Better in Boots Frugalista

Here’s one from my inspiration file, nabbed from Wayne Tippet’s fabulous streetstyle blog.  What a beautifuly pulled together, unique look. So much personality. The best element is the royal blue anklet socks. It makes me think of how many times we’ve seen plain black ankle boots with black leggings — and how such a small touch can turn that into something completely different and unique.

I love reviewing new boots from the hottest designer, fresh off the runway. But I can get just as excited bringing you a fabulous boot, from an established designer, that you can wear with nearly anything and will make you look great with a classic look that will last several seasons. The Tod’s “Aspen” ankle boot falls into that second category. It was very popular this year and, in fact, they are not easy to find in black (they also have a tan version). This is, quite simply, a beautiful, all-purpose dress/casual boot with a solid heel that would go well with black leggings, straight leg jeans, rolled up khaki or olive pants for a dressy combat look–lots of possibilities. This is an investment boot, on sale for $619 at styledrops.com with most sizes still left.

OK, in honor of Valentine’s day, the question of the day will be, “Do you have what it takes to rock fuscia ankle boots like Katy Perry?” I’m not sure what exactly it takes entirely, but I’m sure that fashion confidence, the desire to stand out in a crowd, sexy legs and a birth date post 1980 all figure into the mix somewhere.

The closest I’ve found to Katy’s look are these Steve Madden Cuddless boots which I do not fully support because they are a direct copy of a design by Moschino.  But they are cute and I won’t judge you if you buy them! I might. Available for just $129 at Zappos.com.

Honestly, though, if you’re going to experiment with Katy’s look, I’d suggest  a slightly classier looking boot like these Botkier Jada Boots. The color is a bit richer, and the geometric-shaped leather accent gives them more dimension. Available for $310 at Zappos.com.

It’s not every day that an olive-green suede boot catches my eye. Pierre Hardy made some for GAP this season, but the olive-colored ones were gone almost as soon as they hit the shelves.  And they really were wasted on the wrong people (Britney Spears showed up wearing a pair with a canary yellow top). But these Joy Wendel boots are a nice alternative. I’m really into the mid-calf boot and these ones, with the cute little belt around them to adjust for different calf widths, would go well with the current straight leg, tight jeans.  I’m also a fan of the cone-shaped heel. All in all, a very unique, stylish boot for a nice price.  The Joy Wendel slouch boots are available on sale for $163 at shoebox.

Celebrity boot looks are always fun. Take them or leave them, they give us food for thought. In this case, I like what Emily Blunt has done with the black outfit, brown boot look, subtly pulling it together with a brown hat. This look has different incarnations, usually among celebs and fashion icons, but not as much among “regular” people like us who usually try to match things more. Not being a fan of over matching, I include this photo of Emily as inspiration to ditch the black boots for a change without thinking you have to get rid of the blackoutfit. For a similar look, try these Jones New York “Abiding” Cowgirl Ankle Boot for $79 at DSW, or the Charles David “Band” ankle boot for $255 at bluefly.com.

Model and wife of tennis star Andy Roddick, Brooklyn Decker takes a sandy, yet very fashionable stroll in the Pella Moda “Shantel” open-toe platform booties.  I love these and I think they are perfect with the simple black dress Decker chose. Statement making, confident, double-take worthy. These bad boys sport a 5.5″ heel and 1.5″ platform and are available for $215 at Shopbop.

Who would have thought that all you need is a black sweatshirt-style dress and black tights, paired with the L.A.M.B. black and white houndstooth ”Jenner” ankle boots to look this fabulous? Of course Gwen Stefani’s good looks and Gavin Rossdale on your arm wouldn’t hurt either. I like getting inspiration from how Stefani wears her own styles. It’s fun. Available for $319 at Zappos.

Ripped black jeans, combat boots and a flannel shirt is part of the standard Miley Cyrus look. Out and about in LA, Miley looks comfortable and casual. While I’m already well past the age where I could wear this look, I like it a lot better than what kids wore in MY day.

Rachel Bilson is a fashion icon for young Hollywood watchers and a big fan of boots. However I think her choices tend to be hit or miss. In the case of these red boots, the shaft is just too high and wide for Rachel’s leg, reminding me of when I tried on my mom’s boots when I was a little girl. With their over-sized look and bright red color, these boots are wearing her. If you think you can rock these better than Rachel, you can find a similar pair in these KORS by Michael Kors boots available for $249 at Zappos.com.

Nicole Polizzi a.k.a. “Snookie” from MTV’s reality show Jersey Shore, gives a great example of how NOT to wear little black boots. On the other hand, the whole ensemble is fitting with her colorful, self-proclaimed “guidette” character, so for her, I’d say the look is just about right.