To Keep or Note to Keep: That is the Question - Kate Spade Sally Boots

Photo Source: Kate Spade.com

I ordered these boots a couple of weeks ago when Kate Spade had their 20% off Friends and Family coupon.  They came, they fit, and they look the best of any boots that I own.  I have calves on the wider side, so finding actual boots that fit can be really difficult. Believe me, I was thrilled that these fit around my calves! So why am I fretting about whether or not to keep them?  Well, for one the sole is really, really, thin...and walking in the, I feel as though I could feel the ground...and one sharp pebble just might penetrate through to my foot.  But on the other hand, these boots aren't meant to be rugged, they are meant to by stylish . . .

Which got me thinking about another one of my work colleagues...she will wear wellies, or some other expendable boot to work, and upon arriving, dutifully changes into her "stylish" boots, the soles of which won't grace the outdoors.  Call me crazy, but if I spend this much on boots, they sure as hell better go anywhere and everywhere...and look great doing it.  I'm not sure if these boots are up to the challenge, though.  Stylish, yes . . . expendable, no.

Which brings me back to the boots.  I try to live by the rule that you should only keep it if you love it, and if you love it, keep it.  Do these boots fill a hole in my closet?  Yes.  Do I "kind of" need them? Yes. But I think my misgivings about them might be that wearing them takes me a bit out of my comfort zone.  Because of the wide calf issue, I have never been one that consciously reaches for the knee-high boots without painstakingly planning my outfit, only to abandon the boots at the last minute in favor of some other go-to shoe. I admire the girls sashaying down the street that look like so carefree in their glamorous boots.  Will I keep these and become a card-carrying member of the club?  The jury's still out . . .

Saturday Style - Skinny Jeans Tucked Into Boots Solved

A co-worker came to me this week, and let me know that she finally wanted to embrace the skinny jean tucked into knee high boots trend, and asked if we could help.  My co-worker "M" is petite (about 5'3''), a size 0 or 2 and a wee bit "hippy" (her words, not ours -- meaning she has some hips, not that she is donning bell bottoms and getting in touch with the earth).  She asked if she could still embrace the trend -- especially if she chose flat boots.  Our response?  Of course she can!!! She also indicated that because this is a "trend" she didn't want to spend more than $200 on boots, and less than $100 on skinny jeans.

First, the jeans.  We put her in Banana Republic Ultimate Skinny Dark Wash Jeans because for people with hips, these jeans are cut perfectly -- they fit perfecftly in the waist (no gaping), they hug the hips (not too tight -- I think these jeans are a bit more relaxed in the thigh, allowing for people with hips to get into them) and the length is absolutely perfect for tucking into boots (they hit literally right at the ankle, no bunching).  At $89.50, they fell below budget (and they are even cheaper if you can score a coupon).

Onto the boots.  We found Steve by Steve Madden Intyce Boots in a perfect cognac, whisky color, that is right on-trend for fall.  $129.00 they fell wayyy below budget.  And at The color is also a fabulous neutral that goes with blacks, browns, and literally everything in-between.  Plus, cognac looks especially rich against black.  Just pair these boots and the jeans with a black turtleneck and you have instant, easy, effortless chic.

Which brings us to topping the look off with the J. Crew Marled Amadé Sweater. Because M was shooting for a casual day look, we chose the marled look of the sweater for a nice, cozy-chic autumn feel.  She also wasn't ready to try skinny jeans without a bit more coverage up top, but we assured her that for evening, she could switch this sweater for a sleek, basic black turtleneck (pictured below) and the look would be that much richer looking.

Finally, for extra credit, we accessorized the look with the Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag. A bag so great, it can't be wrong.

We love this look, because with just te jeans and the boots, you literally have infinite possibilities.  Just open your closet, and you have plenty of outfits.  Throw on a white blouse and a cardigan, or a v-neck sweater with a ruffly blouse underneath.