I’ve got to be honest here, I cannot even THINK of wearing boots right now.
It’s Austin’s six-millionth day in a row with temperatures destined to be over 100 degrees and the suggestion of donning anything but the wispiest of cotton lawn dresses and the flimsiest of sandals fills me with a sticky overheated dread.
However, Duo Boots, that blessed British purveyor of wide-calf boots for the big girl, is offering free international shipping for a limited time and since it can take up to a month for your kicks to clear customs, it’s a good idea to order now for arrival by the beginning of October.
I’ve got a wide, extremely muscular calf and it’s almost impossible to find boots other than those dreadful cheap-looking microfiber stretch jobbers to fit my legs.
I am a big fan of Duo and one of the most fun evenings of my life involved a pair of Duo over-the-knee suede boots and their effects on the masculine population of Shannon, Ireland.
Let’s start out with the Belice raspberry suede knee boot.
What a fantastic date boot. A deep red like this can really be played as a neutral since you could wear it with black for a chic downtown thing, a rich chocolate for a sophisticated upscale presentation and navy for a fun and slightly unexpected look.
These are also available in black. Remember, suede stretches a good deal more than nappa leather so if you’re between calf sizes you might want to order down.
Next there’s the Salso taupe suede knee boots with cone heel.
I really dig these because taupe is an unusual color for boots. You’ve got great opportunity to play with texture here.
I imagine the taupe boots over a pair of nude fishnet tights, a fun wool skirt and fuzzy angora sweater, all in the same tones. You’ve got something funky and incredibly sophisticated without it screaming fashion victim.
The taupe is also a good choice for those of you who live in a place with long winters since it’s easily trasitionable into a spring look where you need that extra warmth but don’t want the visual weight of a heavy black boot.
I showed these Amora croc embossed black boots yesterday during the teaser.
These came out late last year and when I saw them I made a sort of strangled gurgle of pleasure.
They remind me of a pair of Hermes jumping boots I saw four years ago and which I have coveted for approximately every waking second since. Except, you know, not $25,000.
For those of you who like a pointier (though not razor sharp) toe in a boot, we’ve got the Parina in burgundy suede.
Another great boot in a color that can be treated as neutral.
Can you just imagine this with a pair of gray tights and a slightly slouchy little sweater dress in October? Completely effortless and gorgeous. Your friends will hate you…but in a good way.
If you want something classic, statement-y but still casual, the Catalonia tan riding boot should be right up your alley.
The great thing about these is they can be styled dozens of ways.
Dark jeans, big earrings and a little striped top? Adorable date night outfit a la Edie Sedgwick. Same jeans with a rock tee and a grandpa cardigan? Cool and effortless for running around during the day or a concert at night.
Finally we have the Florence black equestrian boot. Talk about merciless chic, they’ve got the style of a Spanish show riding boot with a low cut back and they just slay me.
Put these with a pair of light honey leggings for a horsey set look or do head to toe black and a bright silk scarf or enormous jewelery for a bit of Parisienne cool.
Do you have a favorite way to wear boots? Put your best boot outfit in the comments and help your sisters out!
Those mock croc boots are screaming my name. I *do* have a birthday coming up…
Comment by Orora — August 31, 2011 @ 11:53 am
The for first five months of 2011’s seemingly endless snow-shifting-to-torrential-rains I wore low-heeled, knee-high leather boots and hip length sweaters in colors bright enough to defy the weather pretty much every day. These were paired with dark jeans or skirts and an endless succession of scarves. I may have to go after the Tamar brown boots, since the wet and road salt aged my well loved old pair pretty badly.
Comment by Cedar — August 31, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
In comic books/ graphic novels I believe that sound is spelled “Grrk” and I made it too.
Comment by Ellen W. — August 31, 2011 @ 5:54 pm
i am salivating at the burgundy, raspberry, and taupe boots!!!! omg, so hot
my fave way to rock boots is with a sweater dress, tights, and the boots….jeans, cute sweater, and boots is always a good way to go as well
Comment by Vonnie (socialitedreams) — August 31, 2011 @ 9:35 pm
Duo boots are totally worth the investment. Best fitting boots I have ever ever had.
Comment by mimi — August 31, 2011 @ 10:08 pm
i own the Florence equestrian boots and they would have been worth every penny even if they were twice as expensive. the quality is great and the fit was great – they are just SO comfotable and go with absolutely anything from skirts to jeans. these are a purchase that you would not be sorry about later.
Comment by Liz — September 1, 2011 @ 12:35 pm
Since you already own a few of these, I’d love your take on their sizing.In the most accurately sized American shoes, I’m a 10.5 WW.
Comment by Kyra Sands — September 1, 2011 @ 2:29 pm
@Kyra: I’d read the customer reviews. Some run narrow while others run wide. I do find them pretty true to size and I’d say they tend to run generously in the width department. Good luck!
Comment by Miss Plumcake — September 1, 2011 @ 11:34 pm