As I try to reign in my fall wardrobe excitement — we still have a lot of summer left in Florida — my seasonal shopping wish list is growing. Zara is always full of temptation. It’s my favorite place to score quality trend pieces for a fair price. The shoe department is my particular weakness, and at this point, I should probably look into direct-depositing a portion of my income straight to it. (Please see my latest acquisition: a pair of tortoise print block-heel sandals.) While browsing the latest additions over the weekend, I spotted these lace-up leather ankle boots.
They’re almost a dead-ringer for a pair of lace-up suede midi boots that took Instagram by storm last fall. Similar color and style; slightly different heel shape; vastly different price tags. The Zara version is $90, and last year’s boots — a collaboration between cool-girl brands, Reformation and By Far — were $530.
Granted, you get what you pay for. The Reformation x By Far ‘Becca’ boots were handcrafted in a small family-owned atelier with sustainable deadstock leather. (‘Deadstock’ refers to vintage fabric/textiles/merchandise produced by a mill or brand that were never used/sold; for more information check out this post.).
If you were able to get your hands on a pair of Beccas in the limited stock, they were probably a great wardrobe investment. But if you missed the boat, or $500+ boots aren’t in your budget, the Zara version just may be the next best thing. I’m thinking about scooping up a pair for my fall capsule wardrobe. (They’re also available in a lovely ecru leather, but I know I’d scuff them in the first wear.)
Styling Tips
I’d pair these lace-up leather ankle boots with a flowy midi-dress now, and with straight ankle jeans and sweaters or blazers when the weather is cooler.
Thank you so much! was looking for something similar and this is perfect!