BEAUTIOUS BOOTS!

As the seasons change and I re-organize my closet of shoes and other nonsense I rarely wear- I pull out the boots for fall and winter.  What typically defines a boot is “footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg” but that’s now false (silly Webster) as more recently, boots are made with holes in them which ads a whole new side of sexy to the footwear.

Nevertheless, boots come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.  Some boots are made for walking and others are definitely not (well, long distances at least). This post looks at the variations of this so-called “boot” form of footwear and picks out some of my favorites from each category. I’ve done my research and to my knowledge all of the boots you can find on heels.com for cheaper than anywhere else, Zappos, etc….Also, use this link to receive free shipping and free returns on every order through heels.com!

Peek-a-boots…

The Lia Heel Boot by Marciano (above) mix soft grey suede mixed with a textured blue and gold leather center detail. Features cut outs the toe and at the sides and brings laces along the side zipper and double buckles about two cut outs. 4 ½ inch heel and ½ inch platform.  Even cuter on…

The Elmira Boott in Black by NYLA features an open toe, 4 ¼ inch heel and 1 inch platform that will surely make a statement.

Slouchy Boots…

The Collins Boot by Naughty Monkey boots, above, in a deep chocolate leather with nice slit fold-over top, slouchy leg, rounded toe and comfortable 3 inch wedge heel.

Dee Lish Boot by diba features rich brown leather and a comfy 1 inch heel.

The Rianna Boot by Kelsi Dagger features a rounded toe and 1 inch heel.

Cowgirl Boots…

The Jessica Simpson “Alan Boot” features a 4 ½ inch wooden stacked heel.

Younger Cowgirl Boot by Guess is a fashionable knee boot with a 3 1/2 inch stacked heel

Riding Boots…

Paige RidingBoots by Frye have a ¼ inch stacked heel in black.

Thigh high boots…

The Harper Boot is a 3/4 inch heel by report shown above- super comfy. Made out of soft, comfortable grey suede from the rounded toe to the oversize fold-over leather cuff and can be worn pulled up or folded down…

The Junee Boot by L.A.M.B. features smooth black leather with a stitching and stud detail at the back of the boot. This thigh boot offers a sexy side zipper along with a 4 ½ inch stiletto heel and ½ inch hidden platform.

Furry Boots…

The Furball Boot: Super comfortable and fuzzy warm boots by Nine West.  Pair with leggings it looks adorable!

Buckle Boots…

Karma Boot (above) by Paris Hilton.  Really digging the change in color which adds a pop and easier to match with a black purse than some random tan color….

Betsy Boots…

Betsyville boots called the Oxia Boot has a ½ inch wedge adds extra comfort.

Barcode Boots…

By Harajuku Lovers. The Attica Boot features a black and white printed fabric upper with a rounded faux leather toe, three buckles at the calf, and a Harajuku Lovers heart charm for a touch of sweetness. You will find yourself break dancing in these fab boots.

Ok, you get the point and I’m starting to get a bit off track going into bar-code boots and all.  Let me know if you have questions and remember to take advantage of the free shipping and free returns though heels.com!

Stay Sassy!

TallShortGirl

Knockoff or Not?: Madden & Louboutin

Steve Madden comes out with a pump very similar in design to the Dillian Pump, a very popular Spring 2009 collaboration with Christian Louboutin and Phillip Lim. Hot or Neon pink is another big trend for Fall 2009 which is also incorporated into this hot selling pair of Madden hells called “Fiestaa”

vs.

Steve Madden’s “Fiestaa”                  Louboutin’s “Dillian Flower”

Copy-cat, bad knock off, or am I just seeing things? It is arguable.

Stay Sassy,
TallShortGirl

The Evolution of Footwear in America- starting with Columbus Day!

As the story is told, in 1492 Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue and accidentally ended up in America – were he met the Algonquians.  Obviously, traditional European dress varied extremely from traditional Native American dress.  One of those differences was footwear.  While Native American apparel varied greatly from tribe to tribe- one thing remained relatively common- the footwear as most tribes wore what we call “moccasins.” Interestingly enough, if you look at all the drawings from Europeans first coming in contact with Native Americans- you will see that nearly all the illustrations show Native Americans barefoot- wonder why? Nevertheless,   this post, randomly inspired by Columbus Day, focuses on moccasins – Moccasin history and various styles with all their comfortable glory.

Moccasin History:
(Information from MarieShoes.com – the moccasin, slippers, and boot specialists)

While Native American Apparel varied greatly from tribe to tribe- the one  nearly universal element was the moccasin.  The word “moccasin” comes from an Algonquian word (also spelled mocasin, mocassin, moccassin, mocassions,or mocussin, depending on the language and transcriber), but that is only because Algonquians were the first Indians encountered by Europeans–they were used as footwear from Sonora to Saskatchewan Native Americans.  While the term  “moccasins” may be understood and accepted by all of them at this point, most Indian tribes have their own native word for them.

American Indian moccasins were originally made of soft leather stitched together with sinew. Though the basic construction of Native American moccasins was similar throughout North America, moccasin patterns were subtly different in nearly every tribe, and Indian people could often tell each other’s tribal affiliation simply from the design of their shoes. (In fact, the common names of some large nations like the Blackfoot and the Chippewas refer to their characteristic moccasin styles.) Tribal differences included not only the cut of the moccasins but also the extensive beadwork, quillwork, and painted designs many Indian people lavished on their shoes. In some tribes hardened rawhide was used for the sole for added durability, and in others rabbit fur (or, later, sheepskin) was used to line the leather moccasins for added warmth.

Since then, however, the style has evolved somewhat into a very adorable form of footwear today: the moccasin.  The beauty of the shoes is that they are so comfortable- they’re feel slippers (lots of slipper style moccasins that are ridiculously comfortable and warm).  Yet, the shoes if worn right can be a very trendy and sexy statement.  Check these out:

For those vegan friendly enthusiasts that like the moccasin inspired style but don’t like the tanned leather- check out these VEGAN Chocolate Wrap Boot by Toms

So comfortable and quite stylish.  Thank you Native Americans for these amazing contributions to footwear.

Stay Sassy,

TallShortGirl

High Heel Phones…check it out

Talked about on Technabob, this shoe phone is a silly little collectors item for silly little short people like me…

Stay Sassy,

TSG

Snuggie Fashion Show

If this isn’t Runway Comedy, I do not know what is.  That’s right, Snuggie-  that ridiculous blanket had a fashion show at NY Fashion Week this year.  Check it out:

For those of you who do not know what a “Snuggie” is- check out the videos:

Ellen on Snuggie:

Snuggy Parody:

Stay…Snuggy?

TSG

Beckham launches dress collection at Fashion Week NYC

Victoria Beckham was not only the posh spice but her clothes are pretty posh themselves. Reflecting her own sense of style and love of sleek sillouettes she daybeud her line at NY Fashion Week (now called Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week- which I still forget to call it!) in front of a more low-key small audience.

You can see her own personal style in every piece as its almost like she just did it for herself (which I believe she told another reporter she did).  All these celebs using their own cash and fame to start their own brands and put their names on shoes, etc makes me with it was so easy for me to do the same, sigh.  There are certain celebs style I could care less for but despite all the attention she gets from the press I must say I appreciate her designs as I believe she truly does view fashion as a form of her own personal expression and not as a way to put her name on something and sell millions to a mass market of wannabes (no judgment, just saying).  So the real question I have is: when is the Mary Kate and Ashley Collection coming out? (Serious, I love those twinsies sense of style)

Stay Sassy,

TSG

Designer Spotlight: Chau Har Lee

I’m a flower freak, there…I said it.

Kelsi Dagger

4 3/4 ” of an inch of pure flirt. I’ve talked about shoes with a floral theme before and I guess I’m starting to learn something about myself: I’m a total flower freak, I love them. Something about putting a flower on a stiletto just says, “I’m a princess.” I think that’s why. Or, perhaps it is because I get a little antsy when I haven’t received any flowers from a man lately?…hmmm. (hint, hint) Either way. I love, love, love the flower situation with these Kelsi Dagger shoes. You can get get them from “> heels.com, and don’t worry because you get free second day shipping AND free returns (in the US) if they don’t quite fit like you hoped they would.

Stay Sassy,

TallShortGirl

Ten T-Straps that Talk For You

Want to make a point but not quite sure how to make it?

Look no further. Its all in the shoes. I’ve selected ten fantastic T-Strap shoes that will do the talking for you.

J.Garten shoe above.

To explain why I chose T-Straps I will start with an analogy, T-Straps are to Sexy as Mary Janes are to Adorable. Why? A number of reasons. For instance, the shoe design is simple yet functional and there is something luring about the strap running up the top of your foot. Just like the rule of “showing skin” applies to clothing, it also applies to footwear.  By this, I mean, show the skin that’s appropriate and use clothing (and footwear) to literally- tease the eye. Drawing the eye up with the strap- downright sexy.  The perfect balance of classy and sexy makes it one of my absolute favorite styles. Nevertheless, there is a T-Strap for every statement.  If you see something you like, just click on it for a closer look.

1. I’m confident, smart, and creative- don’t mess with me. These shoes are for a woman that says what she means and means what she says. I would wear this with dark skinny jeans and a black top or a long slimming black dress to some place new and artsy- i.e. gallery opening, new restaurant, etc.  Or I would wear this if I just felt like saying, my shoes are loud, I’ve got attitude, you got a problem with that?

2.  I may not be smarter than you, but my shoes are. People get senile so brains go away, looks go away, everything goes away. One of the only things that people really can keep forever is their style and hopefully, their wardrobe. Thus, I would wear these shoes if I knew I would be seeing someone who thinks they’re smarter than me and always tries to be-little my awesome insights.  The point being- you may be book smart, but I’m style smart and really, that’s a million times more valuable.

3.  I’m a Rockstar, so don’t try to keep up, you’ll hurt yourself sweetheart… These are so confident and oh-so bold. If I saw a girl at a party wearing these I would be watching her all night because she would be the first one to start dancing on the coffee table. If you’re going to wear these, be ready for a fun night and a lot of attention.

4.  I’m simple, yet complicated, and undeniably gorgeous. The lines are classic, yet unique.  The buckle is small and simple.  The monochromatic color can even blend with the foot from a distance.  Beautiful, simple, and for any woman who wants to instantly feel like “a natural woman”…

5.  I am one sexy mother f*er who is in the mood to make some naughty decisions tonight. If you want to say- I’m hot, single (or just bored of my current relationship) and you should probably buy me a drink tonight- these are you’re shoes. Whenever I wear red shoes- I always get free drinks: coincidence?- I think not.

6.  I’m kind of a big deal so you’re lucky to be hanging out with me. This shoe is for a more high- maintenance mama.  They are downright stunning and definitely for an occasion where you want to show off a little. If you’re wearing them out for a girls night, they definitely say that you’re the hot one of the group and you know it (there’s always a “hot” one).  If you’re wearing them out on a dinner date they say, “I’m having the most expensive thing on the menu, I’ll probably only eat a bite, and you’re paying for it .”

7.  I’m the classiest female in the room- hands down. The moment I laid eyes on these, I fell in love. These shoes make me want to wear Ralph Lauren, pearls,  and tie a sweater around my neck- no joke.  There are tons of cute little details that don’t do the picture justice so click on them to get a better look.  They are adorable, comfortable, and pure feminine class.

8.  I’m short, sassy, and I’ve got sh*t to do. I usually wear flats when I’m in a no-nonsense mood. Heels naturally take more energy to dress, wear, and walk in; thus, if I feel like my day is going to be filled with running errands, standing, or other practical serious things I usually wear flats.  These ones are very comfortable, still trendy and feminine.

9.  I’m so sexy, I should probably be illegal.  In fact you can’t even look at me unless your over the age of 18 I’m so hot. If you think these shoes look hot in the picture,  you may just fall in love with yourself all over again if you put them on.  Wear them out to dinner with a little black dress if you want to say, I’m dangerously sexy so buy me jewelery.


10. People love me and I’m pretty much to cutest female on the planet. A natural snake print upper features a silver leather trim with a peep toe front detailed with a luscious t-strap design attached to an adjustable ankle strap sitting above a 3/4 inch stacked platform and silver 4 inch heel. The shoes are downright adorable and even comfortable.  I saw a girl wearing these in a restaurant bathroom one time and I almost asked her to go out with me on a date so she could meet my parents I fell so in love.  Point being- they’re adorable and feminine.

Note to the shorter and the wiser - Take note of how you wear the shoes. Due to the fact that the design puts a strap around the ankle, shorter ones should pair the shoes with bottoms that are more slimming and elongating to avoid a choppy effect of the ankle strap. Bottom line, avoid tight mini skirts and capris- it will make your legs look shorter.

Stay Sassy,
TSG

Heels that could kick some ass. . .

I once went to this self defence seminar in college where the instructor told the women in the room that if we were ever put into a situation where we needed to defend ourselves- one of our best weapons can potentially be our awesome footwear.  He’s right.  They can kick ass in more ways then one. Rar.

The step by step plan for using your heels as weapons is this:

Step 1: Spray the bastard with mase or perfume or anything that they might think is mase to potentially distract them.

Step 2: Remove your beautiful footwear.  (Strappy ones are harder so hopefully you’ve sprayed a lot of mase)

Step 3: Hit the bastard with your shoes relentlessly until you’ve had enough or he’s had enough- this depends on how pissed you are usually. (Focus on using the pointy part of your heel, this may be used to jab into their eyes of groin area in a stabbing manner).

Step 4: Strike a wonder woman pose and then run like hell (This is significantly easier when you don’t have heels on; hence, the beauty of step 2).

Now, here are some shoes for the upcoming season that I think could kick some serious asault ass.

Balenciaga, Fall ‘09 awesomeness:

As always, architecturally awesome!

BCBG Max Azria Fall ‘09:

Yves Saint Laurent:

Love the shoes, but lets just hope you’re never in the position to have to use ‘em to defend yourself, k? Anyone who tries to mess will definately get a stiletto kick to the jollies that’s for sure!

Stay Sassy,

Tall Short Girl