Casual Chic Outfit Basics | Riding Boots

Casual Chic Outfit Basics | Riding Boots

Welcome back for the second post of my new series Casual Chic Outfit Basics.  Last week, I featured the first outfit basic, dark wash skinny jeans and this week we’re talking riding boots.

If you’ve been following my Daily Style Diary posts, you’ve probably already noticed that, other than dark wash skinny jeans, my other daily outfit essential this time of year is riding boots.  I wear a pair almost every day.

I’m normally not one to advocate for spending a lot of money on something.  But I have an exception when it comes to a few investment items and riding boots are one of them.  “Good” to me means quality, not necessarily name brand.  Don’t get me wrong though, a lot of times designer brands do equal good quality.  A brand name just shouldn’t be the main criteria.

Good also means real leather.  There are a lot of faux leather riding boots out there.  If you have a pair, it’s time to upgrade!

If you’ve been around here for long, you know I wear my Frye riding boots, like ALL the time.  From the time the weather cools down in early October until it warms back up in late April, they are in constant rotation.  Here are some ways I’ve paired them this fall and winter.

Frye Riding Boots OutfitsI can honestly say there has never been a piece of footwear I’ve loved more than these boots.  I’d marry them if I could (sorry Craig!).  They’re just that good – such high quality, a classic design that will never go out of style and the cognac color is drop dead gorgeous.  Plus they go with almost everything I own.

BUT they’re expensive.

As a matter of fact, they’re the priciest pair of shoes I’ve owned.  But also worth every penny.  Let’s do a little cost per wear breakdown, shall we?  On average, I wear them 2-3 times per week in the cooler months.  Take that times five months per year and divide by the purchase price and they are about $3 per wear (for the two years I’ve had them).  I’ll definitely be wearing them for a few more years so that number is just going to keep coming down.  Compare that to a pair of $50 heels I’ve only worn five times in two years and they are almost $10 per wear.  On a cost per wear basis, my Frye’s have been way more economical than a lot of the shoes I own.

My boots are the Frye Melissa Button Boot.  If you search Zappos.com for highest rated boots, they are right there on top for a reason – 583 reviews and 5 stars!  They come in nine different leather colors.  The cognac just happens to be my favorite.

[Frye Melissa Button Boot]

I understand that you might not be ready to buy the budget buster, though.  It took me a long time to pull the trigger.  That’s why I was so excited to find these similar looking boots, for a fraction of the price and they’re real leather.  They don’t have a lot of reviews, but the ones they have are really good.  They earned high marks for comfort.

Frye Knock Off Cheap[Rieker Riding Boots]

And now for some outfit inspiration…

COGNAC RIDING BOOTS

Cognac Riding Boots Outfits[1/2/3/4]

I realize that Frye doesn’t make the only cognac riding boot around.  There are plenty of other gorgeous options out there at every price point.  Here are a few higher rated pairs.

HIGHER END ($200 AND UP)

Another beautiful Frye boot with a small heel.  These are on sale right now for 40% off!

[Frye Jane Strappy Boot]

MID-RANGE ($100-$200)

These boots are just the perfect color of cognac and have a nice distressing on the front.  They’re also a great alternative to the Frye at about half the price.

[Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boots]

It’s rare to find a boot this gorgeous at this price point.  These boots are normally $200 but on sale for 25% off.  Hurry if you want them, all sizes are in stock now!  I’m really going to have to exercise some self control because I want these pretties in my closet.

[Corso Como ‘Stirrup’ Boot]

UNDER $100

Yes!  There is a great leather option at this price point.

[Lucky Brand ‘Andria’]

THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY OUTFIT

While I was looking up cognac riding boots outfits, I stumbled across this little gem.  Let’s just call it the perfect casual Valentine’s outfit!

Valentines Day Outfit[Via]

The red and white gingham, lightweight v-neck sweater, white skinny jeans, statement necklace and cognac boots scream casual, chic Valentine’s Day.  Don’t you think so?

GET THE LOOK

Valentines Day Casual Outfit Collage[Necklace/Sweater/Gingham Shirt/Jeans/Boots/Watch]

TWO TONE RIDING BOOTS

Two Tone Riding Boots Outfits[1/2/3]

Two tone boots are HUGE this winter.  I’m usually not one to recommend investing in a trend but this one is here to stay for awhile.

HIGH END ($250+)

This pair is the budget buster, but oh my!  Are they ever pretty.

[Frye Melissa Logo]

The original riding boot – Ariat.

[Ariat ‘York’ Boots]

MID-RANGE ($150)

[Donald J. Pliner ‘Prize’]

[Tommy Hilfiger ‘Delvin’]

BLACK RIDING BOOTS

Black Riding Boots Collage[1/2]

You just can’t go wrong with a classic black riding boot and I found some bargains in this category.

UNDER $150

The lines on this boot are just perfect and it’s 50% off!

[Louise et Cie ‘Verrah’ Boots]

This boot is also on sale and comes in four different color combos in all leather or leather and suede (as shown).

[Anne Klein ‘Ciji’ Boots]

TAUPE RIDING BOOTS

Taupe Suede Boots Black and CreamMy second most favorite pair of footwear is my taupe suede riding boots.  They’re such a pretty neutral and go with so many things.  I swap them in when it’s time to give my Frye’s a break.

UNDER $150

The color and style of this boot is very similar to mine.  They’re also 30% off!

[Seychelles ‘Nothing to Hide’]

Be sure to stop by on Monday for a recap of last week’s Daily Style Diary!

Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy, Fashion Friday.

Trend Watch | Emerald

Trend Watch | Emerald

When Pantone announced that emerald was the color of the year I thought “OK, cool.  Nice color.  Too bad I don’t own anything emerald.”  I planned to pick up something in emerald this spring.   But while digging around in my closet last week, I found this great top that I bought last year in the perfect shade of emerald.

[Shirt:  Old Navy/Scarf:  Old Navy/Jeans:  MEK/Boots:  Frye/Watch:  New York & Co./Earrings:  Rue 21/Bracelet:  Target]

And here are some other emerald pretties I’d like to pick up.

Emerald Pretty

It’s Your Turn: Have you jumped on the emerald bandwagon yet? What’s your favorite way to wear this rich, versatile color?

Don’t forget to enter my Gallery boutique giveaway.  You could pick up something pretty like this.

clover & stone - lime

[Clover + Stone Necklace -$32]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting my pretty on with Monday Mingle, YOLO Monday, Visible Monday, Monday Meetup, The Pleated Poppy, Aloha Friday

Trend Watch | Fur Vest

Trend Watch | Fur Vest

One item I really wanted to add to my winter collection this year is a fur vest.  But I waited so long that I almost didn’t end up with one.

I’m not sure about the rest of the world, but down here in the great state of Texas, it’s kind of hard to find winter clothing after Christmas.  When I started looking for a fur vest right before the new year, they were sold out everywhere.  I couldn’t even find one on clearance.

I went to the ends of the earth searching.  But store after store already had their spring lines out.  (BTW, when we get that freak winter storm in February, like we always do, forget about finding something warm to wear.  By then all you’ll get is a bikini and sundress).

Well the other day I was walking past Forever 21 when I spotted this white fur vest on a mannequin.  The very last one in the store…and it was MY SIZE!  It was meant to be.  I ripped it off the mannequin, leaving her disheveled and half dressed, and ran to the register.  Mine, all mine.

[Fur Vest:  Forever 21/Striped Shirt:  Forever 21/Necklace:  Rue 21/Jeans:  Forever 21/Boots:  Loft/Earrings & Bracelet:  Rue 21/Boot Socks:  Target/Watch:  New York & Co.]

SIMILAR LOOKS

Check back on Wednesday to see a second way that I styled my new fur vest!

And speaking of Forever 21, I’ve got  a little story for you.

One of my resolutions was to start eating healthier and working out more.  My first week went pretty well, I finished four workouts and did pretty good with my eating.  On Saturday, I pulled out a pair of dark wash skinnies from F21 that I hadn’t worn in awhile.  Much to my dismay, I could barely get them up over my hips!  I managed to somehow button them but couldn’t breathe.   After waiting a few minutes for them to “loosen up”, it dawned on me that these might be my daughter’s jeans.  I peeled them off and looked at the tag.  Sure enough, they were two sizes too small.  And while I was relieved, I’m wondering if maybe, just maybe I shouldn’t be buying the same clothes my thirteen year-old daughter does.  🙂

TOP 25 FASHION AND BEAUTY MOMS

I’m in the running as one of the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms and would REALLY appreciate your vote. I’m trending in the top 25, so every vote counts BIG TIME!  If you think I belong on this list, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day.

Linking up today with Visible Monday, YOLO Monday, Monday Mingle

Ask Alison | Style My Fleece Vest

Ask Alison | Style My Fleece Vest

I got the following e-mail through the Get Your Pretty On Facebook page yesterday from one of my best friends from high school.

Alison – First, let me say. I love this blog!  Keep it up, I look forward to reading your posts.  I need some fashion advice. I bought a cream/off white fleece vest at Land’s End.  What would you suggest pairing with it?  Take care, Amy

Aww, Amy, thanks for the blog love!  And you don’t have to ask me twice.  I’d love to show you a few different ways to pair it up.  A fleece vest in a neutral color is a great outfit builder!

Fleece Vest - Three Ways

Look 1Color it up!  Pair it up with some colored denim, a striped top and a colorful scarf with ankle boots.  Add a splash of bright color to any dreary winter day with this fun look.

Look 2Dress it up!  Try it over a sweater dress with patterned tights and riding boots.  The sweater dress and tights make the fleece vest office appropriate.

Look 3Layer it up!  Use the fleece vest as your final layer over a plaid shirt and cableknit sweater.  Pair with laid back jeans and lace-up booties for an outdoorsy vibe.

It’s Your Turn:  Do you have a piece of clothing or accessory that you’d like me to pair up?  Submit your question HERE and it could be answered in the next “Ask Alison”!

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