K/R Bella Vita Booties, and questions about TopShop Booties

(Not urgent but not sure how to change that)

I currently have three pairs of booties (not including one pair of lace up black and one pair of brown weatherproof suede).

The three include black hi-heeled suede Cole Haan, brown mid-heel suede Franco Sarto, and flat metallic suede Seychelles.

I would like a pair of flat or low leather higher shaft booties to wear mostly with jeans but also with cropped pants and dresses. I'm also in the market for a dressier pair of booties/boots.

I bought these Bella Vita to try. They are beautiful and comfortable and true to size. But next to my other booties they seem to continue the more rugged look of the two brown pairs - they are certainly more refined in material but the embellishments keep them from looking truly sleek. I'm waffling.

I'm also loving the look of the Topshop boots below (the first as an alternative for these; the second and third as additional purchases -- possibly as an alternative to a knee-high or OTK boot this year -- although I definitely have concerns about comfort and quality.

Any thoughts about all of this?

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MIDNIGHT Leather Zip-Back Boots

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8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First off, may I say (as another northern living person who wears a lot of jeans and trousers) I am astonished at the economy of your bootie wardrobe?

Compare to me, with my supposedly "moderate" closet -- I currently own -- count them -- (gulp) -- no fewer than 6 pairs of booties.

1. Black almond toe Stuart Weitzman chelsea bootie (2 inch heel)
2. Ink blue Zara pointed toe neoprene top bootie. (2 inch heel)
3. Munro cranberry suede bootie.
4. SE Petty snakeskin almond toe flat bootie.
5. Light taupe suede Report "Marant" type bootie.
6. Cream flat pointed toe bootie.

I also own a pair of "shooties."

Oh, and this does not count true BOOTS -- my Blundstones, while bootie height, I place in that category.

Admittedly, some of my booties are rather old. And I make up for my abundance of booties with a serious lack of actual shoes.

But I mean, really -- in our climate -- you need booties for different purposes. Casual ones and dressy ones. I'm actually considering adding a few myself and while I might subtract the Reports (as a bit dated) and possibly the Pettys, I know I'll still be wearing the heck out of all the others.

Now, onto you. The first boots look great, but quite casual.

My Zara ink booties are similar in shape/ style to the first Topshop booties. It's a super versatile option that works across formality levels and can be worn with pants and dresses.

Love the others, too. But I have no idea about Topshop comfort. I would expect it's a bit like Zara -- totally hit and miss, with most being a miss.

Anonymous

I really like the new burgundy studded and strapped ones - those look great, no doubt about it. Can you swing two new pair of boots? I like the styling of the higher heel TopShop ones - which would look really good with cropped trousers or jeans. The burgundy ones would be nice with cuffed jeans, or with a casual dress and tights. Both serve different roles. My favourites of all of them though are your Cole Haan's. I've always loved those - so , so elegant.

From the TopShop selections, I like the yellowish ones best. I like that they're high, and that they have a brown stacked heel (I prefer the less severe heel colour against the light leather). Will they work in your wardrobe?

I'm waffling burgundy ones as well, but it's hard to express what it is about them that I'm not sure about. I prefer your silvery ones.

ETA: I think I'm just not used to the polish with the straps is all. The colour is lovely.

viva

Suz, the economy is completely the result of purging. I consigned the Frye Harness booties this year, and I consigned those haberdashery booties last year. If I'm not wearing them, I feel like I need to let them go. Part of this is guilt I think; looking at all of those boots! But anyway... I don't have Chelsea booties, and I'm still wondering about these new Bellas.
Lisa, thanks for the boost about the Cole Haans; I waffle on those too from time to time. And I think you are right about the taller Top Shop, or a similar style. I can swing two pairs of boots, just not at the same time (and not also a pair of knee high or Otk -- something's got to give!). But maybe keep the Bellas and keep an eye out for a better version of the Topshops.

I'll take the cole haans if you decide you don't want them. I'm size 8.

I don't really see you in OTK boots, to be honest. I'd do a really chic mid calf block heel boot plus a funky Chelsea heel type - like the burgundy. I'm talking to myself at the same time here

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Viv, what happened to the booties you bought in Seattle with your friend Beth? Are they the FS's?

The Seychelles seem too wide for your ankle but the colour is fab.

The burgundy boots are not what I would describe as rugged. Casually Refined with embellishment. They look gorgeous.

How about the snake skin pair below - and I took the liberty of posting some others too.

Nordstrom

Bella-Vita 'Mod' Moto Bootie (Women)

$209.95 $189.99

Sale

Topshop 'Midnight' Snake Embossed Ankle Boot (Women)

$140.00 $69.98

Topshop 'Midnight' Pointy Toe Boot (Women)

$140.00 $84.00

Topshop 'Mary' Chelsea Boot (Women)

$140.00 $70.00

Zara

Leather High Heel Ankle Boots

Ted & Muffy

Zultan

ASOS

H By Hudson H by Hudson Azi Off White Leather Ankle Boots

$265.00

Angie: You are right about the Seychelles. They are very worn and have stretched out and I think they have to go. (Suddenly my bootie collection is dwindling!) BTW, I consigned those that I bought in Seattle last year because I wasn't wearing them. But now I regret that decision. I don't think I would be looking at the burgundy ones if those were still in my closet. They were definitely glamine. But I really love the snakeskin ones you posted! I may need to keep the burgundy and try those as well.

Lisap: I think you are right about the OTK boots. It's my dream self who wants those. You know, the Vivian who is the editor of French Elle.

She would be named Vivienne

catgirl

You have seen my patent Topshop booties which I wear in winter but also can wear barefoot. They are exceptionally comfortable on me for the price. But Angie found them uncomfortable, so feet are all different.

I find these kinds of choices overwhelming - there are so many good options. As for OTK boots, these gorgeous beauties list the calf measurement at an astonishing 12"-14" for scrawny legs like mine and I could see you in this style of OTK boot easily.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....n=wishlist

Oh, Una. Vivienne loves those.

JAileen

So sorry about your Seychelles. I saw yours and had to get them. I love them! I also love the cream ones in Angie's post, with the zipper matching the heel. Very cute!

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