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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For those of you here in the United States, I wish you a thoughtful and safe Veterans Day.  To all those who have served, past and present, I am taking this moment to say Thank You.  Your willingness to put yourself at risk for your fellow citizens as well as for the ideals of honor, duty, and freedom makes this former military brat proud and thankful for your commitment and sacrifice.

And, for all of our Shoeblog.com readers, I proudly unfurl my own flag-inspired favorite that I reserve just for patriotic occasions:

Steve Madden Lejune at Zappos.com

Wear your colors proudly and with honor.

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In case you haven’t yet seen these in stores, several of this Fall’s resort collections have start to turn up at our favorite online shopping sites. Today’s focus is the Prada 2009 Resort Collection.

For more conservative ladies,  a number of these 2009 Resort styles are simple, feminine, classic, and stylish. The low demi-wedge sandals are a nice change from recent trends toward higher and more precarious styles. If you happen to prefer the higher heel, the ombre nude Maryjane pumps have a slim yet solid heel that will allow you to indulge in the trend of  higher styles without sacrificing too much in walking stability (~a la stilettos).

Prada Demi-wedge (T-strap) Sandals $520 Saks.com*

Prada Demi-wedge (Strappy) Sandals $520 at Saks.com

Prada T-strap Sandals $620 at Saks.com

Prada Ankle-strap Wedges $595 at Saks.com

Prada Mary-Jane Pumps $620 at Saks.com

Prada Round-toe Pumps $490 at Saks.com

Of course,  the folks over at Prada have not forgotten to include styles with a bit of bling in this collection (in apparent consideration of the many ladies who simply never stopped loving the idea of playing dress-up with their fashion). And, with the holidays just around the corner, I’m sure there are many gals out there who will find plenty of opportunities to let these lovelies shine - as they are quite obviously meant to do.

Prada Sequined Peep-toe Pumps $850 at Saks.com

Prada sequined mules $590 at Saks.com

Prada Sequined Sandals $850 at Saks.com

Prada Jewelled Slides $730 at Saks.com

Prada T-strap sandals $890 at Saks.com

Prada T-strap Sandals $790 at Saks.com

As for me, do I have a favorite? Well, while I am wholeheartedly loving the art-deco 1940’s appeal of the last 2 jewelled T-straps, I actually find myself more torn between the demi-wedge T-strap and the basic-yet oh, so sexy, jewelled slides.

How about you, which style do you find most appealing?

 *For those of you with a Saks 5th Avenue account, there is a triple-points event currently in progress online, and running Nov. 11-15  in stores.

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Since New York is the unquestionable home of street chic, I have decided to start an (ir)regular column called Street-Gawker. This will consist of me finding and photographing people with awesome shoes and writing about it here on shoeblog. Sound good?

Our first participant was a lovely young lady I met today in Midtown Manhattan. She requested that her face not be shown, but I could not pass up the opportunity to share her shoes with you. She was wearing a charming pair of wooden shoes. Now, normally, this might make you think of dancing clogs and pigtails, but not in this case. Check this out:

I want to reinforce that this was a perfectly normal person. She was sitting on a suitcase in front of a hotel in a very classic 1950s movie pose. Her head rested on her hand as she looked off into the distance. She was well-dressed, but by no means was she the unapproachable fashion vixen that you would expect to be wearing 7-inch custom built wooden HEEL-LESS platforms. Basically what I am saying is that she is not Victoria Beckham, but she might have stolen her shoes. Upon inquiry, I learned these shoes are the product of a now-defunct company call Falomi that specialized in just this type of shoe. I could only find a single picture of their wares online and I will share it here:

Though I cannot direct you to a place to purchase your very own Falomi brand 7-inch sandals (HAHAHA!), I will do the next-best thing just case somebody out there was in the market for a true daredevil walking experience.

Below is an unbranded pair that IS available at eleveneast.com for $169.00:

So the questions of the day is…what would you sacrifice in terms of mobility to feel the thrill that comes from a really delicious (and in thus case potentially insane) heels?

Until next time….Happy Gawking!

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Whenever I wear a pair of pointy-toed shoes or boots, as I did this past weekend, my husband is prone to making comments along the lines of “Well, I can see which boots you’ll be wearing on Halloween.” This type of none-too-subtle witch reference is not lost on me. There are even those who categorically hate all pointy-toed shoes and use the phrase ‘Witch shoes’ dismissively. As for me, I simply shrug off any negativity regarding this classic style - as would anyone who has ever been lulled by the siren call of the perfect pair of pointy pumps. That perfect pair of witch pumps works its own spell on you so that you are unable to resist their particular charm.

Here’s to being the best-dressed witch in the neighborhood.

Manolo, Armani, and Weitzman, Oh My.

Manolo Blahnik Buckled Bootie $765 at Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik Buckled Mary Jane $775 at Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik Bow Pump $735 at Neiman Marcus

Georgio Armani d’Orsay Bootie $745 at Neiman Marcus

Stuart Weitzman ‘Mega’ Bootie $325 at Zappos.com

So many sweet pretties. *Cackle*

Okay, now that I’m back to Earth and off my broomstick, my Never Pay Retail budget tendencies are kicking in. So, here are a few somewhat more affordable alternatives for those of you currently situated in more of a bargainista than fashionista mode.

Daniblack ‘Viceroy’ Bootie Pump $112.50 $150.00at Zappos.com

Carlos by Carlos Santana ‘Vintage’ $78.00 at Zappos.com

In the end, I’m very tempted to grab these truly funky NYLA Knee-high Boots.

NYLA Janette $97.18 $190.00 at 6pm.com

I’ll get you, my pretties.

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