Better in Boots

It’s only February, but I think it’s safe to say that Jessica Alba is already far ahead in the running for worst boot look of the year. I can’t imagine what possessed her to wear such a getup to one of the premiers of her movie Valentines Day. I’m all for mixing things up, but this just seems like some kind of cheap ploy to get attention, even if it’s on the worst dressed list. As far as boots go, I’d say this is a good example of what NOT to do.

It’s Valentine’s day, but that doesn’t really matter much to me, especially not this year. I’ve never been one for the contrived romance of the day–except perhaps when I when I was a kid.  But still, one can’t escape it, and I do appreciate that a lot of love is being shown this day, no matter that it may be a bit forced. Love and affection is always good.  But this is also a somber day for the fashion world as it mourns the death of design genius Alexander McQueen. So, I guess in a somewhat twisted commemoration of Valentines Day and McQueen’s life, I present these fabulous lipstick-red zippered ankle boots from Alexander McQueen’s latest line. Not for the faint of heart, but then that was true for most of his wonderful creations.  Available for $999 at zappos.com. Also available in black.

In the prime of his life and at the height of his professional creativity and fame, British designer Alexander McQueen died yesterday,  at his home in London.  Preliminary reports are that he took his own life on the eve of his mother’s funeral.   McQueen’s show at New York’s fashion week had been scheduled for today.  At a time like this I feel sadness for a life cut short–McQueen was born in 1969–and I also can’t help but think of the decades of innovative design that the world will never see. I have reviewed a number of McQueen’s boots on this blog and was eagerly awaiting his newest lines. It is a great loss to the world of fashion and design.

I love these boots. They are slightly simpler but  similar to the Azzedine Alaïa boots worn by Leighton Meester in an earlier post. The stacked heel and high platform give these a fierce but not over-the-top look.   They have a star-but not rock star-quality. Beautiful leather, and a very current look.  The Yvers Saint Laurent “Vanity” cut-out ankle boots are available for $850 at Madison Los Angeles online.

It’s not easy finding Katie looking put together these days. No matter that every article of clothing she is wearing is from a top designer, she ends up looking like she pieced together a frumpy, second-hand thrift-shop outfit. I don’t know what the deal is exactly. But it makes her look years beyond her age. When she keeps it simple and elegant, as in this photo, she looks–well, simple and elegant–and young again. Forget the bit scarves and hats and baggy pants Katie! Stick to the baics. I love her short grey leather jacket and these shoes manage to be edgy without being harsh. These Givenchy cut-out satin ankle boots, with a 4.5″ heal and 1.75″ platform are available for $481 at 6 p.m.com.

I already did a rather snarky review of a very similar Miu Miu knee-high version of this boot, finding it simply over the top and rather useless for anything but standing on a platform somewhere, in all its sparkly, impractical glory.  A work of art, yes, but something to wear, no. HOWEVER, this Sergio Rossi  ankle boot is something else.  I’m surprised to see an almost identical fishnet design which is eather a huge coincidence or a matter of one designer definitely influencing the other. This ankle boot version would be a beautiful, delicate alternative to shoes for a fancy evening event. They don’t come cheap, but then so is anything covered in Swarovski crystals. Available for $1,615 at Louisaviaroma.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that these aptly named, Christian Louboutin “Supra Fifre” boots in fire engine red likely had only two customers this year: Singer Ciara, and maybe Wonder Woman. That’s not to say I don’t love them. I do. They’re the kind of boots which, the first day I became a super star or a super heroine, I would run right out and buy. But until that day, I’ll just enjoy living vicariously. The Christian Louboutin Supra Fifre boots are very hard to find. Your best bet is to call your nearest Barney’s, Bergdorfs and Niemans and ask their advice. And let me know if you actually buy a pair!

Christian Louboutin has done it again. He’s created a gorgeous boot that, without being outlandish, is both distinctive and flattering. I love the seams and contrast stitching that keep this basic calf-leather boot interesting. 4″ heel. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

New from Jimmy Choo is the ankle boot-slash-sandal that we’ll be seeing a lot of this spring, modeled by actress Olivia Wilde.  This version, the “Quito” comes in black and, soon, a royal blue/green snakeskin.  Choo recently declared that the platform was “dead” much to the disagreement of legions, including myself.  I could be wrong, but I detect a tiny platform under the toe of this bootie/sandal, which could be one reason I like it.  Also, the Quito manages a lace-up corseted look without looking trashy.  A nice option for those of us who don’t want to put the bootie away when the weather gets warmer and the lights go down.  Available for $995 at the Jimmy Choo Website.

I have to admire the way Taylor Momsen transitions so easily between chic and cheap, svelt and skank, tres jolie and trashy. I believe most of the former looks, though, are when she’s dressed by the Gossip Girl wardrobe crew, as she was when she was spotted wearing the taupe Loeffler Randall Camilla Platform boots. You can still get them on sale for $425 at shopbop.com.