The MOST BORING boot collection in the world!

So, I took some time this afternoon to look at my closet. I've been feeling unhappy with my boot collection lately, but I couldn't figure out why. I have TONS of boots....13 pair.....so what was the problem?

I hauled them all out and took a good hard look and realized the problem right away: I have the most BORING boot collection in the world! Seriously! Every last one of them (except for the two pair of cowboy boots) is just plain functional and boring. Only two pair have even the smallest amount of hardware/buckles.

I want buckles and style and fun...but what I have is pure function and practicality. I'd trade them all in tomorrow, but the problem is they're just so USEFUL. I've worn four of the black pair and two of the tan over the past week. *sigh*

Not sure if I'm looking for sympathy, or suggestions. I'll take both, please!

#1 - the black ones
#2 - the brown ones
#3 - the tan ones (for bookending..super useful)
#4 - the cowboy boots (both gifts)
#5 - a tiny bit of buckle detail on two pair

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I dont' see anything boring about plain black boots. I miss my plain old Rockports so much - they fell apart after years of wear. You could definitely eliminate a couple of pairs and replace them with those of more interest - what are you looking for in terms of style?

nancylee

Good idea to slowly replace some of them, Una. I'm looking for something more moto-esque. something less refined and with more hardware...like in this photo.

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lyn*

(website)

I am jealous of your boot collection - I don't have black boots

I love the pair on the left in #2; yummy yummy. And I also like your slouchy tan ones! Don't trade them in!!

I think buckles and fun things sometimes get in the way of the sleek line of a boot, but I can see your frustration with what seem to be similar boots all the time. *hugs*

Sona

they all look fab but a slow transition to some more styles may be better?

Aida

Doesn't look boring to me! When Angie had the "categories of boots" blog post a while back, I went through my collection and found only two "fun" boots out of 17 pairs; the rest were all fairly plain. At first that bothered me, but then I realized that even my "plain" boots did have interesting enough details (either in the color, or the seaming, or the heel, etc) and, more importantly, all fit very well. I don't think every boot needs to make a statement. Boots on their own are already a bit of a statement. In the case of tall boots, that much leather is a statement; in the case of short boots, wearing with skirts/dresses is a statement; in the case of nude boots, pairing with say all black makes a statement. To me, your collection looks very versatile. You have casual options, you have dressy options, you have heeled and flat options, and you have good color variety as well. And a few fun pairs to boot (Hah!).

Now, the fact that you'd be willing to trade them all in for something else? Well there are too many fab boots in the world to waste time on those that you don't love! So that part concerns me a little But do keep in mind that some boots really are functional; you make a minimal statement with the boot, but they are often completer pieces to the rest of your outfit. Especially if you go for architectural or arty in the clothing part of the outfit.

Claudia

This is cracking me up, I have a lot of boots, most like the moto style, rugged looking, and with buckles. I want to get rid of them and replace with simpler, sleeker boots and booties.

So I think your boot collection is great, I see some pairs I'd love to have. I think you should hold onto many of them (best condition, best quality) because they look classic and you may go through your ALGO rugged boot phase and then want to come back to these.

Girl X

What?!! That's a kick ass boot collection right there! Sure some hardware is often nice, but what you've got already is fab - totally not boring at all! Good variety, easy to wear, a couple sexy pieces, a couple funky pieces, and a little edge. Add one over the top metal and brimstone pair and your collection is set!!

cinnamon fern

I have no sympathy. I'd take your boot collection in a heartbeat.

Sara L.

I think your boot collection is fine. You could maybe add one or two pairs in a fun color or trendy style and purge a couple of the black ones, but overall, I think you have a great collection.

lyn, thanks for the reassurance...and the sympathy. I think you "get" what I'm unhappy about, but you make some very good points about the versatility of my collection.

Sona, a gradual transition to some more interesting styles is wise advice.

Aida, thanks for sharing your own discovery about your boot collection. You make some very insightful observations about the nature of boots as a statement all their own and how they function as completer pieces. You've given me a lot to think about.

Claudia, maybe we should arrange an exchange? (haha) Good advice to hang on to the best ones and maybe add some rugged options.

Girl X, cinnamon, and Sarah, thanks for your clear-eyed assessments of my collection. I'm feeling much better about the versatility and functionality of my boots than when I first posted.

Jjsloane

I think we always want what we don't have. Your boot collection is envy-worthy. I would love to have it (in my size) Not boring, but quite deep and allows for more longevity (since they are not too trendy) but I understand wanting the standout item (unfortunately my collection is heavier in this area so more temporary of a collection). Get one really fun pair. Add some temporary embellishments? (leather bracelets?) pump up the rest of the outfits. OR... if you really mean it and would not have severe regrets - START OVER. Rae has a good thread about moving on from your "mistakes" to maintain happiness factory.

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