So black!

The shopping trip at Vivocity turned out to be a whirlwind one. YK and I parted ways to shop for our own stuff and within 30 minutes, he had acquired a pair of bright yellow Puma and a white high-cut Converse as well as two identical basic polo-tees cos the bundled price was very attractive. He felt he had spent too much and was done shopping.

I was paying at Marks & Spencer, the first store that I had walked in, when he called. I bought a black t-shirt with white stripes. I can't resist another nautical inspired shirt even though I already have a few at home.

I also bought two black fair trade crew neck t-shirts to replace my worn out ones at home. When I last counted, I have enough black tops to last me a month and more without repeating. I'm like Simon Cowell, I wear a black top to work every single day. Even then, there are some favourite ones that I wear over and over again.

As if not enough, I walked into Pull and Bear, a Spanish label, and bought a black fitted shirt. Just this month alone, I've bought a black dress, a black pleated skirt and a short grey skirt. My wardrobe is becoming so monochrome, nobody would notice if I'm wearing the same outfit to work all week.

While walking around with YK after lunch, we spotted a pair of Timberland boots which are to-die-for! YK agreed that this pair of leather boots, though completely impractical for our tropical climate, suits me so well. It's elegant and rugged, with a classic appeal.

We went in, fondled it, checked the price tag (a whopping S$499 or USD360) and walked out. We kept discussing about it on the way home that I decided to drop by another mall just to try it on. If it proves to be too irresistable, I'll just buy it and wear it on rainy days or when I travel.

We walked into the shop at Raffles City and spotted it gleaming on the shelf. It looked so gorgeous and inviting, I asked to try it on. Well, I don't know whether to be happy or sad but I didn't buy it in the end even though it looked good on me.

There were several things I didn't like after trying. Let's look at the description:

"It's a tall boot that converts to a short boot whenever you want it to. Change your look by unzipping the shaft of the boot and detaching the leather strap - then wrap it around the top of the shorter boot underneath to give it a whole new look. With linings made with recycled PET and rugged rubber outsoles, the natural, the new and the repurposed come together for a boot that has a story to tell."

Firstly, I want a pair of tall boots in one whole piece. I have ankle boots which I don't wear, so this convertible function doesn't add any value to me.

Secondly, the leather upper shaft is secured to the ankle boot by a strap that goes beneath the sole. That seems like a flimsy method especially for a pair of outdoorsy shoes. I can't imagine how it will hold up after years of wearing.

Thirdly, the boots didn't feel snug enough for my liking. In fact, it felt like I was wearing a pair of rubber boots. A slimmer cutting would be better.

Lastly, the zip, straps and fastenings made it too fussy and difficult to wear. Why can't they just stick to one long zip? I want a pair of shoes I can easily slip on and run.

Enough said. Whilst I love Timberland boots (I have a pair of 10-year old hiking boots that I am wearing to death), I'm not prepared to pay so much for something that I am not 100% satisfied. There is still hope though. These boots may go on sale sooner or later. If the price is right, I may buy it simply because it looks good on me. It has to be black of course.