Better in Boots

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.

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.

Beautiful. Emily Blunt on the carpet promoting “Wolfman” in Rome wears one of my favorite little black boot looks so far. Her dress is so elegant and, paired with tights and booties, is a perfect dressy look for winter. Definitely British–understated and on the conservative side. To me, a lovely change from all the glitter and glitz of Hollywood. A+ in my book.

If you like the current military style, AND you are a fan of the Chloé lace up boots which have been sold out for some time, you might consider these Ralph Lauren “Stacie” Boots.  The profile, complete with little turned-down cuff, is very similar to the Chloé boots, but rather than lace up, they button up, cadet style. Also available in black (see photo after the jump). I like the lean profile, with a heel that is slender, yet a little more solid than a typical stiletto. Better for marching. Still, the 5′inch heels are not for whimps.  Available for $727 at farfetch.com.

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These boots are just plain gorgeous: A buttery-smooth distressed black leather, great casual shape with super-flat heels–and don’t even get me started on the beautifully and delicately-placed studs.  As you know, studs are huge this season, but I’m not a big fan when they are over-done. But I would wear these Miu Miu boots in a heartbeat. They are sold out at mytheresa, but head over to styldrops where, at this posting, most sizes are still available for $1029.

Newly arrived at Saks, these Alexander McQueen ankle boots have the designer’s signature skull zipper and rocker glam profile.  McQueen is really at the top of his game right now:  white hot and a must have for all fashionistas who like to look like they live on the edge (but really don’t).  I love his elegant use of this season’s popular decorative zipper and the 8o’s throw-back “stand-up collar” look of the shaft. The five-inch cone-shaped heel with one-inch platform add to the power an sex appeal of this boot. Available on pre-order for $995 at SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Boring, boring and boring. Who would have thought I’d EVER say that about a boot from the master himself?  This is perhaps my harshest review of any boot, but I don’t worry, in light of my uncontrolled gushing over everything Louboutin for the past several months.  We’ve come to know Louboutin for his uncanny ability to turn out styles that are so unique that, even without the signature red-sole, they are instantly recognizable for their individuality. And yet they are so beautiful, and have such mass appeal, that Louboutin has gained the power to set trends as quickly as he can churn out new styles.  This is why his version of the English riding boot puzzles me. Other designers, such as Ralph Lauren, have shown that even the most simple riding boot can be elegant and appealing. The Christian Louboutin Tuba Boots look like their name sounds–kind of a shiny, round, tubular shape, with an ankle bordering on being too thick and an overall profile that is simply unflattering.  But if you disagree with me, you can find these for $1,370 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Although not much has been said of the fact, Yves Saint Laurent has really been the only designer to give Christian Louboutin a real run for his money in terms of creating unique, recognizable footwear styles that have achieved almost cult-like popularity. The Imperial 95 Boots with their tall, uniquely curved platform have been big with celebrities and thus harder to come by, especially now that they are on sale for $703 at mytheresa.com. I’m definitely a fan of a boot like this that is almost as much a sculpture as it is something to wear.  They have a 5.5″ heel with a 1″ platform. Shakira sported her YSL’s on the streets of NYC this month.

Blake Lively was all confidence in these Stella McCartney perforated thigh-high faux leather boots at an awards show in New York City January 12. Sigh. To be, not necessarily Blake Lively, but to be any woman who can rock these boots…that is a dream. They pretty much call for a perfect pair of pins and a well-turned ankle to look good. These boots are sold out online, but you can probably find a pair if you call around the high-end department stores.