The Boot, the Boot, the Boot, the BOOT! Cowboy (western) boot, rider (equestrian) boot, rain boot, desert boot, ankle boot (bootie), UGG boot (slipper), platform boot, wedge boot, wear-to-work boot, trend boot and for gosh sakes, the hiking boot. Did I miss anything?
Let's get one thing straight. I am by no means talking about hiking boots today, folks. I wouldn't even know where to begin, and also, some things are just practical and logical and those things most of the time, happen to be hideous. You just gotta bite the bullet and wear what is out there. If you are a hiker/fashionista, don't be silly and wear someting not practical; it just embarresses you. I promise. You can ask for forgiveness on judgement day. JUST KIDDING ;)
I digress... My go-to boots are the rider boot, the bootie and the trend boot. I have UGG boots but when I wear those I consciously say to myself, “I know I have elephant feet, but I just don't care today. Comfort and warmth are more important.” We are all allowed those days (If you haven't seen the YouTube Video about UGG boots, then let me bless your day with this: UGG YouTube).
I believe there really is a time, a place and a specific type of style that can pull off cowboy boots even if you're not: A) At a rodeo B) A country singer C) A part of 4H or D) Going line dancing. I think mid-calf cowboy boots look great with a certain type of Anthropologie summer dresses. I hope to not offend the cowboy boot lovers; I just think rider boots are a great city and suburban alternative.
Burberry on the Left and Chloe on the right!!
Rain boots: The Apple of our Portland eye. We need rain boots here. I really love what Steve Madden, Sperry and Hunter have done with the rain boot. I love times 10,000 what Chloe, MICHAEL Michael Kors and Burberry have done with rain boots as well. For some reason, I tolerate the Burberry boot much more than the Coach boot. I’m not a huge logo girl but prefer it over most bold rain boot patterns.
The rain boot I am most obsessed with right now is the boot that tries to not look like a rain boot at all, by Steve Madden. This is literally genius. FUNCTION , COMFORT & STYLE at its finest. Uh huh. Yup Yup Yup, it's true.
If you are not sure how to buy rain boots to fit into your Closet Story then ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I wear a lot of patterns (think jackets too) in my wardrobe? If so, then buy a solid colored rain boot.
2. Do I have a ton of basic, solid, non-patterned pieces (again, think jackets too) in my wardrobe? If yes, pick a rain boot with a pattern or design that you prefer. I would go mostly with a houndstooth, plaid or logo. Michael Kors does a tasteful logo rain boot. I am not a big fan of animal print rain boots; however, I am EXTREMELY particular about animal print so use this statement sparingly. I think it takes a very particular eye to pick out classy and rich looking animal prints without it being real- this applies to everything.
3. Do I want to save and consolidate boots? If yes, buy a rain boot that doesn't look like one (see above). You will then have a black boot and a rain boot. Who knew? I am feeling very thrifty right now!
And to think... I didn't even start this post to talk about rain boots. Well, I guess we learned I am kinda passionate about them. I am a puddle jumper by heart of course... I am an OREGONIAN.
Here are few things to look for in a boot, no matter the style:
1. Size matters (I said it): Avoid elephant feet. Fit the boot to your body and your style. Watch for over-sized heels and toes. You don't want to make your feet look bigger, EVER. The length of where the boot hits your ankle, calf or knee is very important. The boot should never squeeze your calf and create pudge. In fact, that should be a general rule for anything. Anything that squeezes you to create pudge = BAD.
2. Fabric matters: Invest in quality materials. A good pair of boots can last you forever. Honestly, boots are one of those things where you can really find quality for a good price, just watch for the brand. For instance, Cathy Jean actually has some great trend and rider boots from time to time. If maintained well, they remain nice over time. Feel the fabric, look at the stitching, check out the sole and for heaven’s sake- walk around in them. If you’re going to hook a somewhat cast-like structure to your foot, you might as well be comfortable.
3. Attachments and bling matters: If your boot has bling then you need to throw away your Dolly Parton posters and give up your days as a Rodeo Queen. I am serious. Bling is not studs or metal adornment. Bling is sparkly diamond-like things. Here is a good wake up call for all bling boot lovers. If you have bling on your boots, you might as well superglue individual Swarovski crystals to the back of your cell phone like a hello kitty loving 15-year-old. Thanks. (I am aware of my spiciness today and I'm 75% sorry). Look for boots with smaller buckles or minimal stud work. Let the details be there but not all-consuming.
Check out some of my fav boots of this fall:
For a riding boot that doesn't obliterate the bank:
For a riding boot that is more expensive, but not the usual designer expensive, I'd suggest:
Let's look at a couple great trend boots that aren't too stylized:
Everyone, here's a bootie. Bootie, here is everyone. Booties can be tricky, so watch out. You have to know appropriate ways to wear them, but I'm not giving out all my secrets today.
This is a trend boot because, well... it's a trend right now and who really knows how long society is going to accept us wearing boots that remind us of (remove heel and paint black) a drill sergeant in the army or your uncle Larry who wears that trench coat. BUT, I LOVE THEM, for now that is...
Ok loves, that was EXHAUSTING! Remind me to chat about the work boot sometime. That needs its own post.
Until next time,
- JRS
P.S. Stay tuned for The Closet Story's **NEW** Guest Bloggers! In December I will start introducing some fashionista's from all over the country, with all different backgrounds and all different ages. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.
No comments:
Post a Comment