Have you ever found yourself enamoured of a particular style or trend while simultaneously finding yourself at a loss as to how to make it work within your own wardrobe and personal style?

Alas, that is my predicament with so-called ‘Spats’-styled boots; those boots with an add-on ankle cuff, or more commonly, an extremely extended cuff that falls all the way to the instep to ‘break’ at the top of the instep.  The cuffs on this second style of boot are rather distinct and work just a touch of trompe l’oeil trickery that suggests either an actual removable spatted cuff or an illusory pant-leg that appears to be floating over the boot itself. I am definitely put in mind of the Givenchy ‘Gaiter’ boots from Jitterbugbaby’s (Fall 2008) Paris Runway Roundup post from earlier this year. And, since I have yet to encounter any naming consensus among shoe sites and fashion blog as to a definitive title for this type of boot, I have decided to stick with ‘Spats’ - it has a certain evocative appeal and works for me.

In my case, the first real example of this style that I encountered (outside of old black and white movies) was the now sold-out LAMB ‘Crowther’ which was available last fall.  This was in fact a classic pump with a separate spat attachment. And, while I loved the look and convertibility of the shoe, I could not justify the purchase of this altogether adorable shoe. A year later I am still trying to find reasons that I could wear this and have almost come to turns with the fact that this shoe simply does not work within my personal wardrobe and everyday style. More’s the pity.

If you fancy this particular detachable ‘gaiter’ style, you can also purchase individual ‘Gaiterettes’ from LesFrivolities at Etsy.com. These are spats/gaiters that can easily be added to shoes or ankle boots that you already own. Prices range from $55.00 to $155.00 per handmade pair.

Next is a more casual offering, the LAMB ‘Zeyn Tex’ ($179.95 at Shoebuy.com). While I am not really a fan of this particular boot, it clearly illustrates the idea of the boot incorporating the actual  trouser cuff or pants-leg as an integral part of the boot shaft itself. 

What I now present to you is the result of several months of squirreling away these styles one-by-one into their own special favorites folder as I periodically encountered them online.  For your inspection and in no particular order: Spats, spats, and more spats.

Zucca Black Buckle Tall Boots $1422 at Creatures of Comfort

Delman Suede Knee High Boots $595 at Saks.com

Marc Jacobs Nappa Leather Boots in Grey or Black $640$578 at Yoox.com

Botkier ‘Xenia’ $715-$725 at Endless.com and Piperlime.com

Chie Mihara ‘Saigon’ $695$409.99 at Piperlime.com (Size 9/39 only).

Tahskent by Cheyenne ‘Osgood’ $760 at Shopbop.com, on sale for $439.99 at Piperlime.com

Materia Prima by Goffredo Fantini  Style # ‘4M4753′ $484 $228.85 in size 8/38 only.
(This is my size and is right up near the top of my list of most drool-worthy uber-spats.)

Jessica Simpson ‘Mazzey’ Boot $138.00-$140 at Zappos.com, Endless.com, Piperlime.com and Shoemall.com.

London Underground ‘Bit of Romance’ $164.99 at Shoes.com.
Confession time: Whatever the reason, I love this boot truly, madly, deeply.

T.U.K ‘Cara’ $85 $70 at Zappos.com (size 7 only).

Naughty Monkey ‘Belly Up’ $119.95 at Endless.com and $131 at Zappos.com.

These last two ankle boots are also really turning on my positive, feel-good vibes.  I think it has something to do with the split, buttoned cut of the cuff that also conjures to my mind the Alfred Noyes poem ‘The Highwayman’; Such a romantic and dashing image that these boots conjure up in the imagination.

I’m thinking that with the right pair of brown Spats, and a warm wool Kinsale cloak, I might just have the perfect thing to wear during a long, cold winter.  Maybe the key to Spats (at least in my case) is to embrace my anachronistic fashion tendencies and mix some period styles in with my modern wardrobe. 

Of course, I still need someone else to guide me on what to wear with the LAMB Zeyn boots. That challenge continues to elude me.

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Ok, so some of you may know that I have like a million jobs. Really. Just ask me. At any rate, one of the glitzier ones is that of production assistant for a fashion production company. And by glitzy I mean that average tasks involve being on set during photoshoots and running out to pick up whatever the photographer or stylist might need. Most memorably, I have been sent to fetch body-length human hair and fake boobs (called “chicken cutlets” if ya’ll wanna learn a little industry speak.

But I digress. I recently worked at a photo shoot for a very high end hair and makeup brand. I will not divulge their name because I am really not sure if I am supposed to. But for you clever folk out there it translates to ”Real Gold” from the French. This particular client hires stylists who bring in really incredible stuff. It’s so cutting edge, I get paper cuts (da dum chhhhssss).

 To demonstrate my point, a tableau:

Take a breath now:

YSL, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Louboutin, Louboutin, Louboutin, Givenchy, Louboutin, Balenciaga

Light headed yet?

I did a little research in case any of feel like spending your life savings on a piece of fashion gold.

 Shoe Beauty #1

These are my absolute favorite. If you want to take the plunge, these would be the ones to do it for. I was trying to figure out how to cram these suckers into my tiny clutch or under my blouse. There was much self-recrimination for not being into the whole peasant blouse, tons-of-excess-fabric thing. Behold the grail.

These are the YSL High Heel Lace Up Sandals with Jeweled Medallion in Black Patent. They are a whopping $895 dollars on ysl.com even now as the wintry winds begin the blow down Broadway. But so what. They. Are. Gorgeous.

Shoe Beauty #2

These Balenciaga Gladiator Sandals are obviously not available. The Sex and the City gladiator rampage of ‘08 wiped the Internet clean of these highly coveted critters.

However, because I aim to help the readers who are looking to cash in on the end-of summer sales, here is a stand-in which is significantly cheaper that the 600+ price tag on the original. These Vaneli Gladiator Sandals are much cheaper at the low, low price of only 88.79.

Shoe Beauty #3

Pretty, pretty Balenciaga. How I love how you shine through the dark of the night. You add luster to my evening. Unfortunately, these are also no longer available and I couldn’t find a worthy substitute, but I will give you a close-up for contemplation.

 Shoe Beauties #4, #5, #6, and #7

These assorted black pumps are the collective Little Black Dress of the shoe world.

Pictured here is the Christian Louboutin hidden platform pump, $700 courtesy of Neimanmarcus.com. I just think that when you wear these you can’t help but feel beautiful, sophisticated, glamorous, and all those other words that the fashion mags list under the stuff they want to sell you.

Shoe Beauties #8 and #9

Booties are kind of my new thing. The first year that they entered the world of trends I disdained them, looking down on them as underdeveloped boots or overdeveloped heels. However, I have reassessed the situation and realized that they are most excellent.

Shiny, Louboutin booties are an excellent way to get my thinking on track.

And the less shiny Balenciaga version keeps me on the wagon.

Though I couldn’t find either of these. I found this Balenciaga stand-in. They really look very little like either of them, but what’s another shoe to lust after among friends?

They are on sale at overstock.com for 569.99, still pricey, but an excellent discount from the original price of 1195.00.

The weird looks the stylist gave me as I crouched around the shoes shooting photos were totally worth it.

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Test your knock-off knowledge here.

See if you can identify the manufacturers of the following shoe styles.

I’ll give you a hint.   

They are not: Marc Jacobs, YSL, Dior, Prada/Miu Miu, Gucci or Givenchy.

Check your answers at the bottom of the page.:

1.)

2.)

3.)

4.)

5.)

6.)

7.)

8.)

9.)

10.)

Answers Below:

Read the rest of this entry »

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Honestly, Riccardo Tisci.  When someone comes along and suggests that the new cool thing in Parisian fashion circles is Western wear, you don’t have to listen.  Really, you don’t.

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One of my favorite things about fashion week are the celebrity looks off the runway. For NY Fashion Week Spring 2009, we saw…

Jennifer Lopez at the Oscar de la Renta show. J Lo wore fall 2008 Alexander McQueen bejeweled pumps featuring a 4.5 inch heel and jeweled, silk vamp. The shoes are available at the Alexander McQueen online website for $995.

At Michael Kors Spring 2009, Blake Lively from Gossip Girls was decked in, what else, head to toe Michael Kors. The lattice A dress is available at Netaporter while Michael Kors’ patent ‘Candi’ double ankle strap pumps are at Zappos.

Lindsay Lohan arrived at the Samantha Ronson show in these hot blue Chloe peeptoes, which are selling at Saks (for forest green only) for $585.

Mary Kate Olsen loves the knee high, bondage, gladiator inspired look (seen in Chanel here). So it came as no surprise that Mary-Kate wore these Spring 2008 Givenchys at the DVF fashion show.

Finally, Nicole Richie was rocking these suede with zipper pull Pierre Hardy pumps. They are 675 euros at Luisaviaroma.

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