Sunday, November 20, 2011

Wishlist Item #1: Sleek Brown Boots

On my wishlist (for myself) this year is a good pair of brown boots: Particularly for two reasons: Brown can really take the dreariness out of many dark outfits, and I have 4 pairs of black boots, a pair of white boots, and even grey boots, but BROWN is the one staple colour I never really ventured at (except for my ugg boots).


Thus, for the past week, I've been trying to find a pair of simple brown boots with these criteria.

-genuine leather
-just under the knee (15-18" shaft)
-wider (at least 14.5" shaft width)
-not square/wedge heel
-3 inches heel
-no (or minimal) embellishments
-rounded toe (almond)
To top it off, I'm capping my budget at $100 (ish).

Seems hard, doesn't it? So many high standards it's like looking for a new boyfriend (I kid, boyfriend!).
Here are some of the contestants on the show tonight!



Vince Camuto 'Braden' Boot (MRSP $149)
On sale for $99 + free ship (Amazon); $109.99 after coupon + free ship (Piperlime); $129 after coupon VCNOV + free ship (VinceCamuto); $179 + free 2nd day shipping BUT 115% price match guarantee! (Heels)

Details: 
Leather upper
Shaft measures approximately 18.25" from arch
Heel measures approximately 3.25"
Boot opening measures approximately 14.5" around
Knee high boots
Non-square/wedge heels
Rounded toe
Minimal embellishments

The Braden boot is lovely. It doesn't look that much like a riding boot (which I like), and is good quality. It also meets my requirements and comes in 4 different colours. This whiskey colour is my favourite, though it also comes in a Taupe which I kinda like as well.



Restricted 'Flirt' Boot (MRSP $165)
On sale for $89 + free shipping (DSW); $145 + free 2nd day shipping BUT 115% price match guarantee (Heels)

Details:

Leather upper and Manmade sole
Heel measures approximately 3.25"
Boot opening measures approximately 15.5" around
Shaft height measures approximately 19" from arch
Knee high boots
Non-square/wedge heels
Rounded toe
Minimal embellishments

These are a great competitor to the Vince Camuto Braden boots, and I really have nothing I don't like about these boots. Usually, I wouldn't like the contrast heel (for black boots) but I think it looks fine with brown boots. Makes it look more rustic, which is what brown does I suppose. I've looked on other sites and the brown is supposed to be more rich than the colour is depicted on DSW.



Bandolino 'Jenellie' Boot (MRSP $179)
On Sale for $119.95 + free shipping (DSW)

Details:
Leather upper
Hidden elastic panel to allow for extra calf space
Tricot lining
14" shaft height, inside zipper
15" calf circumference
3¾" stacked heel
Non-square/wedge heels
Rounded toe
Minimal embellishments

Because I have long legs, I don't think a 14" shaft height will cut it. That will cut off at my calves and make them look even bigger than they are. The price is a little bit more than I'm willing to pay as well, but this boot is very well made and good quality, according to reviews.



I'm leaning towards the Vince Camuto Braden boots with the Restricted Flirt boots at a close second. Though the heel is a bit chunkier than I'd like, everything else seems to fit the bill. To top it off, Vince Camuto is the founder and/or has exclusive footwear licences for: Nine West (!), BCBG Max Azria / BCBGirls, Tory Burch (!!!), Banana Republic and Jessica Simpson (!). Since I love ALL these shoe brands, I have high expectations from the Vince Camuto line itself.

My boot search is far from over, but for now, the Braden boot seems to be at the top of my list.

Readers- do you have any suggestions for a perfect brown boot for me?

5 comments:

  1. Looks like you've done a pretty good job of finding some boots that fit those criteria! I really like the shape and colour of the Bandolino ones... too bad they are too short!

    xo, alison*elle

    ReplyDelete
  2. haha I love how you show the list of checkmarks! Very thorough. Hmmm I like the color of #3 but agree with you that #1 is the best boot. The color on #1 is a bit dark for me, but maybe that will be better as a lighter brown might show stains more.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I thought about getting brown boots this season too, for the same reason. All three picks are great, but I like the Bandolino ones the most.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm totally going to pull the trigger on the Vince Camuto boots right now :O

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting! I'd love it if you leave me a comment :)
Feel free to leave your blog link- I'll definitely check it out!