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Fall Boot Guide: Statement Booties

Fantastictoe — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:20:47 +0000

A huge trend last year, statement booties are still an essential component of your fall 2009 shoe wardrobe. They’re also some of most fun shoes to buy: not only do you have tons of choices, so there’s almost no way you won’t find a pair you love at a price you can live with, but just for sheer ogling value almost no shoe outperforms the statement bootie.

Here are a few things to know about statement booties:

Statement booties are TRENDY: They conspicuously embrace one or more of this fall’s trends. Be prepared for boots with tons of hardware like buckles and studs; or lots of straps; or animal print; or that are slouchy. The only constants? The shaft is ankle-high, and the heels are going to be high.

You will not be inconspicuous in statement booties – they are meant to be noticed, so if you’re in the mood to blend in, these are not the shoes for you. If, on the other hand, you feel like being dazzling, there’s no better footwear choice than statement booties.

Unlike some trendy footwear, statement booties are actually pretty versatile. You can wear them with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts or dresses, and they’ll punch up your look whether you’re wearing a plain vanilla outfit or an outrageous one.

So, no, these are not the boots to slosh through winter weather in (see our guide to stylish weather boots if that’s what you’re shopping for). These are party boots; just remember to tuck a pair of Footzyrolls into your purse when you wear them.

Here are our top picks for statement booties:

1. Balmain Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Embellished Booties ($2280)
2. Dolce Vita Jayden Open Toe Booties ($200)
3. Donna Karan Collection Shoes Shearling Granny Booties ($890)
4. Omelle Fiori Suede Sling Back Booties ($745)
5. Tashkent by Cheyenne Felipe Open Vamp Booties with Shearling ($596)
6. L.A.M.B Jenner Houndstooth Haircalf Booties with Zip ($399)
7. Ash Impuls Suede Booties with Buckled Straps ($217)
8. Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Multi Buckle Suede Wedge Booties ($625)

But, these are not your only choices for statement booties. Check out our sister site BuyFantasticShoes.com — we’ve assembled over 300 pairs of statement booties for your browsing and shopping pleasure.

Happy Halloween, Shoe Lovers!

Fantastictoe — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:46:49 +0000

Fall Boot Guide: Stylish Weather Boots

Fantastictoe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:41:38 +0000

With cold, wet weather looming for many parts of the country, it’s time to turn our attention to: Stylish weather boots. An oxymoron? Not at all, thanks to brands like Aquatalia by Marvin K., La Canadienne, London Fog, Sperry Top-Sider, and others, who are combining waterproof and insulating materials with sleek styling to create boots that can not only withstand winter weather but also look mighty fine on the foot.

Yes, you can slosh through the muck in these boots, and your feet will stay dry and warm. But you can also wear them to work, and during the weekend, and out at night to all but the most formal occasions. With plenty of styles, colors, and finishes to choose from, there’s almost no outfit that won’t work with these boots. These boots aren’t cheap – most run north of $300 – but, if winter weather happens in your area, I guarantee you will get your money’s worth.

Below are our top picks for stylish weather boots:

1. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Dolly - Black patent ($398)
2. La Canadienne Mercedes - Black ($350)
3. Sperry Top-Sider Sausalito - Black ($198)
4. London Fog Wales - Cement gray patent ($130)
5. La Canadienne Ivana - Brown suede ($315)
6. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Spunky - Espresso suede ($398)
7. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Tap - Asphalt patent ($325)

But this is only a small sample: We’ve assembled over 200 pairs of stylish weather boots on our sister site BuyFantasticShoes.com.

Footzyrolls Rollable Shoes – Enter To Win A Free Pair

Fantastictoe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:11:43 +0000

Who among us hasn’t experienced foot pain from walking or standing too long in uncomfortable shoes? Wouldn’t it be such a relief at these times to reach into your purse and magically pull out a pair of super-comfy-yet-still-chic flats? And then pack your precious heels away in a soft drawstring bag, so you can easily carry them home?

Well, now you can – with Footzyrolls, the rollable shoes that are the brainchild of sisters Sarah and Jennifer Caplan. After one too many painful nights in painful shoes, these entrepreneurial sisters combined forces to create flats that roll up into the tiniest of balls, so you can easily tuck them into your purse – and yet they unroll into cushioned shoes that will have your barking dogs soothed in no time.

What’s more, they’re super cute! Yes, you’ll be shorter when you put them on, but you won’t feel any less well-shod. Footzyrolls come in glittery gold, shimmery silver, and black as night, so they’re a great complement to whatever you’re wearing. There’s even a white satiny version suitable for your Big Day. And, they’re soon to be released in limited edition black patent, pink, and golden gator.

Sounds pretty good, right? Even better is that we’re giving away a free pair of Footzyrolls to one lucky Fantastic Toe member. To enter to win your free pair, join Fantastic Toe, or post a picture to your Fantastic Toe collection, between now and November 6, 2009. You’ll be automatically entered to win a free pair of Footzyrolls – in the color of your choice! We’ll do a random drawing on November 7, and notify the winner by email.

Paper Shoe Sculptures by Ida Rak

Fantastictoe — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:17:28 +0000

Paper artist Ida Rak – whose whimsical sculptures, lamps, and collages have been shown in museums, retail outlets, and art galleries in the US and abroad – has turned her considerable talents to creating gorgeous one-of-a-kind shoe sculptures.

Made entirely of paper, each sculpture is hand-crafted and completely unique. In fact, the sculptures are so eye-catching that they’ve been shown (among other places) in the window of the Stuart Weitzman store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

So, feast your eyes on the small selection of sculptures below. If you like what you see, click on over to Ida’s website. A one-of-a-kind shoe sculpture can be yours for prices starting at around $299 (which includes shipping and handling). Perhaps now’s a good time to start your holiday shopping?

Morning Shoe Report: Fashion Week Wrap-Up, Plus Kron Kron Shoes

Fantastictoe — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:18:21 +0000

Friday, October 16…To wrap up our coverage of the shoes shown on the runways these past few weeks: Refinery 29 chooses the craziest shoes from the recent fashion weeks, while Elle picks the most beautiful, and Footwear News rounds up the wildest…Meanwhile, one of the folks that matters, the buyer for department store Liberty, chooses the top 10 shoes for spring…Kron Kron shoes dazzle one blogger…Manolo Blahnik gives Vogue UK a sneak peek of his spring collection…The New York Times publishes a lot of blah blah blah about why women wear uncomfortable shoes…Designers give creepers – the thick-soled shoes formerly worn exclusively by Goths, punks, and grungsters – a luxe spin…Footwear News alerts us to the trend of shoes with stone embellishments…Jak & Jil gives us a sneak peek at Nicholas Kirkwood’s spring collection…Jeffrey Monteiro launches shoes that look like they’ve already been worn…Gray is the new black, at least for fall boots…Watch what you wear these Thakoon mirrored shoes with…In today’s edition of True Confessions, one male columnist confesses his love of wearing high-heeled pumps (not that there’s anything wrong with that)…File this under “Gag me.”: Christian Louboutin partners with Mattel to design shoes (and new feet and ankles) for Barbie (and his publicist does him no favors)…Madonna donates her favorite Christian Dior shoes to charity…Are pretzel-decorated shoes just a touch ridiculous? You make the call…Shoestream.com advises on how to store your shoe collection…Designer Osman adds shoes to his collection.

Great Buy: Bronx Asha Boot — Now Just $79 (That’s 78% Off)

Fantastictoe — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:32:56 +0000

Just in time for winter, the modernistic Bronx Asha knee-high boot with stylish lacing up the back is a great accompaniment to all your winter outfits. It’s dark brown, and — surprisingly enough, given the discount — is still available in many sizes.

The boot can also be worn by folding the top of the shaft down to create a new look.

Check out the Bronx Asha Boot today!

Fall 2009 Boot Guide: Weathered Boots

Fantastictoe — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:02:04 +0000

Weathered boots – with their distressed leather and western feel – are a great way to tap into your inner cowgirl. Available in numerous styles, colors, and prices, weathered boots might just be one of the more accessible trends this fall. Another great thing? For the most part, the heels on weathered boots are low, the toes are roomy, and they feel like they’ll last forever.

Weathered boots also don’t come with the baggage of, say, over-the-knee boots: Whoever you are, you’re likely to be thin enough and young enough to wear these boots.

Here are our picks for some great weathered boots:

1. Nine West Frollic - $99 - Available in brown, black, dark olive, and taupe
2. 12R Harness - $220 - Available in redwood and chocolate
3. The DAZZLING Frye Deborah - $648
4. Golden Goose Charlye Pull On Boot - $1,265
5. Jeffrey Campbell Kiki Stud Boots - $220
6. Frye Dorado - $498 - Available in gray, light brown, and light brown suede

But — of course — don’t limit your choices to these six. Check out our sister site BuyFantasticShoes.com, where we’ve assembled hundreds of great pairs of weathered boots from all across the internet. You’re sure to find your perfect style at a price you like.

Great Buy: Simple Shoes Glider Now Just $20 (That’s 80% Off)

Fantastictoe — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:28:18 +0000

This week’s Great Buy is Simple Shoes’ Glider, a supremely comfortable and sturdy flip flop that normally retails for $100, but is now just $20 (a whopping 80% off).

We love this shoe for a few reasons. As with all Simple Shoes, the Glider is environmentally friendly. It’s made of BLC certified leather uppers, with cork and recycled EVA midsoles. Outsoles are made of natural rubber and recycled car tires.

It’s also really comfortable. The Ortholite footbed provides all-day support, and the leather makes it breathable.

Finally, believe it or not, the styling is also quite popular these days. When I was traveling in Italy this summer, I saw women wearing these or similar shoes everywhere. If it’s stylish enough for Italian women, I say it’s stylish enough for anyone.

So, click on over to Simple Shoes today and snag the Glider at an incredibly low price, or check out BuyFantasticShoes.com to see all the Simple Shoes on sale.

Morning Shoe Report: More Shoes from Paris Fashion Week

Fantastictoe — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:31:48 +0000

Friday, October 9…What a collection of shoes at Paris Fashion Week! The 10-inch wonders at the Alexander McQueen show were the most talked about of Paris Fashion Week (see Suzy Menkes’ analysis here; and check out more from his show on today’s Daily Shoe Video)…Karl Lagerfeld shows – gasp! – clogs on his runway (Refinery 29 opines here), and collaborated with Rupert Sanderson on others…Shoeblog.com rounds up the shoes from the Balenciaga runway and from Emanual Ungaro…One pair of Galliano shoes piqued Dita von Teese’s interest…The shoes from Louis Vuitton created a buzz on the runway; a couple lucky models got to wear them home…One apparent model wears the Stella McCartney thigh-high boots (Would you ever wear these? Tweet your response, and include hashtag #OTKBoots)…Speaking of over-the-knee boots, the sisters behind Rodarte curated a small exhibit of their artwork at a Paris boutique and included rag dolls dressed in Rodarte designs (notice the Nicholas Kirkwood wrap-strap over-the-knee boots on one doll)… Miu Miu showed wonderful floral shoes on the runway: here and here…Flats ruled on Vanessa Bruno’s runway…Other scene-stealers on the Paris runways: Mai Lamore’s fur shoes; Celine shoes; and Philip Treacy for Valentino…Bruno Frisoni celebrates 10 years at Roger Vivier…Speaking of, Loic Prigent’s video “A Very Vivier Day” will put a smile on your face…Shoewawa points out the weird shoes designed by British architect Julian Hakes…Cinderella Me rents out designer shoes (in the UK)…The employees at the Marikina Shoe Museum rescued the 800 pairs of shoes Imelda Marcos donated from the floodwaters of last month’s terrible storm in the Philippines…Famous (infamous?) mom Dina Lohan designs her own shoe line…The Jimmy Choo collection for Elton John’s AIDS foundation launches.