Classic or statement - which way to go

I try and keep a tightly curated wardrobe and like things to match up easily. However, as I have lamented before on the forum, it is sooo boring having black and black accessories. I know a brilliant statement piece is worth its weight in gold... There are two big purchases looming to replace some pieces which are in heavy use. Do I go classic or go statement.
The first is the all purpose, zip top work/travel bag. I saw this baby in Rome 5 months ago and am still dreaming of it as it is the right size, handle length, zip top etc. I could go plain black OR the lapis which blends all my central colours
http://au.furla.com/store/furl.....1952404200

The other big purchase is the classic tall boot. Again I could go black or I could go Cherry Red which again would go with my blues, blacks, greys, pinks...
http://www.tedandmuffy.com/us/.....11420.html

In writing this post, I don't think they go TOGETHER. What do you think is the best course of action? If I buy these I won't have any basic black back up.

9 years ago

lpr200

Veteran

Could you get both and still have black back ups in different styles? I couldn't see the bag but the boots are gorgeous-- so a black back up bootie, for example?

jenanded

Here is the bag.... Yes I do have black booties...
Thank you for the suggestion...

Of course this means I need to find a bag for the cherry boots too :-S

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Lucy

Hmm, I have a love of neutral clothes, too. And as you say, a splash of something gorgeous in shoes, bags or scarves goes a long way. I'd tend to go for both boots and bag in non-black - these are really gorgeous statement pieces. At the same time, I can see them lasting a long time, so win-win.
Maybe a less expensive leopard print bag would go with the boots?

approprio

(website)

Feel free to take this with a pinch of salt, because this is obviously a deeply personal choice. I'm all about the practical when it comes to my luggage, so I'm very bad at statement bags unless they're colourful lightweight totes, in which case bring it on. On the other hand, I'm all for statement footwear, and the interesting ones always get the most wear year on year.

If you're intending to make a workhorse out of a statement piece, you have to commit to it. The bag could take you in a whole new direction, but will you love and cherish it every time you carry it, or will you get bored of it after a while? If the bag doesn't go with the boots, then which of the two of them is wrong?

The boots look like a safe bet in either colour. They're gorgeous, but even in red perhaps not such a statement. You could make a very bold statement with these black boots from the same brand for instance, which might just go with the bag...

Anonymous

I agree with Approprio. She expressed exactly what I was thinking, especially the parts about committing to a statement piece and deciding which of the two items is wrong.

Tanya

Both items are gorgeous, the colors are divine. If you have back-ups for both items in simple solid neutral, I would go for both in the bright colors. If not, I would pick one item in color and the other in black.

RobinF

Both are beautiful! I agree with Approprio that the boots are pretty safe in all the colors, at least on my monitor the red doesn't look bright so could be a good neutral. If I had to choose I would get the bag in color and boots in whatever color would go best with your wardrobe.

LaPed

I adore the color-blocking on the blue bag. TBH, it feels more "statement" to me than the boots. And here's the thing about riding boots: I've bought classic riding boots in colors other than black, and while I like them, I still found myself wanting tall black boots. Call me old school, but I love the look of black footwear with dark denim, and I also like being able to create a column of color with black tights/pants. I've never actually owned a black bag, only brights and not-quite-neutrals like olive and eggplant, and I've never felt the need for a black one. For me, a bag is a much easier way to add "pop" since it's not near my face and it won't interfere with/dictate outfit proportions the way shoes do. I just came out of a long phase where *all* of my shoes were wildcard colors, and it became difficult to work around!

Bijou

I agree with La Pedestrienne, I would go for the colourful bag and black boots. I wear boots a lot and have them in many colours (I wear orthotics, and boots work the best with them). My three most worn colours are black, cognac and taupe. I have blonde hair, so the cognac and taupe bookend my hair. I have red boots and they are fun, but not something that I get as much wear from.

Jules

I'm on the colourful bag/black boots train!
I had some truly red boots once that I got mighty sick of since I had no other options. But when I looked at these, they look to be more of a reddish brown. I also have boots this colour and find them very versatile with burgundy, olive, browns, etc - warm tones, basically. I far prefer them to my black tall boots - but, I do still find myself needing the black ones for certain outfits & dressier occasions. And I'm not as sure the reddish brown would be great with the cooler colours you describe? I do think you have great style however, so I think your judgement is good there.

Vix

Hi Jenanded --

Agreeing with LaP and others re statement bag, black boots for exactly those reasons. Have never regretted a colored bag but am one who tend to neutral cough boring cough shoes.

Know thyself and the way you like to combine things.

On a practical note (if you don't get much use out of your choice after all) -- I do think it can be easier to consign a wow bag than shoes/boots. The latter require so many more things to be right for the next owner!

JAileen

I'd go for the statement bag. I love the look of a neutral outfit with a wow bag.

You said you've been dreaming about this bag. Is it this color you're been dreaming of? If so, I think proceed. The bag is gorgeous.

cindysmith

Your mileage may vary (YMMV), this is just my opinion:

The boots in the red look pretty pseudo neutral. They aren't so red that they would ONLY go with certain things. They are a nice,deep, rich, warm red that I could see going nicely with a lot of different outfits (greys, tans/khakis, navy, black, even some browns). I would totally buy them, but like I said, YMMV and it's just my opinion.

The bag is very pretty, but I tend to shy away from bags that are light colored, even if it's only partly light colored. For that reason, I can't weigh in on the bag--my personal bias prevents me from being objective LOL.

Janet

Personally, I find it easier to work with neutral boots and a bright statement bag, so that's what I would do.

Get the bag in the blue and white! So gorgeous! Love love love love it.
I would wear the bag with the black boots to create a whole new super outfit! Having two new leather items that you can wear together will feel great!

Thank you everyone... collective YLF wisdom towards what sounds a workable solution. The reality is I get to wear boots 2.3 days a year but the bag needs to replace one which has been used every day for 2 plus years and been round the world several times now. I need to pull the trigger on this as there are not many available.

Helen11

Jen, you had me wondering about the boots, I somehow thought you lived in a warmer climate, but maybe needed them for travel. They are beautiful - exactly what I want for my fantasy life!
The Furla bag is seriously gorgeous.
Have fun!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I echo Tanya.

Brooklyn

I would go for statement bag and neutral (black) boots, for the reasons LaP and others mentioned. That bag is seriously gorgeous.

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