Thanks so much for your honest responses, everyone. Much appreciated. It is obviously a tough decision and these were the items I waffled over most! I should explain that for us Canadians, "styling" is pretty much impossible because these are dressing room try ons and we have to make our decisions then and there, and there are no returns for us (except at big expense) so we are throwing the stuff on as we can...I needed a bottom to show the blouse, and didn't have another bottom to wear!
Also, tall Sveta took one pic (and I took the other) so the proportions are all out of kilter. So I think maybe you weren't getting the actual effect.
I ended up taking both pieces. I can return next time I go to the US if I decide to. I will style them at home to get a better sense.
I tend to agree with those of you who feel the black and white is too strong for me. I am lower contrast and it's a bit much for me. BUT, it's also a low-cost very fun piece, and I do love black and white. So worth a try. The fit on the top is actually good when seen IRL, I think.
Interesting that you are seeing the boots as too rugged for me. They are very refined for a moto type boot - the Angie pick Aquatalias.
