Three weeks of no shopping and one major closet overhaul, and I have spent some serious time thinking about what my next purchases will be. I'm actually thinking in terms of investments, if that isn't too lofty a word to use. And I have come to some conclusions. Namely, buy very nice things, sparingly, after you've spent lots of time thinking about it.
I also now call my online shopping research, because it sounds much more investment-like. I've decided that my first major purchase will be a pair of leather boots. Ones that I will be able to wear for several years, with pants or skirts, which means they need to be pretty classic.
Free People Clermont boot ($548)
Frye Fiona Tall boot ($348)
Frye Adrienne Button boot ($398)
Coclico Obama boot (prices vary widely between stores, around $400 for this color)
The boot in the left corner is my inspiration boot and I've realized that I gravitate towards boots that have the same qualities. But at $548, I'm worried that it's a little exorbitant, even for an investment. I mean, it's not as if Free People are known for their high quality boots (are they?). If you can get a pair of Frye's for under $400, I'm a bit reluctant to shell out that much. So I have two pairs of Frye boots here (although I think number 2 might not be classic enough, as adorable as I think they are) plus one pair of Coclico's that are almost identical the to Free People boots but cost a bit less.
Here's the thing, the research is fun. And I think I'll be less likely to experience buyer's remorse, because I'll know that this was a carefully thought out decision. I'm not saying I'll give up my sudden shopping sprees, but I think I will be limiting them significantly once this experiment is over. The only issue I'm running into is wondering if these options will still be around in three months when my hiatus is over.
Boot opinions, people?
I also now call my online shopping research, because it sounds much more investment-like. I've decided that my first major purchase will be a pair of leather boots. Ones that I will be able to wear for several years, with pants or skirts, which means they need to be pretty classic.
Free People Clermont boot ($548)
Frye Fiona Tall boot ($348)
Frye Adrienne Button boot ($398)
Coclico Obama boot (prices vary widely between stores, around $400 for this color)
The boot in the left corner is my inspiration boot and I've realized that I gravitate towards boots that have the same qualities. But at $548, I'm worried that it's a little exorbitant, even for an investment. I mean, it's not as if Free People are known for their high quality boots (are they?). If you can get a pair of Frye's for under $400, I'm a bit reluctant to shell out that much. So I have two pairs of Frye boots here (although I think number 2 might not be classic enough, as adorable as I think they are) plus one pair of Coclico's that are almost identical the to Free People boots but cost a bit less.
Here's the thing, the research is fun. And I think I'll be less likely to experience buyer's remorse, because I'll know that this was a carefully thought out decision. I'm not saying I'll give up my sudden shopping sprees, but I think I will be limiting them significantly once this experiment is over. The only issue I'm running into is wondering if these options will still be around in three months when my hiatus is over.
Boot opinions, people?
I have two pairs of Frye boots and, as long as you don't mind a serious heel, they're super comfy. Plus they stand behind workmanship, which is good if you're investing. All of em are cute, though--and it would be fun to have footwear named after Obama!
ReplyDeleteoooo! i *LOVE* boots! (squeee!)
ReplyDeletewhile i totally agree with you in loving boots numba two, they're probably not as 'classic' as what you need for your investment.
my vote's for number three. they're sleek enough to go with a skirt or jeans; you can dress them up or down, plus i think that the heel on them kicks some serious ass (more ass than option numba one).
oh AND i'm not sure if it's just my computer screen, but they look like they're dark enough to wear with black OR brown, which is another serious plus. i hate having to buy both colours just to accomodate different colour schemes. it's a bit exorbitant, i admit. (but then again, i've never spent more than $150 on a pair of boots...)
I love 1 and 3, and desperately wish I could wear knee high boots over my monstrous calves!
ReplyDeleteOk. So with you here. Thgough, I rationalized this fall that I am buying 1 pair of boots per fall.
ReplyDeleteFrye; good. I am HARD on my boots [motorcycle, right?] And my frye's hold up. I am worried about the heel on boot one. The inspiration boot heel is SO GOOD, I kind of see a similar heel in boot three, but the leather isn't as nice as boot one. [This is the underlying issue never mentioned in my shoes post. I am a little too picky with shoes.]
Maybe if you wait, the ones you choose will be on sale? It is a risk, but perhaps worth it. Plus, boots are so available now that it seems likely that you might find multiple ones to make you happy.
I really like number 2! But I may agree with miss wunderbug... you might get more wear out of 3!
ReplyDeletemy favorites are the inspiration boots & the button fryes (#2). i am not a fan of the way the leather looks in #1, and #3 looks space agey to me for some reason?? i have no idea why. haha i have a pair of frye heels and they are SO comfortable, despite a 4" heel. good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteOooh! Three is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI started doing this last year--thinking of clothes and shoes as "investments." As a result, I have a lot of nice peices that actually fit, that I actually love, actually wear. I also take better care of my things now, and love the way I look.
I love your idea, this is something I'm trying to focus on as well (the whole saving up, 'researching' and buying good quality pieces that will last me for years!) I would recommend anything by Frye...they are pricey, but they are known for their high quality leather and craftsmanship. I have a pair of frye shoes, and they are VERY comfortable and nice!! Happy 'researching'.
ReplyDeleteI like #1. They look very similar to the inspiration boot and seem to have a pretty reasonable price for such a nice boot that you will have for a long while.
ReplyDeleteI am in complete agreement with your attitude to approaching shopping!
Man, all that detail on #2 looks super rockin. And #3 and the Obama look kinda similar to me, except that Obama looks uber-tall -- and super sexy, for some reason! #1, I do loves those details. Excellent research, in a nutshell, and I am no help! (Okay, if I super had to, I'm def between #2 and Obama :D) Good luck!
ReplyDeletei think the free people boot is the one that will stand the test of time more than any of the others...well worth saving for :)
ReplyDeleteI like #1... the heel height and decoration seem like they would stand the test of time. Let us know what you choose though, all are GREAT options!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to think more along the "investment" lines, too, but I have a love affair with boots that will probably be the bankruptcy of me. They're just so pretty and they always want to come home with me. I think I only am able to resist temptation because I know my boyfriend will kill me, haha.
ReplyDeleteI'd go for 1 or 3. 2 is cute, but if you want something that you can wear without looking "soooooooo 2009" several years from now, it's not your best bet.
I have some Frye boots (Harness 12R in brown) and I love them. They weren't cheap, but I have worn them a ton and will continue to wear them a lot. So in the end, they're worth it. It's that whole investment thing again.
While I like boot #2 a lot, I'm just not sure it's a "classic" as it sounds like you want. But I do love those buttons... so fun. I would vote for #1 I like the heel height and the buckles at the top give it a little more detail.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to do the same with buying investment pieces... can't wait to see which ones you choose.
By the way, loving your blog it's a definitely daily read for me... I'm adding you to my blogroll! :)
I have the Free People boot in a flat version. Check out similar styles on www.piperlime.com It is owned by GAP and very reliable! Free returns, too!
ReplyDeleteI like your selection of boots! This will be a very good investment. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSaw some very cute boots [including frye] on sale at bloomies...might be worth checking out. kathi
ReplyDeletei am not sure if free people makes a decent boot but i am sure that a good pair of boots will last you a life time. about five years ago i SPLURGED for a pair of pliner black boots and haven't looked back with regret once.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see what you think :) THese look incredible. I'm a big advocate of buying quality shoes/boots. There's something comforting about putting your money in something so supportive!
ReplyDeletei love a good boots and these are great. i seem to keep on telling myself maybe it will be on sale when the hiatus is over. keep it up!
ReplyDeleteLove them all. I am sure you have, but have you tried to find a nice, quality boot, a little cheaper or on sale?
ReplyDeletei kindof bragged about you with a post. see my blog. :)
ReplyDeletehuge fan of frye. very comfy and seem to have many timeless designs. my newly adopted dog just ate the zipper out of one pair of mine! (not a pretty day but i digress...) love the inspiration boots and #1 in terms of 'investment'. i splurged on a pair of cole haan's several years ago and still wear them often. what fun, good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow you are doing so well with no shopping! I think you are right about a few key purchases, these boots are great, the colour makes them so adaptable for several seasons.
ReplyDeletetwo. definitely two.
ReplyDeleteI like your selection of boots! all three are very stylist.
ReplyDeleteOhh boy. I feel embarrassed saying this, but my opinion is you can get a good boot for say, $150. Tops. I'm cheap? My work dress brown boots were less than that and from Lands End. Very comfy, if less bad*ss, but worth a look.
ReplyDelete