STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

I think my obsession with cowboy boots started with Friday Night Lights. After spending probably a full week doing nothing but watching back-to-back episodes on Netflix, I left with some very foreign obsessions with football, Texas and cowboy boots. Now being a non-athletic girl from San Francisco, I felt kind of uncomfortable with my first two newfound loves. Since I was in elementary school, I had learned to hate Texas with a burning passion and I had always found football boring and stupid. Thankfully, my last obsession was something I had always felt comfortable with: shoes.

From that moment, I would always go to the boot section of vintage stores hoping to find the perfectly worn in cowboy boot to accommodate my large feet. I had never considered visiting that section before because I wasn’t planning on going to that many country-themed parties back then (little did I know that would've been nice to prepare for).

But after watching Friday Night Lights, I realized that cowboy boots were very versatile and didn’t have to look like I was about to roll around in some hay. In fact, according to many designers this past year, cowboy boots are chic enough to wear on the runways. In Marc Jacobs spring 2012 line, models strutted down with his own metallic twist on this American classic. And this fall, Isabel Marant uses a slightly more traditional take on the cowboy boot and pairs it with feminine elements for her ready-to-wear collection.

This Fashionsta demonstrates a similar take on cowboy boots as Isabel Marant did in her collection, looking very chic yet still appropriate for a BBQ. Unfortunately, cowboy boots are usually best found in vintage stores or your mom’s closet. But if you want a pair fresh for your feet, you can always turn to the reliable Frye boot. And if you can’t bring yourself to look through all those vintage shops for your perfect boot or to drop all that cash for some Frye’s, just imagine the pure satisfaction you’ll get wearing cowboy boots the next time Wagon Wheel comes on. Totally worth it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

As it is popularly known, I have a particularly unhealthy obsession with boots. Right now, I have seven pairs of them, and an even a greater number of arguments with my mother about them. She gets desperate: “Do you really have to leave them that way?”. “That way” refers to the fact that the boots’ polish is gone a long time ago and it looks like the shoes are old and not taken care of.

The truth is that shoes — and clothes, and jewelry — have a history, and it is simply unfair to take them away. “Worn boots are living boots”, that’s my motto. So agrees today’s Fashionista. Dusty, old boots are the key piece of this outfit. Combining Klein blue skinny pants with a knit sweater and a bicolor postman bag, this Fashionista created the perfect ensemble to go on the road — a tomboyish flair that gets hints of femininity with her ombré-dyed hair and Impala camel nails.

One of these days these boots — and they might be the classic ones, the Dr. Martens’ ones, or even the studded ones, all from NASTY GAL – are gonna walk all over you. Are you ready boots? Start walking.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

As many of us know, trekking around Virginia Tech’s campus can be quite a feat. With all the construction going on in the parking lots, it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll have a long hike to get to all of your classes. Wearing shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in is key for making it through the day. What’s a better way to look trendy and comfortable than a pair of boots?

This Fashionista pairs her boots with jeans from New York and Company, a white scoop-neck shirt and a military-inspired jacket from Charlotte Russe. Her chunky flower necklace adds a touch of femininity to the outfit. Despite the trend of over the knee boots, she opted for a pair of mid-calf boots with buckle accents that are perfect for a day of classes. The boots pictured here are Shi by Journeys. The great thing about boots is that they really are worth purchasing because they are so versatile. They can be dressed up with a skirt and a blazer, or they can be dressed down with a pair of jeans and an oversized sweater.

Steve Madden boots are seen all over campus in a variety of heights and colors. The “Lindley” boot by Steve Madden is made with leather and has a synthetic sole. The heel height is about one inch and the boot rises 18 inches up your leg. These boots have a contrast zipper down the back of them, which makes them easy to put on and take off. If these boots are out of your price range, a more affordable option is the “Page” riding boot by MIA Shoes. They are very reliable, handmade boots that are perfect for everyday wear.

Find your favorite pair of boots and start walking!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Ok, so she’s not Nancy Sinatra, and no, she’s not trying to walk all over you (or anyone else for that matter), but you have to admit that this Fashionista is not messing around with this ensemble. Caught over the weekend on the way to meet friends, she definitely tackled the delicate balance between tough and feminine – leather and lace – and won.

So often, people assume that leather jackets are reserved for the Top Gun wannabes of the world or members of motorcycle gangs. And although this Fashionista is sporting an incredible pair of vintage Harley Davidson boots – scored from a thrift store in her hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina – there is nothing “wannabe” or “gang-like” about this outfit. Any harshness brought about by wearing a bold, well-fitted leather jacket was removed by the addition of the marigold lace top underneath. Leather and lace might sound contradictory to most people, but adding a feminine touch is key in making something as strong as a leather jacket more wearable and easy.

Leather jackets have been increasingly popular, especially during this fall/winter season. Derek Lam, Thakoon and Dsquared² have juxtaposed this classic jacket with elegant evening wear, paired it with a swingy day dress and even opted for an addition of flirty, ruffle details. Merging the bold look of leather with something feminine and refined will instantly make any outfit stand out. And although there is an abundance of beautiful lace tops and skirts this season, it won’t be hard to find other delicate blouses or dresses to pair with your leather duds. If you’re still itching to emulate this Fashionista’s look with the warm, leather, platform motorcycle boots (well, I can’t help you find the originals), there are plenty of alternatives that would be perfectly paired with any leather-infused ensemble.

So this winter season, don’t be afraid to pull out that leather jacket you’ve been dying to try. Couple it with a pair of platform boots or a feminine dress and go from there. It’s fair to say that from now on you won’t just see this iconic jacket on the “Pink Ladies” of Grease – just look around your campus.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: These Boots are Made for Walkin’

“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” –Ralph Lauren

For me, style is about taking timeless pieces and standard clothing objects and finding a way to make them my own — whether it be with accessories, modern twists or unexpected layers. And one of my very absolute favorite items to experiment with is boots!

Riding boots, rain boots, leather boots, ankle boots — they are all fantastic and a staple in any autumn and winter wardrobe. Boots have always been items that are really worth investing in. Paying a bit more money for some well-made, hand-crafted leather boots will always, always be worth it. Well-made boots last longer and are simply worth a few extra dollars for a pair that will be with you for years. And for autumn and winter, leather boots are often the best investment in your money. When it begins to snow, rain and precipitate in all sorts of weird ways, materials such as suede are nearly impossible to keep looking clean and fresh.

This Fashionista’s darling caramel leather boots from Zara are a perfect example of a great boot investment. A tall brown boot will match virtually any outfit, therefore they are perfect for traveling. The leather is well made and simple, yet with tiny details such as the adorable brogue print. The panel of elastic material along the side of the boot ensures that they will fit over not only tights, but thicker jeans and corduroys as well (and who doesn’t love a nice pair of corduroys in autumn?) Essentially, the simplicity with the additional tiny detail makes these boots fantastic for wearing every day. And here’s a hint: pick up some leather protector to spray on your shoes to keep them resistant from water or snow, which can be found at any hardware store.

If you’re looking for your own perfect pair of boots, Zara has a fabulous collection of well-made, reasonably priced boots; I can’t get over these equestrian style flat sole boots! J.Crew is also very wonderful about using high-quality Italian leather for their boots, which makes for a boot that will last you years — try the Booker Boot in Masala Chai (plus, Masala Chai might be my new favorite color ever!) And if you’d prefer your boot to have a slight heel, take a look at the Ralph Lauren Raeanne Vachetta riding boot.