Bootie bothers - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Bootie bothers

Helena

Veteran

Hi all!

On the hunt for booties in a lighter shade, to go with lighter wash jeans, and a few questions for you, but the general dilemma is balancing the desire for a lighter bootie with the reality of winter weather.

- do the Blondo ones seem just current enough - I know they are not exactly fashion forward but I keep coming upon these because I know for sure they are comfy enough for everyday (I have these in burgundy) and can stand up to Canadian winter and are somewhat cleanable at least ...

- would any other shades work, such as a cognac or light to mid-brown? I suspect they would be good with my medium wash jeans but less good with my light wash jeans ...

1 - the blondos
2 - more stylish and also comfy and weather resistant - but too dark?

Thanks for any suggestions or thoughts! x

This post has 2 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.

Levi's 501 Original High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from

Joy

Veteran

I like the Blondos. They look classic to me but have too high a heel. I have had good luck with white or off white booties to lighten up outfits. #2 does look dark but not too dark. If they are more comfortable than the Blondos keep and wear them.

Sisi

Veteran

I prefer the second ones, but if you prefer a light bootie for light wash jeans, then I would look for a rainproof material and a rubber sole. I do not know much about Canadian Winters but I imagine a ton of snow ...

Helena

Veteran

Joy, you wear white and very light booties well! The heel on the Blondos doesn't bother me at all - that's a height I find very comfortable, especially with the sturdy block heel.

Sisi, I prefer them too ... it's possible that the correct answer for practical me is going to be to just continue embracing darker colours for the winter, perhaps adding lightness in tops rather than shoes - at least until the ideal light boot presents itself, as I feel like everything I'm seeing isn't quite it. When it's very snowy I give up on fashion and just dress for practicality ... as much as we do get plenty of snow, the sidewalks, etc. are usually cleared fairly quickly, so it's more slush and dirt that's the issue. When there's lots of snow on the pavement I wear my ugly old snow boots and be done with it

SarahD8

Veteran

I am a duplicator so the Blondos sound great to me. I don’t have a good eye for the subtle details of currency in footwear, but they seem current enough to me. (Who is examining your shoes that closely anyway?)

I wonder what your gut says. When you think about the Blondos do you feel relief that the hunt is over and excited to put them through their paces in the outfits you’ve been planning? Or will you still low-key be looking for “the ones”?

Do you still wear the burgundy Blondos and feel “current enough” in them?

SarahD8

Veteran

If you prefer the darker ones as you just said (we cross posted) that does change the equation a bit…

Helena

Veteran

Sarah, those are great questions, and I think I would still be looking for 'the ones' ... I enjoy the burgundy ones because of the colour and comfort, but they don't feel super-current to me ... which isn't a huge deal but *is* a strike against duplicating ...

SarahD8

Veteran

Then, I think the answer is to go with the darker one, and wait for “the one” to present itself….

Helena

Veteran

Hmm, I also think I might be trying to kill two birds with one stone ... I have two "problems" (relative term of course) that I'm trying to solve. One is the need for a smarter flat boot for fall/winter, the other is something I enjoy with light wash jeans. This might be two different items ...

Sarah, you always ask the best questions!

Roberta

Veteran

If the Blondos aren't quite it, as you say, I would hold out for the boot you really love. I do note that even in Chicago winters, my favorite boots are white and light gray, so I obviously am not too worried about staining. I really like lighter colors in winter, when everyone seems to be wearing black. But my main question is, what is the brand of the second pair? I love the cut and the low heel.

View Info

Sam Edelman Lex Boot

View Info

Top Pick

31

SOREL Phoenix Lace Up Boots

View Info

Top Pick

13

Helena

Veteran

Roberta, they are these ones - never heard of the brand but this store does only comfy shoes so I always check: https://www.walkingonacloud.ca.....73-43.html

Sarah, I should qualify - I prefer the style of the cognac ones more because they feel more current to me. The colours I like equally - it's more which will function best. I think perhaps I have a need (fashion need that is - not actual need, to be clear!) - for both a darker and a lighter pair. I could always do trusty black as I did wear my last pair into the ground (hence the search) but it feels a little uninspired at the moment ... I may have to do some more store browsing as perhaps more options have come in in the last week or so; everything looked so blah last time I looked!

LaPed

Veteran

Hmm, so is the main reason you want lighter boots for the light wash denim for the low-contrast "leg extension" effect? Because I think the darker whiskey coloured boots would look amazing with both pairs of jeans you show, and would also be a great bookend for your hair, no? (That said, I'd also happily wear your burgundy boots with lighter denims -- I'm so not a column of colour / low-contrast person. )

Anyway, it seems like the darker, slightly western pair is calling to you and the Blondos are not. And if you're starting to tire of the burgundy pair, it definitely doesn't make sense to duplicate! I've always found that trying to talk myself into something that should be practical is a sign that I'm not actually going to reach for that thing, which is a should-want and not an actual-want.

Helena

Veteran

LaPed that is super helpful ... It's not so much to be super leg lengthening ... More that black with the light wash looks super heavy to my eye (on me) ... The brown might be just soft enough. I think I will head to the store for a try on ...they do appeal to me for some reason!

Roberta

Veteran

Thanks Helena! I know and like Gabor boots, but haven't thought about them for a while. Here are a couple of finds from Zappos.

Gabor Gabor 32.711

View Info

Top Pick

2

Gabor Gabor 91.711

View Info

Top Pick

1

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These seem like entirely different species to me. From my POV, the Blondos are classic and a bit on the dressy side; the whiskey western bootie is far more casual. I wouldn't even put them in the same category.

I'm with Roberta in having (to my surprise) found that a light waterproof boot is not a problem in our winters. I'm shocked, to be honest. I mean, we don't get as much snow out here, true -- but we do get some, and we also get a lot of dirty rain.

I'm also with LaPed in thinking either boot would work, colour wise, with either jean!

My question would be less about "currency" and more about need. Do I need a slightly more casual boot? Then maybe the whiskey.

I do wonder how it will feel under pants, though. I would check that shaft width. It might look great with slim pants tucked in, or with skirts/ dresses. But will it work with a wider leg? I'm not sure.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I think just about any color boot would go with light-wash jeans, just depends on your style. I don't know how much the pale Blondos cost, but if I love something, I will wear it, even if it gets ruined, just for the chance of wearing it.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Gosh this whole discussion seems so weird to me! I’m the opposite of Suz saying they look completely different. To me they look really similar and just a different colour. To me if one or the other pokes out from either of those pairs of jeans I’m going to be “yeah, jeans and boots”.
Not helpful to you, I’m sorry! I have said this just to show how different our perceptions of fashion dilemmas can be. For me, I would be buying the ones that I preferred and felt drawn to, if they will still be practical, which it sounds like they will be.

Star

Veteran

I am of a similar mind set as JenniNZ and I cannot say why number 1 is dated or just current enough. Please enlighten me

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I certainly couldn’t say why number 1 is “less current” either and am with Star on that. But then essentially I don’t care about that, it’s all about what I like and am drawn to, and I’m also a fan of retro.

Jonesy

Veteran

I am totally with LaPed re. the cognac boots looking fabulous with lighter and medium wash jeans, and trying to talk oneself into something practical--it never works for me either! And it seems to me that the cognac pair would actually be a little more practical, since the heel is lower and wooden, vs. that lighter suede heel on the Blondo pair (a bear to keep clean, especially in the winter, I would suspect).

I love, love, love cognac/whiskey footwear and find it so useful as an alternative to black. It looks fab with denim of all shades, IMHO.

Sal

Veteran

I like them both - but think you need to feel excited about the pair you choose.

I just added some light wash denim and like them with black but like to balance dark shoes with a dark top.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks everyone; loads of great suggestions here! My biggest takeaway is that I need to define the problem I'm trying to solve ... Which might be two distinct problems or even three (colour of boot, smart casual option, something that *feels* more up to date *to me*) ... Might be a tall order to solve all three with one purchase, which is a false economy I've been guilty of before (and ended up with one piece that didn't achieve any of the goals properly hah)!! Appreciate the input and wisdom xx

RobinF

Veteran

I’m late to the discussion, but I would also say that to me the darker boots would look great with the light jeans. And I love the casual look of them. Definitely worth a try on!

notsaf

Veteran

Just piping in to agree with your instinct that the Biondos toe-shape feels at little less current atm. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make them read more dressy (because classic as Sue said), and may not be what you're looking for.

Runcarla

Veteran

One of my favourite places to shop for boots is MWWH (Marks Workwear House). I find their Quad Comfort boots an excellent match for my fussy feet, and light weight. Often leather, too! When I came across this Timberland boot, I thought of you…but it might not be refined enough.

https://www.marks.com/en/pdp/t.....upe-639493

There are other light coloured boots as well, and the price points are always good. (Not what you’re looking for, but I’m tempted by these!)

https://www.marks.com/en/pdp/s.....colorCode=

I’ve noticed two Canadian bloggers - Style Bee and Alyssa Beltempo, are styling greige coloured winter boots - round toed, chunky soles. Styled with jeans below, plus one with a blue coat, ‘cause I think you have a coat this colour!?

This post has 5 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.

kkards

Veteran

This was so good
... Might be a tall order to solve all three with one purchase, which is a false economy I've been guilty of before (and ended up with one piece that didn't achieve any of the goals properly hah
i’ve been guilty of this rationally as well.

Helena

Veteran

Thank you all ... Appreciate it. Kkards glad it's not just me lol ... Carla love Alyssa's outfit, going on IG to find and save it as inspo!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Duplicate comfy boots! It's that easy

Style Fan

Veteran

Helena, I have been looking at the whiskey Gabor boots. I could see them working with all my jeans. I saw the MWWH ones today. That colour would also look fabulous with denim.

lyn67

Veteran

Thanx for posting the inspiration picties, I now understand better the aesthetic you want to achieve with a bootie in a "lighter shade, to go with lighter wash jeans". That been said I see those 2 boots completely different in their style, as per Suz and others said- and I see cowboy boots are big thing right now in the stores (if that means the trendy?:-)). But speaking of boots, for making my ultimate decision I will allways count my outerwear, too- as I would like to bookend or at least balance out somehow my all together completed for outdoors outfit.

ETA: Loved Carla's inspiration picties for styling other kind of boots-the chunky ones look more practical for a canadian winter-and I now (for a fea years already) love a chunky boot myself, too.

12