Top of the Wish List

Boots.  Kinky boots.  Ok not really kinky boots - vaguely kinky (I guess..) as they are over the knee.  Yes I'm talking about The Boots.  The Lowland Boots from Stuart Weitzman.  Oh and this is where the confusion started.  

So.  SW for Russell & Bromley.  They are £595.

At Selfridges, the "same boots" without the Russell & Bromley tag - so purely Stuart Weitzman are £695.  According to the Sales Assistant, it's a better quality of suede....  How crap would I expect the suede to be on a pair of "merely" £595 boots.... Huh?

In the US they were $795 with tax on top, which made them around $860 (can't remember the exact figure).  I do know that they were only marginally cheaper therefore than buying then in the UK (the Selfridges ones and so identical) and much more expensive than the "clearly inferior" SW for R&B ones. 

All that chuntering on is a very long and dull way of me saying, I didn't come back with any boots. 

But I am now certain that a) I definitely definitely want a pair and b) I'm going to get them in the khaki (Loden if you're a SW fan...).  It was The Husband who suggested the khaki pair may be better (this was until he realised how much they cost and I can't quite describe how quickly he went quiet) and Pasquale (seen here, being rather too close to my leg) agreed. 

I also predict (based on absolutely nothing bar a feeling in my bones - which really means totally zilch) that higher (up the leg, not heel!) boots are going to be big ticket next A/W. 


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So they are top of my list for my Wish List - my procrastination I guess is that they are clearly a properly horrific amount of money to spend on a pair of boots and will I get the wear out of them?..... I may have been seduced by all the - cough - sandals in the shops (I feel vaguely sick writing that, especially as I'm on snow watch like a hawk as my mother is due to be going home tomorrow.  She has to go home tomorrow otherwise I'll be looking at a life sentence in Sing Sing.  There is only so much tongue biting I can do.  The gems she's come out with that I could report back, are truly mind blowing...... Needless to say I'm on the wine) 

Back to my happy place and The Boots.  I think I will.... I think now with skinnies and dresses, skirts and tights and then as soon as it gets slightly warmer - instead of fake tanning the legs, hey presto, these will come into their own for a month or two.  Or is that just wishful thinking..... I put it open to the public - I am on the fence.  Your thoughts please. 

One thing I did think they would be fantastic with though, is a denim dress.  Back to my interesting (?!) New York observations though which I plan on revealing in chapter and verse tomorrow.
But as a sneak preview of my rantings, one of my favourite stores I went into was the (Swedish) & Other Stories.   This chambray dress stood out for sure.


Bold Zip Dress from & Other Stories £39



However as lovely as that looked, surrounded by gorgeous summery bits of bliss, reality bit when I went outside into Arctic temps.  This dress is about as much use now as a bikini. 

You may or may not have noticed that I have a penchant for clothes that work hard for me.  I have very little interest in anything that I can only wear a couple of times or that has a limited life span in my wardrobe (bar the odd Special Dress that we do all need).  A denim shirt dress is something that doesn't exist in my wardrobe but an item that... for example with my new boots (that I don't own yet).. would be perfect for the next couple of months with a layer underneath and a coat or blazer over it (even a jumper...... hmmmmm) and then with bare legs and sandals or sneakers for the Summer. 

Top of my list is for sure this one from Hush.  Oh I am so excited at seeing their new season goodies.  And due to my lack of heating, I was unable to go to their Press Day last week, so this is the first glimpse of a their S/S collection.  They currently have a preview online and there is 10% off with free p&p plus free returns (promo code SPRING15) , so it would be rude not to, no?  This is only one of five things I could order.

Denim Shirt Dress £65 from Hush




Another that would be easier to wear now is be this shirt dress from Boden - styled fabulously relevantly here for this weather with a layer and tights.  And wear just the dress in the Summer with sandals.  Perfect. 

To make it just a little more tempting, there is 20% off with the code A56L (off everything bar sales)

Casual Shirt Dress from Boden £79



This one from Dorothy Perkins is on the shorter side by the looks of things and it does have the shirt traditional style scallop at the side (see pics online).  Which some people love.. I'm not going to lie.  On me, being tall and therefore the dress actually looking more shirt than dress, it looks like I've just forgotten to put my trousers on.  And seeing as I'm possibly nearer the age of dementia than I am the "ooh look I'm cool" generation, I fear that someone may simply call the men in white coats. 

But if you're shorter, you won't have this issue and, if you're looking for a lighter wash, then this could be for you. 

Mid Wash Denim Plain Shirt Dress £26



Speaking of true shirt style, this one from New Look is similar but it has a belt which I think waves a magic wand and definitely transforms it into "dress" material.  

New Look Blue Denim Grandad Collared Shirt £24.99



However for those who don't wish to share the topiary of their nether regions, they fortunately do it in a tall as well. 




This doesn't fit the shirt dress brief that I sort of added in, but it's definitely denim and I LOVE it.  I honestly honestly love it, even though I fear it would be snatch flashing on me were I to bend over (alas denim isn't the most forgiving of fabrics when it comes to drape) 

Frayed-edge denim dress from Aries at Matches £195




If you are looking for something a bit more summery - either to get ahead of the game or maybe you're off to sunnier climes for half term (in which case I hate you, although maybe not as much I would hate having to get my hirsute self defuzzed, so I therefore forgive you) - then there are some short sleeved tunic style dresses.  These look great dressed down but I think if you threw some heels on, there's no reason why you couldn't wear them out in the evening. 

I'm just going to add in case anyone else is thinking about the over the knee boots in a Spring shade (please god let someone join me on this slightly crazy plan...) then I'm pondering these dresses on a Spring day with the OTK boots and a little blazer or even a 70's style chunky knit oversized cardie.....  (can you see the method in my apparent madness now?) 

Indigo wash t-shirt dress from Topshop £38



Again from Boden at £69 pre 20% discount, the Verity dress which comes in three lengths 


This is perhaps stretching the brief and I should perhaps have kept it for another blog I have planned but call off the dogs.  It is denim by all accounts - I love it.  I totally and utterly adore it.  Not entirely sure I could swing it with khaki boots but forget them, with opaques and black ankle boots for nights out now, for during the day with lower boots, with skater shoes and bare legs and oh hello, I have the perfect white and black sliders from last year which would be a no brainer with this.  It is just perfect. (I haven't even mentioned the two pairs of navy boots I have....)
ASOS White Denim Printed Panelled dress £65



There definitely is a 70's vibe to a denim dress, although I do also love the twist on a classic fabric with the ASOS White one at the end.  Surely I need a pair of the khaki boots to go with them??!  

Finishing with my outfit from yesterday.  No snow.  We had it for an hour in the morning.  The children were gutted to see it go, I was elated.  Snow in February makes it firmly onto the list of things I loathe.  Don't even get me started on snow in March or, god forbid, April.  At that point I start looking at farms in Italy (yes it sends me doolally as you can see)

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Black jumper (I am wearing one, believe me) - Reiss
Black fringe poncho - Reiss
Black tie dye jeans - Sandro
Grey wrist warmers - Toast
Black buckle boots - Toga Pulla
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

It's Wednesday and I am on the wine and crisps for dinner.  Continuing lamenting my pathetic shopping effort in the Big Apple, I'll be back tomorrow with more.  Meanwhile, thoughts on denim dresses and be gentle with me about the boots.... (my mother is still here and I have drunk a lot of wine)

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CONVERSATION

33 comentarios:

  1. I had a denim dress identical to the new look one but for some reason there never seemed a good day to wear it... shame because I liked it !! Really won't to see you in those knee length boots you have the perfect legs for them !! didn't mean for that to sound purvy !!

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    1. Not at all - I'm on it like a rocket today.... And yes, we all have things in our wardrobe that should work but every time we put them on it's.. meh.... Try again!

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  2. .....i like the Idea of over the knee boots, I have some 5 year old russel and bromley black suede fronted ones...they come out every winter...i always feel a bit dressed up in them though...thats all I will say....But I did see in clarks today...yes clarks...that they had a brilliant over the knee (just over) in black leather with an elastic back and low almost flat heel for £140...they have an almond shaped toe and are absolutely gorgeous...(so similar to the R and B ones they must be furious!) worth a look if you are desperate for a pair...? I know they are not in gorgeous 'loden' suede but it may just give you the 'high boot' fix you crave!!!x

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    1. I've tried to find them online and can't! I will say that they're probably not going to be OTK on me - the Dune Trish ones are so similar to the R&B ones but they're not long enough. GAH. I think I may just bite the bullet and enjoy the Loden ones for what they are. x

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  3. Wow, they really are amazing boots, but I would definitely need a little lie down right there on the shop floor if I had to pay that for them! It's a hell of a lot of money, and if you can afford it and you know you'll get the use out of them, then I would absolutely buy them. Why not? Me? I'd be walking round in my undies for the next year because I wouldn't be buying anything else for quite a while!!

    Good luck on the mum front BTW. Just keep chanting 'this too shall pass...'

    Becky x

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  4. I like the boots... I snagged a black suede pair in the Zara sale for £30. I do think though that they are a winter thing only...I dont see them being worn very much in the spring. As soon as the weather turns I think they will go back in the box, ankle boots might be worn but not really long ones...(hot and itchy) So I say get them but really only for winter.

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    1. That is a point but I'm hoping I might get more wear out of them.... the Zara ones sound great.

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  5. Love them! You have the legs to handle them. I like the khaki better; they're more versatile than black and won't veer over into Pretty Woman territory.

    I have no problem justifying bags and shoes. I've even managed to convince my frugal husband that the cost-per-wear of higher quality items makes them totally worth the price. I've crossed the "what was I thinking?!?!?" mark a few times, including a pair of sparkly Manolo's that I wear with everything, Carrie Bradshaw-style. I vote go for it, if you're willing to spend the money- they'll last forever and quality boots never go out of style.

    Oh, and thanks for highlighting the blue satin booties. Totally not something I would ever pick out, but I was obsessed with them and, for the price, couldn't not buy them. They finally arrived and they are simply wonderful. They'll replace the above mentioned Manolo's for cold weather date nights!

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    1. Very good point. And I'm so pleased you love the DP boots - they're amazing aren't they?! I'm planning on wearing them twice this weekend. WHOOP

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  6. I agree that the boots are for winter only, can you get that effect cheaper? LOve the denim dresses and the new Hush stuff looks sublime!

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    1. I have looked everywhere - believe me - everywhere... I have ONE more pair to try before I cave....

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    2. I lie - they're not going to work... I'm going in.

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  7. I think you need them; the colour suits the rest of your clothes. (I love the idea of them with that faux fur Topshop coat you have!). I have been the Highland ones, like FOREVER, but the price always makes me hesitate. I keep thinking, next year, next year, next year. Let's have a pact; if you buy the Lowlands, I promise I'll buy the Highlands! xx

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    1. DEAL!!!!! I've just spent the last hour researching again on line and BUGGER ALL. I think with OTK boots if you don't want them to fall down, you simply have to spend money on the. Deal. Done. I"m off to pick them up today or Monday....

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  8. Not sure about the boots, whilst they are cool, I think it would be hard to wear them enough given they are suede, your other amazing boots etc.... Sorry to be a party pooper. Commiserations on the M situation, it sounds very hard. And I just went to South America and bought very little...I also do not have the right shopping companions!!

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    1. oh no, I do deffo want all opinions. Yes, I agree with everything you say - but I still really really want them!!

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  9. Kat, I think you have an itch and you won't be happy until you scratch it. The boots are lovely but I'm not sure you will wear them as much as you think. Once the weather warms up I imagine you won't be keen to wear them but if that helps you justify them then just go for it. I used to love shopping elsewhere but now think you can't beat the UK high st for clothing. Xxx

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    1. I think I'm going to have to just go for it - it's become all consuming... a la Toga Pullas which I have worn loads..!

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  10. Adore the boots on you, the colour, the length perfect on your super-duper envy inducing slim legs! I reckon you would be surprised and would wear them loads. I guess the big question is do they definitely keep their shape and stay up after loads of wears, I think Joanna reported back a positive on that one so I would go for it or just buy and have them in your house for a while that normally makes a decision for me, a yay or a nay, just have to live with expensive purchases for a while and I either fall in love with them more or think they were not worth it! Xxxx

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  11. I've spent many an hour dribbling over those very boots, the loden is much more versatile than the black...and they are truly over the knee, in fact they're verging into kinky thigh high territory - so yes, please buy them so I can wear them vicariously through you. Not loving the denim dresses, yet, they've got a faint whiff of Bea Smith about them but no doubt I'll be converted eventually.

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    1. Oh that's so funny - I don't see Bea in the dresses (thank goodness) but we can't all love everything. That would be v dull x

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  12. Love the & Other Stories dress. And the boots are nice, but not £595 nice.

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    1. Horses for courses! Wouldn't it be boring if we all loved the same thing. xx (& Other stories have some other gorgeous dresses in as well..)

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  13. I adore the boots SW can't be beaten for otk boots I have the lowland in currant and just adore them...and yes they do stay up and retain their shape. I just got the Alexa chung ag honey ruffle denim dress for the summer - it's perfect for most shapes - glad I'm ahead of the curve:)

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  14. I had the beige pair and agree the colour is beautiful, but it gets marked easily and I always was worried about that Pretty Woman look, even if I paired them with an oversized sweater. I have sold mine on eBay. A great alternative is the Lanvin boot with the built in wedge. They are stunning go to the knee the beige colour is beautiful and so much easier to wear. Hope helps

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  15. Whilst I do like the denim dresses I can't get my head round those over the knee boots...Julia Roberts in pretty woman is all that springs to mind I'm afraid. Amanda

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  16. I like a denim dress and that is one of my 'go to' looks for all seasons except high summer. I have a fitted one from Sandwich that I bought in Fenwicks last month in the sales and it has already seen a lot of wear. I like the boots and the khaki looks great on you. Personally I wouldn't buy them at this point in the year, much as I wouldn't buy an 'investment' coat just now. Just because in a few weeks I'd be wearing other things, I would imagine, and next winter they wouldn't feel new any more. So I'd shelve the idea and see how I felt about them in September / October. Could have a rather fabulous new season splurge for about the same amount of cash instead in the meantime though! Elizabeth

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  17. If I had the money I would buy them in a heartbeat. They will last for years
    Emma x

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  18. I say definitely buy the boots, if you can afford them and they make you happy then why not. I think you would get loads of wear from them, they suit your style and you have the legs and height to carry them off. I have seen pics of Rosie HW and Olivia Palermo in them and they are fabulous. Its all about cost per wear, people though I was mad a few years ago when I paid £500 for a Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf but I love it and get so much wear out of it

    Love the denim dresses you have chosen here, particularly the Hush and New Look (tall) ones. I had one from Oasis that I had to charity shop as was far too short and venturing into "snatch flashing" territory!

    Hope the weather gods are shining on you today and that you mother has made it home! Carmel

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  19. Buy the boots! The color is beautiful and something different from black. SW makes beautiful footwear that last for many years with a little TLC.

    I'm going to pull out my flared jeans based on your last blog post. I have the perfect platform Gucci sandals to wear with them too. So disco.

    Love the Kinky Boots reference! xx

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  20. Definitely buy the boots! On the denim dress front, i bought the sleeveless shift dress in dark chambray from Gap months ago ready for the warmer weather. It has a small collar and side pockets which I love. I bought it in the black also, it doesn't look like a High Street dress at all (I'm a regular Net A Porter customer so really fussy) and I really love them! It was £44.99 and now down to £16.99! It looks fabulous on! As long as the boots won't stretch if you wear them over skinny jeans or pinch your skin on bare legs then I say go for them, otherwise it will drive you nuts!

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