The Boots
Made for walking, strutting; and puddle jumping
‘Tis the season to cover up your feet (and ankles—and calves if you so desire). You’ve probably bid your ballet flats adieu and have been sporting last year’s snow kickers. But you know what? You deserve a new pair of boots and it’s the best time to buy. Boots of all sizes, shapes, and heel heights are currently en vogue. Some pairs might even migrate into spring. Below we outline the high-end inspiration and the high street equivalents.
Do you see more rain than snow? Your best bet might be a cute pair of wellies. Burberry’s classic plaid versions are around $200. And while they might be your only hope to own Burberry till you retire, keep in mind that this is rubber you’re paying for. The cheap and chic option is from Spring. For around one-tenth of the cost of the Burberry versions, Spring’s two-tone boots in black and violet and red and black are cheery and bright and will keep your feet just as dry as the designer ones.
Call them ankle boots, booties, or shoe-ties, while short boots may not keep your ankles warm, they will make you look hot. Take inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2007 runway show. The towering ankle boots with wrap-around leather details and tiny buttons, zippers, and tabs look refined and fresh—and at over $1,000, they should look good. For a great alternative that won’t mean emptying your savings account, look to Aldo. Aldo’s black leather ankle boot with braided ankle strap and burnished metal grommets have all the details and you could buy six pairs for the price of the Vuittons.
Jodhpurs are not flattering on the thinnest of models, but riding boots lend an air of equestrian aristocracy to any outfit. Celine’s are to-die-for. In camel and black, with a gold buckle at the ankle and super-low 30mm heel, they exemplify English country classic. And the price tag would pay for a ticket to the UK. Rockport’s “Plainfield” boots are a little well, plainer, than Celine’s but they won’t bust your budget for your Windsor Castle trip.
Ski-bunny or bunny-wannabe, knit, pompommed boots will make you look sporty-chic. Juicy Couture’s versions are Fair Isle knit with fur trim and a slight platform wedge and, while they won’t cost your more than a grand, even $300 seems like a lot for accessories that you’ll only wear for a few months. Payless Shoes’ versions by American Eagle are cable knit but feature the same wedge heel, faux-fur trim and, of course, they too have pompoms, the perfect ski-bunny accessory.
Fashion is funny. This becomes obvious when items like cuffed boots become high style. Not only are they reminiscent of Robin Hood, the pricey ones have fake zippers and can’t actually be un-cuffed. None of which takes away from the chic factor, of course. Michael Kors’ cuffed boots have a $360 price tag but the stacked heel, fake outer and real inner gold zips and supple brown suede make them almost worth it. “Almost” because you can get Made by Elves’ cute leather boots with a suede fold-over for just over $100 at Urban Outfitters—and you can choose to fold or not to fold. It’s like two pairs of boots for the price of one!
Written by: Vanessa Grant
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