Pre-Shopping! - YouLookFab Forum

September is a lean month, as I don't get paid for my semester work until it's well underway -- usually around the first of October. I have been out and about a little "pre-shopping", and discovered the following:

1. Snowboots! Mine are "plumb wore-out" as my Great Aunt Lucille would say. These have great reviews, but I've not seen them. I like that they're lightweight and adjustable on the calf. Anyone have them?

2. DSW is on my way to and from work. Yeah! I found these booties quite comfy. I sized up a 1/2 size to accomodate the pointy toe (and my decidedly unpointy ones), and found plenty of room in the forefoot. These would be my comfort booties -- for pants, and with tights and casual skirts and dresses (when heels ain't happening). I'm looking for casual, but refined and versatile; updated but not trendy. What say you?

3. This DSW vegan bag (I'm not vegan by conscience, but sometimes by budget) has a great, polished look and a wonderful color. It is a generous size (good for me -- I always try bags on for scale), and a sturdy optional cross body strap, which is a must. Does it seem suited to my style, and can I wear it's color like a neutral? My coats are black and deep red.

4. I actually tried this on -- in a 12 and 16 (they had no 14), and they both fit. Oddly, the waists are generous. The 16 was a tad loose, but I like the slightly longer length. I think I might try to order a 14 for a generous, but not too big fit. IRL, it's not as a-line, but more straight. The faux-leather is a nice weight and attractive, with a nice lining. What do you think about the styling for me? What footwear would make it work? If I get this one, I'll likely returned the Target grey cabled skirt -- just to keep the budget working!

Zappos

Columbia Minx Mid II Omni-Heat

$119.95

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DSW

Nine West Bancker Bootie

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DSW

Emperia Rikki Tote

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Macy's

Alfani Faux-Leather Pleated Skirt

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9 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Those are great choices. Love the vegan bag & skirt! Wear the skirt with the booties, right? I think the bag is uber neutral. The snow boots are my least fave. (It's me. It's why I'm still wearing a 25 year old pair of boys Sorel trapper boots that were found in my SIL's garage, even though I'm 10+ years into owning a ski rental cabin in oregon. Just can't with the full on snow boots. They all look so squishy and poufy. So stop reading right here, stick your fingers in your ears, hum loudly, and tune me out on these. I'm sure they are fab.)

Ornella

1. Can't comment on these on the basis of seeing them, but if you trust the reviews then go for them. This type of footwear is gear and needs to be functional. And checked off the list as soon as you know you need it, IMHO, so you are not forced to rush-buy it when you really need it. I bought my winter boots around May, mainly because the shop was closing down (as in - gone) and I and to hurry up with decision making, but I knew I needed them. Very happy my feet will be cozy in the lightweight, waterproof boots (I had very heavy ones before). Mine are black.

2. Coming here right after MsMary's thread where I admired her shoes, I see these are Nine West too. Their shoes obviously speak to me, yet I never had luck with finding the right ones amongst small selection that was available in the shops when I lived in England. So, I must continue to live vicariously through you all. On that basis, get them Oh, and also, they look great and check all boxes you were after: casual, refined, versatile.

3. Another YES for the style. I love how the zipper ups game here, making the bag look more fresh and interesting. If you want to wear it with both coats, then I am not sure about the colour, I have a feeling it might clash with the deep red coat - or create interesting tonal effect. I'd have to see them together.

4. I love the idea of this skirt and would not mind 'sacrificing' the cable knit one for it. It would be different than what I saw on you before. The photo shows it rather shiny, so I'd only make sure the footwear is not too shiny too. Have you seen the reviews? One says to size up to keep the pleats smooth

Mona

Great finds, Beth Ann! The bag and skirt look sensational. Like Ornella, my concern is if the colour of bag will clash with deep red coat. Only one way to find out right?
I like this skirt a lot better than the grey target one and I think it does have a lot of potential.

Alassë

If the boots are practical gear, go for it!
The bootie fits your style requirements/target.
I think the bag would work as a neutral.
I don't know which to pick - the leather skirt or the grey cable. I'm sure either would be lovely on you!

Beth Ann

Thanks for the morning feedback!

Ornella: The booties do have your strong and simple styling. Sometimes they are a bit narrow for me, as are the pair they're replacing, but these are quite comfy.
As for clashing reds between bag and puffer coat? I can't tell without seeing them together -- it's all about warm/cool red compatability!
I felt like Goldilocks in the store with the skirt -- the 12 fit best in the waist, but didn't lay perfectly just below the elastic band (it was almost there). The 16 was a bit loose in the waist, but dropped easily, plently of ease. Of course, there was no 14 --- which, in Golilocks fashion, would likely be just right. It was not as shiny as in the pic -- nor as flared. It is washable (woohoo).

Mona and Alasse: Thanks for taking the time to comment on each item! Your observations are helpful. As for the grey cable skirt. I liked it a lot -- but I already have pencil skirts, and this skirt is a fresh silhouette.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Looks great.

The leather skirt is SO you. A brilliant touch. Match with a soft cashmere pullover, patterned sheer hose and pumps or heeled booties. A denim shirt or crisp white tucked shirt would be fab too. xo

Suz

I really like all these items.

1. No experience with this boot or this brand, but I got very similar Kamik boots last winter on Una's recommendation. (Hey, if she lives in Alaska, she can't be wrong, right??) I have been most happy with mine. What I like is how lightweight they are. I also like the way the soft grey sort of fades in with denim, preserving some semblance of a leg line. (Yeah, right. Well, a girl can dream, no?)

2. Booties look excellent if they are comfortable. Nice low heel, simple, streamlined, easy to wear with skirts and pants. I would only check to see that pants don't sort of "fall in" to the opening. Or get caught on it/ in it.

3. Love the bag for you -- but wonder about the colour with red. Still, you can use more than one bag, right?

4. That looks like a great skirt to try. Wear it with the booties! It won't work so well with tall boots, I suspect. But cage sandals for you, until the weather really turns. I know your feet don't get cold as fast as mine!

BTW, thank you for those cute sock and bootie links the other day. They were great visuals!!

Joy

1: snow boots, have you looked at DSW's Bare Traps? Those are the ones I get as they usually have something that is not as gearish...just personal preference.
2. Lately I have had good luck with comfort and Nine West by getting the wide option. I never usually get wide. Love the style. These should look equally good with skirts and pants.
3. I got a DSW vegan bag for our trip to Ireland for the color, size and that it is so light weight compared with leather. It got a workout and still looks new. I think the color would work well, but you would need to try it.
4. My own rule with black leather is to vary the textures. I like black suede or patent with my black leather pencil skirt. If the skirt is shiny like patent, a regular leather would work, or something distressed although that doesn't seem your style.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like all of these, Beth Ann. No experience with any of the items. I'd pair the faux-leather skirt with your cranberry Munro booties, for starters. Good sleuthing!

BUUUUSY Day, but I've come home to such helpful comments!

Thanks, Angie. I do like the idea of a ladylike silhouette in a strong, modern material. I think it might update some of my blouses and toppers, too. And I have been eyeing cashmere pullovers recently!

Suz: Wonderful suggestions: I think the openings will work on the booties, but I'll check them with my straight legs, as well as checking the bag against my red puffer. As for the snow boots -- I am craving something lightweight this year -- and cozy. Particularly is this winter is like the last! Glad you found the bootie/sock pics helpful. I might try this myself -- as long as it doesn't come out looking too sporty or young!

Joy: Excellent input regarding mixing materials! I do have plenty of suede options! Your experience with DSW is quite helpful -- I've have Bare Traps in the past -- with pretty good luck!

FC: So ready to enjoy the cranberry booties again! Excellent memory!

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