ShareThisBy JUDIE SCHWARTZ and EVELINDA URMAN
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Evelinda: "These boots are made for walking" ... NOT! My new brown boots are killing me. And you know, I can take a lot of pain. But, I tough it out because when I feel a particularly bad twinge, I just look down at my gorgeous boots and I get over it.
Judie: I'll be pushing you in a wheelchair around the Home for Aging Fashionistas. But I do agree with you. I love my boots, blisters and all, as have people throughout history. Boots date back to 12,000-15,000 BC. According to Cameron Kippen, an Australian professor at Curtin University of Technology, even though boots are the most practical of shoes, they are the only form of footwear not worn by peasants. That's because historically, boots were indicators of high social status.
Evelinda: Did you know that boots are the only footwear to have reached the moon? Where are those boots now? Floating in space. The astronauts were forced to toss theirs into outerspace to avoid returning with any moon germs on the soles. 2006 is the year of the boot. Three styles have emerged this season as must-haves: Equestrian, ankle and knee-high.
Equestrian: Back in style thanks to Madonna and her horse fetish, these low-heeled, calf-length boots look great over skinny pants or jeans and with long skirts. Just because the style looks Western, doesn't mean you have to dress like a cowgirl. Try tucking dressy slacks into a pair of lace-up style equestrians or wear the boots with a business suit.
Ankle: Traditionally worn with slacks, ankle boots have come out from underneath the pant to claim a fashion slot all their own. This style looks very chic with knee-length skirts, especially pencil styles. Ankle boots are the perfect complement to this year's hosiery trends. Pair boots with, textured, patterned, colored and fishnet style leggings and tights. This year's most popular style is round-toed and platformed.
Mid-calf to Knee-high: The most versatile of styles, these look good with anything. The trendiest this season are those with wedge and stacked heels.
Style Matters favorite places to buy boots on a budget:
_ 9 West: Their boots are great knock-offs of designer platform heel styles plus the very popular animal prints. Price ranges: $99 to $230 with frequent sales.
_ Bakers: Starting at $59.99, Bakers has a great collection of designer-inspired boots from different manufacturer such as Wild Pair, Baby Phat and Carlos Santa.
_ Aldo's: Regular boots start at $79. If you're feeling flush, wait for the higher-end Aldo Collection of boots to go on sale ( regular prices: $199-$400).
_ Payless Shoes: Payless shoes are always current and you can't beat the price starting at $19.99. Check out designer Laura Poretzky's new boot line at about $45.
(Judie Schwartz and Evelinda Urman write on corporate office wear and the art of personal style. E-mail them at stylematters(at)comcast.net.)
