Pls help with *very important* boot decision

[brokeshopper]

I took the plunge on designer jeans last year and now I can't stop. Before I did, I came to this board for help, so I figure I should do the same for shoes :)

I have my eye on these Frye boots:

Veronica Slouch in dark brown: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/prod...1070&cid=48408


I think I'll mostly wear them with skinny jeans and maybe this purchase will get me wearing skirts in the winter?
However I live in Seattle and the city is a little short on shopping options. So I need help.


Questions:

1. Can you ladies help me figure out how they compare to the Melissa button? http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/prod...1070&cid=51759

2. Is this boot too "costumey"?

3. I am 5'3". Am I crazy to think this boot will look good on me? I have a habit of making stupid impulse purchases that actually don't suit me at all :(

4. What is the sizing like? I've read it's too small, too big, perfect for wide calves?
I found a grey 6.5 in a Nordstrom, and the calf was actually okay for my scrawny legs. I thought a 7 would be okay and I will order online, but now I don't know.

5. Any owners care to comment on comfort? I read the Carson is unbelievably comfortable?

ooooh I really want them!! I don't need them? But boy do I want them.

[jellybebe]

My friend just bought these exact boots, and she is very happy with them. They aren't as slouchy as they look in photos, which is a good thing IMO. She wore them straight out of the box and has had no complaints. I have also tried them and they are very light. She is tall but has very thin calves so I don't think they will be too big on you in the calf area. HTH!

[balihai88]

I bought and returned the Veronica Slouch in another color, I have not tried the Melissa style because I have the opposite problem (big calves).
- I ordered half a size up in the Veronicas, but I wanted to wear them with thicker socks. If you want to wear thin or no socks, or like your shoes to fit snugger, I'd say order them true to size.
- As for your height, I think it's more about your leg length proportions. I'm taller but have shorter legs, so I didn't think these were as flattering on me. Just because you're 5'3" doesnt mean they won't look good on you!
- I had the Veronica in grey and the leather is very slouchy, IMO - the shafts didn't fall down while wearing them, but you can push them down - that's how slouchy the leather was (at least in the grey). I think this style looks more "tough" while the Melissa is more of a riding (equestrian) look.

Fryes are well made and both styles are great so you won't go wrong with either! Good luck with your decision!

[blueragdoll]

I've never tried on the Veronicas, so I can't help with that, but I did buy a pair of Melissa Buttons. I chose them because I thought that they could be dressed up a bit more than the Veronicas, but you can also wear them very casually. Also, since the Melissa Buttons don't have any buckles on them, I thought that they may be more classic. I could be completely wrong on both accounts though! They're both great boots, and I don't think you can go wrong with either!

[brokeshopper]

Alright I'm taking the plunge on the Veronicas in dark brown! Thanks everyone so much for your input!!

I managed to find a local store with the Melissa's and they were really too tall for me. I *loved* the color and the style... but from the back it looked like I had stepped into someone else's - a 6 ft tall rider? - shoes and was trying to get out :-o

I'm a little concerned that these aren't a classic style so maybe I'll get sick of them next year? But lets see!

Thanks again!!