I am really weird when it comes to shoes. Mainly in that I have very expensive taste with a very non-expensive budget, which makes me sad, so I just don't buy shoes often. In my attempts to actually buy shoes (I was honestly that California girl in the Rainbow sandals for an embarassingly long time), I try to save up and then splurge a bit once or a year or so on a pair of Fryes--and then wear them to pieces. My current Fryes in rotation are the Frye Jane's in Redwood, which are just the most beautiful boots, and these Vera Hikers in brown that I got for Christmas (thanks mom!).
The reason I wanted these boots was that I like the versatility I get from having a pair of short and a pair of tall boots. My last pair of short boots was more on the cowboy side, and I wanted to try something a bit more rustic and a bit less western without getting these, which basically everyone at my school has.
I love, love, love these boots. They look like a retro hiking boot, but the oversize tongue, upturned toe, and the 2 inch heel give them a bit of a modern, edgy twist. I've gotten so many compliments on them already! Some of my Fryes have taken weeks to break in properly, but these I could wear easily right out of the box. They have a rubber sole for traction, which is perfect, and are easily to get on and off with the laces. I can wear these all day without my feet getting tired or annoyed.
I like to pair these with tights and nubby men's socks. The simple, slightly old school feel of these boots means that they can work with lots of different outfits and styles--I like these with a little leather jacket and a cute little dress because they can ground even the girliest of dresses, but they're also cute with a colorful mini and a sweater. Overall, I really recommend these. They aren't cheap, but they're the best combination of timeless and on trend, and you can absolutely feel the quality.
ALSO! If you live somewhere snowy and cold, totally get these instead. They come shearling lined! I think they're so cute, and they would be SO WARM AND COMFY.
Image via countryoutfitters.com, zappos.com.
I've had very possibly way too much free time this summer, so I've been thinking a lot about what I want my fall school uniform to be. For class, I like pieces that are easy to wear and easy to style different ways, but still pack a style punch. I've been feeling a very Ali Mcgraw in Love Story, early 1970's vibe lately. I'm thinking that this fall is going to be a lot of pencil mini skirts, 3/4 length sleeved tops and sweaters, long necklaces, and warm red leather boots. Here are some of the pieces I've bought so far:
J. Crew Ink-Dip Popover, $72 at jcrew.com, Tippi Sweater in Colorblock Stripe, $95 at jcrew.com: I actually got this J. Crew shirt in Light Lilac (which is really more of a cool blush pink) but the neon pink picture was a lot cuter. It's a popover, so it's like a button-up but the buttons stop about halfway down the front of the shirt, which makes it a lot easier to tuck into things. This shirt is a very light, actually pretty transparent, cotton, with army pockets on the chest. It feels very retro safari/men's shirt, which I love. I got a 6 (I normally wear a small in J. Crew shirts) because I wanted it a little blousy and I wanted to be sure it would fit across my chest without pulling. So is this shirt worth $72? Eh. It has a nice cut and comes in lovely colors, but it is a very thin cotton button-up for almost $75, so I'm not entirely convinced, but it is adorable partially tucked into a high-waisted denim mini. I am in love with this Tippi sweater. The cut is perfect, with the slightly opened up crewneck, the slim body, and the 3/4 sleeves. It's wool, so it's nice and warm, but it's still a relatively thin sweater, so it's very fall appropriate. It comes in solid colors, but I thought this colorblocked version, with the navy/white/camel/sky blue/grey was really cute and fun, and would go with a wide range of outfits.
Garment-dyed Denim Mini, on sale for $39.99 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Factory Classic Corduroy Mini, on sale for $29.50 at jcrew.com: I don't actually have this skirt, I have a J. Crew factory skirt in coral-orange that's basically the same, but this pink is adorable, if impratical (it also comes in a mildly more practical kelly green). The corduroy mini is absolutely fantastic. I vary between a 4 and a 6 in J. Crew skirts, and got a 6 in this because it doesn't have a lot of stretch. It hits just below the waist, is short enough to be a mini but not so short as to be indecent, has lots of pockets, and comes in a pretty, rich navy. I like corduroy in small, sleek doses, and this one is on major sale! Pencil minis like these have become my new staple pieces. They basically go with any top, can be easily dressed up or down, and are both flattering and easy to move around in. Now I have one in orange and one in navy, so I have the warm and cool ends of the color wheel down.
Forever 21 Union Jack Raglan Sweater, $22.80 at forever21.com, Frye Jane 14 Stitch boots in Redwood Leather, $328 at zappos.com: I bought this sweater in the middle of the Olympics when my London fever was raging, and I totally love it. It's a little oversized, has a fun, abstract Union Jack on the front, and is so affordable (if a little itchy) draped over a pencil mini. These boots are my absolutely my new favorite things. They are definitely not cheap, but they are so well made. I'm a little spoiled when it comes to leather boots after years of horseback riding. My boots need to be able to stand up by themselves, and be 100% made of real leather. These are made of a thick, gorgeous leather, lined with leather on the inside as well, with a little heel just over 2" and a slightly pointed, turned-up toe. They have such a '70s feel, the leather is the perfect warm brown color, the insole is nice and squishy, there's great arch support, and basically I want to marry these boots and have their babies.
Is anyone else feeling the 1970's for fall as much as I am?
Images via: jcrew.com, forever21.com, zappos.com.
