Topshop ‘Amethyst’ multi glitter shoe boots

topshop amethyst ankle boots Topshop Amethyst multi glitter shoe boots

OK, so I have to admit that I’m still a little confused as to the usefulness of glitter-encrusted boots. I suspect the problems stems from the fact that I’ve never really seen boots as “dress” shoes: I’d reach for a pair of fancy shoes long before I’d go for even the sparkliest of boots, but I guess that’s just me: there are definitely enough examples of this style around right now to convince me that I’m in the minority, and that this year’s party season will be full of beautiful boots. What do you think?

Topshop’s ‘Amethyst’ boots are the latest incarnation of the style, and the streamlined shape makes me more likely to wear these than some of their chunkier sisters. The multi-glitter upper also helps, because the dark colour is a little more subtle than some we’ve seen, although I don’t think “subtle” is a word you can really apply to glittery boots, do you?

These are £70 at Topshop: click here to buy a pair.

DKNY Bop Rubberized Boots

dkny bop rubber boots DKNY Bop Rubberized BootsYou’ll have to bear with me on this one. I realise these aren’t the most glamorous boots I’ve ever featured here, but here’s the thing: now that winter is well on the way, I’m in the market for a pair of practical boots that I can wear for walking the dog. “Practical” is the key word here: these boots will see their fair share of mud and rain, so they need to be able to stand up to that without being ruined, but of course, being the footwear aficionado I am, I wouldn’t be unhappy if they could be just a little bit stylish too. And maybe have a small heel.

DKNY’s ‘Bop’ boots seem to fit the bill: they’re rubber, so they’re not going to be daunted by a Scottish winter, but the shape is also fairly sleek and non-clumpy, so they won’t look too bad on, either. Unfortunately for me, there’s one area in which they definitely DON’T fit the bill: they cost $135, and while that’s not horrendously expensive, it’s still a whole lot more than I’d pay for footwear that’s destined to meet mud on a frequent basis…

DKNY ‘Bop’ boots, $135, Shopbop

High vamp cut-out boots by Red Herring at Debenhams

debenhams strappy boots High vamp cut out boots by Red Herring at Debenhams

I’d quibble with Debenham’s description of these as “boots”, because to me they look like sandals, albeit ones with rather thick straps.  Naming issues aside, though, I think these look much more expensive than the £35 price tag. Sure, the gold versions are a little bit on the shiny side, and probably only suitable for evenings out, but I think the black ones could look good with skinny jeans, leggings or even some skirts and dresses. They have a strappy, rocky look about them which is very fashionable right now, but the price is reasonable enough to let you try out that trend without having to re-mortgage your home for it.

BUY:  High vamp cut-out boots by Red Herring at Debenhams

Celebrity Shoe Style: Pixie Geldof wears big boots to the Glamour Women of the Year Awards

lfi glamour85 11 Celebrity Shoe Style: Pixie Geldof wears big boots to the Glamour Women of the Year AwardsNot being a big fan of clumpy boots (or shoes, for that matter), I’m not exactly coveting these ones, which Pixie Geldof  wore to last night’s Glamour Woman of the Year Awards. Then again, Pixie Geldof and I don’t have a whole lot in common at the best of times, and these are fairly representative of her style in general. Here she is with designer Henry Holland (going for the bare-feet-in-pumps look, I see), wearing a tight black mini dress with the aforementioned boots. I’m not sure who they’re by, but you’ll find one more picture of them under the jump.

What do you think of them?

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Confusing Shoes: Espadrille cotton boots by Zucca

espadrille boots Confusing Shoes: Espadrille cotton boots by ZuccaI’m confused. Espadrilles are, by definition, the most summery of shoes, yes? They’re supposed to be worn in warm weather. In fact, I’d say any shoe made out of white cotton is intended to be worn in only the warmest – and driest – of weather.

So why would you need to turn them into boots?

Of course, there is an argument that staying covered up in loose cotton during the hottest hours of the day can actually keep you cooler than baring all, so maybe that’s the theory here. What do you think? Can you see a use for espadrille boots? If you can, these ones are £120.

BUY: Zucca espadrille cotton boots, £120.

The Melina wedge knee boot by Melody Ehsani

wedge knee boots The Melina wedge knee boot by Melody Ehsani

A couple of days ago I said that every superhero needs a good pair of boots. Well, I think I just found mine.

These are by Melody Ehsani, and they just scream “superhero”. The gold trim is the detail that does it, I think, but the wedge heel, plus the pointed shape of the leg, also gives these a bit of a futuristic/comic book look that really appeals to be (naturally). That wedge should also mean that although the heel is high, it should be relatively easy to walk on – always a good thing, especially in boots that you’re probably going to be wearing in the slippery winter months.

(Why do I always find boots I love during summer? Gah.)

Although they initially looked black on my monitor, these are actually a deep purple. Which I think makes them even better.

Buy: The Melina Wedge Boot by Melody Ehsani, $280

Confusing Shoes: Alessandro Dell’Aqua cutaway long boots

peep toe boots Confusing Shoes: Alessandro Dell’Aqua cutaway long boots

Every Superhero needs a good pair of boots, but like my friends at The Fashion Police, I have to admit that the current trend for boots with peep toes just leaves me cold. Literally. I mean, my toes would be cold in them, wouldn’t they? But here’s the thing: my legs would be warm. All the way up to my knees, in fact. Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I rarely find myself thinking, “Goodness, my legs are freezing, but my toes are so warm! If only there was a boot out there that could cater to those two conflicting needs!”

Strangely, though, the boots that cater to those needs DO exist, and these Alessandro Dell’Aqua cutaway long boots are just one example of them. From a distance, they look like your average pair of high heeled knee boots, and nothing wrong with that. Take a closer look, though, and:

boot peep toe Confusing Shoes: Alessandro Dell’Aqua cutaway long boots

Yeah.  Now we have ourselves a completely different boot. And while I wouldn’t quite spear these with my stiletto and throw them into space, the way I would a pair of Crocs, say, I wouldn’t give them space in the Shoeper Shoe Closet either. Would you?

BUY: Alessandro Dell’Aqua cutaway long boots, £710