Grandma or geek chic? UPDATE - YouLookFab Forum

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Grandma or geek chic? UPDATE

Kristine

Veteran

I've been looking for a pair of closed shoes or flat ankle boots in a dark neutral. Yesterday I went to a few stores and had no luck. Then at Boston Store I spotted these on clearance. I was shocked that they rang up at $14! They're comfortable and seem well made. I'm a little on the fence whether they're grandma shoes though. What do you think? I'd be wearing them with bootcut dress pants or jeans.

http://www.bonton.com/shop/sho.....94205.html

What I like:

Navy, softer and a little more interesting than basic black
The strap and metal detailing is nice
They seem like 3 season shoes

What I don't:

The sole is definitely verging on grandma!

I'll probably keep them because they were so reasonable and only have one other pair of closed flat shoes/ankle boots for cold weather. But I'd like your honest opinions, thanks!

Shopping

31 replies

Latest reply was from lynne

Maya

Veteran

I'm really not a fan. Sorry They look orthopedic to me.

Kristine

Veteran

In a cool way right?

Louise

Veteran

I spy a touch of oxford detailing on the toe I think? Pair them with PPL bootcuts and I think you'll get away with them do post piccies x

April

Veteran

Kristine, I must admit I'm having trouble with the sole. From the place where the sole connects to the upper upward, I'm cheering for you, but below that level I'm struggling.

Also, from bitter experience, I would add that unlike a bootie, a shoe like this is going to cause The Sock Problem to rear its ugly head. I find it so hard not to feel dorky in high-vamp flats with socks.

Kristine

Veteran

True Louise, they do have some oxford seaming and detailing on the toe. I guess an outfit pic will help sort it out, thanks!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can't see the link

Maya

Veteran

I don't know Kristine, there are so many cute flat or nearly flat ankle boots and booties out there...why resort to these? I found several just on the first page of results on Endless.

Kristine

Veteran

I'd love to find something different Maya, I'll check out Endless. The other requirement is they have to work for smart, even business, casual. I've been looking for months!

Sorry Angie, here's the photo...

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah, thanks Kristine.

I can understand that these are comfortable - and I love a comfortable shoe as much as you do! They just don't do your renewed style justice, Kristine.

Furthermore, in my book they are 100% casual. Not smart or business casual. Kicking around the park with the dogs in jeans and a parka - okay. But anything else than that I'd suggest striving for another look. Does that make sense?

Were you swayed to purchase these because they were $14?

Maya

Veteran

I actually don't think those work for smart or business casual. Not refined enough. Some of these have a tiny heel, but basically feel flat.

http://www.endless.com/Franco-.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Nine-We.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Coclico.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Nine-We.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Rieker-.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Clarks-.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/Portlan.....=519508011|519509011

http://www.endless.com/La-Cana.....=519508011|519509011

Or why not just get a pair of cute flat oxfords?

Kristine

Veteran

It does make sense, thank you Angie! I'm shoe challenged! Thanks everyone, I'll keep looking.

Isis

Veteran

Kristine,

What about the Frye Carson oxfords? They come in a lot of colors besides black, including a dark purple, browns, tan.....I think they have a geek chic air to them....

MsMaven

Veteran

Kristine: I'm a grandma with bad feet and I wouldn't wear these as smart casual. Too bad they put the ugly sole on them because the tops do have potential. Maybe this is why they were only $14?

catgirl

Veteran

Glad you decided against them - I can see the cute/ugly appeal but I don't think they are versatile, and the sole bothers me. Enjoy hunting for a substitute!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Im not loving them either...have you looked at SAS? They are incredibly comfy (I have arthritis and fibro in my toes and 4 screws in my left ankle) and need support and comfort. Since oxfords are in style now, I finally fit in-lol Unfortunately, they are rather plain styles of oxfords, but if comfort is key, they are the best Ive had- both oxford style and the summer sandals!

catgirl

Veteran

I'll second the Frye Carsons... but they are not $14! Sadly.

Kristine

Veteran

Ok, I'm getting the message! You guys crack me up! I'll check out the Frye Carsons when I can afford the investment, they look very nice!

So I went over to DSW and came back with these (in black)! I love them, I think these truly are grandma chic but in a good way. I think they're smart casual or even business appropriate, do you agree? Thanks for all the help, I really have trouble with shoes.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/crown+.....ain-_-main

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CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think the soles are a bit GM but I vote keep because if you are sporting PPL you won't see too much, just the nice navy color. I am a big fan of comfortable shoes, I own Born, Dansko and Arche...

Edit: I now read the other posts and it looks like you've already returned them.

catgirl

Veteran

The boots from DSW are really nice! Much more chic than the others, but still with a nice casual vibe that can be dressed up. I think you'll still want a pair of shoes as well, though...

Kristine

Veteran

CocoLion, I haven't returned them yet. I'm still mulling them over for casual wear. I need to try them with pants and see how much is visible.

Thanks alaskagirl, at least I'm in the ballpark. I see what you mean though, I guess everyone needs a basic pair of shoes to throw on. I can't believe I don't have one, especially in Wisconsin!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love the DSW boots; I found a similar pair at Aldo but theywere all out of my size BOO.

I will be cheering for you when you get them and love them and wear them

April

Veteran

Not to be relentless, but I'm still voting for the Miz Mooz Bardots: http://www.infinityshoes.com/M.....-1473.html

In grey.

Maya

Veteran

I don't know Kristine. I feel like if these shoes weren't $14 you wouldn't be so attached to them. I'd look for a pair of loafers or mocs instead if you need a nice pair of slip-ons.

As far as the boots go, I am starting to feel a little confused about dress code. Something about these still doesn't hit a biz casual note to me. Maybe it's the little fringe? They're just not dressy shoes to me, and dressy shoes are what take an outfit from casual to smart or biz casual.

Kristine

Veteran

Maya, thanks for all of those links! It turns out the boots I bought today won't work anyway, they're a little too tight across the toe.

How about these, would these quality for smart or business casual (probably blue or dark red)?

http://www.endless.com/Everybo.....B003EIJZKQ

I also like these, are loafers casual though?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi.....tback=1056

Maya

Veteran

I love the loafers! The colors and patent are fab. Sure they're casual. They certainly aren't dress shoes, but the patent makes them dressier than a suede driving moc.

I'm not sure about the other pair. Somehow I still get an old lady vibe from them. They just don't really say "fashion" to me, but maybe that doesn't bother you. Or maybe it's just the texture? I don't know. Whatever it is, it could just be my bias.

I like these though:

http://www.endless.com/Everybo.....Designer=2

http://www.endless.com/Everybo.....aunch_date

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I wear my Frye Carson's all the time, but they are pretty menswear inspired, so may not be the most versatile...

I love the last batch Maya linked to. Especially that pair with the zipper!

MNsara

Veteran

Kristine - if you can use a dog-walking pair of shoes, keep the original $14 ones. You'll definitely out class the running shoes crowd.

But I'm glad to hear you are keeping up the search for smart/business casual

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(I am in both pairs of my Fryes A LOT. I'm sorry that they are so expensive. I think they would fit the bill, Kristine. And just so beautifully made - but most importantly, my feet are happy. It really lights my fire).

But there are great options here. The ladies have sorted you out

Kristine

Veteran

Thanks everyone!

I've been thinking this over and I'm going to try the Fryes. There's only one way to build a good shoe wardrobe and that's to stop cheaping out. I've promised myself I'll make the investment in well made shoes. They're 3 season shoes so I'll wear them a lot.

Now to decide on color! I'll keep you posted when they arrive, how exciting!

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