When something doesn't quite work out.
*&++(**%**** over the knee boots.
This is to be my final comment on the subject of the blasted things. (she says knowing full well that's a lie. As do all of you. I apologise now.)
To cut a long story short - most of these that I've hunted out aren't the best.
I so thought that this season there would be loads of cheaper options around. Well, there are, but there aren't that many.
And I'm gutted to report that the ones I tried didn't really work at all. SOB.
Right - so starting with the ones from Mint Velvet. This is the classic pic of when good boots go bad. See it and weep peeps.
I wanted to love these. The feeling wasn't mutual.
Black Rachel Suede Boots from Mint Velvet £199
Huge apologies if anyone is eating....yes that is my knee throwing up over the top of the boots which cut off at the most unattractive place imaginable. Who knew you could get knee muffin? Gravity's a bitch.
Lordy I am sorry about that... suffice to say my knees are not my best feature...
Now these are slightly longer but they were sold out when I went to try them on - in fact they only had one pair in store (not my size but we measured them against the Rachels) as they're online only. Back in stock now. These would actually come over your knee....
Grey Hannah boot from Mint Velvet £199
And in the taupe
And then things started going really wrong. I had high hopes for these but they were huge on the top of the thigh. They're supposed to be elastic and fit well but these would start falling down the minute I started walking. They're be round my ankles within 10 yards. I know they're cheaper but they just wouldn't be worth my while buying at all. However I do know that others have them and do love them.
For what it's worth, they were a perfect fit on the foot. Totally true to size.
Office Eden Stretch Over the knee boots £110
Next it was off to River Island and I have to say these were one of my favourite boots of the day. On me they weren't over the knee by any stretch of the imagination but they were really rather gorgeous.
Ah. Now, to be fair, I've just seen that these are supposed to be knee high and not over the knee.... So in that case they were blooming gorgeous. Seriously seriously lovely. But I'm not going to lie - I do have a concern about them slouching down during the day.... which isn't what I'm looking for. Can you starch suede boots?
Grey Suede Knee high boots £110 - gorgeous low block heel and a divine shade of elephant grey. Would go with absolutely everything.
They look so so much better than this in real life.
These were over the knee but again, they were simply too baggy on the leg. I don't think they'd fall down as they're leather which holds its shape much better than leather. I just looked like I was going fishing in them. Not in the market for waders.
Black Leather Over the Knee Boots £100 from River Island These are really good quality for the money.
Next port of call was Aldo where these looked great.... they admitted in the store they were a total tribute to the Lowlands.
So here's what they look like.
Aldo Barra boots £120
And they do look very similar. And I guess they are similar. But on me, they're just not quite right. Dare I say they're just too clunky?
And in the black, again £120
And here they are in the black. They're just not neat enough, not fitted enough on the leg and a bit billowy. I'm not sure how long they'd stay up either?
But they are a gazillion times cheaper than the Lowlands. Which I stupidly then went and tried on in Russell & Bromley.
Poo bums.
That was really foolish as I've already tried them on about 30 times both here and in New York.
Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley Lowlands £595
And here they are on me. Very difficult to photograph but believe me when I say that these are in a different league (as they should be for this price....) This is over my skinny jeans - the same bulky jeans that you can really see under the other boots but that somehow disappear under these. They are truly miracle boots. SOD IT.
Were I to buy them, the dilemma is would I go for the classic black or the Loden. (khaki to you and me, which they don't sell at Russell & Bromley any more)
Stuart Weitzman Lowlands in Loden £650
I know. I know I know I know what you're going to say - buy the boots.
I just might. Tomorrow I'm off to Ikea, a desk shopping (again - one down two to go) and am beyond tempted to go via R&B on the way back. Should I???
So here we are today - I hadn't planned on wearing this all day but err, well... I sort of did. Went for super long dog walk with one of my best friends and then more homework. (seriously, can you see my halo shining from here?)
White linen tee - Max Studio
Bat sweatshirt with leather shoulders - Zoe Karssen
Charcoal harems - Toast
Charcoal Dakota flatforms - Seven Boot Lane
Black Harker hands free bag - Anya Hindmarch
Lordy I was comfy. Tomorrow, off out for the day with a friend (sharing the Ikea misery - actually it's my guilty pleasure if I'm honest....), football and beavers after school and then girls round for drinks and nibbles in the evening. I had planned on being creative with the nibbles. I fear that my creativity may lie in the hands of supermarket packets......nachostastic anyone?
Buy the SW boots Kat you won't regret it. I adore mine. I have them in grey. Have a look on Farfetch you will get the black a bit cheaper. X
ReplyDeleteThey haven't got them in my size on Farfetch.. (well they have but they work out at over £700!!!) I need them. I really really do.
DeleteI don't understand why one would want over the knee boots. Are they not really uncomfortable to walk in? They are such a trend buy, you won't want to wear them next year and for £600, I'd want to be wearing them for more than one season. #contrary
ReplyDeleteoh my lord no they're not at all - well, the SW aren't anyway... And god it would be such a boring world if we all liked the same things! I'm going to stick my neck out and say I don't think they're a one season wonder....
DeleteDisagree about them being a trend buy, I got some perfect black leather ones 5 years ago from Duo and I've worn them every winter without fail. In fact, I need to dig them out and get them re-heeled ready for this season.
DeleteKat, buy them, honey! x
This I love to hear!
DeleteI agree it would be boring if we all liked the same thing! I just think we'll see everyone wearing them this winter. Personally I don't like to buy something that is so obviously the trend of the season. I don't dislike them but I do maintain they are not very practical. However, you want them and you'd spend that on a bag so I think you should buy them and enjoy every moment wearing them!
DeleteIf you're going to splash so much on boots the Marant Etoile are so much nicer ! But I agree with Cover Girl, they are a one-season wonder!
ReplyDeleteOh now you see I don't like the foot of those as much.... the sole isn't solid looking enough. Does that makes sense?? Plus I know these work....!!
DeleteEven though I could never even begin to pay that amount for boots, I have to agree with you that they by far look the best! You've wanted them for so long & you keep going back to them, you obviously love them.........just saying!! (Ps, get the black!) x
ReplyDeleteThank you! (and sorry for going on and on on and on!!) I have to say I am veerign towards the black now... maybe more longevity than the loden ones??!
DeleteTried both SW boots Kat, the loden colour and the black, whilst I wanted to choose the loden colour boots I just don't have enough to go with them plus the black felt more versatile and made my legs look more slender... So I bought the black. X
DeleteI think you're right. I think the black will stand the test of time better than the Loden ones and definitely they'll go with more. x
DeleteI don't agree at all about them being a one season wonder - I've had my highlands for 3 years now and wear them with joy every winter - I bought my lowlands last year and adore them. They are super easy to walk in as the suede is stretchy. Get the friggin boots! X
ReplyDeleteI knew I could rely on you!!
DeleteI agree - buy them in black!
DeleteUp this week.....!
DeleteMy preference is Loden. Less obvious I know but I guess that's why I like them best. And they aren't a one season wonder I have had a pair of OTKs since my daughter was 5 and that's over 10 years ago now.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say Rand B do all the colours you just need to ask your local branch to get hold of a pair in your size
DeleteYes I know - I'm just not sure if I'd get more wear out of the black ones... hmmmmmm (I have just bought a khaki cape and slightly concerned about looking like a woodland elf in too much khaki!!!) And I've asked numerous times at R&B and they don't do the Loden this season. They have special ones for R&B that they make specifically for them - this season they've got the grey and the berry....
DeleteGet the black ones. I have both the grey and the black ones now. You will live in them, but be prepared to love using a pair of ankle boots again!
DeleteTx
I have lots of those to use so that's ok!!
DeleteFor the love of God (and all your readers) BUY THE BOOTS xxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteyes mum
DeleteGood girl 😉
DeletePlease do what the lady says and buy the bloody boots. We can't take another year of this!
DeleteSnort!!
DeleteThey can't be a just-one-season trend coz Kat's been ranting on about them FOREVER!!!!!! Ha ha 😉
ReplyDeleteThis *is* only the second yr.. it just feels like longer...!
DeleteThis is the second year, and they are now everywhere. DONT BUY THEM! All my friends have them so I definately dont want them, I would rather spend them money and look a bit different.
DeleteYou see I don't think they are everywhere at all. Really very few on the HS - yes loads at designer level which leads me to think that they're going to be around for a good couple of years yet. And even when they do flood the HS with them - the quality just won't be there and so I still think the SW ones will be really stand out! But they're not going to be for everyone, for sure.
DeleteI saw two women wearing them today, so much envy! BUY THEM
ReplyDeleteSOB. I've never seen anyone in real life wearing them actually
DeleteI have these from Clarks http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26107904 and they just over the knee, so might be too short for you Kat, but might be good for other readers. Price is good too. Get the ones you like and feel the joy each time you put them on, they look amazing! Jo
ReplyDeleteI have seen them and they're lovely but I think they're just OTK . Well for me, they'd be knee muffin enducing but yes, for most people, they'd be lovely!
DeleteDo not buy the boots! There are so many better ways to spend you money!
ReplyDeletebut I might have become obsessed....!!!
DeleteSuch as???
DeleteWhat have I become obsessed with or what better ways to spend my money?!
DeleteYou know what they say - if it keeps you up at night, buy it! I don't agree that they are a one season trend. I don't really believe in that - if I like something and it looks good on me I will wear it whenever I want, whether people think it is 'in' or not. I think these boots will totally be an investment piece that can be worn year after year. Lorraine x
ReplyDeleteI might love you..!! You do make good points as well..!
DeleteJust a thought...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Dark-Brown-5050-Suede-Knee-Boots/112032
I saw these in liberty and they are a completely different colour in real life - more khaki and def over the knee. If you sign up for a liberty points card there is money off. Not the loden but a cheaper stuart weizman option. Perhaps next time you are in london have a look...
I definitely will thank you v much xxxx
DeleteI bought the M&S okn boots and love them. I'm only 5 4'' though and they do come a way up my thigh. Am I too short for them perhaps?? They don't FEEL like waders but I'm worried I'm deluding myself! Kat - if you love those SW boots, get em. Life is short .Katherine x
ReplyDeleteOh you will so look fab in them - definitely not too short at all!
DeleteI did try them and they weren't long enough. The Husband will remember, but I can buy these myself.... *feeds kids beans*
ReplyDeleteYou must get the SW boots Kat, they look amazing on you, absolutely perfect in every way, you will wear them non-stop and be so glad you brought them..life is too short..go stop by R&B and buy the boots. (I guess black is the more practical option but I do love a touch of khaki in the Spring and Autumn!) xxxxxx from a very 'envious of your long legs' friend!! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so so so SO right xxxxxxx
DeleteWell you can't say you didn't shop around and if the SW's are now 'the' ones - go for it! (Side note: go for the black, you love black, as do I, classic all the way I say when you are buying an investment piece).
ReplyDeleteYou speak wise words xxxx
DeleteI'm sat here guffawing at the muffin top on your knee. Just hysterical! Glad you can laugh at yourself. I just LOVE winter boots but have never gone for over the knees, mainly because on me they might reach my crotch (slightly height challenged ;))
ReplyDeleteLots of them out there aren't that high! Go on.... try them.....!
DeleteI got a really lovely pair from ..... damn it need to search ...... they were from Free People, they are brown leather, sit just above the knee and were only about £90. I've just been on the site and they are not quite the 'Grafton' ones that they have in the sale section but very similar (these are also very well priced reduced to £128.99).
ReplyDeleteI got them shipped from the US site, there was no tax costs and they paid the postage and it took 8 days from ordering to delivery in North East Scotland so I was well chuffed with the service.
They fit so well, I'm 5'8 with silly skinny legs so was a bit worried that they would look like wellies but they were great.
Guaranteed I have only worn them once as I am seldom home but I loved them on.
Worth a look see anyway, I haven't been on their UK site but they may have something there.
Good Luck from Baku !
Deb.
I will check them out, thank you so so so much xxx
DeleteDid you try these? https://www.zalando.co.uk/zign-over-the-knee-boots-beige-zi111m009-b11.html
ReplyDeleteThe colour is much better in real life - more camel-ish. Sair
No I didn't... how high up the leg do they come? And also do they fall down?
DeleteYou need to buy them!! I get creative with my kids food all the time to make (far smaller €) purchases for my good self!! Is that terrible!? Just do it, I love it that you can. Oh, and black, they are fab on you, Audrey x
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was the only one who did this...!
DeleteJust get the Stuart Weitzmans. In black. A splurge is worth the splurge when you've slept on it for a while (you definitely have done that!) and when it is something that you know you'll wear the f&$@ out of, and when it truly makes you happy to wear them. I've just written a post on this VERY subject... how to know when to splurge and when not to. I should have used you and your OTK boots saga as a case study! xxx
ReplyDeleteWise words, thank you. I shall take heed...
DeleteThe Stuart Weitzmans are absolutely the best, hence the price. I am all for splurging on quality and these do look great, especially in black. But so many women have them now as they have been repeated and copied (badly).............so I am going to say dont buy them. I would much rather spend the money on something that not everyone is wearing.
ReplyDeleteBut I think you can see the copies a mile off. And I have looked and looked and there really aren't *that* many out there... Plus I don't live in London and am not there every day so the chances of me bumping into lots of people wearing them are actually v slim!!! Living in the home counties has its advantages sometimes!
DeleteI tried some really good ones on today in &OtherStories. Proper tight on the leg, Long enough and £185.
ReplyDeleteI know someone who's waiting on these so I can't wait to hear what they're like!
DeleteHey Kat Im an avid reader and this is my first time commenting, I dont know if it would gross you out too much but have you tried EBAY USA there are plenty of nearly new 50/50's maybe worn 3-4 times max, which sometimes is almost better as the leather looks better I dont know what size you are but with paypal you have alot of protection also Vince Camuto do a great dupe which is half the price on Nordstrom.
ReplyDeleteI am keeping an eye but at the moment, they are as expensive as buying new as they're only a year old! Is an excellent idea though, thank you x
DeleteI thought what someone up there said - they can't be a one season wonder, because you've been going on about them for flippin' ever! Buy them, buy them, buy them! (In black, obvs)
ReplyDeleteha ha ha ha!! Thank you chicken x
DeleteI have followed your blog for a few years, and it's obvious that you keep and wear the pieces you love, especially the investment pieces. In fact, it's making me think more about buying less but of higher quality. So I don't think it's about how many seasons things are 'on trend', but a question of whether it's a style you would wear for many seasons. More likely to wear these boots for more seasons if they fit like a glove rather than a cheaper tribute.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, thank you so much x
DeleteFFS just buy them
ReplyDeleteCindy F
ha!
DeleteI agree. You really want them, you won't wear the alternatives half as much. But I'd buy the black. Loden and a puppy.... you're asking for trouble!
ReplyDeleteCan I ask a random question about your golden goose sneakers. I'm kind off obsessed with these shoes. Some sites I've been on suggest they have a built in 1.5" wedge. Is this true?? Thx T
ReplyDeleteHmm Definitely not in the Superstars...... And I also tried the Francys and I definitely don't think there was a lift in that. I've heard this mentioned but definitely definitely not in the low superstars. I genuinely cannot recommend them highly enough x
DeleteIf you want well fitting boots duo boots do boots that are made to measure and they are the best quality.
ReplyDeleteI thought Duo went bust??
DeleteBut I do know people used to rave about them - such a shame x
DeleteSold to the lady. Definitely getting black x
ReplyDeleteDuo didn't go bust, they have rebranded as Ted and Muffy (?!). Randomly. Jo
ReplyDeleteGet the SW ones in black you will wear them so much year after year :)
ReplyDeleteJust to chuck another pair of OTKs into the ring, these Zara ones are bloody amazing: http://www.zara.com/uk/en/trf/shoes/over-the-knee-high-heel-leather-boots-c269216p2824149.html. Properly over the knee (I'm 5ft 5), fitted on the leg i.e. not baggy and look foxy as hell. But I did try a 7 in store when I am normally a 6. The 'boiler red' (dreadful description!) are actually rust and tap into the whole 70s trend. Petro whatserface who is mates with Wearing It Today lady mentioned them on Instagram t'other day.
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ReplyDelete