Fashion Blog » Shoes

We all love the knee high boots from last year’s style, I personally still wear them to the bone. But what about the fashionable bootie that’s making a statement this fall, even without your help? Here’s how to get in on the best new fashion footwear, the ankle boot! There is a plethora of designs and colors and shapes and heel sizes for the ankle boot, but you want to make sure you get the boot that fits your lifestyle and your wardrobe. Here are some tips:

Ankle Boot Shopping List:

• Go for a heel that’s going to make the ankle boots as wearable as your knee high flat-heeled boots from last year. That means no stilettos, girls. Remember, boots are cold weather footwear, meaning you should at least be able to consider wearing them through a little residual rain and snow or ice. Make sure it’s a boot that can take it, even if you maybe don’t want to put it through the trauma.

• Go for a color or design that’s knockout! No plain Janes around here. Buckles, colors, cuts, you name it. Just make sure that the cutoff for the boot doesn’t make you look like you have a cankle. Some of the boots are just a little too wide at the top, and drift to the side of unattractive.

Some top boots to consider:

Bloomfield Booties from ModCloth.com: $42.99

The color and little ankle tie on this boot are so cute!

Mudslide Boots from ModCloth.com: $49.99

The suede is a bit of a risk, but look at that stylized heel! So chic.

Find discount ankle boots at Smarter.com.

Winter in the Midwest is no joke. If your feet get wet and stay cold, you can easily cause damage to your skin. Last year I tried to get away with not buying decent boots, but that was a huge mistake. This year, I’ve wised up and I am getting real winter boots. I could get some sweet moonboots ala Napoleon Dynamite….

But I think I like these instead:

Sporto Women’s Patch Winter Boots $88.95 Free Shipping!

This is a great price for nice winter boots! They would look really cute with skinny jeans.

Not only will the Patch go great with your favorite outfit, it will protect you from all the elements. It features a rounded toe design as well as a suede upper. This boot is waterproof and features Thermolite construction which provides warmth and comfort without weight, even when wet. It’s the lightweight fabric that provides heavy-duty performance because it’s fabric made with hollow-core fibers that trap air for greater insulation. It dries 20% faster than other insulating fabrics,and 50% faster than cotton.

Salomon Uma Softshell Winter Boot $129.95

These are great, they’re really unique but they’re totally functional. Nice!

Zip up the Salomon Women’s Uma Winter Boot after a day of skiing in Jackson and hit the town. The softshell upper on these boots retains the sleek look of leather while protecting your feet from rain, snow and mud. Try wearing your leather high-heel boots out into the snow and at best you’ll get ruined boots, at worst a twisted ankle and ruined vacation. A ribbed back panel stretches to fit around your calf so snow can’t sneak in, and the Uma W boot’s grippy Contragrip sole gives you traction on slippery sidewalks as you head to the bar. A fleece lining keeps your feet warm during the brutally cold nights.

Shop for more affordable women’s boots at Smarter.com.

Paul&Joe SISTER, the Parisian up-and-coming fashion and accessory line, started in 2006 and has grown in popularity do to it’s celebrity patronage and unique shoe and handbag designs. Paul&Joe SISTER combines chic French simplicity and iconic, well-built footwear and handbags to craft a unique look. Paul&Joe, an original very retro-chic fashion label, has been reinvented by it’s “sister” label for a more urban look.

Paul&Joe clothing is available at such sites as revolveclothing.com and net-a-porter.com. What does it mean to be a Paul&Joe SISTER kind of girl? You’re tied to your roots and the classic look, but you’re tough and ready to fend for yourself in the city, out on the town, or in the workplace. Paul&Joe SISTER designs are crisp enough to be worn in a business casual setting, but also sexy and well made enough to be worn to a nice dinner or family gathering.

Some of the must-haves from the Paul&Joe SISTER collection include:

Paul&Joe Sister Wool-Blend Mini Dress from Net-a-porter.com:$180.00

With a draped neckline and raised hem, this is a little black dress with a bit of pizazz. What can you do to make it special? Pair it with some iconic Paul&Joe SISTER heels or a leather handbag, favorites of celebrities such as Rachel Bilson.

Paul&Joe SISTER Mazed Fringe Handbag from Net-a-Porter.com: $162.40

And the best for last of Paul&Joe SISTER’s collection is the update on the classic ankle boot from last season: zip front, fine details, thicker body with smaller heel make this pump truly a work of art.

Paul&Joe SISTER Perine Zip Front Pumps from ShopBop.com: $504.00

Shop for women’s shoes and mini dresses at Smarter.com.

Sharing another seasonal trend with you all that I am sure will be huge this fall and winter: over the knee boots. I’ve already seen them in stores, seen them on women, and heard about my friends ordering them online. These are gonna be big, for all you boot lovers out there. Some of you might already have a pair waiting in the closet to be revealed. Do I like the trend? Sure. Sometimes I don’t like the idea of it. I guess because like any style of boot, they can be done wrong…but if you know what to wear them with and how to wear them, get on it.

Victoria’s Secret went and jumped on that bandwagon and has created several versions of the over the knee boot. They also have some Jessica Simpson styles too. Not a fan at all, but the boots are decent. Along with the over the knee style, there are also the covertible style boot which have a flap that can be folded over or pulled up so that they cover the knee slightly.

Victoria’s Secret Over the knee Hidden Platform Boot $169

I like these because they go almost to the thigh without looking trashy. They almost look like leggings with boots. The suede and leather combo is eyecatching as well. These of course would look great with a short skirt, but you must be careful if you choose this option. You don’t want to look schoolgirlish. These would also look fantastic with a dress that is medium length, a shift dress perhaps that is fitted, and top with a long sweater. These look too skinny to try to stuff denim jeans into, so I wouldn’t…unless they are extremely skinny.

I also like these convertible boots…

These come in a wide range of colors…the butterscotch are my favorite.

Colin Stuart Covertible Boot $99

And these are the Jessica Simpson versions of over the knee boots…

Jessica Simpson Over the Knee Riding Boot $209

I have to admit…these are really cute styles. These are perfect for wearing with jeans tucked in and a white cotton button down men’s shirt. Top with a pretty scarf and long sweater vest, and you’ve got an equestrian inspired riding outfit. Outfits like that remind me of something I’d see on the runways at a Ralph Lauren show…all Americana.

Shop for women’s knee high boots at Smarter.com.

Ahhh…another weekend getaway to San Francisco has come and gone, and I have returned full of inspiration! Well, kind of. I will report that there was a fluke heat wave going on over the weekend and the city folk were out in flip flops and tanks. Not the kind of fashion I’m wanting to see…but there was some good stuff going on as well. While in town, I popped into my favorite vintage store in the Mission–The Painted Bird to see if I could round up and recycled findings. Luckily, I scored a pair of Italian made leather ankle boots with some ethnic looking stitching on the sides, and they were only $19.95!

I also took home a little ivory colored sweater vest which will be perfect for layering over dresses when it finally starts to cool off down here in L.A. The two gals that run the place are super sweet and very original. One girl was wearing super skinny washed black denim pants, a long sweater (it had cooled off that morning) and three inch suede open toe wedges with thin striped socks! How much did I love this look when my eyes saw it!! Socks and wedges are no new trend, it’s just completely a surprise when I actually see someone doing it in the right way. I vowed at that moment to find the perfect pair of thin striped black and white socks and a cute pair of open toe wedges to copy this look with, and one of these nights (when fall arrives officially) be brave enough to wear. Well, I found the socks…but to my dismay, the black and white ones were gone already! I settled for a different pair:

Free People Striped Over the Knee Socks $18, freepeople.com

You could go either way with the shoes. I would pick something with a full wedge, one that extends under the toe. The chunkier the wedge, the more this look will make sense. And try to stick to either a suede or leather wedge, one in a neutral color. My two picks are these Boutique 9 “Idalia” T-Strap Wedges on sale now for $98, bloomingdales.com…

….and these Deena & Ozzy Cut Out Lace Up Wedges $68, UrbanOutfitters.com.

If you really want to go crazy, these Sam Edelman Studded Wedges (at Urban Outfitters for $99) would be pretty amazing…

You might think I’m crazy for encouraging this look, but it can look really neat if you promise to wear it with only solid, simple colors. Just think, super skinny jeans in a dark color, an oversized shirt, and a long drapey sweater. Hair down with some long earrings and a big, chunky ring. Can anyone say…dream outfit?!

Shop for more knee socks and women’s wedges.

I have found that lately, I’m not only having writer’s block, but a shopper’s block as well. I can’t seen to find anything that I’ve been lusting over lately. I don’t know whether its that I’m working in a clothing store again and I’m on shopping burnout mode, or that my personality has just began to value shopping for my home over shopping for my wardrobe. I cannot stop buying things for the house! It’s my latest vice and has been this last year of living in my new apartment. I’ve completely indulged home-wise, splurging on backyard plants and cacti, bedding and fabric for curtains I made myself, and today…my latest binge? New hand towels for my bathroom, lovely soaps, a lovely sea foam green chenille bath mat, and of course…smelly candles in pretty vintage jars. What can I say. I am a sucker for home stuff. Deals? Sure, on some of it. But clothing deals are what I should be on the hunt for. When out at the shops recently, it wasn’t clothes I was pulling at and pricing, it was shoes. I’m good on clothes right now, it’s shoes that I almost need…and of course, want. Besides, right now is the weird in between time when it’s not quite end of summer, but not quite beginning of fall. The transitional time with weird color schemes and styles that are almost too warm to wear right now. Instead, we’ll focus on feet today. As usual, I found two pairs that I liked. One will be an instant hit, the other will take some thought and consideration. Now, at a first glance, this shoe may seem really hideous to many of you…

Gentle Souls ‘Dancin’ Jazz Oxford on sale for $133.90

But when you give it some thought and really try to picture it on your foot, it’s not so bad. I wasn’t sure about the ’slingback’ look on an oxford style shoe, but they are a great color, a classic color. Envision this shoe, with no socks, and a pretty floral dress. Mixing feminine with boyish looking pieces has been a hit all season and isn’t going away any time soon. I would actually wear these with some shorts, and and silky camisole or blouse, something delicate on top for balance.
My second faves were these chunky heels by BCBGirls…

BCBGirls ‘Edmund’ Sandal on sale for $64.90

I chose these sandals because I first off immediately liked the colors. The mix of nude and carmel brown is sure to match most dresses and color schemes, and the open toe would be fun to pair with black tights and a miniskirt.

Shop through a variety of women’s shoes at Smarter.com.

Yes, I know it is still August, but come on, let’s stick a toe (literally) into fall fashion.

When items appearing in both the high and low(er) versions catch my eye, I know it’s going to be a trend. Of course there are tons of trends coming on for fall, but I wanted to get you all in early on this one: rain boots. No, not the little red ones you splashed through puddles with as a five-year-old (although puddle splashing is still allowed), no these are the Hunter version.

Founded in Scotland by American Henry Norris, this company has been supplying traditional British style Wellington boots to the public, not to mention the English Royal family, since 1856. This year, you can also find Hunter Wellies at J. Crew in not only the more traditional shades of black, navy and classic green, but in a shiny peony pink shade as well. Priced a reasonable $115.00 and mixed with Crew’s favorite cords, layered T’s and a trench, they will be a great purchase for the upcoming fall weather.

If you want to go high end, you may now pre-order the croc print version Hunter has made for Jimmy Choo from Saks. This version is priced at a more investment-level $395, but as a classic look paired with your skinny jean and a cashmere sweater, you are ready to go for years to come.

Or maybe branch out? Have you seen that now iconic pic of Kate Moss pairing her muddy Wellies with short shorts (or is it a mini) at the Glastonbury music festival? Better yet, do that even more English eccentric thing and pair your Wellie boots with an evening gown. Here in sunny California, this will be one way for us to cope with that El Nino winter they say were going to have.

I myself am going looking for some puddles this year. Hey, it’s free.

Photo info: boots from www.jcrew.com and www.saks.com. 

Are you one of those fortunate people who have extremely fashionable mothers, aunts, or grandmothers?  Maybe they have carefully maintained the styles of their childhoods, with 50’s updos and Jackie O fitted, quilted dresses.  Or maybe you have a mother or aunt who’s closet is better than a vintage store because their fringed vests and maxi dresses are perfectly your size.  In exchange, you offer knee-high boots and the occasional foxy fur trench coat.  But let’s think outside the box for a second, shall we:  what fashions of today can both mothers and daughters invest in, and enjoy, in their own separate styles, ages and daily lives?  Here are some picks and tips for how you and your mom can style a piece to fit your personal needs, and think of every price as halfsies!

Steven Madden Women’s Clubbin Studded Ankle Boot: $159.95

Available in full and half sizes from 5.5-10, these beautiful sexy studded ankle boots are uber fashionable and classic with a slight rocker-punk edge.  You will love pairing these with some skinny jeans and a sparkly top for a night on the town, and your mom will love the fresh facelift these boots will bring to her afternoon at the theater or pencil skirt for the office.

Development Brown faux fur button detail vest at Bluefly.com: $216.99

Perfect investment for fall, this chic faux fur vest is toasty and sleekly fitted.  Pair it with some black leggings, knee high boots, and white long sleeve shirt and you have a perfect fashion staple for fall; your mom will be delighted for the fashionable step-up from the quilted or skipants-material vest she usually invests in. Warm clothing doesn’t just have to be functional, it can be fashionable too!

Hype Ivory Leather “Eugenie” medium tote at Bluefly.com: $210.00

A really fashionable and functional back that can transition from the workplace to the night.  Big enough pockets for your mom to fit her work stuff, yet sleek enough for an evening out.  Pair it with a chic little black dress or funky skirt, it’s totally versatile!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s totes & women’s vests.
Discounts on women’s ankle boots.

Kate Spade has been making great shoes for women for quite some time now.  Whether they are ballet flats, heels, or sandals–the Kate Spade look is unique.  Known for her simple and chic handbags which stirred up quite a frenzy a few years back, the designer has spread her wings and created much more than just handbags now.  The New York based Spade creates everything from baby gear, to clothing, to household items.  The ongoing theme or concept behind her designs seems to be a classic all-American aesthetic.  Think 1950’s-60’s retro chic, except modern day with a new twist.  These sandals I picked today are a perfect example of Spade’s ability to bring both worlds together…

Kate Spade Freda Jeweled Thong Sandals on sale now for $163.35, orginally priced at $350

I picked these because they look like something out of the ordinary, and aren’t too bad of a price for such a classy sandal.  The coral and turquoise color combination is really nice together and the large, vintage inspired jewel on top is really unique.  These sandals have that retro feel with that big floral jewel, but yet remain chic and somewhat simple at the same time.  I picture these on a pair of pedicure perfect feet and some sort of large sunhat on top.  Although this isn’t something I’d normally pick for myself, I was drawn to them nonetheless because of their striking color and detail.  I would take these on vacation somewhere and wear them to an outside lunch by the pool, because after all they do look quite glamorous!  Sandals with low heels like these usually wear well with cropped pants, skirts, or dresses.  Unsure as of whether I would wear these with jeans.  Depending on how and what you pair them with, the look could swing either way…preppy, or funky.  I would go for a more funky look with these and wear them with dress that was probably bright but not too loud.  In her clothing design, Kate Spade sticks to cute shift dresses that are simple and retro looking, in her most recent designs, she was inspired by Mexican Folk Art…hence the name of the sandals “Freda”, although the real Frida’s name is spelled differently. Here is a classic Kate Spade dress that would work perfectly with these sandals…

This Coconut Grove Ronnie Dress is on sale for $296 right now, katespade.com

The brown would go well with both the turquoise and coral in the sandals.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s sandals.
Discounts on Kate Spade sandals.

With summer in full swing, its time to start wearing some sandals!  (If you haven’t been already.)  Whether they’re platform, flat, heeled or wedged, there are so many types of sandals to sport.  Flat sandals are probably my favorite, unfortunately these will kill your lower back after walking a few miles in them (I experienced this on one New York trip!).  I would say flat sandals are great with skinny jeans or pants, shorts, and dresses…really anything.  Here is a pair that I really like:

N.Y.L.A. Soriya Sandal $39.95

I of course love everything ethnic print…beading especially!  I liked these immediately.  They are one of the newest styles on Nordstrom’s website and are a total steal for just under forty bucks!  These would look great with jeans and a red patterned tank, or a white v-neck pocket tee.

Everyone needs a pair of flip flops as well…summer just wouldn’t be the same without them.  I like going cheap on flip flops, but often this results in blistered feet…ouch!  Havianas have been a trusted brand forever and when you wear them, the soles are super cushy and almost give you a bounce in each step.

Havianas High Light $38

This color and pattern is interesting, you really can’t go wrong with gold.  Gold is so neutral that you can probably wear these with just about anything!  These are truly proper beach footwear, nobody likes getting sand in their shoes anyway.  These would look fantastic with a white summer dress or earth toned knits including tanks and cotton shorts.

So far we have cute, beaded sandals, a pair of totally necessary flip flops…what’s next?  Perhaps a pair of hip, funky sandals.  The kind you can wear on a night out with the girls…or boys

These Jeffrey Campbell’s are fabulous! The metallic leather is perfect for a summer night out. You can be racy and sport these with a mini skirt and voluminous top, or wear them with your super tight skinny jeans and tank.

Marly Platforms: $128

Although these have an almost 3 inch heel, yes…they are still considered sandals! And by the looks of the stacked heel, they just might be pretty comfy.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop though all women’s sandals.