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Shoes Day Tuesday: Boots for Fall, Shocking

According to the calendar it’s fall, so as a fashion blog it’s time to discuss boots.  Boots are one of those autumn items that are super versatile and if the pair you own is classic enough, you can wear them forever.  Boots also come in all shapes and sizes, especially as the bootie trend seems to be sticking around for awhile.  We here at Not a Fashun Blog certainly have opinions on booties (Elizabeth is a fan, the Katies are more skeptical) but we all own at least one pair.  We also have opinions on boots and we all own at least one pair.  Because the world of boots is fairly large, we’re going to divide this post into 3 sections: Boots, Booties, and Novelty Boots/Booties.  As always, recommendations will be at 3 price points.  Let’s get started!

Boots 

A classic riding boot is perhaps one of the most timeless staples in a real working girl’s wardrobe.  A classic boot in a classic color (think black, brown or oxblood) will never go out of style.  Just try to avoid any trendy additions.  Our suggestions? See below!

Frugal (Less than $100)
  • These Lauren Ralph Lauren riding boots are a steal at $99.99.  Katie 1 has them and loves them.
  • While these Lands' End riding boots are $229, like we've said before, Lands' End nearly always has a discount code so they will likely fall into the frugal category if you purchase on the right day (like today, since they're offering 50% off one regular price item). 
Mid-Line ($100 - $300)  
  • OMG!  These Cole Haan riding boots are simply amazing.  
  • If you need some height but want to avoid a heel, try a wedge, like these suede beauties. On sale for almost 60% off doesn’t hurt. 
  • Oh.  And these bad boys. (Katie 2 has an old pair of Born boots and they are literally like walking on a cloud.) 
What Katie 1 spends ($300+)
Booties

The Katies have had an aversion to booties for a few years now. Surprisingly, the trend is not going away. That said, they both acknowledge there are some that aren’t so bad and some that are actually pretty damn cute. Because this is a trend, you can feel free to get something a little less classic. However we do recommend investing. Because as Elizabeth has shown us, the bootie can be incredibly versatile and you will probably end up wearing yours more than you expected.

Frugal
  • For $59.99 you could do a lot worse than these Madden Girl booties (although word to the wise -Madden can be very hit or miss so try on in store before purchasing. 
  • We can’t believe these Lauren Ralph Lauren booties are only $89.99
  • These Toms are affordable and come with a feel good bonus: with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. 
  • Sam Edelman is another brand favorite for generally comfortable footwear and at DSW you can find these in the frugal price point instead of their typically midline price  and these. 
Mid-Line
  • These booties are classic and waterproof 
  • These Clarks booties are about as classic as you can get. 
  • Want something that's straddles the line between bootie and shoe?  Well, Vince Camuto does a lot of good shoes and we love this option!  
What Katie 1 Spends

This post is not intended to be on weather-proof boots. (For rain boots, check our first Shoes Day Tuesday post here. For winter boots, come back in a few weeks.) However, our first splurge option breaks that rule.  
  • The Duchess of Cambridge just stepped out (wink wink) wearing these great Russell & Bromley Fallon Dry style booties. The low stacked heel is a good way to transition from casual to stepped up, and they definitely don’t look like a weather-proof shoe which may be just what you need for the transitional weather of fall in the Midwest. (Don’t live in the Midwest? Get them anyway- just act fast. The Kate Effect is real. They will be sold out soon!) 
  • Rag & Bone is one of Elizabeth’s favorites and these have an angle that is very flattering  so do these
Novelty Boots/Booties

We’ve established that booties are not our thing, but we’ve gotten over it. But really- what in the world is up with peep toe booties? Katie 2 says if it’s cool enough out to be boot weather, why are your toes sticking out? Seriously.  [Elizabeth disagrees. See below.] Rant aside, we've seen some lovely super trendy boots and booties this year that deserve their own category.  So here are our recommendations for those trendy "novelty" boots and booties that we're lusting over. 

Frugal
  • If you're in a warmer climate and want to rock the bootie trend (or you want to wear it into spring), these "bootie sandals from Vince Camuto aren't bad.  
  • Military styling and blue velvet, these booties are badass. 
  • Want something more classic but with elevated?  Katie 1 has these in her cart at Lands' End right now and is obsessed (and again, yes the regular price is slightly over $100, but again... Lands' End coupon codes are the gift that keeps on giving)! 
Mid-Line
  • So these might not be exactly booties, but they are definitely more closed than a regular shoe. So we are going to say that these Reiss “shoe-ties” fall securely into the “Novelty” category. And Katie 2 is kind of dying over them. 
  • If you live in a warm climate and are lucky enough to be a size 10 you should get these.  
  • You know we love a good animal print so we're definitely loving these Marc Jacobs leopard print Chelsea boots 
  • Want something more classic? We're loving the laser cut detail on these Frye booties 
What Katie 1 Spends
  • Elizabeth loves these and wishes she was willing to spend what Katie 1 spends (occasionally she is – see her Rag & Bone booties – but sadly not today) 
  • Oh good god, Katie 1 is OBSESSED with these Burberry boots.  She drooled over them last year but didn’t purchase due to her aforementioned bootie skepticism but she will probably end up pulling the trigger this year because they are seriously amazing! 
  • If you're a lucky size 5 do yourself a favor and get these amazing Giuseppe Zanotti shoeties. Amazing!
So there you have it. Our guide to boots.  Enjoy! 
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