.

[@eileenroth9868]

Your makes are beautiful!, The denim dress is Awesome! I am 65 years and did have to give up heels. A broken ankle last year helped me make the leap!😁 I also found Vionic shoes are very comfortable, have excellent arch support and very cute shoes. Check them out. Thank you for the vlogs! I Always watch.😊❤️

[@knottygnome]

i have purchased Vionics in the past but i found them to be very uncomfortable and returned. i might have to give them another try at some point.

[@HilaryGreen]

Be that lady.

[@patriciaferrito9245]

The no winter coat thing is a hold-over from middle school. No one who is cool wears a coat in middle school. She needs to be more realistic. Wait intil we get 4 feet of snow in 1 day. You need a coat on those days. And been there with the ugly shoes. My advice- take care of your feet now. Or you will pay for it later. Yes, wear pretty shoes when you have to. But wear comfotable supportive shoes whenever you can. I now have arthritis in my toe joints and have very limited choices for shoes. I wear Dansko clogs every day to work because it is all I can get on. Luckily they come in pretty patterns- but they are clunky.

[@knottygnome]

very wise! thank you for the advice.

[@patriciaferrito9245]

@@knottygnome and now I'm wondering why do short women have foot problems? I'm only 5 foot. Other commenters have indicated they are also short. Why does it seem to occur more often in shorter women? I know in my early career, high heels were practically required. I'm paying the price for it now. I retire in 3 months and I can't wait to wear whatever is comfortable every day.

[@knottygnome]

@@patriciaferrito9245 i think you may have answered your own question. i was born with weird feet but i'm sure i made it a lot worse in my early adult life by wearing sky high heels trying to make up the extra height that i'm naturally missing. my knees hate me now too.

[@amdelorey]

Birkenstocks all the way! Who cares!

[@knottygnome]

i'm sure no one does! but i still like to feel cute for myself. and my closet full of shoes makes me feel guilty.