Boot Trend #4 - Cuffs

Got distracted for a bit, but cuffed boots have called me back! And the inspiration behind them? Why, Three Musketeers of course. What better than a fashionably French story by Alexandre Dumas? Crazy how those trends keep coming back. Don't throw anything away!!!!!









Well, we've come a long way since 1844. 2009's version is quite diverse.



These gorgeous Botkier's long-cuffed Xenia boots are a far cry from the 1800's, especially with the hit of fuchsia (there's that neon trend I talked about several weeks ago).
Here are a few simpler, not so expensive versions -
understandable fold, straight hem, wearable color and heel:

Frye Harness Boot with Cuff $218

Very wearable Elizabeth & James
Tall Cuffed Boot $395












Adorable short boot from Rosegold $225









Bringing the cuff to a luxurious yet practical boot? How about these warm Shearling boots from Burberry - at $595 a bit costlier than Uggs, but they are gorgeous!!










Cuffed Boots ... ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!!!!

Boot Trend #3 - Lace-ups

Lace-Up Boots



Love this category of boots. Problem is the ones I like are crazy expensive like these Chloe pair ($695)








These Ann Demeulemeester boots are kind of rugged yet wonderfully stylish at the same time. Picture them with a feminine chiffon skirt, a basic t and a jean jacket. May sound bizarre, but it would look fab!!



And they only cost $1,570.00








For something a little more affordable, try one of these:






(Urban Outfitters $88; Devotte $490; Nine West $189)




The other rugged style in the lace-up category is the ankle "work-boot" or combat boot. Again, to be worn with something a bit more feminine. I actually like the ankle lace-ups as they can be worn with just about anything from leggings, to skirts, to skinny jeans.




Finally, I'd like to end with a famous George Burns line (YES, I'M STILL IN MY 40'S) that "ties" into this trend so well ... "you know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there".


JUST MAKING SURE YOU'RE PAYING ATTENTION!!! PLEASE COMMENT. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS.

Boots with Studs

What can I say ... pick your favorite boot style:

ankle

over the knee cowboy








UGGS (actually these are Koolaburra)buckles






... add some studs ... and you have the hottest trend out there.

My best piece of advice ... if you have studs on your boots, keep it simple everywhere else my friends.

CLOSING THIS POST WITH MY FAVE OF THE SEASON (See by Chloe)
Opinions wanted ... I know you have them ... would you wear these??

So, if you're over 40, what's the first thing you think of when you see over-the-knee boots??? How about Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (aka hooker - pretty hooker mind you).
I find it amazing how every shoe designer knows the same trend - but I have to say there are plenty out there this season that are actually quite non-trashy. Here are some tips on how to wear:

1. Choose an easy color - black, brown, tan - you don't want to call out any more attention than the boot already does by virtue of its length
2. Try to offset the sexiness of the boot with a loose or oversized top (shirt, sweater, blazer)
3. OTK boots are perfect with the pant of the season - leggings or skinny jeans
4. If you want to try a dress or a skirt, ensure your tights match the boots for a smooth look
5. DO NOT COMBINE OVER-THE-KNEE WITH A SUPER HIGH HEEL. That is if you don't want the "street" look. Try flats, wedges or a small heel. Nothing too thin or pointy.
6. Don't spend a fortune. One or two seasons, and this will become niche.

Some of my favorites:

OK - these are from Bergdorf's and I won't even tell you how much. But aren't they STUNNING?????
From Stuart Weitzman - $535 - still quite steep, but remember there's a lot of leather with these boots:Could almost justify these DKNY for $275.

My best piece of advice for this trend ... wait for the sales!!

Fall Boots

Fall Boot Trends

A woman's most important accessory ... IF THERE'S ONE ITEM YOU NEED TO BUY FOR FALL, IT'S A PAIR OF BOOTS (it will be really hard to buy just one though, because there are so many amazing ones). There are a number of great, very wearable - and comfortable trends. I will focus on one a day ... to wet your appetite, here is a table of contents:

Over the Knee










Studs










Lace-ups










Cuffs









Ankle Boots








Cowboy










Buckled










Stay tuned for how to wear each one of these boot trends, shopping suggestions and favorite brands!! Any specific requests??

Denim

How does the song go? "My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble" ... Very apropos for this denim trend. This is a tough style to wear unless you're very thin and/or very tall. They are not the most flattering.




The theory is ... baggy jeans that are big in the waist, sit low on the hips and are rolled up at the hem. They can also be worn a bit higher on the waist with a belt that cinches. If you dare to wear ... I suggest partnering with a feminine slim-fitting top and heels.

Katie can pull off anything!!!

Don't wear with its namesake boyfriend sweater -
unless you want to look like a bag lady!!

This is what I would call the
ex-boyfriend look :-)


ALL COMMENTS WELCOME!!

Denim

To distress or not to distress ... that is the denim question of the day.

Distressed or destroyed or whiskered jeans are still happening. While some holes, tears, rips and shreds are wearable, don't get carried away.

(this is carried away in case you
were wondering...)

These are as far as I would go,

but they're definitely OK!

Now, this is "distressing" (sorry)




Personally, I wouldn't invest in more than one pair. You could even take an old pair and destroy them yourself - tastefully.

Oh to have kept my red tabs from high school!!! Would be so much less expensive.

Tell me what you think!!! How much would you pay?