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 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.

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.

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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.