Fashion DIY: Gray Suede Boots

I picked up these sassy gray boots from Steve Madden last year.  I like the unique triangular shape to the heels.  However, I'm not crazy about the foldover design.  Because the lining material on the inside of the fold is different,  it's not a matter of just unfolding it.  So I took these to my shoe doctor in Westwood, and he told me these are a total tear-apart project, as he would have to cut off the top part at the ankle, flip it and reverse it.

Yes, he inadvertantly quoted a Missy Elliot song.

I visualized the process as he explained it, and told him it's cool, I got it.  The boots used to look like this:

Here is what they look like now, after I did my cut-off, flip & reverse magic:

I cut the material off at the ankle, turned it inside out (so the lining would be on the inside), then used fabric glue to attach the top parts to the shoe part.  I'm stoked on this.  Will update with what I decide to pair these with!

Boots, My Fave Part of "Fall"

*The term "Fall" is being thrown around loosely here, as it's 85 degrees out and it's early November.  Go home LA weather, you're drunk.*

In preparation for "fall,"  I've started with my annual boot-shopping spree.  Here's my haul so far:

[Gray suede boots- Steve Madden.  Black low ankle boots- F21.  Black platform beauties- Zara.]

I swear I catch a whiff of pumpkin spice-flavored anything and it makes me gag.  I also hate the bulkiness created by layering winter clothes. Boots are the only redeeming thing about fall.   I am STOKED on my new Zara platform lug sole boots.  Leather pants + drapey fur.  Black tights + green plaid for a holiday look.  Silver glittery tights + black collared shirt dress for a (barely appropriate) work look.  So many fab possibilities!

Boots, Boots, Boots, Part II

One of my BFFs, Danette, has asked me to scout a pair of perfect riding boots for her.  She gave me a general color/budget/shape guideline; which I will address separately.
Riding boots are classic footwear staples.  Although to achieve staple status, over-the-knee styles, the "scrunch" look, excessive buckles/zippers/weird details, and flimsy materials must be avoided.

[This actually knocks out all 4.  Over-the-knee, especially combined with a heel, is more "Pretty Woman" than Park Avenue.  The scrunch and the extraneous buckles are simply terrible.  And if the material looks shiny, flimsy, and cheap just from a picture, imagine how it would be in person.]

1.) Color-Taupe.  This neutral grayish hue is a great substitute for black.  Unfortunately, the Taupe riding boot is a rarity this season; for the fashion gods have given the trump card to Cognac and Black for the time being.

[Joan & David, $200 on Piperlime.com.  The material is beautiful, the toe is tapered for a more feminine look, and the buckle detail is perfect.]

2.)  Budget.  Come on gal, by now you should know that I can't follow a budget to save my life!  Material should be a prime factor with most clothing and footwear items, and this is especially true when it comes to boots.  Riding boots should be comprised of "hard" leather, which can be either real or faux.  Cheaper materials tend to have an unnatural sheen (unless it's supposed to be patent leather, which will be tackled in a later post), stretch easily, and fray easily.  High quality leather can be kept for years, and maintains its quality over time.

[Vince Camuto, $209 at Nordstrom.  The toe is not as femininely tailored, but they are similar to the Tory Burch "Selma" model- except the logo buckle is not as imposing, and there is no weird lining at the opening.   This is the "hard" leather material I am talking about.]

3.)  Shape- Tapered toe.  The riding boot can have a more rounded toe, which is appropriate for an edgier look.  The tapered toe is more sleek and timeless:

[Marciano, on sale for $230.  Similar to the Vince Camuto, but with a more tapered toe.]