So it’s been a couple of years since I’ve been trying to hunt down the perfect black flat boot. To me, the perfect black boot had to be comfortable, understated and make my feet look smaller. It had to be easy to put on and roomy enough to go over jeans. The toe could not be too pointy or too round, and had to be heel-less.
My top choice was the Lanvin pair that Mary-Kate Olsen wore just about everywhere. But back in 2006, it was nearly impossible to find a pair of these in stock, even in the less popular 39/40 sizes. I finally found an updated pair in 2008 but the $1300 price tag was just a little too painful in a market where no one knew who was going to get laid off next.
So on to the next best thing. I happened to be in Barneys NY during the week they received their Loeffler Randall shipment in (another hard-to-find). I snatched up the black, slouchy version and was ready to go… until the stream of unflattering comments from the BF. “They make your feet look big.” “Aren’t the ankles too loose?” “I think they’re too tall.” They look okay from the front-side but horrible from the back.” Ok, really? I can’t justify dropping $700 on a pair of boots that garner so much negativity from the other pair, so pass for now.
I immediately regretted my decision and a week later it was too late — all gone and selling for above retail on eBay. What? Then summer came along and I forgot about my black boot obsession for a bit.
Fast forward to the week I return from Bali and the freezing cold (ok, I’m exaggerating) has me opening up boxes in my garage to take all of my boots out of storage. I am reminded again of the missing black flat boot in my collection. Luckily, the equestrian look is so “in” right now there are a lot of inexpensive, casual options. Not as snazzy as the original Lanvin idea but enough to buy a pair without regret. I toyed with the idea of the Camper version when it was 20% off at Piperlime and chickened out at the last minute. (I hate buying unfamiliar shoe brands online without trying them on)
Then today the Gilt.com sale has the Modern Vintage Frankie tall boot on sale in exactly my size. Sold.
It’s not exactly the shape I wanted and may be a little shinier than I would have liked, but at $158, I’m happy for now.
Click here for a Gilt invite.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Karen // Dec 10, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I’m too short for flat boots, but I too have been searching for a great pair of black boots to replace my 5 year old ones. Bought the modern Vintage Vivienne tall boots at Gilt today, too.
2 All Women Stalker // Dec 11, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Wow, I think I am in love with what Mary-Kate is wearing. I can understand how you feel. But you purchased a good pair, too. They won’t be too shiny for long.
-meream
3 a // Dec 12, 2009 at 10:50 pm
girl.
you must get the michael kors bromley. enough said.
4 CT // Dec 13, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hmmm… was hesitant because I already own 3 pairs of MK boots but when I googled a pic, fell in love with the otk look. I guess what works, works well, right?
5 Wendy // Dec 14, 2009 at 11:19 am
I love what Mary Kate’s wearing as well but I also love the boots you got. Wear them in good health!
6 Closet Man // Jan 2, 2010 at 12:14 pm
I like the extra strap at the ankle. At that price I’d say you’re a clever shopper… unlike me. I know little about fashion shopping but a lot about closets to put them in.
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