Boot Help? - YouLookFab Forum

I have had these over the knee boots for about two years and I've only worn them twice in that time. Several factors come into play with that, first the colour, they are light and it's a lot of boot. Never sure exactly what I should pair them with. Then, the first time I wore them it rained (which it rarely does here) and now they have water spots.

My idea was to have them dyed black. I brought them to the place that would do this and they refused for fear of wrecking them. I'm considering doing it myself, now. I think I would love them if they were black, but am concerned about a self-dying disaster.

So should I try to dye them or leave them alone? Anyone been there done that? If I leave them light, how should I try styling them? They are too fabulous to be orphaned!

Excuse the iPhone photos, my bedroom is fairly dark. And I just threw these on over today's outfit, not exactly the right pairing! Look forward to any suggestions.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think tall boots are trending again for fall. I like 'em. Maybe wear them in early spring with pale blue and pastels.

Ornella

If you consider dyeing them yourself - and if I was you I would, because wearing them twice in two years to me reads there's nothing to lose there - you can search for Rae's and Clearlyclaire's threads where they describe their various leather dyeing projects.

Caro in Oz

I've dyed shoes many times & the best dye I've used is raven oil (not sure if it's called that in US). It is a dye/stain that soaks into the leather rather than a paint that sits on top.
You need to prepare the shoes well, I clean mine with methylated spirits & you need to use several thin coats; allowing time for each coat to dry. Don't panic when the boots look terrible & streaky after the first couple of coats - the colour does take a few coats to build up. Oh & make sure you wear gloves:)

Suz

They look beautiful. I'd be tempted to leave them as is untl you see if you can find ways to style them for spring. What have you got that would bookend well with them? Do you have a pair of white skinnies? They'd be great with those.

Thistle

Do they bookend your hair? Would be really handy if they did.

If you are going to due them, I would check go either go with Caro's method or check out some of the DIYers.

They are just such beautiful boots!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Knee high boots are absolutely trending again for Fall 2013 - Anna is right. Wear them with your white skinnies!

Jaime

The boots are gorgeous, and it might not be a bad idea to see if you like the color as is for spring. I can't advise you on dying them yourself - I would chicken out just like the place you asked! Claire and Rae are great with DIY though.

Raisin

If you know for sure you will not wear them because of the water spots, then you have nothing to lose from dying them. You could try them out this fall with white skinnies as others suggested, and if the spots still bother you, then dye them worry free!

Tina.b

Thank you so much for the great insights. I think I will keep them as is for this spring and try to give them a whirl a few times. The white skinnies are a great idea! And pastels too.

I'll refer to Clairie's and Rae's DIY tutorials as well. And then I won't be so terrified if I want to dye them, In the fall. But I may just be inclined to buy a new pair of tall black boots by then. Excited to hear both Anna and Angie mention that they are on trend for FW2013.

Julie

Perhaps I can help regarding the water spots. Several years ago I bought a pair of Chloe Pirate boots and in my haste to show off my super cool boots, I wore them without first spraying them with a protectant. You guessed it, it rained and they got spotted. I was heart broken and after a suitable period of hand wringing and kicking myself, rationality got the better of me and I decided to fix the problem.

Step one) Go to the drug store and buy a 2 litre bottle of distilled water. Wet a cloth with the water and apply to an inconspicuous area and watch the result. Check to make sure no colour come off on your cloth. If all goes well with the test, proceed to wipe down the entire boot with the dampened cloth. What you are doing is not necessarily removing the spots, but blending everything together. If this works, you are home free. Allow the boots to thoroughly dry for a few days before treating with a protectant.

Step two) If the distilled water did not work, mix a 50% solution of white vinegar and distilled water. Test and apply as above. If the spots are due to minerals or other contaminants, the vinegar will help dissolve them. Once again, you are most likely just going to blend the spots into the rest of the boot.

I have successfully used these procedures on that pair of boots, but also on quite a few soft leather bags and jackets, lambskin being the worst, and it has yet to fail me.

It may not actually remove the spots, but it for sure makes the rest of the leather the same colour as the spots, rendering them invisible.

Hope this works for you. Just remember; this experience is not a bad one if you learn from it. Always protect boots, jackets, bags, and other fine leathers before wearing.

Cheers

Sarah A

I love the boots and second Julie's saving advice. I think the spots will clear up and you will be set I adore the boots!

Vicki

Great advice here and they will be amazing with your white and pastel bottoms. Claire and Rae are the DYEnamic Duo when it comes to changing shoe and boot colors, if you decide to go that way later.

Category