Better in Boots

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s Alexander Wang’s moment in the sun. The hottest up-and-coming American designer is also, happily for me, turning out some cool footwear to accompany his popular clothing line. What’s great for boot lovers is his determination to bring the white-hot ankle boot trend into warmer weather with a new silhouette peep-toe ankle boot, paired with toe-less knee-socks, that made its debut on the runway for his Spring 2010 line.  I like the fact that, unlike some clothing designers, Wang does not treat his shoes as an afterthought. The detailing in the color and patterns of his Spring 2010 boots looks as though he enjoyed designing them and paid attention to them. I especially like the use of grey and black stripes on the open-toed ankle boot and contrasting white and tan on the animal print bootie. More photos after the jump.

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The human quest for happiness is as old as..humans. “They” say that money can’t buy happiness, but money can buy boots, and I believe these Giuseppe Zanotti Multi-Colored Stone-Embellished Bootie Sandals for Spring 2010 are about as close to the material manifestation of happiness a girl can get. How can you put these on your feet and not be at least somewhat happier than you were a few minutes ago?  Famous for his elaborate and unique embellishment, Zanotti has gone all out on this one. The multiple-colored crystal beads ara so lovingly applied that this looks like his own personal, haute couture arts and crafts project. Combined with the springy yellow suede upper and pink-lined footbed, these are like a party on your feet. With warm weather coming (yes, it will be awhile for some of us, but it IS coming) there will come those two choices for keeping your feet in a perpetual state of bliss: going barefoot or wearing a gorgeous pair of sandal booties. With these you’ll always have a choice.  3 1/4″ heel. Available for $1,980  at Luisaviaroma and, even better, for $1,605 at Neiman Marcus.

It would be hard to imagine a less appropriate boot for this season.  The country’s in the middle of a recession and record-breaking cold and snowfall–and here comes Miu Miu’s Python, Swarovsky Crystal-embellished net-patterend cut-out boots!  Now these are selling, but it’s not too hard to imagine why they were reduced from the original staggering $4,300 to their current $1,720.  Artists certainly do not design to suit the economy or the weather, and this design is a sight to behold, but as far as something to actually wear, sometimes a boot can just go too far.  Now, in the event that I move to a tropical climate, become a woman of leisure, go back in time to age 20, and win the lottery…I would definitely consider these boots.  If I loved this oversized fishnet pattern but wanted something more wearable, like an ankle boot version, I’d check out these Sergio Rossi Swarovski Ankle Boots.  Otherwise, I can only imagine these on a platform, under glass in a footwear muesum.  They have a 4.5″ heel and are available at the outnet.

Celebuzz.com

…What do you think of these turquoise boots?

Kim was bringing Hollywood to Harlem, shopping with her mom at the NYC upper westside boutique “Bourgeoisie”. You can buy these Casadei suede over-the-knee boots from the store online at bourgeoisieshoes.com for $1370. Of course the word “can” has many connotations. So what DO you think of the boots?

 This YSL bootie is exquisite, AND has been a red carpet regular this season. There’s a reason. It looks as beautiful on as it does on its own on the shelf. The contrast between the shimmering elastic and the suede toe gives them an interesting overall texture, and just the few elastic straps criss cross in a flattering V shape at the front. The gravity-defying needle heel is placed against a unique black suede bottom sole–a demonstration how attention to minute detail is the difference between a shoe, an a work of art. Stubtly dazzeling! Buy the Yves Saint-Laurent elastic ankle bootie for $895 at SaksFifthAvenue.com and Luisaviaroma.

 
Kylie Minogue pairs the YSL bootie with a leather dress.