The Best of Boot Season

Boots can be tricky but when good, are so so very good. I've been expanding my boot wardrobe over the years. And I'm well covered with flat boots - from the  Frye Melissas to the Stuart Weitzman 50/50 black boots, as well as the Betsey Johnson Fall 2011 Rally boots in black and tan.

And who could forget the Ann Demeulemester triple laced-boots.

But for heeled boots, I've been bereft, since my Nine West ones completely died.   I've been waiting to find boot perfection and this season, it's happened twice.

First with the Sergio Rossi Secret OTK boots in burgundy.   Amazing in person and on.   Love them....

And then,  while about to give up hope on the right talk black heeled boots, I saw the ribbon laced-up boots from the Chloe Fall 2015 RTW runway.

 So yeah, black versions. Love them!

A great pair of boots is like getting super powers. They make you feel awesome!

No Longer a Secret - THE Boot for Fall - Sergio Rossi Secret

Every season I have a mental list of items that I've fallen in love with. Items that I "have to have or I'll just die". Items that just seem as if they were made for me and will just make the everything I own even more perfect.

I had a list going on Pinterest and an album of screencaps in my phone of things I was keeping an eye out for to get for Fall 2015. Things that were lovely and, hopefully, soon to be mine.

Yeah, everything flew out he window when I saw these boots.

Dammit Diane Kruger, Elle and Sergio Rossi!

Behold the Secret over-the-knee boot.
 

Burgundy is the  color of Fall, especially this year, and pairs perfectly with black, grey and charcoal. I'm going to be wearing these with this great JCrew wrap around skirt, black dresses and a smoke knit dress I have.  Everything will be more sleek and just a bit sexier.

Oh, I hope they fit perfectly.

The Difference in a Day

Yesterday it was Manolo Blahnik Campy mary jane heels...Today it's Sorel boots.

 Darn fickle weather!

Le Sigh - Givenchy Wingtip Boots

I have a new obsession...

I am seriously in covet with these Givenchy over-the-knee lace-up wingtip boots from the Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear collection.

I know I don't need any more lace-up boots but damn are they stunning.   And brown.  So totally different and necessary.

The full look...

Maybe I'll just send a small inquiry out to the world and see what I get back.

Feeling Grounded

It's interesting to me how different pairs of shoes can impact you mood.   Whimsical. Confident. Sexy.  But when I feel the most grounded and strong is wearing a pair of knee-high flat boots... lacing optional.

It probably goes back to my teen years when I was learning English dressage and jumping.  I loved it.  I was learning and pushing my boundaries.  Plus, horses!

Since then, I've always loved an outfit that gives a nod to the equestrian.  From the tall black boots that make me want to stride, to polished jackets and tailored fabrics, I feel at home.  It's funny how rare is it to feel really good in my own skin.  I guess I need to wear my tall boots more often!

Le Sigh - Anthropologie Whipstitched Riding Boots

I don't need new boots, I really don't, but I saw these and just said "I Likey!" It's  my jumping and dressage past that is calling out to me.... Boooootttttssss......

Whipstitched Riding Boots from Anthropologie - $278

Le Sigh - Vivienne Westwood Skyscraper Seditionary

I have a new, probably unrequited, love - the Vivienne Westwood Skyscraper Seditionary boots.

I don't need them. I'm no steampunk princess. But look at all their buckle-ly stiletto-y glory.

Look at that heel... damn!

So yes, I'm in lurv.  Ah, well. Maybe someday!

Vivienne Westwood Skyscraper Seditionary boots from Zappos Couture on sale $540

I wanted to love you

When I saw Think Through Fashion wear her floral dress with OTK boots, I was inspired to grab a pair myself.  I like fun dresses.  I like boots.  I want to make this happen! 

I especially liked her Sam Edelman "Sutton" OTK boots in this distressed grey-brown.  I like the chunky heel for sturdy height and felt the color would be the perfect grounding contrast to the girly bright dresses, right? Plus they were on sale for more than 50% off!

Wrong. I am beginning to think boot companies don't want me to buy from them.

I don't have stick straight legs.  After years of English horseback riding, I have a calf muscle.  And the calf circumference isn't, I don't think, out of the "average" range. And it was within the dimensions listed, but when I got them out of the box, they just didn't work.

I'm so sad.  I already had visions of flippy skirt and sassy boot combos.

I know that part of this issue is that manufacturers often link the shoe size with the boot shaft circumference. So, for those of us on the smaller end, it's tighter.  This doesn't make any sense to me at all!

I know tall, larger shoe-sized girls with straight legs and, like me, smaller size/wider calves.  It's a lot of variables, but we really need to fix this... if only so I can get some darn boots! Do I really need to go custom?

SD Review: Boot Tights

You  know those genius ideas?  The ones that you can't believe no one came up with until now.  Well, this is one of those ideas... Boot tights.

I was sent a pair of these tights in the opaque mid-calf style and the moment I put them on, I was in heaven.  These are so perfect for wearing with boots, especially in the winter.  My feet were extra comfortable and warm.

What they are is a thicker, more sock-like, section of the tight that merges seamlessly with the opaque tight above the bootline.  Not only was I loving the fact that my feet were more comfortable (from the extra cushioning) and warm but the boots were less able to destroy my tights.  I can't be the only one who has boots that catch and put holes and runs in her tights.

I love the classic mid-calf style I tried, but they also make opaque & ankle, cable knit, fishnet, pinstripe, herringbone and argyle.

Right now the tights are only available in black but I hope they will think of expanding to other colors.  I love bright tights with boots and wear them all winter long.  More more more!

You can order Boot Tights directly via their site, other sites or via retailers in your area. We've got a lot more winter to get through so check them out!

SD Review: Tsubo Kampot Boot

The folks from Tsubo have graciously let me test out another pair from their product line.  This time it is the Kampot boot.  These boots are so unique looking. They're just killer.

They're knee-high boots with a 3" heel that has almost a talon shape.  But these boots have the same cushion-y insole as their shoes, which means you can walk all day in them.

Did I mention I love the design of these?  The shaft is stiched together in waves, adding a unique embellishment without getting fussy or over accessorized. They're streamlined but not at all plain.

The interior has a bit of metallic sheen to it and is coupled with a soft lining.

The Kampots fit pretty true to size, are medium width, zip up inner calf and have two gussets for a bit of calf stretch.

But what's hard to beat are their grippy soles.  You can look fabulous and sleek while not slipping!  Amazing, right?!?

I prefer the black but the brown version done in multi-tonal pieces is funky too.

The Kampot boots are $200 and you can get either pair directly from the Tsubo site.

Eeeewwww!!!! Prada Winter Camo Boot

Prada, the people that buy camo winter rubber-soled boots are not your target audience. Please see People of Walmart to better understand these consumers.

Then fire whatever designer or marketing person who told you this style was right for your brand.

Prada camo boots at Neiman Marcus - $495 (!!!)

Imitation = Flattery? Chloe and ModCloth

I haven't done an Imitation = Flattery? post in a while, mainly because I sometimes get tired of fighting the good fight. I mean, even though many people are inspired by the designers and profess love for their style, they are perfectly happy to support people ripping them off.

Anyways, here's the latest. These are the original Chloe wedge lace-up boots. A big favorite this past season.

I've seen other knock-offs but I was disappointed that ModCloth (supporters of "indie, vintage-inspired, retro & one-of-a-kind vintage") is selling these Style Adventure Boots.

These are not "inspired by" and they aren't evolutions of the design, they are rip-offs with cheaper materials.

And that is my main issue.

ModCloth, I'm disappointed in you.

Le Sigh - Slightly Obsessed

I just saw these on Tumblr and I'm a little obsessesd.

They are Sergio Rossi "Florentina" over-the-knee lace boots.

They're from 2008 and I kind of need them. Where I would wear them, I don't know. Around the house and every second of the day, maybe?

Help me!!!!

Featured Shoe: Joules Posh Wellies

NOTE  - THESE BOOTS ARE NO LONGER FOR SALE!

I was sifting through my Tumblr yesterday evening and came upon the most delightful wellies I'd ever seen.

The beautiful Brabourne Farm site had a post on a bunch of adorable wellies and these just stopped me in my tracks.

Joules Posh Wellies with grosgrain ribbon bows!

I adore cute wellies but these have to be my favorites so far. They weren't referenced so I had to do a bit of sleuthing but I finally found them... and on sale too!

The red pair are shiny and striking.

But I love the navy with the blush bows.

But the Meadow green pair are my favorites. They all have the classic wellie shape and would look just adorable with dresses and tights in winter as well as cute summer shorts.

Wellies have become one of those "must have" shoes that every girl needs. These are a bit high for rainboots but not too crazy pricey, especially at the sale price. And if you wear them as fashion boots (not yard work boots) they will last a long time and add a fun, fanciful element to a dreary rainy day.

UPDATE: For everyone searching for the Joules Posh Wellies with bows - I've done a new post for you.