With fall fast approaching I've decided I should do a few posts over my new current obsession: shoes! The ever-classic fall boot is back but this time there's more than enough styles to choose from (not that there could ever be too many), with looks that range from chic sophisticate to show-stopping rebel. And trust me you won't be able to resist some of these! They just punctuate any look so perfectly. :)
Heeled Booties are big right now. This particular boot style (above- left: BCBG Max Azria shearling-trim leather "maeve" $325 right: Diane Von Furstenberg nubuck "jameson" $395 ) is termed "foldover lace-up". It also kind of goes with the hunting inspired look of this seasons accessories. It's like the rugged definition of slick, they're just all personality. And the lug soles are definently a great sporty detail. Try them out with some rugged jeans and an oversized sweater or some form of flannel for a mountaineer-chic appeal. :)
The strappy heel is a softer more wearable take on rocker. It's got all the rebellious flare of straps and buckles with a more sophisticated heel. (above left: suede and distressed leather "tatum" booties, $225, Michael Michael Kors. right: leather "nevin" $425, Cynthia Vincent). These boots go great with jeans or even a mini dress or some leggings and an oversized shirt. I'm diggin the versatility and I love the look on the top left, kuddos Lucky Mag! You guys always have the best pics! Ooo I especially adore those Michael Kors shoes (top left) I know from experience that Michael Kors shoes aren't only adorable but comfortable too! So these are a definite must-have for me.
(top left: Miss Sixty, $170, nordstrom.com (top right: Boutique 9, $160, ninewest.com)
Paper bag booties are positively hott for fall- as apparent on the runways. They have this defininite cold weather appeal that's just so cute and charming. And plus they look great with layers or with jeans tucked into them.
The pointy toe is, in my opinion, more of an office-friendly shoe. It would also make for an easy day-to-night transition since they're so cute and surprisingly comfortable. And I love the instant dressy appeal they can give to almost any outfit. You can pair them with a dresses, jeans, shorts, skirts or even a more work friendly outfit like above (top left). They basically compliment any outfit. (above left: suede "janae" booties, $129, Lauren, By Ralph Lauren. right: Suede "calico",$140, Banana Republic). I myself own a pair and am happy to report that they provide you with an instant runway-pretty feel without the scary height of a stiletto.
On the left is the flat suede boot look and on the right we have the brogue lace up boot. Both very old fashioned (ish) and sort of rugged mountain manish. I think the suede flats would go better with a more girly urban outfitter retro look whereas the brogue lace ups would look better with like leggings or tan skinnies and some form of flannel. The brogue lace ups just have that I-just-came-back-from-a-hike feel that so many designers are going for this season. (above left: faux-suede "nixon", $69, Chinese Laundry. above right: leather "randsom" lace-up boots $275, Charles David).
Motorcycle boots are the more rebellious rocker take on this seasons fall boot. They look best with skinny jeans or leggings tucked into them or with a skirt and leggings. Another great piece to wear with motorcycle boots would be a leather jacket- so James Dean!
(above left: belted leather "greenwich" boots $395, Michael Kors. Right: Marc Jacobs stacked heel boot $1290)
( above top: tumbled leather "sahara", $975, Ralph Lauren)
(right: Brian Atwood chain-back over-the-knee boot, $2,900, Neiman Marcus)
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I've compiled the 3 tall boot looks above: stacked heel, riding boot, & over the knee. These boots are great for the fast approaching winter & are comfortable and chic while still conveying warmth. They all look great with jeans tucked into them or alone with a dress or peeking out from under a trench. I especially love how the above celebrities have incorporated the over-the-knee boot. Especially Hillary Duff & Hayden Panettierre's looks. So cute!
(above left: buckled suede "lolo" wedges, $550, avrilgau.com. above left: suede "waffer", $200, Boutique 9, kokopalenki.com)
(above right: faux-shearling lined leather "howser", $190, Miz Mooz, infinityshoes.com)
(above: "flannery" desert boots, $298, jcrew.com)
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The above 3 styles are the new styles of chunky ankle boots. Starting from the top we have the: wedge, clog, and the heeled desert boot. I love the wedge personally because I know how comfortable wedges are. They're still chic and give you height but without worrying that you're going to fall. And the best part is that wedges look great with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts, and basically anything else you can think of. Clogs also look great with skirts or fitted trousers. And though most people (myself included) just picture wooden swedish shoes when they hear clogs, they're wrong! Clogs can actually be very stylish. Shocking, I know. But seriously, check out sterlingstyle.blogspot.com for more tips on clogs. She seems to be an expert in the "how to wear clogs" department. And last, but not least, we have the heeled desert boot. I think that these look awesome with fitted trousers that fall just above the ankle for a little glimpse of skin. Also, since all 3 of these styles have a chunky heel they'll be comfortable to walk in too. I know there's a lot to choose from but pick your favorites and try out these new (and incredibly numerous) styles of boots and see what you think. Fall, here we come! :)