Shoes | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Feb 17, 2012

5 Boots to Kick You Into Spring Gear

February 17, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

There may still be some of the white stuff on the ground, and the weather may still be somewhat chilly, but it's never too early to look ahead to spring. Maybe it'll even help you get through the rest of the winter! And you know that with the spring season, of course, comes the colorful, vibrant fashions to boost your mood and get you ready to get back to the great outdoors!

Your toes may be chilly now, even in your tall, fuzzy winter boots, but let's think ahead for a little bit so you're ready for the best boots that will be hitting the runways this coming spring season.

The Ankle Boot

These aren't your average granny boots anymore - ankle boots are in super high fashion for this coming spring. They're the perfect transition between your warm, wintery boots to your summertime flip flops!

Flat ankle boots appear to be the trend this year. They can be worn with skirts, dresses, shorts or pants - pretty much anything you can imagine. Look for boots with a slouchy look that feature belts or buckles of some sort as these will be most in demand this spring. The best news of all is that ankle boots tend to be less expensive than their knee-high counterparts, so you'll be saving your bank and looking cute in this spring fashion trend!

High-Heeled Rain Boots

You heard right! The classic rain boots that we've come to know and love over the past few years are not being manufactured with high heels.

If you're in the market for some high-heeled rain boots, try looking at the ones with the chunkier heels first, as these will likely be more stable in the mud and slop you're used to plodding around in with your normal rain boots. Once you're used to the added height, switch to the ones they're making now with the stiletto heels for somewhat of a sexier look (how sexy can you really make rain boots look, though, honestly?).

High-heeled rain boots are really making a splash in fashion this spring - the ones being featured in some early spring fashion shows are even being displayed on a muddy runway! Sounds dangerous, but looks so cute.

Floral Boots

Not surprised to see that floral is back for yet another spring season? Neither are we. But this year, it's not so much about a pop of all-around floral design on boots as it is about accents of color to otherwise ordinary boots.

Look for low boots this spring in neutral colors with small details of floral pattern - maybe on the tongue of the boot or in the detailing at the toe.

If you're on a budget and still want this look, easy as this - take an old pair of plain boots, get yourself some floral printed fabric, use a super sticky glue to attach the floral to the parts of the boot you decide to enhance, and cut away the excess fabric with an exacto knife. Voila. Perfect spring boots from nothing!

Bright Colors

Whip out your new pair of bright blue pants, because now you can add a pair of hot pink boots to go with them! Yes, neon is making a comeback this spring, and may even be rivaling the springtime rein of pastel colors.

Look for boots in all kinds of funky colors this spring - from hot pink to lime green to sunshine yellow to fire engine red - you name it, there will be boots out in that color!

If you're the type to keep dull colors in your closet, try going for something new this year when the sun comes back around and add a pop of color to your feet. Neon boots will be the perfect way to do it.

Moccasin Boots

They're not quite moccasins, and they're not quite boots, either. Moccasin boots are the perfect combination of the two classic styles.

They reach just above the foot, but not quite all the way to the ankle, so they're perfect for wearing with any type of bottom.

These babies used to be made mostly with square toes, but for 2012, the general shoe trend seems to be leaning back toward pointed toes, so we may start seeing some moccasin boots cut the same way.

With heels or flat, moccasin boots can be a great accessory to a slouchy, relaxed look you've thrown together for a perfect spring day in the park!

Ashley Dean is a freelance writer who often contributes to fashion publications. She owns and operates her own footwear store in New York, selling everything from Wolverine boots to Louis Vuitton stilettos.

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Filed Under: Accessories, Shoes Tagged With: Accessories, Boots, Fashion

Dec 5, 2011

Footwear Fashion for Winter

December 5, 2011 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Boots are one of the fall’s hottest outerwear trends. Boots come in a plethora of styles and varieties that can be suited to each person’s budget and personality. Every woman should own a pair of boots because they are an essential component to a well-rounded winter wardrobe. Boots can be styled in a number of ways and can be paired with pants, skirts and dresses. Though they do tend to be pricey, most women can find a basic boot within a reasonable price range. If you can’t afford a pair of over-the-knee boots, save money and buy a similar pair of ankle boots instead. Or wait until the off-season to purchase your favorite equestrian or lace-up boots at a discount. If you’re looking to get a handle on which boots you should be sporting this season, familiarize yourself with the latest looks in Fall 2011 footwear.

Ankle Booties

In addition to being one of the most wearable shoe trends for fall and winter, ankle boots are often a less expensive boot option. When paired with legging, leather pants or skinny jeans, ankle booties can highlight the leg, drawing attention to your best assets.

Equestrian Boots

Equestrian boots may serve as a necessity for horse riders and equine lovers, but they’re a must-have item for boot-loving fashionistas. Equestrian boots are marked by their rounded toe, tall boot shaft and buckle details, which are usually made from brushed silver, pewter or brass metals. These boots are generally made of quality leather and can be purchased in black, brown or gray color schemes. These types of boots are a great option to wear with a leather or military-inspired jacket.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots are both a functional and super sexy boot choice. While tricky to wear without invoking Julia Roberts circa Pretty Woman, the over-the-knee boot can be properly styled for a chic and sophisticated appearance. Try pairing your over-the-knee book with a calf-length skirt for a modest approach. Or, if you want to be daring, wear your over-the-boots with leather pants or textured leggings. Over-the-knee boots can be quite the investment, so be sure to find them on sale at your favorite retail location or online.

Motorcycle Boots

Also inspired by the recent menswear tend, motorcycle boots have made a comeback for women as well as men. Biker boots are usually embellished with thicker soles, buckles, grommets, chains and other metal adornments. If you can’t imagine yourself in a combat boot, try borrowing from this style with a biker-inspired ankle bootie.

To-the-Knee Boots

Tall boots, or to-the-knee boots, are the perfect accessory for women who live in cold climates. When you purchase your to-the-knee-boot, be sure to select one made from quality materials such as suede or leather. Go for a pair in basic black, brown or gray and be sure to select a stacked heel instead of a skinny heel. If you’re looking for a basic boot, go with a simple design. If you want to jazz up your boot collection, opt for a Victorian-era lace up boot. While you might be inclined to purchase a boot with a stiletto heel, opt for a sturdier heel option to give yourself traction in the wintry weather.

Snow Boots

If you plan to engage in winter sports activities, be sure to have the proper footwear. For your next winter trip, bring along a pair of tall snow boots. Snow boots are heavy duty and superior to your standard tall boot in terms of function because they work overtime to keep your legs and feet warm in heavy snow. Many times, these types of shoes are made from suede and include a sheepskin or shearling lining for maximum comfort and warmth.

Post written by Sara Woods, who writes for Coupon Croc. Shop online with Shoes.co.uk discount codes and save on the latest shoe trends this season.

Filed Under: Accessories, Shoes Tagged With: Boots, Fashion, Shoes

Jul 8, 2011

The Most Outrageous Celebrity Heels

July 8, 2011 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I'm as in love with my heels as the next girl, especially when I'm having a 'short day', but there's a time when you just have to say - come on! I'm talking about the trend for massive heels, the ones that are so tall it makes you wince just looking at them. Ok, maybe 10 inch heels make you look taller, slimmer or sexier for a few seconds - but it only works if you're standing still. As soon as anyone tries to walk in ridiculous heels, all the sexiness is gone, because they are hobbling along trying to stop themselves from tipping over. Sexy? I don't think so.

Still, it doesn't seem to stop the world's models, popstars and attention grabbers. You only have to open a gossip mag to find some poor girl strapped into a pair of sky scrapers, trying to look cool and obviously terrified of taking a tumble in front of the paps. I've had some inadvisable shoes over the years, but there's only so far you can go before they start looking silly - even when you've got a bunch of money and the best wardrobe it can buy.

Just have a think about the celebrities who've fallen foul to towering footwear over the years. First on the list has to be supermodel Naomi Campbell. Way back in 1993, she took a tumble on Paris Catwalk in a pair of 10 inch Vivienne Westwood platforms and collapsed in a fit of giggles. But did that stop her from strapping herself into crazy shoes? Not likely.

Next on my list has to be Victoria Beckham, once known as Posh Spice. In fact, she wasn't the only Spice Girl to indulge in some strange footwear. Back in the day, they could regularly be seen sporting some really chunky platform trainers - thank goodness that fad has passed. But Victoria hasn't left the days of silly shoes behind her, in fact she's more of a fiend for height than ever - if her heels collection is anything to go by. She's even said she can't concentrate when she's wearing flat shoes, which I suppose explains the time she wore high heeled trained to a football match.

Still though, she has been rumoured to be suffering from bunions as a result of her giant heels, which I think just goes to show that high heels can definitely be too high! Try telling that to Lady Gaga though. That's one star who definitely likes to make a scene and I have to say that she wears some of the craziest shoes I've ever seen. Occasionally, she'd pop up in something gorgeous, but a lot of the time her feet are hidden away in bizarre creations - such as huge platforms that mean she has to teeter-totter along. But I suppose she has enough staff in her entourage to help her out if she takes a tumble.

Personally, I think I'll stick with my six-inchers. I prefer shoes that give me a boost without making me scared for my ankles!

Jennifer Adams is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who write about subjects like shoes on behalf of a growing number of retail brands. To keep up to date with the latest in shopping and retail news, check out my posts at Shouting in Digital or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingid.