Before my week got wonderfully complicated with an intersection of very cool family events and mandatory end-of-term requirements (i.e. some classes could not be missed), I was going to kick the week off with Visible Monday.[Edited. December 3rd, to add: I’ve decided I might as well add this to this week’s Visible Monday] I thought it was time I finally showed you the boots that climbed into a Fluevog Bag and came home with me in September, despite my clear determination to add a classic boot in brown or black to my wardrobe this fall.
Truly, that was the item on my shopping list. I was resolved to purchase only 3 or 4 new updates this fall, and they were to be pieces that reflected current fashion but in quality materials, of quality construction, and classic enough, in some way, that I would continue loving them for a few years. You know the mantra: Cost Per Wearing. The (relatively) pricier pieces that earn their keep.
I did pretty well with a Vince oversized sweater in baby-soft oatmeal merino. It’s a very current shape, super comfy to wear, but I can easily imagine enjoying it for several years. Ditto with the Citizens of all Humanity skinny jeans in a muted paisley print on a taupe ground. Both pair well with other pieces in my wardrobe and make me feel I’m au courant without screaming trendy. IMHO.
But how to explain these boots? I’d studied possibilities, bookmarkeduseful blogposts, even seen a few contenders up close and personal.
Even more confusing is that I knew that this Fluevog model, the Radio, comes in black and in brown. So how did that salesman get me to try the green? And how is it that, after managing to leave the boots for a few days so I could mull over their purchase, I came back, reason and all, and took them home. I paused, in other words, for sober second thought. And still bought green boots. And seriously? Until the first time I put them on and stood in front of the mirror at home, I kept saying it was a subtle green, the black of its “vintaged” dye finish toning it down, blending it in. Uh, really?
In this photo, on my netbook screen, if I angle it a certain way, the boots do hint at black, but in real life, they’re pretty freaking green, of the acidic variety.
And yet. I have worn these many times since I bought them. I get compliments on them regularly, and have even been tracked by well-dressed women who catch up to ask me where I found them. They’re super comfortable, definitely funky, and the classic shape is easy to wear as long as I don’t let the skirt get too close to my knee (then I just look stumpy!)
I’m wearing them here with that Gap dress — it also broke my purchase rule, being the kind of cheap and cheerful I thought I was moving away from, but at about $60, this is surprisingly well made in a beautifully sturdy, washable fabric. It’s already earned its keep.
Just pop my 3-year old Aritzia peacoat over top, wrap a scarf around my neck, and I’m good to go.
Go where, you ask? Oh, over to visit a brand new person, a certain Harriet. And yes, a magic wand to transform these boots into fairy-tale seven-league boots is on my shopping list. Meanwhile, I’ve taken the 95-minute ferry ride between the island and the mainland three times — each way! — this week, and I’m still on Cloud 9 . . . Newborns are pretty cool!
While I’m off visiting, though, care to share tales of digressions you made from your shopping resolve, whether sartorial or otherwise? It’s always interesting to hear of the battles between reason and passion, even if they’re just being played out in our wardrobes or livingrooms or kitchens. . . .
I do adore those 'vogs on you, though they are not on my list of coveted-Fluevogs-that-I-don't-own-yet. I knew better than to go to their website on Cyber Monday as I would not be able to resist. However, I have managed to digress recently from my resolve not to shop for myself during the holiday season and bought a fabulous blazer from Zara a couple of weeks ago.
Yes, if we have any respect for our budgets at all, the Fluevog website is an "approach with care" X on the map! But I'm glad to hear you're not in full resistance mode — the blazer will be a welcome addition to your professional wardrobe, I'm sure!
IMVHO, which is very cheeky of me as I've never met you, but these boots are just, well, YOU. Funky, sassy, feisty, fearless in fashion exploration, down to earth, robust, an attitude of being willing to take risks which is underpinned by an insatiable intellectual curiosity…. Like several of your sartorial choices, they might not suit everyone but on you, they DO, because somehow (please tell me how) you really can tune in to your essential self/selves and radiate that through your clothing constructs (and we are all constructs of one sort or another, yes?). This is what, without self-consciousness or apparent effort, makes someone truly 'hip'. It surely can't be emulated, only forged within the crucible of one's one deepening sense of Self in all its facets. Things just 'work', for that unique individual, evoke an instant 'oh yes!', because at some level they have stopped trying to delight and please anyone but themselves and in eschewing others' appreciation or opprobrium, they are free and fearless and oh so impressively individuated. That is surely the subtle broadcast that lures others to ask where you got the boots, even if said footwear wouldn't actually suit them, they want to 'purchase' that vibe.
Now every time you wear/look at those boots in future years, they are going to remind you of Harriet's arrival and will make you smile twice over in happy reminiscence!
Hester
Oh, you are so kind! I do think I'm getting to know myself, finally, but more, to feel okay about who I am and what I like. You're right that this doesn't come easily, but I'd love to think I'm getting close to owning my own style. And yes, I'll associate the boots with Harriet's arrival and I'll also have a little smile remembering your generous appraisal.
Those boots are great. I love the color and they look so cute with that dress.
Thanks Marla! I do like them with this dress.
Oh, those are PERFECT! They look splendid with the navy, and I can picture them with brown, black, beige. They'll take a simple ensemble from ordinary to "cheeky chic." Brava!!!
"Cheeky chic" — I love it! Thank you!
Oh those are gorgeous and in just the right 'new black' colour. They match my most recent treasure from thrift – a gorgeous soft leather hobo in glorious new-black-green.
I love the whole outfit BTW – am going to have to copy …
See, you're just encouraging me! That's what I tried to do, call them the "new black" . . . What a score for you — that bag sounds fabulous!
Wouldn't you love to have a grandmother in tall green boots? I think they're wonderful! And predict they will be more versatile than you ever thought.
When you put it that way. . . . and thank you for putting it that way! I do hope to fold a little "subversive nana chic" into my overall style definition, although I hope not enough that Ari Cohen comes knocking . . . 😉
My very favorite color and yet I have such a strong "practical" side (feel free to call it timid or neurotic) that I would pass on the green and buy the brown instead. Bravo to you and your sassy style to enjoy them and your new granddaughter.
Practical is good! I still want a sensible brown or black pair, but they'll have to wait 'til next fall now . . .
All you will have from me is approval for the purchase of a pair of boots that must make you feel great when you wear them. Me? How about red boots – cream boots – purple boots…I love them all. I have wonderful memories of a pair of green boots bought in 1987 in Maastricht – gone but never forgotten.
Purple? Red? Cream? Wow! You are a boot-lover! There really is something about the attitude they impart and convey, isn't there?! And the way they stick in our memory.
I like them! I have a pair of green Lucky Brand boots, and I had the same misgivings at first. Now I like them a lot, and they do go with many colors. Mine are more of a combat boot style, so the green softens the look somewhat.
Oh, those sound great! And I can imagine that the green would be a good way to soften the military edge just enough.
Hi Mater, I agree with Anon (Hester)above that these boots are so YOU – but I also agree with Jane M.; I'd pass and buy the brown!! I'd wear the outfit in a heartbeat though, navy blue and stripes, just my thing. I have never really spent a great deal of money on clothes (very conscious of the family budget), but I've been reading your blog long enough to be aware now of some fabulous brands and I tend now to look out for more expensive items, but only on sale.
Enjoy your time with the new grandbaby!
It's good to know exactly what our own style is, and if you know yours is the brown, better to hold out for those.
I know what you mean about being family budget-conscious. Been there, done that! (and I admit it's nice to know the kids are all managing on their own now, and I can splurge on myself occasionally).
I love your dress!
Ginny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
Thanks, Ginny. I appreciate you stopping by.
Oh, Harriet – what a treasure she is! And these new boots are fab, I say, and I'm glad you bought them. I think they'll make you smile for many years. Thanks for sharing the happiness with Visible Monday.
Thanks, Patti — yes, I think she's a real treasure, being a biased Nana and all.
Love the green boots. They are very you!! Wonderfully fun stylish grandma – a bit like Babette Cole character – that's a compliment BTW. Congrats on your lovely new grandaughter
Just had to look up Babette Cole — lots of whimsy there, and a comparison I don't mind at all, thanks!
Yes… little dress is all attitude, tempered with the cardi. Boots will go with everything, of course. So cute.
Thanks, Jan. I'm finding them easier than I'd imagine to work into the rotation.
Subversive nana chic sounds good to me :).