CheapJAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Boots Made For Walking (Mostly)

Subject: Shoe Conundrum
Dear CJ,
I’m meeting my mom in Paris in November for a couple weeks and my shoe situation is dire. I have hot sandals and warm weather cab-to-curb shoes galore, but I need something warm, awesome, and comfortable with which to hit the streets with gusto. I really (really really) want this pair of Sigerson Morrison boots, but feel like an ass paying a thousand bucks for a pair of boots. Anyway, I think I’d feel too guilty to enjoy wearing them but really need some great shoes to go with all my cool clothes and with Paris in general. Nothing says broke like a cheap pair of shoes.
Thanks! Love your site, you’re so funny.
Hannah

From Teresa re: Rain Boots Cool Enough to Not Look Like Rainboots:
Okay, I am calling on the wisdom of the shopping diva of the east. I want to get a pair of mid calf boots that are fitted. I don’t particularly care for ankle boots since I’m normally rocking some thermals under my jeans ( I am a baby at the hint of cold weather). I also don’t want something everyone else has.
@ 2:05 am on October 3rd, 2008

Seems we’re a bit nutso about functional footwear right now, so I’m going to be uber efficient and find both Hannah and Teresa fab boots in the space of one blog post. Cake. Firstly, Hannah, were you seriously considering spending a $1000 on boots?! If so, consider this an affectionate bitch slap. Yes, nothing says broke like a cheap pair of shoes; Yes, you’re going to Paris and want to fit in with the most annoyingly chic women on the planet. But blowing a grand on ANY ONE THING is a massive waste of money. A few hundred bucks can buy you boots that neither bankrupt your checking account nor destroy your feet.

For daytime, functional footwear, I’m all about riding boots - stealing Mommy’s Ralph Laurens last year was a totally clutch move. Few things can rival the awesomeness of free shoes, but these black ones come pretty damn close. Heritage II Zip Field Riding Boot, Ariat, $239.90.

Now Teresa, I know you think you want something mid-calf, in which case the Etienne Aigner Vibra Calf Boot ($169) will do you right. But if you’re not tall and willowy, mid-calf boots make for stumpy-looking legs, so consider yourself warned. The contrasting color and material (Is that crocodile?! Oooh!) on the Sudini Prestige Boot ($229) is fab, and the knee-high length more flattering.

Don’t these Sam Edelman Kailee Boots ($254) kind of look like chaps?! More streamlined than cowboy boots, but still edgy - love it. Heart the Type Z Lavonna Boots ($180) too. The leather threading is a touch Goth, but not in a creepy, trendy way. More in a do-not-mess-with-my-badass-self-or-boots way.

Hannah, I could see this Me Too Overton Boot ($195) putting those Frenchies’ feet to shame; between the gray leather and the back-tie detail, it’s all subtle and simple (and all those other adjectives foreign to our crude American style…ferme le bouches, le chiennes!). Some might consider the Patent Hidden Wedge Boot ($199.95) too dressy for daytime use, but who the eff said we can’t dress up during the day? A shout out to 80%20 here; the patent leather number is one of about fifteen fan-freaking-tastic boots in their latest collection. Go peruse. (They run small, so order and/or try the next size up).

I don’t really know why I’m including this Irregular Choice Wrap Boot ($225) here. It’s got a sizable (albeit hidden) heel, and would probs be murder to walk in. But I. Have. Never. Seen. Anything. Like. It.

Umm, hello AWESOME.