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!

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.

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.

If you’re looking for a departure from the proliferation of black boots out there, consider these Barbara Bui fur and leather boots.  I think Bui is really coming into her own as a designer of shoes that are trend conscious but not trendy, with a flattering profile. I’m always about the profile. There’s a reason the phrase a “well turned ankle” was coined, right? Unlike Louboutin’s riding boots in the review below, these flatter the ankle, have a great shape and nice detailing.  Available on sale for $330 at farfetch.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.