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boots

anne

Veteran

My local shoe shop is having a "second pair half price deal" on shoes and this is making me suddenly think about my winter boots purchase. I already have a pair of black boots but they are mid calf. Angie recommended (in another thread) getting knee high black boots and what women wouldn't like those? I feel though that they are a big purchase that I would wear for years and like to get "right". Has anyone got any advice on this?
If I get a second pair I thought of a more trendy pair of boots, maybe flat and suade or else some fashion sneakers.
Any thoughts?

Here is a link to the shop http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....Boots.aspx

Thanks guys!

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Maya

Veteran

I would definitely go for it! I adore boots. They are wonderfully comfortable and stylish, and since it's winter where you are, what better time to get a pair? I like the Norma. Very versatile and practical.

I don't know how tall you are, but as a short person I prefer boots that end somwehre between mid-calf and knee length. Full knee length tends to be a bit too long in relation to my height, but you're probably taller than I am.

anne

Veteran

Thanks Maya. I am 5" 4. Good tip ( opens up many more possibilities)

nenamatahari

I need a little more info about the rest of your wardrobe.

I tend to like little details on my anke boots, so I fancied Envelope and Bold. They have enough detail to look interesting but not so overloaded that they can look wierd after a year or so like perhaps the Candice might.

When I look for ankle boots, I tend to wear the cut of trousers I wear most often. They can be tricky little buggers to fit in your wardrobe.

I tend to keep my knee high boots a bit more simple. Perhaps a cute buckle here or there. Since they tend to be more expensive, I tend to want to keep them a bit more simple so I can wear them with other outfits.

Maybe once I get a higher paying job I can buy more with more reckless abandon.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I like the Norma's personally.

anne

Veteran

Thanks guys - the Norma appealed to me too!
I will go and try them on soon!!
In terms of lifestyle/wardrobe. I guess I would be looking for the knee high boots to wear with skirts. I am SAHM so I wouldn't be wearing this everyday

I was thinking, for the second pair, perhaps to wear with jeans - definately casual. Proabably flatheeled. I wouldn't be prepared to pay too much for this one.

BTW Should 5"4 longwaisted pear shapes wear jeans tucked into boots - Or should I bypass this trend?

Maya

Veteran

You don't need to bypass it at all. I'm an hourglass, so I also have curvy hips, and I love this look. I wore it basically every day during winter and am very sad at having to give it up for the warmer months. If ever there was incentive for me to fight global warming, this would be it :p. Something about the visual weight of the boots helps to balance out heavier hips and thighs.

For flat boots, I like the "Buck" style. It looks a bit shorter than knee length though. The "Office" style looks like it was made for a very meaty calf, so I don't know whether or not it would fit you, but it's a pretty basic flat boot.

shiny

Veteran

Boots I have acquired over the years:

1) Black leather, flat knee-high Franc Sarto's with round-toe, that fit snug on my calves. These are pull-on's. They are too snug to tuck in jeans. These are strictly for skirts. They are very comfy and work well with wool socks worn over tights.

TIPS: try them on with wool socks, if you intend to wear them in cold weather. Make sure there's enough room for socks. Consider whether you want to wear the boots with jeans or with skirts. Personally, I think looser-calved boots look kinda funny with skirts... but that could just be on me.

2) Wine leather, knee-high franc sarto boots with 1-1/2 inch heel and pointy-ish toes. These zip up. I can not wear them over jeans, but these are the most versatile of my boots.

TIP: wine is a great neutral to own! Wine goes with denim, grey, black, brown, winter-white. It mixes well with everything.

3) Brown Pleather (fake leather) pull-on knee-high boots with 2-inch wedge and snipped toe. These are more trendy, fun boots and beacuse they aren't real leather, I can wear them on days when I'm walking in slush and mess and not worry about ruining them. The wedge helps with stability on icy surfaces. But, they also aren't quite as warm as the leather boots.

TIP: consider the weather and how you will be wearing them.

4) Black suede pull-on knee-high boots (also franc sarto) with pointy toe and heel ... these have a sorta scrunch effect, but not overly so because they make my calves and ankles look the tiniest. These are saved for special occasions - go great with a LBD for a formal event. Because they are suede, I cannot wear them in slush and much though.

TIP: if you go to a lot of formal events in the colder months, it can be worthwhile to invest in a pair of dressy boots! Lots warmer than going out in strapless heels in the snow!

5) I also own a pair of black and a pair of brown ankle boots, for wearing with jeans and slacks. Actually, all of the above boots can be worn under loose-fitting jeans and slacks too, for extra warmth.

6) UGGs, for the snowiest days when only UGGs make sense. I have three pairs in varying heights and colors.

What I still need: a pair of boots that I can tuck skinny jeans into... but first need the skinny jeans.

Nicole

Veteran

I also liked the Normas, but my favorite ones were the first pair--Beautiful (I think that's what they were called.)

anne

Veteran

Guys, thanks for all the suggestions, and especially to Shiny, for detailing her boot collection and all those tips.

I haven't been back to the shop yet - might make it on Sat.

One question. Do you agree with me that the zigzag stitch on this
http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....OOLAH.aspx
mars its appearance?

You probably have to click on "view larger" to see it

Nicole

Veteran

Anne, Do you mean the black zig zag stitching along the top of the boot? I can barely notice it, even with the photo enlarged, and it's just part of the construction of the boot--not an embellishment. It didn't bother me at all. I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it.

Anonymous

I just clicked on the last link for the Moolah and it really has a great style to it. Really balanced and cute.

anne

Veteran

Yep Nicole- that's what I meant. I don't want to be too fussy and not end up with anything - so it is helpful to have another opinion!

Anonymous

Yes I see what is bothering you on the top of the boot there is a zig zag stitch that gives the impression it is not finished to be seen, as if you should wear your pants over the top of the boot. I think that would bother me and I also am beginning to think they seem somewhat short for tucking pants into, or wearing with a skirt.
It could just be the picture and seeing them and trying them on would be a good idea to put your worries at rest.
Cute style, but could be taller IMO.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My apologies, I must be jetlagged because I thought we were talking about knee-high boots and I can't see any? But I see fab ankle boot styles on the link that you posted Anne!

Maya

Veteran

Angie, there's a link on the side to the knee-highs. Get some rest and then check it out

Anne, I'm not the least bit bothered by the stitching. I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it, and even after noticing it I don't think it looks bad. I still prefer the Norma style because of the shape of the heel and toe box. I also agree with Nicole about the Beautiful. I don't know if those were there last time because I didn't notice them, but they look really nice and the wedge might be more supportive.

anne

Veteran

Oh I hate it when you just lose everything you have typed!! Here goes again.

I bought some boots this morning but they weren't black. I will send a photo in when I am able. I can't find a link to the ones I got but they were closest to this one

http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....AMITY.aspx

Only brown, separate, but not high heel and not pointed toe ( so not all that similar but the best I could find)
Out of the ones you guys suggested I could only find these

http://www.betts.com.au/catalo.....FFICE.aspx

I am afraid I didn't like the feel of it - little ankle support and too flat. Unfortunately that rules out lot of the baggy ankled look.

The boots cost $179 which is more than I have ever paid for a pair of shoes but I did really like them. Hopefully they will last for years.Not sure if I will get a black pair this winter though after this big payout. Maybe I can get by on my calf high ones.

For my second pair I got some very sweet shoes for my 2 year old daughter!

anne

Veteran

I found a picture of the boots!
http://www.zushoe.com.au/catal.....RILYN.aspx
I got brown rather than the cognac shown

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Superb riding boots, Anne! You lead a casual lifestyle so no need for smart boots right now I’d suspect. Are they long enough?

anne

Veteran

They are about 2 inches lower than the bottom of my knee cap. Is that long enough? ( I can return them)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do they cover your calf? Will you model them for us (pretty please!)

Inge

(website)

Gorgeous boots Anne, I wouldn't mind seeing a picture of you wearing them either!-)

anne

Veteran

Ok guys here are some photos - sorry one is fuzzy
http://s297.photobucket.com/al.....noz/boots/

BTW I loved the suggestions of the Norma and the Beautiful (I only asked about the Moolah because it was actually in the shop. Tried it on and it wasn't long enough and a bit shoddy) I may buy some black boots next year (and those would be top contenders) unless these go massively on sale or I get a voucher or something. But I don't want to get a shoddy pair. They would have to be absolutely right and classic enough to last for ages.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous boots! Edgy, casual, interesting and retro. I adore the colour. Well done, Anne!

Now, my dear, you need a pair of tapered skinnies that tuck sleekly into these statement peds. You’ll get away with a really cheap pair that you’ll reserve for tucking purposes alone.

It’s nice to have bit of Autumn going on the forum. Love that you are in the Southern hemisphere and contributing to our site.

Tanya

Veteran

I love those boots too! Very, very nice and they look great on you.

I also agree that you need jeans with skinnier leg for tucking into them.