Fashion Blog: New Summer Rag and Bone NY Harrow Booties

So summer is finally here, better late than never! This year my investment buy for the summer are these booties. I had been looking for something that was not too grungy, not too rock star, not too cowboy but also not so polished they would look out of place with summery casual pieces. The answer came in these Rag and Bone Harrow ankle boots in Caramel. They are a tough nubuck, fully lined and super comfortable, the insole is really padded like a little duvet, the thicker heel is ideal for all terrains - summer does produce lush green grass after all. The fit is great although they do come up small, so take either a half size up if your feet are slim or the next size up in your feet are wide.

I am avoiding leather from China and India and was pleased to read on the product description the leather/nubuck used is from Belgium and Italy and veggie tanned.  I love the little V cut in the front, not only a comfort effort but very flattering to the leg, as it the tan colour. The only addition to these was a double spray of protector to help fight off stains and rain.

I purchased mine from MyTheresa.com Germany (ships worldwide). The packaging they arrived in was very luxe along with a pretty folder and their trend book.

Rag and Bone Harrow Booties £395/$495 approx.
Buy from Rag and Bone NY, Shopbop.com, MyTheresa.com, MatchesFashion.com and LesNouvelles.com. There is pair in dark green discounted to £180 on TheOutnet.com.

Cheap and Chic Alternative...
I spotted these Kelly Brook for New Look Studded Boots at £34.99 . They are vegan leather and very good quality especially the finishing, studs and edges. New Look is UK based and ships worldwide. I've tried these boots on, again they are small to size so take one size bigger and if there's space add a padded insole as these were quite "flat" inside. The only other change I would make to these is to remove the chains, leaving only the D ring they are attached to.

Fashion Blog: My Favourite High Street Stores

I like to buy good quality pieces of clothing. These can nearly always be found on the designer rails, but with careful inspection and fussy choosing, really lovely items can be found in some high street stores. And it's such a good feeling when you do find something this way, like you should receive an award when you open the bag at home.

My favourite high street stores for quality clothing are:

1. Zara : zara.com
For really nicely cut pieces at the right price with designs reminiscent of the designer collections. Lots of choice and regular new arrivals. The online store experience is just as pleasurable as looking around the real life boutique.

2. H&M : hm.com
Whilst you have to really have a look at the items in store to see the quality, some items are good and others not so much, there are some gems in this store. Nice leather belts, good day dresses, scarves and gloves. The fit is good too, often you can find a dress with detail and nice buttons, but you will have to re-do the hem to make it look good quality.

3. Uterque : uterque.com
A small, but perfectly put together collection of clothes you can wear every day and still look polished and pristine. The leather goods and footwear are really luxe too. A little more expensive than Zara, but the garments are made better. Good for quality knitwear. Good photographs online.

Couturenet loves...

This Uterque.com stylish pair of high heel ankle boots with buckle. Was £79.90. Now £69.90 (UK & Europe). Bovine leather ankle boots with tough rubber track sole, ideal for winter. Side zip fastener and strap with buckle detail at ankle height. With a very wearable heel height: 3.9 inches & platform: 0.6 inches.

This pair of ankle boots boasts the equestrian style of Ralph Lauren at a tenth of the price and they are so versatile to wear in the dark brown leather option.
 

And... a warm yet chic Chloe-esque Sweater also from Uterque.com. Wavy Sweater. Was £99.00. Now £64.90. This is very soft with 37% alpaca and 18% wool.