How to Wear: Combat Boots March 30th, 2010 By

Combat boots aren’t just for the military anymore. The footwear trend emerged a couple years ago and won’t be retiring anytime soon. As a welcome alternative to sky-high stilettos (painful!) and ballet flats (boring!), combat boots instantly add edge to any outfit.  Here are four ways you can rock this trend:

1. Go grunge!
The grungy look so popular in the early ’90s is what combat boots were made for. Comb your closet (or find an excuse to go shopping) for a pair of acid wash jeans. Complete the look with a tank top and an oversized plaid shirt in a bold pattern, like this chic interpretation of a plaid button-down from Victoria’s Secret. Jeffrey Campbell’s allover studded combat boots give the outfit more of that messy, undone ’90s vibe!

Jeffrey Campbell All Stud Combat Boot, $275

Jeffrey Campbell All Stud Combat Boot, $275

2. Go trendy!
With a pair of combat boots like these Miss Me Lara Croft Boots, featuring metal hardware, buckles and straps, keep the rest of your ensemble simple for a very current look. Basic pieces, like a pair of slim black leggings and the perfect white V-neck tee, are ideal for these knee-high shoes. For a slightly dressier feel, throw on a blazer such as this Robert Rodriguez relaxed slit-back blazer in a deep blue shade.

Miss Me Lara Croft Combat Boots, $44.99

3. Go girly!
For all the girly-girls with an inner tomboy, combat boots offer the perfect counterbalance to your feminine dresses.  Try pairing your boots with  a cute floral frock- Nordstrom’s Frenchie dress is a great option – and and a cropped denim vest. The shoes offset the girliness of the outfit.

4. Go glam!
Who knew that combat boots could be glam? Envision Dr. Martens metallic gold combat boots paired with a black dress for a night out! Slip on a gown like BCBG Max Azria dress for a look that’s both sexy and casual. Accessorize with chunky gold jewelry like cuff bracelets or statement rings to finish off the outfit.

Dr. Martens Combat Boots, $79

 

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Shoe Cravings: Endless Shoes + Shoes under $100 March 3rd, 2010 By

Endless.com was built buy Amazon a few years ago in response to customer demand for a comprehensive portal for all things shoes and handbags. Since then, Endless has become one of the major go-to shoe sites on the web, supplying shoes at every price point for every type of shopper.

Fly London Lace Flat

Fly London Lace Flat, $93.47

Personally, I am an expert on Endless – I have been a big fan since their budding beta days! Shoes like these lace flats from Fly London keep me loyal.

Boutique 9 Charissa Over The Knee Boot

Boutique 9 Charissa Over The Knee Boot, $212.71

Most of the shoes available through Endless are priced less than their competition, like these Boutique 9 Charissa over the knee boots, available on Endless for $195 – they’re $203 elsewhere!

Ralph Lauren Uliani Spectator

Ralph Lauren Uliani Spectator, $349.95

Taryn Rose Babe Ballerina Flat

Taryn Rose Babe Ballerina Flat, $244.75

While Endless offers designers, such as Ralph Lauren and Taryn Rose, there are just as many stylish value-priced shoes.

Each of these terrific treats for your feets are priced under $100!

Yellow Box pandora sandal

Yellow Box Pandora Sandal, $61.99

Minnetonka Front Lace Knee Hi Boot

Minnetonka Front Lace Knee Hi Boot, $75.95

Harajuku Lovers Arosa Flat

Harajuku Lovers Arosa Flat, $84.95

Nine West Matador Peep Toe Pump

Nine West Matador Peep Toe Pump, $43.97

DV Dolce Vita Pete Ballet Flat

DV Dolce Vita Pete Ballet Flat, $35

1. Fly London Lace Flat $93.47

2. Boutique 9 Charissa Over The Knee Boot $195.90

3. Ralph Lauren Uliani Spectator $349.95

4. Taryn Rose Babe Ballerina Flat $244.75

5. Yellow Box Pandora Sandal $61.99

6. Minnetonka Front Lace Knee Hi Boot $75.95

7. Harajuku Lovers Arosa Flat $84.95

8. Nine West Matador Peep Toe Pump $43.97

9. DV Dolce Vita Pete Ballet Flat $35.00

And don’t forget that Endless offer free overnight shipping on all new styles, and always free return shipping and a 100% price guarantee!

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Shoe Cravings: Sweater Boots February 21st, 2010 By

UGG Classic Cardy Sweater Boot

UGG Classic Cardy Sweater Boot

While the retail world is talking about spring and summer lines, I’m still thinking about winter…because it IS winter.  That’s why cuddly and cozy footwear is the perfect antidote to below freezing temps. Sweater boots are cute and comfortable once you pick the right pair.

Choose a sweater boot with a reinforced heel like the Bearpaw Knit Sweater boot or UGG Classic Cardy boot.  This will keep your feet from sliding around too much inside the boot (unsightly and uncomfortable).

Worn over leggings or skinny jeans, they are the perfect relaxed-but-stylish companion to a short sweaterdress or long cowl-neck sweater.

Keep warm, but stay chic!

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Shop under $150: Riding Boots January 19th, 2010 By

Franco Sarto, $126 (33% off $189)

Franco Sarto, $126 (33% off $189)

The riding boot took the fall by storm in 2009, and remains a favorite for 2010.  It has become a versatile staple to any closet, and can now be found in so many different shades and styles.

Riding boots can be dressed up with some leggings and a mini-skirt, or worn over jeans for that classic casual look.  Either way, they are a great investment to add a bold statement to your everyday outfit. Don’t have over $500 to spend on a pair of boots?

Here are some great options for the classic riding boot that won’t break the bank!

I have a pair of these Franco Sarto Artist Collection Riding Boots.  They come in three colors: black, chocolate, and bark.  I love them because the distressed suede gives it a hint of that vintage look.  The 1½ stacked block heel gives me a little bit of much-needed height. You can now find them on sale at beso for  $126.90.

Cole Haan, $149 (50% off)

Cole Haan, $149 (50% off)

If you are looking for a sleeker look, the Cole Haan Air Petra Tall Riding Boot, may be a better fit. This boot has a smaller heel, and is embellished with hardware at the ankle in shiny nickel, sandshell or gunmetal.  These boots are also fully padded and has a leather sock lining, concealing the Nike Air technology.  You can now find this boot on sale at beso for $149.00 in black or creme.

Ralph Lauren, $119 (40% off)

Ralph Lauren, $119 (40% off)

The Ralph Lauren Stara Calfskin Riding Boot shows off the silhouette of a classic riding boot.  It has a  zipper closure on the inside calf, and decorative loop at the top edge.  The lug sole give it a rugged look, balanced by the subtly burnished shiny calfskin leather.  These boots come in dark brown or black leather and can be found on sale at beso for $119.99.

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Steve Madden, $94 (50% off)

Steve Madden, $94 (50% off)

The Steve Madden Hatch Knee Boot has a bit more detail than the typical riding boot.  Similar to the Franco Sarto boot, it has that vintage look created by the lived-in style of pieced together leather.  The pintucked detail of the leather adds another dimension of chic to the shoe.  This boot is also on sale, at beso for $94.90, and can be found in black or brown leather.

Shop these boots and more at beso!

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3 Ways to Pull a Simple Black Dress Together December 18th, 2009 By

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

How do you make a simple black dress look fresh and on trend?  It’s all about the accessories.  A plain black dress is a blank canvas that you can accessorize to fit any trend.  There is a reason that the little black dress is an essential.  It’s timeless.

How should you accessorize right now?

Here are 3 ways:

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

An amazing pair of shoes.  Very bright, embellished shoes need to be paired with something simple and dark-colored that won’t compete with them.  An LBD is the perfect companion for a pair of purple or red boots and black tights.  These Balmain boots are the perfect example.  With shoes this hot, you can get away with a simpler dress.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

A fabulous belt.  There are so many different kinds of belts available, and each can give your dress a very different look. Go with a skinny belt for a romantic, understated look.  Try a bright color or animal print for a little more impact.  To really emphasize your waist, wear a wide belt, like this studded belt from Michael Kors.

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Jewelry.  A statement necklace and/or bracelets will work better with a simple dress than something that is over-embellished.  A necklace like this Kenneth Jay Lane one can be paired with some plain silver bangles. A bib necklace like this one from The Limited should be worn without other jewelry.  You can also choose to pair some long earrings with bracelets.  We like the gold leaf earrings, above, from Chan Luu.  They’d be the perfect boho-chic companion to a skinny gold belt.

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Get This Look: Fall Transitions with Elle Macpherson November 9th, 2009 By

Get Elle Macpherson's Fall Transition Look

Get Elle Macpherson's Fall Transition Look

We love this look where Elle Macpherson pairs a flowy dress with a warm winter vest.  This season, there’s no need to retire your summer dresses if you follow our style advice.  Invest in a pair of riding boots, like the Celine boots we’ve found here.  These boots bring a whole lot of fall into your summer dress collection, especially when worn with a pair of opaque tights or leggings.  Grab a pair of oversized shades to shield your eyes from the sun and you’ve got  a fresh new look for the season!  Get this look…

Tibi Cherry Printed Dress $117

Tibi Cherry Printed Dress, $117

Celine Boots $1,450

Celine Boots, $1,450

Vince Cashmere Sweater Vest $200

Vince Cashmere Sweater Vest, $200

Chloe Oversized Saskia Sunglasses $355

Chloe Oversized Saskia Sunglasses, $355

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Shoe Cravings: Shoes in Every Hue October 9th, 2009 By

Spice up any outift with bold, colorful shoes

Spice up any outfit with bold, colorful shoes

Anyone that knows me can tell you I’m a huge fan of bold color.  Whether I’m shopping for scarves, cardigans, or curtains, I’m drawn to rich vibrant shades of orange, purple, green, yellow and red.  Maybe it’s because I get bored easily and need to shake things up, or maybe because I’m the youngest of five and sometimes need to grab attention: either way, I love to add splashes of bright color to any outfit.

My favorite colorful accessory is an eye-catching pair of shoes.  Don’t get me wrong, I keep plenty of basic blacks and browns in my repertoire, but I can’t live without at least one pair of luscious purple pumps or spicy orange flats to mix things up once in a while.  Why not live out the latest trend with a pair of sexy red suede ankle boots?

A pair of juicy orange flats can brighten any day

A pair of juicy orange Michael Kors flats can brighten any day

Living in Los Angeles, I miss out on leaves changing color every fall (which totally makes me homesick for the Midwest), but at least I can keep that color scheme alive with fabulous footwear.

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Shop under $40: Western Boots October 7th, 2009 By

The Western Boot is the perfect addition to a casual outfit.  It works beautifully with a cute top and skinny jeans or a denim skirt.  Get a cute, cheap pair for weekends.

Charlotte Russe offers two affordable options:

charlotte-russe-slouchy-cowboy-boots

Charlotte Russe Suede Cowboy Boots

A slouchy brown faux leather pair ($39.99), that will look perfect with a casual denim skirt or a ruffled dress and denim jacket.

And, a suede version ($34.99) of the cowboy boot that will dress up dark jeans or look gorgeous over brightly colored or textured tights.

Madden Girl Stirrup Western Boot

Steve Madden’s Madden Girl line always offers on-trend bargains.  The Stirrup western boot ($39.94) is classic and stylish enough to pass for a much pricier Frye boot.

When it comes to cheap thrills, it doesn’t get much better than a great pair of boots for less than $40.

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