Style Central: So Many Boots! So Little Time!

Gold toes, towering heels and buckles galore! That’s what’s out there in the stores these days, and trying to take a more moderate middle of the road approach when shopping is definitely not easy!

I discovered this while shopping for myself recently, both on-line and in the dizzying vastness of Nordstrom’s shoe department. I needed to replace my beloved but badly bruised and battered black ankle boots. I hated like heck to say goodbye to those boots. They were the perfect combination of comfort and style. They were also devoid of any telltale signs of “trendy” like bows, buttons, buckles, exaggerated toe shape, cowboy vibe, etc.

Translation?  I could wear them for many years and not worry about staying fashionably in style. And boy did I ever wear them. Would you believe seven years? I kid you not.

In search of the perfect replacement pair and while perusing the seemingly endless selection before me, I was struck by a couple of things. First, the over-the-knee style boots from the past two seasons were long gone. They are now what we affectionately refer to as a fad, not a trend. 

But no worries. If you bought some in the last couple of years you can still wear them. They are easily disguised with knee length skirts or trouser style pants. What I suggest you avoid is over-the-knee boots with leggings or skinny jeans. Unless, of course, you don't give a flying fig about being in or out of style. And in that case, good for you!

If, on the other hand, you do care and want a boot with enduring style, you will go classic. By that I mean a boot with some staying power: quality leather, a neutral color like black, and no frills. I can just hear some of you saying hey! Where's the fun in that? Well, I must agree. Plain black boots are not very much fun. What was fun though was looking at boots that were seductively beautiful with their fabulous embellishments, high style and even higher heels. See photos . . . 

I resisted great temptation and kept telling myself "Classic boots are not so much fun as they are handsome, practical and versatile". That's why I went to great lengths to find exactly what I had in mind. All I can say is thank heaven for Franco Sarto. In case you're not familiar with the brand, Franco Sarto himself is an Italian cobbler by trade who has become a hugely successful shoe and boot designer. And his products are reasonably priced.

The boots I chose were $128.95 at Nordstrom's. Perhaps I could have found a lesser price at a discount store, but honestly? I prefer Nordie's because of their amazing return policy. I know if after wearing them a few times they start to hurt or rub me the wrong way, I can take them back no questions asked. With my finicky feet? I need a policy like that to make me feel secure and loved.

And please know that I am in no way connected with any particular store or brand. I get no compensation whatsoever for my published endorsements. This is strictly my opinion and my experience.

Would love to hear yours!

After all, we are trying to fight the good fight and we are all in this together!