My boot collection - YouLookFab Forum

Tired of me agonizing over boots yet? Here's my entire collection of tall boots. I have several pairs of booties, but had to draw the line somewhere. I didn't have the energy for a full fledged fashion show, so it's just unstyled boot after unstyled boot to give you an idea of where my holes are.

1 and 2 are the boots in question. These are a good representation of the true color and let you see how the backs lace. Based on these pics I'm also realizing I need to be aware of keeping the laces tidy looking.

3. Frye Veronica. I'm 5'2. My expedition boots:)

4. These are the boots the new ones would be replacing. They're a cheapo leather pair from Target that I've worn to pieces. The color goes with everything in my wardrobe and the low heel makes them endlessly walkable. The bunching at the ankle and the gap at the top as well as the crappy quality leather are what brings them to be upgraded.

5. Very comfy servicable black suede boots. Kelly and Katie from DSW. I always wear them with black opaque tights.

6. Miz Mooz lace ups. I really love the look of these, but they're quite a statement so I've only worn them a couple of times. The heel is higher than I can wear day after day so I have to plan for them. I think my fall/winter wardrobe suits them better this year so hopefully they'll get more wear.

7. My beloved Frye Carson oxfords. Got them at the beginning of the month for my birthday and I love them to pieces. Perfect heel height, perfect mix of feminine and old man. Funny enough about the color, two years ago I would have turned my nose up at this brown, but this year it felt so fresh and perfect to wear with black tights, grey slacks, colorful dresses...pretty much everything I own!

8. I almost forgot these! Frye Rorys. I was considering having the shaft of these stretched just a bit. After battling to pull them on and off for these pics I think I'll drop them off at the cobbler very soon.

My family just rolls their eyes every time I get a new pair, but they all have such specific uses and my feet are too fussy to wear the same pair day after day in the winter.

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13 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Love your collection. Every single one of them. I really like the #4 so agree if these are now worn out, a replacement is in order. I am not sure the lace ups will replace these since you mention they are your go to boots. I love the Fryes in the last photo as well. I just had my Veronica's stretched at the cobbler and it was well worth it. Great job on boots. My vote is to keep 1 and still replace number 4 - if that is doable.

shiny

I would love to compare our measurements, if you don't mind? It's so difficult for me to find boots that fit. Your new boots may be just the ticket ... and I am eyeing those Fryes (always wanted a pair) but not sure if they will work on me.

My measurements are:

1) 14 inches from arch to back of knee. (Which is why 14 inch boots don't work at all)
2) 12 inches at widest part of calf/13 inches if I've been running a lot.
3) 7 inches right above ankle bone.

I have tried the slouchy boots -- tried an Angie approved pair -- but I could just never get them to remain slouched. I don't think it is the leather; I think it is the shape of my leg. There's nothing to keep it slouched-down. That's the only pair of boots I gave a whirl in the past ... oh... 7 years. It's been that difficult.

Anonymous

Your Rorys are the perfect replacement pair for the target boots
I think you really love the new boots. I vote keep for that reason, there is something to be said about that. Those Miz Mooz are to die for... Nice boot collection!

Traci

I seem to be 15 inches from arch to back of knee (if I measured that correctly!) and 15-15.5 around the widest part. 9 in at the smallest part of my ankle.

Have you tried the Rory boots from Frye? Angie is wearing them here:
http://youlookfab.com/2009/09/.....uch-boots/
and her calves are not holding down the slouch. They do miraculously stay where you put them.

I think it's worth a shot with the Veronica, but would likely be too sloppy on you. They do have a little buckle at the top so they can be brought in a bit. I wouldn't really say they slouch like many other boots do...maybe it's more of a slump?

I'm not so sure, zap. I was loving them yesterday, and my love was growing. Looking at them today next to my favorite boots in my collection I'm not sure that they stand up. Also, comparing them side by side with all my Fryes, there's just no comparison. Maybe it's an unfair comparison, but they cost more than I paid for the Rory.

The Rory heel is just a little too high for day after day wear.

I'm going to wait a few more days to see if the tides turn again, but I'm leaning towards returning right now. The miz mooz really put them to shame. I need that fitted shape with a lower heel.

Oh, I envy your extra inches!! I have the pair in the middle shown in that Angie post. They are lovely and comfortable boots, but no matter what I do, they just will not slouch on me at all. I rubber banded them for eons, and everything. They hit at a weird height unslouched that my eye just can't get used to. That said, I'm holding on to them because maybe, just maybe, they will work with midis.

I'm thinking your new boots are JUST the ticket for me... truly... the back would come up only 1/2 inch shorter than all my boots now hit. The front would likely be quite long, up to the knee cap, but i suspect that could be a cute look. And the laces can be tightened around the ankles.... but I'm going to sleep on it to avoid hasty decisions!

Jjsloane

I love your boot collection (and this is not nearly enough IMO - I have way more than this...) The only ones I'm not wild about (and don't let this sway you if you love them) is the 1-2 pair. I think they are a bit too outwardly tapered at the top and I'm not loving the light laces up the back (and the pressure to keep the laces looking neat and identical) . I LOVE 3, 6, 7 and 8.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I knew you had the tall casual boot covered!

Your new boots get an even firmer blessing from me now. How do you feel about shortening the ties?

rae

Well, *I* love the new boots, but it sounds as if maybe you aren't? And they cost more than Frye's? Will the back laces feel too statement-y, the way you feel about the Miz Mooz? Have you tried the Frye Melissa or Paige boots? They seem really close in style to the Target ones you are replacing.

They were $220, on sale from $275. My Rorys were less, my Veronicas more...because I just couldn't wait for a sale.

I'm definitely sending them back now. If I weren't limiting myself to only a few items this year I'd probably keep them. They're really really close to perfect, but they're not just so. I have such a hard time (as everyone does) finding well fitting boots...I was really surprised when these came so close!

I also think I'd have kept them if they'd been better quality. Now that I've bought a few very nice quality leather items I'm finally understanding about leather that actually looks better with use.

Suz

Wow, I LOVE your boot collection! Thank you for sharing this. You really do have some wonderful ones. I love your Miz Mooz boots; hope you are able to get more wear from them this year.

And having seen this, I may feel justified in buying myself another pair of tall boots. I own only 3 pair and I live in snowy cold Ontario!

I can't answer the question of whether you should return the new ones, but it seems you've come to a clear decision yourself. I will say that Angie's idea to shorten the laces sounds brilliant to me. But if the quality isn't there, it's not. And you will find the right boots eventually.

Brain of Jen

Active Member

I'm so, so envious of your boot collection, especially 3 & 6, those are to DIE for!

Beth Ann

Wonderful boots, Traci! I'm particularly fond of the Miss Mooz, so I hope they get good rotation this winter.

catgirl

Those are some fab boots in your closet! Do you have more ankle boots?

ironkurtin

I'm not insane about boots 1 and 2, but I think that might be fixed by swapping out for less contrasty laces. Possible?

Diana

I love your boot collection! I like the idea of the lace-up back boots in 1/2 but in practice I'm not sure I like the higher front panel - something about how it flares out at the top is reminding me of shin guards.

Thanks for all the boot love. It was fun to pull them all out even though it's not quite cool enough for them yet. As with my tall boots, I have a problem finding flat booties that make my heart sing too.

I have a pair of black elastic gored flat ankle boots, oxblood red cone heel booties, sienna suede low heel booties and more pairs of taupe suede booties than I care to admit. I've been on a forever hunt for a flattering comfy nude suede bootie for a few years now and there are several pairs of losers lingering in my closet.

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