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 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’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!

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.

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.

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.

I’d say Christina Aguilera got it right with this flannel-look blazer, black leggings and motorcycle boots. Her razor-cut bob and red lips just add to the overall rocker chic-ness of her ensemble. What’s appealing to me is that, although she’s taken some trendy pieces, she’s put them together in a way that is unique. To me, it works. I love her look in these pictures. And I always love proof that you don’t have to wear sky-high heels to look sexy and put together. A great shopping outfit!

Celebrities are just people with jobs who have their off hours like anybody else, a fact proven by Selma Hayek the other day when she went out for take-out food. Salma is beautiful, however purely for fashion study purposes, I’d say that the just-above-the-knee cotton skirt with the mid-calf boot would be a hard look for anyone to pull off. Not Salma’s greatest look ever. I’d say the mid-calf boot is probably safest with pants. Unless your have perfict pins and a cute mini.