No outfit is ever complete without the perfect pair of shoes. The wrong ones can ruin a flawless look and the right ones can bring any style to brand new heights. With that thought in mind, as the season changes so do shoes (except for the really good ones which are always timeless or the one you spent five paychecks on. Those you make timeless by keeping them in your closet until they become vintage).
For Fall ’09 shoe trends were all across the board. Hermés was just one of the many designers that showcased the over the knee or thigh high boots. They used to be known as hooker boots, now they’re major. Get used to it. For a daring look, go for the JS by Jessica Fembot Over the Knee Boot ($99.95) from DSW. Dark tights and a demure mini dress (no cleavage, please) will keep it fashionable and not slutty. For a safer choice, go for a flat style like Sugar Women’s Xanadoo Canvas Boot ($27.47) or Chinese Laundry’s ‘Trust Me’ Over the Knee Boot ($99.95) paired with leggings and a loose top.
The other option in the boots department is the biker bootie. William Rast’s runway had them paired with jeans and later that week Jessica Biel wore them with pretty much everything else (another major benefit of dating Justin Timberlake). The Wanted Women’s Throttle Boot ($49.99) is a similar style with a much smaller price tag. The Women’s Mossimo Supply Co. Katherine Leather Engineer Boots hit mid-calf and are a little tougher while Payless’ American Eagle Paige Bootie ($37.99) offers a touch of femininity by having a heel.
Another way to balance the tough and sweet are studded details. The Patent Trim Stud Pump or Alloy’s Studded Booties ($46.90) are showstoppers while flats like the AE Suede Studded Flat ($19.95) or the Naughty Monkey Exhibit A ($49.99) are more wearable on a day-to-day basis.
Other textured details like ruffles and bows were also abundant as the models tip-toed their way down the runways. Charlotte Russe’s Suede Ruffled Bootie ($32.99) is a good pick as well as the Bethany Heel ($32.90) which channel’s Louis Vuitton’s example of eye-catching color, turning the shoe into a statement piece. DSW’s SM Stella Pointed Toe Ruffle Flat ($44.95) can have the same effect in the work place.
Finally, vintage shoes are always the best. They’re unique and they’re usually cheap at consignment stores. If you don’t have the time to sift through racks or has an “other people’s germs” problem (hey, it’s ok, we all have our issues) then go for a 1940′s inspired but 21st century made pair like the Novela Wonder Grey and Blue Color Block Mary Jane Heel ($29) or the Intertwined Strappy Sandals ($26.99).
Bonus: A sky high pair of pumps is always a must and the London Stilettoes are simply to die for.
