Okay, you all probably know that I’m not a shopper. I dislike shopping for a laundry list of reasons. Mostly, because it takes so much time, costs money, and can be a very unproductive and discouraging experience.
(I see all these cute clothes on mannequins and I think, “Oh, I love that!” And then, I try on the “cute outfit” in the dressing room and it looks nothing like it did on the mannequin. Instead, it will look too tight or too loose, too long or too short… or just plain weird and wrong. Is anybody with me on this??)
So, it’s just better if I stay home and occasionally buy clothes from Amazon. It saves time, it encourages me to be creative with what I already have in my closet, it keeps life simple, and I don’t have to deal with being envious over how something fits the mannequins.
(Seriously, does anyone even have a body that is as perfect as a mannequin? Where are the short mannequins with broad shoulders? I’m still looking for those!)
But I saw this boot sale at JcPenney’s and I knew I really needed to replace my current pair of boots, so, after two days of working up my courage my resolve, I went to the mall.
I go there so infrequently that I had to have Waze give me directions so I could find it. (Okay, well, that’s not saying much since I’m so geographically challenged that I still have Waze give me directions to places that I should know good and well how to get to… but I digress!)
When I got in the door, I was immediately inundated with boot choices and “Best Sale of the Year!” signs and people and options that I seriously considered just heading straight back out the door to my car. But I had already taken the time to drive to the mall, so I figured I might as well at least try to find some boots that I liked.
There were so many choices and the internal dialogue on my head was going into overload mode (“Those are cute… no wait, they look too hipster for me!” “Those might work… but no, I think they look like something a teenager would wear!” “Maybe these would work… nope, wrong color.”)
See? This is why I don’t go shopping. There are too. many. choices.
I just want someone to meet me at the door and tell me, “Here! This is the perfect size and style of boot for you and here are the 8 outfits in your closet that it goes with.” DONE.
I mean, come on? Is that too hard to ask??
Better yet, could this magical person just bring the boots to my house and pick out what I should wear every day, too? It would make life a lot simpler for this un-fashionista. 😉
I finally settled on two pair of boots — both that were pair of the $24.99 sale. I used the $10 off $25 coupon and got both pairs for a total of $43 after tax.
I could have gotten one pair for just $15 + tax, but I decided that since it will likely be another year before I consider going shoe-shopping again and I have some upcoming events I need to wear boots for, I’d play it safe and get two pairs. I thought that the store was also going to have a $10 off $10 coupon, but I asked and they said that they didn’t know what I was talking about. (Yup, I guess that you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet, apparently! ;))
Note: If you want to get in on this boot sale, it ends tonight. You can find all the details on it here. You can also get this $15 boot deal online — but I tend to prefer shopping in-store for shoes so I can try them on. Which is why I rarely ever buy them… because it means I actually have to, you know, go to the store! 😉
The boots were supposedly $60 per pair, but I’m such a cynic that I always feel like stores inflate original prices. Regardless, I’m happy to now have two pairs of boots that I paid about $21.50 each for, that I think are cute and that will dress up a lot of different outfits over the next 5-6 months.
And — happy dance! — I don’t have to darken the door of a mall again for quite a long while!
P.S. Any tips on what to wear these boots with? These are somewhat new styles for me and I’d love any tips or suggestions! Or Pinterest links to outfit ideas. Because I’ll take all the fashion tips I can get! 🙂
Crystal says
Ooh I LOVE those tan colored boots! I have a pair of black but want a lighter color pair to dress up some wintery clothing. I do have a $10 off $10 JCP coupon that expires the 19th of this month. Love those coupons, last month I bought two clearance shirts with that same coupon for 49 cents, TOTAL!
Chris says
Crystal, I know you’ve been testing Dressing Your Truth, maybe you can find some tipps on their website what to wear with these boots.
Having said that, I’d wear the right pair with a skirt (knee-length) and or with a long dress/skirt just as some of the other commenters suggested. The ones on the left side may look good with a simple pair of dark blue jeans and a shirt that has black and white stripes.
Amy Smith says
I have always had a hate relationship with shoe shopping. My feet have features not uncommon to Bigfoot, but that is how God created me. We have family pictures this weekend, and for some reason, pink Aasics won’t fit the color scheme. So I am panic-shopping for shoes to fit both my super sized feet and the fall-like theme of our photo shoot.
?
JoannaTopaz says
One of the fashion bloggers I’ve recently started following, Audrey, wears a *lot* of ankle boots. You can see some of the outfits she puts them together with in the photos on this post.
http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2016/10/which-ankle-boots-are-the-best.html
Crystal Paine says
Thanks SO much!!
Hannah Beth Reid says
I was just about to recommend Putting Me Together when I saw this comment! Good recommendation, JoannaTopaz!
Tiffany says
Cute shoes! I am a former mall junkie and still get sucked into some weird sort of time warp when I’m in there. It’s a little embarrassing…more embarrassing that I’m a terrible shopper and pretty much leave with a gray or black v neck t shirt every time! I feel like the majority of the clothing is so low quality…seriously, when did sweaters at J Crew and Banana Republic become see through??? I second the request for an Amazon shopping post!!! I’m in need of some new, more modest, good quality clothes!
Marianne says
Yay boot sale! I got the same pair as you- the black ones, but in the taupe color. Now I’m wishing I bought the other pair like you have too! I get so discouraged shoe shopping because I have big feet and often a hard time finding shoes my size. I squealed at the chance to find some for $15!
Tyla Milian says
The gray boots would look really cute with a knee length blue or blue patterned dress or skirt and dark tights.
Deb says
That $10 off $10 coupon was a “while supplies last” when the store opened. The store opened early on Saturday.
Jen Fitzpatrick says
My JC Penneys had the $10 off $10 coupon on Saturday morning when I got there. However, they were supposed to start handing it out at 8am and were a little upset when a couple of us were asking for it at 8:05. They said, “well, it’s early still”. Nope, it’s after 8, hand it over! I used that plus 2 coupons for $10 off $25 purchase and got a good start on my Christmas shopping!
Liz says
My store had a stack of the $10 off $10 yesterday! Just had to ask the associate in women’s for them. Woohoo!
Elizabeth says
I am with you on shopping…in fact, I shop thrift shops more…cause I simply do not know where to find clothes that fit that I like really…otherwise. I have tried ordering via mail…but I almost always send them back (do they put even cheaper junk in what they mail to your house, than would be in the store?) I have learned however, if I find a pair of shoes that fits well…buy several pair, even pairs just alike, if you can!! I am far more interested in fit and comfort than style. (But then I am old…so I can wear purple now with anything else eh?)
Melissa says
I am with you NO malls for me. I only go a few times a year when Yankee Candle has there $10 off a $10 purchase and even that trip comes with a racing heart. I have found our local mall is being over taken by knock off type of stores. I prefer outdoor malls where there are only a few store that way I don’t feel stuck and I get fresh air (not the smell of 5 different types of Asian food in the food court).
Ashley says
JCPenny is my favorite; they are very accommodating when it comes to combining coupons and sales. I have found shoes on clearance there that came out to about $1 with coupons =D And speaking of boots, I really should look into those…
Sarah says
Do you follow Putting Me Together? She’s so great! I feel the way you feel–but about my house. Hobby Lobby is a scary place ?.
Ida says
Yes, Putting Me Together is an awesome blog! She has such a simple style that looks nice and is easy to get great outfit ideas from.
Rosanna says
I have to laugh at your comment about whether the boots are too hipster or what a teenager would wear. I’m the same age as you, but I never even think about whether they are for my age. I still think I’m 20, so why not dress however I like? So my theory is, if I like it I’ll buy it.
Sara says
Those boots are really cute and versatile! Skinny jeans slightly rolled at the bottom and an oversized shirt, dress and tights, leggings and tunic – you have a lot of great options with those!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much!!
Lanae says
You could wear those with almost anything. I have very similar to the camel color boots and I wore them almost exclusively last fall. It’s would look great with skinny jeans (rolled up once or twice-not tucked in, flare jeans, ankle and knee length skirts, leggings and tunics, etc). They can be dressed down with a tshirt or tunic or dressed up with a blazer or button up.
Great choices!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much!!
Ashley Pullen says
Ankle booties (I accidentally typed boogies and am ?) are so versatile!! I wear mine with skinny or flare jeans and dresses!!
Also, I always thought that “oh these look too…” dialogue and finally have learned to block it out and just get what I LIKE. I love the boots you chose!
Crystal Paine says
😉
Uma @ Centsible Indian says
Lol! I’m so spoiled by online shopping that I digress going to mall shopping.
Crystal Paine says
😉
Nicole says
I’m with you Crystal. Malls stress me out. They also make me feel old. I feel like so many chain stores feature clothes that are anything but modest. It’s like half the fabric for twice the cost. I maintain a capsule wardrobe and have taken to crochet and Pinterest for cowl neck patterns which also keeps me out of the stores but say once a year. Now when it comes to shoe shopping, I’m a little pickier. I don’t shop often for shoes but when I do I like to touch shoes, bend them a bit to see how supple they are and try them on in-store. My grandmother once told me people judge you on how clean and put together your shoes are and it stuck with me. As a side note, I’d love to see a post on capsules, such as one sweater, one pair of tights, multiple accessories, etc. lookbook. Thank you for a great post, and much needed anti-mall comradery!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the great post idea! I’ll have to think on that — I definitely do a lot of mixing and matching and have fun seeing how many different outfits I can come up with with what I already have!
Christina Greer says
Oh my gosh I’ve been looking all over for ones like on the right to wear to work with all my LuLaRoe leggings!!! Thanks so much Crystal for the post! Also search LuLaRoe on Pinterest or Facebook for outfit ideas! I found it in February and it’s cute, comfortable, and affordable….I will never have to shop at the mall again 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Denice says
I have a teenage daughter who just doesn’t get why I dislike the mall so much. I feel like you were in my head. I’ll just have her read your post! (Except I’m looking for the squarish shaped mannequin with broad shoulders myself!)
Crystal Paine says
😉
Denise says
I don’t mind malls. But I hate shoe shopping in general! It is seriously the hardest thing for me to find! I’m on my feet ALL DAY at work and need something comfortable…but I also have flat feet so it makes it even harder! Since I’ve turned 30 I’ve had to start spending good money on really good quality shoes even though it pains me to spend so much.
Plus I’m picky…
Crystal Paine says
That’s SO hard if you have to be on your feet all day long!
Jessica R. says
I love those boots! I just bought a pair of Vionic (expensive, but I’m a teacher and can’t sit down much at work) boots that look like the ones on the right in your picture. I plan on pairing them with some super soft t-shirt dresses I got at a boutique…
…that were also on Amazon! I kid you not, the $36 dresses I bought in many colors cost $20-25 (depending on color) online. Same brand. Since you mentioned shopping on Amazon, I figured I’d mention that. If you’re curious, the dresses are here: https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Trapeze-Short-Sleeve-Pocket/dp/B01DPY95GC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477789560&sr=8-1&keywords=mittoshop&th=1&psc=1
I love them and they reach my knees (dress code). Then again, I’m 5’1! As a side note, I was a JCP associate before I started teaching. The $10 off $25 wouldn’t have worked if the boots were $24.99 – the register will say you have not spent enough because it looks at your subtotal, not the total after taxes. They love to trick you by being a penny away from using a coupon. So, you did the right thing getting two pairs of boots! The $10 off $10 coupons are mailed to you and are never in store. Make sure you sign up for JCP rewards or request a catalog. That’s how I started getting my $10 off $10 coupons, and I use them to get clothes for my 3 year old! Two items of clothing are free or $2 total at the most when I do that.
Traci says
I was going to say the same thing. I get the jcp texts and you can pull up the coupons online usually. I also get the coupons in the mail. You could have bought something for a dollar or two and did two transactions and used two coupons. Each for 15 that way. I do that all the time.
Crystal Paine says
The coupon said that it could only be used once per person, so I wanted to honor that.
Thanks so much for the tip on getting texts and signing up for a catalog. I’m going to go do that right now!
Traci says
I would too. But they treat the paper coupon and text as different. I have asked. Love the boots!!!
Crystal Paine says
OH! That’s a GREAT tip about the paper and text coupon!
And I just signed up on their site for texts and emails and a catalog. So let’s see if that means I get coupons, too! 🙂
Amy says
After seeing your post I made mad dash to jcpennys. I used the online coupon from retailmeknot.com and even in the fine print there was no mention of one per customer. I asked the cashier if I could do multiple transactions and use the coupon each time and to my delight she said yes. The boots at my local store where prices exactly $25 so I was able to purchase 3 pairs for $15 each plus tax. I also found a pair of shoes for my boys priced the same and got the same great deal on them.
Megan says
I just bought ankle boots for the first time in my life and was nervous about what to wear them with. So far I have successfully (I think) worn them with long maxi skirts, a knee length skirt, straight leg skinny (ish) jeans and boot cut jeans. I think they are way more flexible than I realized. Enjoy!:)
Crystal Paine says
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that!
Debbie says
So can you just buy one pair of boots or something for $24.99 or do you have to reach the actual $25 mark to get the $10 off of $25? I have known some stores to not take the tax into consideration.
Thanks,
Deb
Crystal Paine says
I’ve not heard of other people having that issue with this deal, but I didn’t try it myself, so I can’t say for sure.
Mel says
In my experience a 24.99 product does not work with a $25 coupon.
Tracey says
My go-to fall outfit…skinny jeans, t-shirt, & cardigan sweater with a long necklace or scarf & boots! A flannel shirt layered with a cami & skinny jeans would be a cute look with your boots too! ?
Crystal Paine says
Ha! We have very similar go-to fall outfits!
Diane says
The mall is within a short walking distance from my house and I only go every few years if that. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!!
Lindsey says
I could have written this post. Sounds word for word how I feel. I did take your suggestions this summer for two Amazon shirts and was hoping you’d find some nice fall selections for me. Ha!:)
Crystal Paine says
Oh! Good idea! I need to see if I can find some Fall shirts… but I just went to the mall today, so you know I’m going to have to have a breather from shopping for a bit before I think about it again. 😉
Crystal Paine says
I may have a post coming on Monday with some Fall style ideas. I’ve been mulling over a few layering/outfit ideas I’ve been loving and if I get brave enough to model for pictures again, I’ll write and share the post. 🙂
Shauna says
Ha! Ha! I thought you were writing about me.
Crystal Paine says
😉
Brooke says
Could you write a detailed post on how you shop for clothes on amazon? I feel like you do that shopping at the mall is super overwhelming because of all the choices but I feel the same about Amazon! There’s literally thousands of items for any search you put in. But I’d love to do more clothes shopping online!
Crystal Paine says
YES! That’s a great idea! I added it to my list of post ideas and hope to tackle it sometime in the next month or two!
Candace says
Read the reviews ( they often include detailed descriptions on the fit and real-life pictures) and pay attention to the sizing guides. You can also filter your search to find exactly what you are searching for such as Prime only, price, etc.