Splurge or Save?
Yes I'm talking boots again. I know it seems insane when we're still bombing about in shorts (and it's set to stay warm for next week as well, huzzah) but believe me, there is method in my madness.
On Wednesday I was immensely fortunate to have a day off. Boys were at football camp, Rugrat One was at a sleepover and so I toddled up to London for the day with one of my bessie mates. Report is coming in the next couple of days. (I managed to compile a wish list which is surprisingly short. Shock. Horror.)
But drew a big fat fail in Selfridges shoe paradise as what I wanted to try (Sam Edelman high ankle boots) had sold out. Yup, every year this happens. If you don't get what you want now, the chances of it selling out are high. Ok so it's not quite so drastic with the High Street, but to me (and yes, I'm insane in the membrane), the most important part of an A/W wardrobe is actually the footwear. I think this dictates the rest of your look and I tend to work my wardrobe (randomly) around my feet. Working my way from the bottom up.
So speaking of all things boot like, I have mentioned before how the rise of the designer boot has influenced those on the High Street. Who, it appears, have zero shame and fully subscribe to the imitation is the sincerest form of flattery club.
Starting with my personal favourite - the Rag & Bone Newbury. Which, I can confirm are The comfiest boots I have ever worn - with a heel that high. Can't say that I know if the Dune ones are, but bar the zip being at the back these are remarkably similar.
These from Mango are a combo of the Newburys and the Pistols - amazing value at £69.99 Leather and I think these are a stunning stunning boot. If they did these in a tan I would buy them in a heartbeat. The best of the bunch for me - a fantastic combo of both without being a total replica.
Moving on to Acne who have kept the HS designers very busy over the last couple of years with their ranges.
Now I know they're not black and are apparently grey but to me, I'd say these were washed black. I love the contrast between the true black elastic. Love love love these. The Handshaws from Aldo in Grey again £130
And the originals:-
Moving on to what I would say Acne are best known for - the Pistol
Mighty Black Leather Zip boots from Topshop £45 - excellent value for a pair of leather boots.
Moving on a much admired (and therefore copied) French house of beauty - Isabel Marant.
Office Untouchable Black boots
I actually think these work better in the lighter shade
Untouchable in Taupe
Topshop have a nod to Mlle Marant as well in the form of their Arlene Western Side Zip ankle boot £62
And what perhaps inspired them:- (although I will admit, I do think they are very similar to the Ash Jalouse which - whispers - I have to say, I do prefer..... Controversial I appreciate. )
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I actually think these work better in the lighter shade
Untouchable in Taupe
Topshop have a nod to Mlle Marant as well in the form of their Arlene Western Side Zip ankle boot £62
And what perhaps inspired them:- (although I will admit, I do think they are very similar to the Ash Jalouse which - whispers - I have to say, I do prefer..... Controversial I appreciate. )
Dicker Boots from Isabel Marant £345
Dickers
Staying with La Marant.
Arnaldo Slouch £65 from Topshop
And the look that perhaps inspired them. The Isabel Marant Jennys from Net A Porter £360. Which aren't as pointy as they look from some photos (as you can see in the first one). I have scratched my itch and bought these and they are NOT remotely as nice as they look (I appreciate that some of you will think that they ming anyway)
Finishing with the over the knee boot. After doing a very quick squiz then I'm happy to report that these from Dune are stunning in real life. I actually like the fact they're suede and so, in my humble opinion slightly less gestapo stylee than the leather ones.
Dune Black Trish mix £145
The 50/50 by Stuart Weiztman at Russell & Bromley £395 An iconic boot. Which I have tried on last year and for the 5 years preceding that. They simply do not work on me. It's the actual shoe of the boot (if that makes sense?) that I can't get to grips with. For want of a better expression it's just plain fugly. Too utilitarian and clumpy. Clearly I am in the minority as these have been around since the dawn of time and continue to be reissued every year both here and in the US. What the heck do I know? (I do know that I shall be saving £200 plus quid by buying the Dune ones and not them though. Ha!)
Finally a boot that I can't find a lookey likey of. Thank goodness we only had one bottle of champagne at lunch the other day as had we had two, on my trip to Matches afterwards, I may well have had to buy these. Actually that's a crock. At £815, yes you read that correctly, £815, I would have had to have been comatose to buy these. Even at half price, they're simply not going to happen. Watching the High Street like a hawk to see if anyone brings out a tribute.
I appreciate these look like nada on here. But in real life I actually wanted to snog them.
And here they are for a not inconsiderate £815 (I mean that is utterly bonkers, no? Half price is completely doolalley) If it helps, they were really comfy....
As per usual my outfits from the last couple of days.
Black jersey jumpsuit - River Island
Denim Jacket - Sainsburys
Black flipflops - Primark
Earrings - bought from a friend
Chesnut bag - Campomaggi from Plumo
And for a day out with Rugrat One at Hever Castle. She's an 8 year old lover of all things history so what we now don't know about Anne Boleyn isn't worth knowing. Stunning weather and a great great day.
Maxi dress - Dorothy Perkins
Bag - as before
I did have on my tan stud sandals from Tescos. On a supermarket roll this week.
And on Wednesday for my day out Up West.
Black (although it is navy) Cocoon dress - Whistles
Black thong sandals - Zara
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Black, grey and beige bead cuff - Plumo
I do apologise again for talking about boots - have you thought about yours yet?!
Oh yes. In fairness it is not nearly as good weather up here in Scotland so that's my excuse! I managed to snap up navy Rag & Bone Newburys on the outnet (when I say "snap" they obviously still aren't that cheap but they are for my birthday - November - I may have to wear them before then!). I am now on the look out for a navy bag if you have seen any on your travels! x
ReplyDeleteWOW! how fab. I absolutely love the Newburys - great spot. I may have a navy bag blog up my sleeve..... xx
DeleteI shall look forward to it! x
DeleteFirst off, yay for the warm weather set to continue. I read that sentence and raced over to check the weather here next week and can confirm we are looking at 23-26, woot!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, boots. I really like the grey slouchy Topshop boots, great find! I haven't thought about boots at all other than to file away a note in my brain that I need some new tall black boots. Although not as tall as the Stuart Weitzman ones!
I never really think properly about boots and coats until I really need them, then it's often too late. Like looking for a swimsuit in July ;-)
Yup, you need to buy these things randomly early. Madness, truly madness. When we all need them in Jan, the shops are full of swimsuits and shorts! x
DeleteI have mine already! Most unlike me I know.... I bought Jones the Bootmaker taupe suede slouchy ankle boots with wooden block heel in early Summer & nabbed Hudson Horrigans in the Plumo sale - black with tan wraparound straps.
ReplyDeleteI may also have FOUR other pairs of boots that I failed to return on time and will now have to sell on ebay, though am tempted to keep one pair, very similar to the Newburys but the back is half suede and half encrusted with black & pewter stones & studs.
Of course I still want tan knee length boots and may have to check out the Dune over the knee pair above!
Nic x
oh you make me wee!
DeleteYAY for the good boot purchases though - v unlike you to have it sorted so early. I am proud of you! xx
Russell and Bromley do over the knee ones with stretch - bought mine 4 yrs ago and see them in there every year. £350 I think xx Carrie xx
ReplyDeleteIgnore above.. I didn't read it properly lol! Xx Carrie xx
ReplyDeleteha ha ha ha! They've also got some in KG actually but more expensive than the DUne ones. x
DeleteI love both the rag & bone Newbury what you have..... and the acne ones however I don't live anywhere near Bicester so £380 will be a BIG dent into my A/W budget and I need a few things......so I am Going to try the Russell & Bromley Gaucho boots, I think their take on the pistols. Xx
ReplyDeleteThey're a great buy yes - slightly more western than the pistols aren't they, but a really good price. x
DeleteI have the Topshop Pistol-a-likes in tan (from last year), still going strong. Amazing for the price.
ReplyDeleteRussell & Bromley never seem to get the boots quite right in my frustrated experience.
Glad I am not the only one who repeat tries on every year hoping for a miricle, none forthcoming so far :-/
Every. Year. GAH! x
DeletePhew....so glad to see the Acne Star inspired boots on the High St for this coming season. I bought the Topshop Anarchy homage last year and am well chuffed to be getting another winter's wear out of them!
ReplyDeleteI've just taken delivery of a pair of Steve Madden Jaane Stud ankle boots in tan (gorgeous!) and I was also lucky enough to snare a pair of the Navy Newbury's on The Outnet back in July so that's my boot wish list fulfilled! I must say the Marant boots look fabulous on you!
Well done you! And yes, the Marant boots are a total one off. Thankfully I don't "need" them though..... x
DeleteIt's never too early to talk boots. I've bought 3 pairs already ( 2 very much reduced in sales) because I have missed out in previous years. I love your Whistles Cocoon dress xxx
ReplyDeleteooh a girl after my own heart. Yay! And thank you re the Cocoon dress - I absolutely love iit x
DeleteJust bought new biker boots from Clarks today (thank you 20% off voucher!). My old biker boots are so comfy, they're like slippers but I sincerely doubt they'll make it through another Scottish winter (4 degrees tonight, yayyyyy!! :( ). Off to look at coats next week, pffffttt......,
ReplyDeleteSarah | Fortytherapy.blogspot.co.uk
ooh I've got some more coats up my sleeve. And great find at Clarks - need to check out their boots actually. I know they're got some lovely wedges in. x
DeleteI really love your outfit in the first photo with the denim jacket and black jumpsuit. I'm not sure about the black boots with chunky heels, I'm sure I had some like those 10 year ago! I love the suede cowboy ankle boots that Clarks have in at the moment. Can't wait for school to start next week so I can go shopping again.
ReplyDeleteEstelle x
oh thank you! Tis something easy to chuck on in this random weather. I'm getting more into boots with chunky heels - sounding like an old bird, they're v comfy.... And yes, there is that frisson of excitement at being able to go shopping on my own again!
DeleteDefo not too early to look at boots - I've 3 new pairs so far for AW13! Got the Office ones already in the beige and a grey pair from Clarks and finally a black pair from Seven Boot Lane. Sorted now....I think! Oh and Amanda over at The Online Stylist had a copy of those last IM boots! I'll send you the link, Have a super weekend Kat, Ax
ReplyDeleteBloody well done you!!!!! x
DeleteI tried the Dickers on recently just to scratch the itch, just like you had to do with the Jenny's. Scratch itched and happy to move on. Ash Spirals on my list next.
ReplyDeleteBut admittedly, they were comfortable but not £300+ comfortable.
I just don't get them when there are others around that in my opinion are as nice and half the price! But then, there are things I buy that I know others think I'm bonkers for purchasing!!! Actually, if the Jenny's had worked, I would definitely have bought them as I do love them. But meh on me! Thank the lord....
DeleteSnap!! I've just done a boot post, I can't get by the Ash Spirals though, so I'm going to have to take the plunge. Loving those office beige one ones and the mango tan ones, either pair my scratch my tan boot itch! X
ReplyDeletedeffo worth having a look at the Office ones I would say and the Mango ones. Enough left over for another pair! x
DeleteI have NO STOP BUTTON when it comes to boots !!! As you predicted both of my 'calf boot' purchases are still here, how weird is that? I know not very weird at all. I must say you do nothing to help dishing up yet more options. I think my head will explode.
ReplyDeletex H
If it helps, I have no stop button At All. xxx
DeleteThink I will be going for the Office ones, or the Topshop a la Isabel Marant, who happens to be my boot idol!
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, if you do snog the boots, you must post photos.
I will indeed! x
DeleteWithout wanting to sound too 'Devil wears Prada', I am not sure that I could tell the difference between any of the first 8 or so boots once they were on, so go cheap and buy the ones that you really loved when they are half price in the sales!!
ReplyDeleteSome you can, some you definitely definitely can't!!
DeleteI have the Dickers, Pistols and Newburys and the Newburys are the ultimate - worth every penny and the only boot I will buy now - sounds boring but they come in so many colors and go with skirts, shorts and trousers - a great height heel too...I love the 50/50 but seem to be more obsessed with ankle boots these days.
ReplyDeleteI am utterly gobsmacked at how comfy the Newburys are. Deffo much better than my Acne Cypress and only marginally higher. I am trying to resist a tan pair.......
DeleteHave you seen these - not a scratch on the Marants but they are gorgeous - cheap and one season only but lovely non the less. http://www.zara.com/us/en/trf/shoes/boots-and-ankle-boots/wedge-ankle-boot-c269222p1295467.html
ReplyDeleteWill cut and past the link - thank you chickie xxxx
DeleteI love all the winter boots - but I much prefer your summer looks - I want to hold onto the sun a little longer!
ReplyDeleteoh thank you! And looks like you'll get your wish for the next week at least! x
DeleteOMG!!! These boots are all so pretty especially the Untouchable in taupe. Love the cut and color.
ReplyDeleteThey're gorgeous aren't they. GReat price as well x
DeleteBertie have some in the sale in John Lewis at the mo. Very similar to the £815 pair but now £59 :-) x
ReplyDelete