https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:03:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1988107 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 07:28:23 +0000 Jane 1988107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, it is very probably madness to be thinking about such a splurge on a single item. I really went shopping in Armani because I have never shopped in such a store previously and as it is on my ‘patch’ I felt I ought to at least see. The SA asked what I would like to see and I said flat lace up boots with gold hardware (which I’ve found very difficult to find) and out he came with the boots in the photo. There are some excellent suggestions in this thread and I do agree with you that I ought to be able to find some really good options but I haven’t found that many that I’ve loved. I will probably buy a much less costly placeholder and then keep my fingers crossed that someone does a copy of the Armani. The Tods were good but really I wasn’t in love with so not worth the splurge. </p> <p>Bijou, those are great tips on the care of suede, thank you. I love the softness too.</p> <p>Suz, thankyou! The blue scarf has beautiful illustrations which I love. Apparently it is a design based on a french board game. I had a good stalk on amazon and thank you so much for the suggestions. The Frye boots were lovely but they hadn’t my size. The animal print boots from Rag and Bone on Angies thread aren’t available in the UK, but I will continue to stalk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987941 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 19:46:45 +0000 Suz 1987941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Jane,</b> you look beautiful in the red and apricot in particular! Love the various scarf pairings.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the 10,000 step commute, I recommend looking in particular at Aquatalia (Finds from Amazon UK) , La Canadienne, and Blondo. I don't know how available any of them are in UK -- and the first two are pricey -- but far less pricey than the beautiful but possibly easily destroyed Armanis.&nbsp;</p> <p>Living in a wet climate, I can't tell you how I value my boots by these brands. I am wearing them ALL the time -- the lower heeled versions for city walking days, and the higher versions for days when I won't be walking quite as long. I never have to worry about them -- they come up looking great. I have more casual styles and slightly dressier styles. All are absolute workhorses.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love <b>Angie'</b>s idea of leopard print for you but also recognize that if you are wearing dark hose you may prefer the leg-lengthening properties of the darker bootie.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987834 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:02:23 +0000 Bijou 1987834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love black suede boots, so both the Armani and Todds look great to me. What I love about suede is how soft and comfortable it is to wear and break in - much easier on my blister prone feet than leather. I also love the very rich colour that you get with suede. </p> <p>However, the downside is it needs a bit more care. I have a few pairs of suede boots and shoes that I love and happily look after and they have gone the distance with this care.</p> <p>I have a suede brush and brush my suede after each wear. About every two months (when the boots and shoes are in heavy rotation) I apply a black suede, nubuck and fabric reviver which makes the suede nice and black. Once I have treated with the reviver and brushed the suede I reapply protectant - my suede boots are as good as new.</p> <p>I love the new tops, skirts and belts and the apricot top looks great with the paler scarf - Janet most definitely has an artist's eye! I also love the idea of animal print shoes for you, perfect with your hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987820 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 09:20:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 1987820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually prefer the look of the Tods. Is there not a shoe website in the UK that has lots of brands with a search function ( flat black ankle booties) similar to Styletread Australia- or Zappos or DSW or even Nordstrom in the US? Even Amazon UK? I have looked on all those websites in my exhaustive searches for certain shoes eg when I was trying to replace my red sandals end of 2017. You can filter so well. I understand comfort is of prime importance for the commute but I thought there should be a greater choice of comfortable good-looking smart flat black ankle booties without their having to be quite so high end. Or I may be a cheapskate!<br /> Speaking of high end, Janet's Alexander Wang Kori booties are really cool and not very high heeled, could they suit you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987802 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 07:51:20 +0000 Jane 1987802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Angie! ;)</p> <p>The finds are really great. The Rag and Bone ones look gorgeous but aren’t available in the UK, yet but I will stalk! </p> <p>Cindy, Brooklyn, thank you, they ARE gorgeous boots! But too much splurge really I think! </p> <p>Thank you Shevia, StyleFan and Karen. I do love red Karen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987758 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 03:07:03 +0000 Jaime 1987758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your boots and shoes and belt all look fantastic. But it is hard to really judge pieces in the abstract - it all depends on how they work on you! Basic tops look perfect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987756 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 03:00:28 +0000 Brooklyn 1987756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love those tops! You are looking very lovely and polished.</p> <p>On the boots, I’m not sure whether they are splurge worthy if you are going to change when you get to the office? If it’s just for the commute I think comfort should come first. But if it’s for all day wear that’s another matter.</p> <p>Off to check out Kettlewell now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987744 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 02:25:58 +0000 cindysmith 1987744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your boots! &lt;3 love them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987729 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:52:05 +0000 Angie 1987729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about some animal print boots and shoes to book end your gorgeous hair:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987728 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:49:38 +0000 Angie 1987728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jane</b>, your Kettlewell tops are Wardrobe Essentials - Wardrobe Basics are items like undies, socks, sleepwear.....</p> <p>(The bust line looks SUBLIME, btw).&nbsp;</p> <p>The tops are excellent to wear under jackets with scarves. NICE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Love both pairs of booties, and don't think the tall pair are too tall. Aren't they fab with dresses?&nbsp;</p> <p>Love the dressier vibe of the brogues too.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987643 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 22:16:53 +0000 karen13 1987643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent basics and scarves - You look so good in red, I'm jealous. The Armanis are gorgeous. I really like the lace up Aquitalias that bj111 posted, but I definitely don't have your special skill and the toes of all my suede look shabby so quickly. Yet I keep buying it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987622 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 21:06:49 +0000 Style Fan 1987622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have heard so many good things about Kettlewell.&nbsp; I may order from them through an acquaintance.&nbsp; The tops fit well.&nbsp; I love the look of the Armani boots.&nbsp; Your weather is so different from mine so I can't comment on the suede issue.&nbsp; Love the scarf! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987621 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 21:03:20 +0000 Jane 1987621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>bj,</b> thank you for appreciating my special skill! </p> <p>Those are lovely options and all good. Thank you for looking. I like the gold hardware TB ones, but also the Aquaitalia ones. The TB heel height is good, and the laces on the Aquaitalia are really I think what I am looking for.</p> <p>These white boots are so good, so comfy, so stable on my ankles. There is a black version but I don't like the hardware, would need to replace the laces (no biggie) and think look just too heavy.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987541 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 18:02:50 +0000 bj1111 1987541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>keeping suede looking good is something i havent mastered, even with shoe spray. am awed by this skill.</p> <p>the brogues are nice, although i know what you mean by needing ankle support. are any of the finds contenders? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987528 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:43:40 +0000 Jane 1987528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>bj,</b>thank you, good point on the suede, although I have had good fortune with suede and use protector etc. </p> <p>Another option on the flats are these brogues - comfortable and polished I think, but limited ankle support, which I find helpful.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/loafers-lace-ups/abacrombie/invt/122402">http://www.russellandbromley.c.....nvt/122402</a></p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987521 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:38:11 +0000 Jane 1987521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh, <b>Janet</b>, thank you, good, with the scarf with the apricot. Thank you so much Janet, I trust your eye on the colours!</p> <p>The Armani boots would be styled with what to wear for work. So yes, skirts/ dresses, straight, A line, on the knee or just below. Then until I can find another way forward, black tights. They were pretty stunning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987519 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:36:27 +0000 bj1111 1987519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i love the armani booties.&nbsp; if they are for commuting, suede may not last long before looking shabby.&nbsp; otoh, these are very office appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987510 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:18:45 +0000 Janet 1987510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, the scarf sings with the apricot! Beautiful pairing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I still like the Armani boots. How would you style them? Are you considering them as one or the other with the Tods, or are you in the market to keep both? To wear with skirts/dresses or pants, or both? I like them both, but the Armanis seem a bit more unique. I know what you mean about legs starting soon after the ankles -- I have the same thing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987490 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:39:51 +0000 kellygirl 1987490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More love for the Armani boots. So gorgeous and they look like they fit well at the ankle. The basic tops are the red and burgundy are my faves. I really love the skirt outfit in 8/9. Fit is fab and so sleek! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987487 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:35:13 +0000 Jane 1987487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, the Armani boots were lovely. Beautiful suede, lovely gold details. Here are all the photos I took. On the scarfs, I have put the lighter scarf against the apricot (Bijou has started a trend!). What do you think?&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you CardiffGirl, well I'm holding it in!! Kettlewell silky tops have worked well for me. Worth having a look I think.</p> <p>Thank you Lynn. The Todds were good. Neat, but wasn't sure about the length. My legs start soon after my ankles IYKWIM.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987474 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:10:43 +0000 Lynn 1987474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are great basic tops, agree that the grey is not the best on you. Agree with Janet about the scarf in 4.&nbsp;Love, love the Todds. The outfit with the belt is great and would be a terrific base for interesting jackets.&nbsp;<br />Happy New Year, Jane.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987470 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:03:57 +0000 Cardiff girl 1987470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The red colours look fab on you.l ve never ordered from kettlewell but have often wondered about them so it’s good to have that review.l also love the outfit with the belt ,it looks very sleek on you,l see no evidence of Xmas bulge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987454 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 15:24:26 +0000 Janet 1987454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I love the Armani booties — can we see a full length photo with them?? </p> <p>I especially like those red colors in the scarf and top on you. I’d like to see the scarf in 4 with a lighter top. </p> <p>Good job on focusing on basics! I am doing the same at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-updates-on-basics#post-1987438 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 14:24:34 +0000 Jane 1987438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you with your help with my earlier thread on work uniform. I have invested in some very basic basics. All comments welcome. It was a late New Years, so no make up.</p> <p>Photos 1 - 4 The very basic basics are Kettlewell tops in various colours. They are good to wear with scarves, launder very well, are reasonably priced and the length means they sit well beneath the waistband of a skirt. So, although basic, they do work. I am going to return the grey. Shown with silk scarfs, which I would like to wear more. </p> <p>On shoes for the commute (10,000 steps a day, change when I get to the office) I did look at splurge versions of bootees. </p> <p>Armani are the laced bootees, 5,  shiny flooring, gorgeous, but I think go too far up my leg (and they were maxi splurge). </p> <p>Then the Todds, 6, on the yellowy flooring, and although good, they weren't quite 'gloves' (almost maxi splurge). </p> <p>I ordered the Think! pair shown on my desk, 7. These will be very comfortable, and I will be able to move quickly in them but aren't what I would term polished. </p> <p>Then the belt. which goes with a skirt from The Fold. Which I am happy with I think, 8 &amp; 9. Love the skirt, feels very me, love the belt (better fitting without the Christmas bulge!), love that I have a basic top that is the same colour. </p> <p>All comments welcome. Particularly on the shoes and boots. </p> <p>Very best wishes for 2019. </p>