Hello Indianapolis Fashionistas,
A new season is upon us, and I am looking at all the catalogs and online sites and chomping at the bit. I want to buy it all. Of course, I can’t do that, so I really try to think about what I feel I need for the season and some “treats” to round out my basics. I will also give you some of my favorite show brands.
Boot Tips From Your Indianapolis Personal Stylist
I do believe every woman should own a black chunky boot with a substantial heel. At least 2 inches or higher. This is an investment boot you will wear from season to season, so don’t be afraid to drop some money on it. The foot should be comfortable–yes there are options out there–and you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Look at some boots by White Mountain, Ugg, Stuart Weizman, Mark Fisher, and others. I really like to try these on in the store, walk around in them. At times, I even wear the outfit that I want them to coordinate with. This can be a bootie or a knee-length boot. Please don’t make the mistake of buying a very low heel bootie and think you can wear it with everything in your wardrobe this winter. You can’t. Low-heel booties are a great casual boot, and we all need them. But, when you wear them with certain more dressy items such as a sheath or skirt, they look dumpy. Don’t be caught in this trap. Wear your higher heel bootie or knee-length boot with these items.
Okay, I have digressed again. Onward — the second boot you need is the low-heel bootie. You don’t have to have black — try a grey, rust, orange or burgundy suede. You can wear these with all your jeans and some casual dresses.
The other boots I recommend you adding to your wardrobe are fun or statement boots. Like cowboy boots the way I do? Add a brown or burgundy pair — or maybe a light camel or brown/turquoise pair. Wear them and smile!
Other statement boots that are dominating the stores right now are in velvet, brocade, fur and even very light colors such as cream. These boots are something fun to add to your wardrobe, after you have the shape boots mentioned above. I have been looking at some brocade boots for some time. I might even buy the velvet/brocade boot, and then I’ve hit two trends! You don’t have to pay as much for these boots since you know they will go out of style eventually. But I caution you to not buy too cheap — remember boots can hurt your feet; if they are not well made you might fall, break a bone, etc. My rule of thumb is your age. If you are over 40, you should not be buying boots at Payless or Walmart.
My favorite places to buy shoes are Nordstrom, Von Maur, Macy’s and Carson’s. Sometimes Talbots and Ann Taylor have nice, basic shoes. Online I like 6 pm, Frye, Boden and Shoe Mall.
Another basic shoe here I love — which is not a boot — is the leopard pump. It’s just a cool touch to add to a very basic outfit, especially if you wear black. Try it out!!
Photos:
1) Jessica Simpson; 2) Stuart Weizman; 3) burgundy booties, SARTO by Franco Sarto 4) Peep-toe booties, Bella Vita; 5) Beige boots, Stuart Weizman; 6) Velvet print boots, Steve Madden.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, Indianapolis Personal Stylist
