When you need something you don't want...

catgirl

I've come to the conclusion from some suggestions here that I probably need a pair of sleek or polished black ankle boots to substitute with dresses for my Dansko Ryders, which I wear ALL the time and are admittedly getting a little repetitive.

But I don't want them. At all. Don't want to look for them, don't want to buy them, don't want to wear them.

Do you ever have this problem? And do you come around to acceptance, or just do what you want?

13 years ago

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

catgirl

Veteran

These seem bearable:

http://www.endless.com/Blondo%.....ythings%2F

13 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I really want the Rag&Bone ones that Rita tried on... except for the price.
I think they'd be great for you.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ra.....ot/3303815

or these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ra.....ot/3245475

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Parsley, thanks! The RB booties were unbelievably beautiful, but I can't do that heel. I can do 3" at most. What do you think of the ones I posted, or not sleek enough?

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Why would you need something you don't want? You don't have to wear sleek ankle boots if this is not your thing.
On the other hand I like the ones Parsley linked to very much and I think something similar should play well with your UWP style.
I also like the ones you posted - why do you think you need "sleek"? Maybe they just should be less chunky that your Dansko...

13 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Una, if you're not into the idea, then don't spend any energy on it! You already have lots of booties, based on your recent J. Crew dress thread. Maybe just give yourself a challenge of wearing one of those 1-2X/week, in place of your Danskos, just to be able to wear what you already have, mix things up, and have some variety?

13 years ago

Anonymous

I REALLY, REALLY didn't want to get my first professional bra fitting this week. I've been putting it off for years! But I went. And I was shocked. Not sure if that counts, but yes, I have done things I didn't want to do but needed to do.

13 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I like the ones you posted, but I think something sleeker would be better.
And if they're just "bearable" to you, save your money!
Hopefully you'll eventually find some you really love. Don't settle.

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I went to look at your JCrew thread - I think your quilted black booties would be a great alternative to the Danskos. I think they are sleek enough even though may be considered less dressy because of the wedge..but they are awesome!

13 years ago

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

No Una, do not get what you do not want.
Save for another pair of Fluevogs, I cannot believe you do not have something that would work.
The boots you posted are cute but not as fab as you are!

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Just wondering how come it is that you are totally uninterested in this sort of short, sleek, black boot/bootie? You've put a lot of effort in tracking down other boots, so are you just worn down? or is it the style that is totally uninteresting?

I actually think this sort of 'boring basic' might be just the ticket for completing the looks you're trying to achieve. (or I could be full of hot air

I like the Blondos you posted too. They have a nod toward UWP with the little studs and the buckled flap, yet they're quite clean looking. . .

I don't know if you'd be happy in sleeker unless they veered into futuristic? (again, feel free to see 'hot air' above

13 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Well If you don't want them, don't get them then. Nobody's forcing their suggestions on you. That being said I'm not a huge fan of the ones you've posted.

13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting. You should absolutely not get black booties that don't interest you. But perhaps we should examine this feeling more deeply? What is it that you dislike so much? Is it the less rounded toe? I have to see if I have a picture of my black booties that are so comfortable, and rounded too!

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have never really wanted to buy a bag. But I need to carry one. And lo and behold, as I dip my toes a little further into this dangerous water, I find they can be quite fun!

Your situation is different. I don't think you should buy any bootie that bores you; you have lots of footwear. Just do what Jonesy says and wear some of the ones you have.

However, this goes back to that old "boring basics" conversation we had a while ago. Some fun outfits simply won't work as well without some fairly basic shoes. (Contrariwise, it is easy to funk up more conservative outfits with the right statement shoe). Maybe there is a place for one or two basic shoes in your closet.

I will say that my relatively sleek black booties (the ones that Krish pointed me towards) were workhorses for me last winter. They have a bit of an artsy flair (almost witch-like, I sometimes think, in my less positively disposed moments) but with dresses, they look pretty darn good due to the snug ankle, and they are the most comfortable things I have ever worn. Bar none. http://www.zappos.com/josef-seibel-calla-02

13 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I own so many lovely sleek black booties, the thought that someone might NOT want one makes my head spin.

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

If you don't want them then I don't think you need them. People (not recently here so much, because you all know my style) are always suggesting that I wear pumps with things, and I don't own a single pair. I find pumps boring, uncomfortable, and just not me, and I don't really want to invest the considerable time it would take to find some that I can even stand to wear without pain.

But, re: black booties, I have my eye on these.
http://www.endless.com/s/ref=t.....geCode%3Dd

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Sveta; the quilted booties seem plenty sleek to me! No reason to buy anything you don't like.

13 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, let me get this straight. You are wondering if you should spend $$$ on a pair of boots, but you "don't want them. At all. Don't want to look for them, don't want to buy them, don't want to wear them." So these boots are destined to haunt your closet until you hurl them into the garbage some day. Hmmm...

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Ya, I do what I want. But those boots you linked too are good looking!

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks, ladies. I think I am going to skip looking for these boots right now. The choices overwhelm me and I'm just not sure I will enjoy wearing them. Sorry that you're going to have to keep seeing my Danskos for now.

IK, I love that you have a collection of these, just like you do fab white items that I also can't see myself wearing!

Shevia, I think it's that "basics" issue... I know I could find a black bootie that was not so basic, but there are just so MANY out there to comb through! The right one will find me someday, I hope.

Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow!

13 years ago

Echo

Veteran

NEVER shop for something you don't want. There is always an alternative to what you find boring, and if you purchase something simply because you think it is necessary or required, you will hate it because you won't feel like you when/IF you wear them. There is something much funkier out there that you will be delighted with and will want to buy to fill this wardrobe hole. Don't rush into something and buy just for the sake of buying; you will end up with something you hate and never wear (or never want to wear).

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Get Angie's rec Blondo's from the NAS. Is NAS over or still going on? They are fab. Stretchy so you won't have a problem with your narrow calves. I LOVED those R&B booties, can't stop thinking about them. Angie said they are an "11"!!! But they are really high heels!!

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I know this feeling well actually. Over the last year and a half that I did a wardrobe overhaul I did a lot of shopping for stuff I didn't want but needed. Cami's, the right no VPL underwear, the right bras, a few pairs of skinnies, the right boots, toppers in all the various lengths and shapes, layering pieces, accessories. it was like "give a mouse a cookie." I would buy one amazing piece and then realize that I needed a whole new capsule to make it work. After a while of this, I built a happy functional wardrobe but there were alot of things that had to purchased that weren't necesarily fun purchases. It was a VERY expensive exercise to get a functional wardrobe.

13 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

AG, for basic black boots I like Freelance (sometimes spelled Free Lance), Costume National, Giraudon, and Lucchese. Born makes nice pairs that are quite comfortable, but unlike the first few they do not have leather soles - and I love me some leather soles.

Sometimes narrowing down a search to brands makes it easier, I find.

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

DON'T buy boots that you don't want!

13 years ago

Heather

Veteran

This reminds me of sarah's thread about pumps. If you don't need them and won't wear them, don't waste your time, energy or hard earned cash. Look for alternatives that you WILL wear. It is your style, your life and your wallet. No setlling! This is how the wardrobe becomes an orphanage! LOL.

13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

I do know exactly what you mean. I needed black jeans but just find the thought of buying jeans so bleah that I would rather buy something fun and colorful instead. I keep getting distracted instead of buying that thing I need. But in the end I will rather buy some that are fun enough to get my attention instead of settling for a pair to fill the checkbox on my list. SO yes, buckle in and buy in the end, but not after avoiding for a long time. Seems I prefer heroes in my closet rather than basics. IS this the kind of item you have the same problem with?

For example, my black booties were the same for me, needed, didn't want. SO I found a pair that had a tiny gold detail that made them pop for me. And viola, so glad I waited for the pair that I loved!

13 years ago

Kate

Veteran

I know what you mean, Una. I feel this way all the time about shopping for jeans and pants.

For comfort's sake (I know how good Danskos feel) and sheer fun, I second greenglove: Fluevogs. I found these on Amazon; both on sale, and in a wide range of sizes. I love the Fluevog heel; it's so stable and comfortable, even at 2.5 inches, which is the maximum I'll wear for everyday.

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13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Una, I am with Sveta on this. I don't understand why it is a "need". Do you find yourself saying, on a regular basis, " This would only look good with black ankle boots. " ? How about gray boots or gunmetal ?

13 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

How about you get your SBBs (sleek black booties) when I get my LBD? I finally got rid of my old LBD that I finally figured out had grown too big for me and that I wore maybe 6 times over 15 years or however long I owned it. At some point, your style may change such that SBBs seem perfect. You may not need to be the gal who shops in that boutique in New Orleans, but you know what I mean. But in the meanwhile . . .use your hard earned money for booties you love and will wear!

13 years ago

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