FALL SHOE REPORT | The Flats, Heels & Boots We Can't Even Wait to Wear

via Marc Fisher

Originally posted in The LOOK

The heart wants what it wants. And when it comes to shopping, my #1 love will always (and forever and ever) be shoes. Shoes are patient, shoes are kind, shoes won't judge you if you've gained an extra 5-10 patio pounds. Shoes are there to support you, to take you where you want to go and make you feel like a bae while you're getting there. My feet have had flings with everything from flats to four-inch heels but I always have a hard time picking a fave. I mean, isn't that what true love is all about? Acceptance, right?

And so, after years of trying to justify my love, I've accepted my fate as a true shoe addict. This fall, I plan on proving my love big-time. I'll pick up a new pair of black patent beauties to add some shine to my day-to-day - I'm currently torn between brogues and ankle boots. I'll go for many long (ideally 10,000-step) romantic walks in new lace-up kicks (I'm thinking red this year). And, of course, super sexy heels are a must for date nights. Meanwhile, this week's piece in Vogue has me contemplating the need for a pair of practical stompers (aka - cocktail boots) that I'll wear to both hikes and hot-ticket parties. If you can believe it, THE shoe of the season (currently sold out & waitlisted everywhere in the States) is Birkenstock's Boston clog. Hmmm. My credit card and I have come to terms with the fact that we'll be investing in shoes for a lifetime. And that's one long-term commitment we're totally willing to make.

I can't feel my face when I'm with shoes. But I love it. I love it. 

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

KICK IT: Your Fall '14 Shoe Report

Photo courtesy ALDO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You can always count on shoes to make the transition from warm to cold so much easier to bear. Talk to any woman about parkas, mitts and hats and her eyes instantly glaze over. But mention an amazing pair of fall boots you found and suddenly, this whole fall thing doesn't look so bad after all.

There's been a seismic sartorial shift in the shoe world this year. While we'll probably always lust after Carrie Bradshaw's infamous closetful of heels (and there are loads of pretty heels in stores for fall - see below) it's the more low-key footwear that has every editor and blogger really psyched. From flat over-the-knee boots and chunky-heeled booties to the new wear-with-everything sneakers and boy-meets-girl flats, comfort is key for fall; luckily, the new comfortable is anything but boring. This season, look for holographic finishes, cool textures, edgy zippers and playful prints to take your shoe closet (or shoe section of your closet) to the next level. And always remember this mantra when out shopping - it's never (repeat, never) about 'needs' when it comes to shoes.

Happy shoe shopping! This fall's going to be extra fun...

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

Bootie Call: Fall's Hardest Working Boots

The Pre-Fall 2013 Collection for Tibi. Originally posted in The LOOK

I love nothing more than a great, everyday boot, and nothing makes more sense for every day than a perfect ankle boot. You can rock them with skinnies, of course, or add a bit of edge to a skirt or dress. And the best part about an ankle boot? Where tall boots only make sense for the cold weather months, you can work a short boot into your wardrobe all year long.

For Fall '13, three bootie styles made their way to the top...

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Cozy, Comfy, Cool

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Eniko Mihalik shot by Terry Richardson - Harper's Bazaar, November 2011

Fashion is all about fantasy.  In pictures, runway shows, movies and magazines, I want to see the impossibly glamorous model wearing a sheer, glittery gown with skyscraper boots, a pure white furry hat, and vampy red lips while strolling, sockless, through an enchanted wood.  Oh, and don't forget the well-trained owl, perched on her hand.  Is it just me or is he smizing?  In real life, this girl would not have had a happy walk - think rabid owl bites, running mascara, hypothermia and a serious dry-cleaning bill.  Sometimes, fantastical fashion just doesn't work for every day.    

Does that mean that you should ignore your fashion fantasies in favour of practical footwear.  I say, NEVER!  A great winter boot should keep your feet warm and dry and look beautiful while doing it.  A tall, flat boot (much more chic than heeled versions, in my personal opinion) gets you from A to B in comfort and style.  And when it comes time to dressing up this season, whether for work or going out, opt for a fun little ankle boot in a great colour, print or sleek silhouette.   

Check out my top picks - from the cozy to the comfy to the cool - and you'll be officially booted up for the season.  Once you find a boot you love, you'll wear it every single day - making it well worth the investment.    In my own little fashion fantasy, I'd be able to buy every single one, but sometimes it's fun to pick a favourite.  Which one will you choose?

1. Shamp Boots, ALDO, $100; 2. Silver Sparkle Uggs, Soft Moc, $254.99; 3. Manitobah Mocassin Boots, Town Shoes, $299; 4. Raponi Boot, Spring, $99.99; 5. Sorel 1964 Premium Boots, The Bay, $140; 6. Tall Lace-Up Winter Boots, ALDO, $110; 7. Lacoste Boots, Town Shoes, $145; 8. Mocassin Boots, Spring, $69.99

1. Terboss Leather Riding Boots, ALDO, $180; 2. Laughead Two-Tone Leather Boots, ALDO, $170; 3. Russian Vamp Boots, Roots, $288; 4. Steve Madden Flat Riding Boots, Town Shoes, $180; 5. Synthetic Deare Boots,ALDO, $100; 6. Hunter Lace-Up Wellies, Town Shoes, $240; 7. Fyler Leather Boots, Naturalizer, $159.99; 8. Sperry Top-Sider Qulited Boots, The Bay, $100.

1. Python Print Block Heel Boots, ALDO, $140; 2. Alfreda Cut-Out Booties, Guess, $139; 3. Vince Camuto Suede Bootie, Le Château, $180; 4. Canvas Lace-Up Ankle Boots, Gap, $99.95; 5. Python Sole Boots, Spring, $79.99; 6. Material Girl Fur Bootie, The Bay, $100; 7. Maytorena Short Lace-Up Boots, ALDO, $80; 8. Nine West for Town Shoes Wedge Boots, Town Shoes, $190