Good Boots, Bad Boots

There are so many cool cowboy-esque boots out there. So many choices, some with studs, some with color, heels, high rise and what not. So many have really cool accents that make them edgy, or rugged, and some... take me back to a costume from the Dixie Stampede. For those of you who don't know what this is (a. you should be proud of yourself) it is a "dinner / show" that I saw in Orlando, or was it Gatlinburg kinda the same thing, just one has mountains where actors dress in cowboy & cowgirl attire & gallop (literally) around a dirt filled stage while you eat oregon trail style mass produced baked potatoes & other 'meats' with your fingers. But back to the point.

The thing with cowboy boots is that some can be so cool, and some can be so... Dixie. See the powder blue example below.

Taken from here 

Again, to each his own, but I am just not sure where you'd where these puppies? They are just a bit to blue for my tastes. Imagine these added to a pair of denim jeans. Now how do you feel? They are also featured  here on the country outfitter blog, which does a nice job comparing the trend with the Isabel Marant Fall 2012 looks (below) that showcase some cremey colored boots. But anyways, these boots ≠ my fave.

But I do love THIS version. If you want more, visit the site. 

I think this leads us to why the ankle boots are so popular this season. Because they have a short cut, and even with a western influence, will not morph your look into that of a rancher/farmhand. Please note that the Isabel Marant looks are extreme western, in a fashionable way, but keep in mind... this is runway, and the looks are modeled...on MODELS.

Get em while they're hot. Somewhere on this page.  PS. I love the studs.

What's great about these runway looks (more below) that can be translated into everyday life - is that the designer uses a Western style to influence the line, but also employs leather, lace & studs to give it character and make it new! This is a good tactic that can be used when working with western pieces that are oh so popular today. Wearing boots? Add a stud belt. A little contrast is always good.

Check out these awesome ensembles here

So what is your take on this wave of western? Do you think it will last? Would love to hear some feedback on this style. And most importantly, should the Blue Boots get THE BOOT?!!

Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?

A trend this summer with an obvious Southern influence is the Tan ankle boot, or bootie. Last year it hit highs in popularity in the Fall and Winter, and was most commonly seen in wedge and biker boot form. This year the heel is defined, and there is a stronger western influence. While the shape of the bootie has gradually changed over the last year, another rising trend is wearing these boots in the hot summer months. I have to say that given the more streamline smaller shape (and popular lighter colors), it looks a little more functional and less ridiculous, like this version on Rosie Hungtingon-Whiteley.

 

Photo taken from here

Given that these boots show off just enough ankle, they really aren't much warmer than wearing a pair off oxfords, and a perk - they also show more leg! Pair them with your favorite short jean shorts and a textured top to get the look. Another benefit, most of the heels are relatively flat, so you'll be casual, comfortable and right on trend. Check out these Rag & Bone tan flat boots from Shopbop - they are a perfect mix of Western boot and ankle bootie. If you are interested in a more affordable version, take a look at the Sam Edelman ankle boots in a variety of colors, including the leopard bootie if you're feeling feisty. Either way, get them early, and enjoy your investment through Summer into the Fall.

If you're are looking to take the ankle boot into the night, there are plenty of fancier versions found here, but this blog will stick to what it knows :) While these ankle booties are a great enhancement to most casual emsembles this season, the full-sized cowboy boot (or "mother of the bootie") is still readily available. Try mixing a black boot with black jeans so it becomes more "chic" than "cowboy" (although these are straight cowboy boots that Nicole Richie is wearing below), or add a simple brown boot to your outfit (just emember to watch out when combining it with other western elements). Want more bootie? A google search for "tan bootie" will quickly remind you, as it did for me, that this term means a few different things to consumers out there ;)

Photo found here