I was a little skeptical based on the other reviews but I actually love these!  I bought them in the grey leather and they sure look and smell like real leather to me.  They are super, super comfortable which is exactly what I needed.  I have been living in Uggs and I really needed something a bit more sophisticated.  I will agree that the tassels might make for an "ahoy matey" look but a quick snip of the scissors remedied that for me.  I like that they tie, though,  it makes them interesting without being gaudy.  I also like that I can change the look by folding them down.  As for the fit,  I have chicken calves, ie:tiny, and the fit was fine for me.  I wear them over leggings or skinny jeans and there is room for tucking but I don't find them overly big.  I think if I wear them with the dress I may have to pull them a little tighter at the top but I still don't think they will be disgusting huge like many boots are on me.  I do agree that the one boot slips a little in the heel.  This is not annoying to me and it doesn't rub but I think I might try a heel grip in that boot.  The access zippers halfway down the boot will make this a possibilty.  I am really considering ordering these in the brown suede,  I see these being my new "go to" boots.