Bought Frye Melissa lace boots: need brutal feedback - YouLookFab Forum

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Bought Frye Melissa lace boots: need brutal feedback

Beth

Veteran

*warning: seriously neurotic post ahead*

So, I sprang for these yesterday after eyeing them for months. They're the most expensive shoes I'm ever likely to buy...eek, so they need to be a 10 (or better an 11) and superfab to keep. They also need to be very versatile since I'm more likely to wear them with skirts and dresses than jeans.

I'm worried about 2 things:
1. I think they might be too tall. They're 1.5" taller than any of my other boots.
2. I'm worried they won't go with skirt/dresses. More specifically, MY skirts/dresses. I'm a modern classic (sometimes not even that modern). I'd like to add interest to my outfits, but it still needs to look cohesive, you know?!

So here's entirely too many pics. Please, please be honest. I can't stand the thought of $400 boots sitting forlorn in my closet because I made a mistake.

(the naked leg look is just so you can judge fit:O And the boots are loosened at the top in the jeans pics)

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from nicole

Louise

Veteran

I LOVE them on you. They look about the same height as my docs I just keep the top tight to get rid of any gaping lace up boots are so fab for this. I think they look great in all of the pictures they look fairly classic to me nothing too mod or trendy? x

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

They are an 11. Don't you dare think of returning them, Beth. Otherwise I shall fly to Virginia and give you a hiding - and steal those KILLER boots.

Queen Mum

Veteran

OMG.. those are a 12+
so fab!!!

Kristine

Veteran

I'm not typically a fan of lace-up boots, but I have to say these look amazing on you! I know what you mean about cohesion, but they're actually very classic looking. The laces aren't bulky or overly rugged, so they're sleek. Do you want to put a few outfits together so we can see full length photos of the dresses and skirts you're concerned about?

Lori

Veteran

I totally agree 10++++ - they are gorgeous boots, and you rock them well! KEEP KEEP KEEP!!!!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Hm, returning them just might be worth it if you get to meet Angie! (Of course, you would HAVE to rebuy them because they are just AMAZING!!!)

I have a pair of lace up boots (Charles David Regiment) VERY similar to these in style and they totally suit me with their sweet vintage vibe - I think we have similar styles, so just food for thought.

Anonymous

Beth, I'm sorry that I don't have any pics to support my assertion that this works, but... I also have the Melissas (in brown), I'm a not-really-all-that-modern classic, and I wear them with skirts all the time. And I get tons of compliments. I've done lots of experimenting with tights, knee-high socks, and knee-high socks *over* tights to make them look just right with all my cool-weather skirts of different lengths.

I freaked out about the price too, but assuming they last for decades as everyone swears they will, I definitely think they were worth it.

Lorem Ipsum

I don't think you made a mistake purchasing those boots. As everyone has already said, they rate over a 10! They go great with the outfits you posted. I hope you enjoy wearing them. Wear them often!

LeahJanes

I love them, everybody else loves them, go wear them! They look great with the red skirt and they are sleek enough to transition into a modern classic wardrobe while still giving it a bit of edge.

Becky

Veteran

Looks great! Perfect height for you. I'm thoroughly modern classic (at least *I* think so), and I would totally wear these, with both jeans and skirts/dresses.

Tanya

Veteran

Gorgeous boots! 11+++ Please keep them.

ticksgirl

They are absolutely perfect! KEEP!

catgirl

Veteran

These look absolutely perfect to me! I'm sure you're already convinced, but just in case, add me to the KEEP list. I think you need to wear these often, with everything - they are very versatile in that I think they could be utterly classic or super-edgy depending on how they are styled.

Rock 'em, girl!

Velma

Veteran

Love, love, love! They look great with both the skirt and the jeans. Oooo, I think I want a pair . . .

P.S. From a modern classic standpoint, these are very Ralph Lauren-equestrienne!

tarzy

Veteran

I know you want to wear them with skirts, and that works, but geez - they're just killer with jeans! (And I hate you a little for making me want them ...)

crwilson

Veteran

I don't like lace-up boots, and I love these boots on you. I love the fit, and I like how they look with jeans and skirts. So, like everyone else, I vote keep. It is a major investment, but I think that you'll find that you like them enough that it's worth it.

Jonesy

Veteran

Hmmm...I have mixed thoughts...On the one hand, I really love this style of boot, and I think the fit is perfect on you. They look very good! On the other hand, I wonder about your misgivings re. wearing these with all of your classic skirts and dresses--they don't scream "classic" to me (more like an androgynous, military/punk look, which I happen to like a lot) and I wonder if your instincts are telling you that. But, on the (third) other hand, maybe you are wanting to push your boundaries and do something new. This is just my two cents, of course, but you asked for honest feedback, so that's what I'm offering :).

Kari

Veteran

These are the prettiest lace-up boots I've ever seen. Please don't return them!

Steph

Veteran

I'm in the Jonesy camp. I am actually not a fan of lace-up boots for myself, but I do think that these look really great on you. (And the height of the shaft is in no way a problem.) I also think that these have a more classic vibe than some of the other lace up boots I have seen. Having said that, they are still lace-up boots, and wearing them with modern classic dresses and skirts is a very different look than wearing a classic plain zip-up boot. I think that they will work with your skirts and dresses, but your outfits will have a different vibe than if you chose something more traditional. I think it makes skirts and dresses look less dressed-up and more punk/edgy. Whether that's what you want is completely up to you, of course.

And they DO look great--absolutely no question about that. But based on your question, it sounds like what you have to think about before deciding to keep them is whether this style of boot is you.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

When I opened the first picture the only thing I could think was "WOW".

Beth, if you picked them out and have been eyeing them, then they must be your style. IMO these are the perfect little pop of something a little unexpected - but still pretty classic - to your wardrobe.

They look killer with skirts, but my one caveat is that they aren't dressy. But I'm sure you weren't thinking dressy with these, anyway. These are more like dressed-up casual.

Lisa

Veteran

I can't speak to how well these fit into your style, but from the photos the fit looks fine. My test for tall boots, is sitting. If they pinch my legs when I sit, or rub against my knees when I walk they are too tall. Otherwise you are good to go in these.

Beth

Veteran

Thanks for all the votes of confidence and the wisdom. It's exactly what I needed. Several thoughts:

First, the thought of getting Angie to visit is so compelling that it would *almost* be worth returning the boots:) But then she would be visiting to scold me, which just won't do.:P

Second, I've been eyeing lace-up boots for the last year and tried several pairs. So there must be something about the style that speaks to me. I definitely wanted a pair that were sleek and wouldn't look too far out with my wardrobe. I think these are as close as it gets.

Third, I'd wear these everywhere with jeans. I *love* them that way. The problem is that those opportunities are minimal...most of my week is spent in work wear or farm gear. So they have to pay their way as work boots. April is wearing the same boots in brown and they're fab, but I do think the black gives off a different vibe. They'll definitely raise eyes at work but the again, most of my coworkers wear denim Pooh shirts:) And I'm OK with raised eyebrows.

Jonesy and Steph have articulated my concerns really well. So, I'm going to take Kristine's brilliant advice and put together some work outfits to post for general YLF input. If you all give the thumbs-up on the outfits, then I'll be good to go:)

And two entertaining moments:
1. DH likes them a lot and this is coming from a guy who's as trad as it gets. Like Velma, he sees them as very equestrian. He keeps making clip-clopping noises at me:) Soooo helpful, he is.
2. The sales guy at Nordies made me laugh. When I explained that I wanted to wear them to work, he grinned and said "Well, they're very progressive but I don't think they're offensive or anything."

nicole

Member

im having the same sort of dilemma!

nicole

Member

I cannot view your photos but when I see them ill let you know what I think