Frumpy or Fab? - YouLookFab Forum

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Frumpy or Fab?

Debora

Veteran

I dragged myself out of my tryptophan-induced and Sudafed-laced stupor today for a little shoe therapy. I ended up buying these super comfortable Ara oxfords. Now that I've bought them home, I'm wondering if they are a little old-ladyish.

Are any of you familiar with this brand? Are these fab or not? Not to sway you, BUT it's been a long time since I've had a pair of shoes this comfortable on my feet.

http://www.amazon.com/ARA-Vick.....B005ADRKLO

I'll try to post styled pictures tomorrow, but would appreciate any feedback in the meantime.

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Ana

(website)

Veteran

They look good to me!

Kari

Veteran

Debora, I think it would depend on how they were worn. I don't think they are inherently either super cutting-edge or frumpy, but they also don't look dated to my eye; my first thought would be wearing them with straight legged jeans and a structured jacket or perhaps a boyfriend blazer. Since the vamp on the shoe is pretty high it might be tricky wearing them with dresses or skirts, but with jeans it seems like they would be pretty foolproof.

(And also, that's awesome that you found such wonderfully comfortable shoes! Yay!)

Queen Mum

Veteran

not sure.....
something about the heel is causing me pause

Debora

Veteran

Thanks ladies!

Just wanted to add that I am looking for an oxford that I can wear with jeans, dresses and skirts.

Deborah

Veteran

Debora my first thought was "it depends on what you wear them with" and then noted Kari's comment. I like them... but... they look a lot like school shoes to me. Love to see them styled and then I think we can assess more easily.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I don't mean to pee on your parade, but if I had seen the shoe without any context, I would have thought they were men's dress shoes. I can see them with pants or jeans but I don't think I would put them with a skirt or dress. That could just be me though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Debora, often when I imagine your outfits I see you in your amazing flat boots! Those are simple, clean lined, and unostentatious, made with beautiful high quality leather that is soft to the hand (I imagine, anyway!)

These shoes may share some of those qualities.

They might look frumpy on the wrong person, with the wrong outfit. But I have a feeling they might look great on you. They won't call attention to themselves, but will blend quietly into the background and allow the rest of the outfit to do the talking.

I do think it would be more challenging to wear them with dresses and skirts. But let's see some pics!

Anonymous

I think you can make them work. With straight legs or bootcuts for sure, and maybe even with dresses and skirts if you pair them with black tights. I would bend over backwards to make a comfy shoe like this work!

JayCee

Member

I had a pair I gave away after reading something somewhere about them being "nun" shoes (whatever THAT means). This was about three years ago, and I have been regretting it since. I loved those shoes, they are back in style again, and I'm hoping for another pair...they look great with the right stuff. And comfort is SO important.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

For the amount you're paying, the leather isn't very high quality looking.

Debora

Veteran

Mixed reactions so far to these babies! They definitely do have a bit of a "nun shoe" aspect to them. I would probably wear them mostly with bootcuts or straight legs and wear tights with them when wearing skirts, as Claire suggested. DD loves them and says she wants them if I decide not to keep them. I think, though, that a shoe like this can look edgy on a 27 year old but give off an entirely different vibe on a more mature woman. I'm not sure what to do. Hang on to them for city walking?

Astrid

Veteran

I know Ara, it's a brand that is available in most shoe stores with a mixed range here. They normally have good quality and are very comfortable, a bit like Ecco or Clarks. But they also have many styles that are a bit 'old lady' like. I like the ones you posted, these look good to me. I second what Suz said, I think it depends on what you wear them with. I'd love to see some pics!

Scarlet

Veteran

I would wear them. I am sure you can pull them off just as well as a a twenty-something, Deb. I am familiar with the brand along the lines of what Astrid said.

Debora

Veteran

Thanks Astrid and Scarlet! I was hoping to hear for the European contingent!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fab and thumbs up! You'll look both elegant and funky in these, Deb

These are also killer comfy:

http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=CREAMSOTA