These are not your Grandma’s boots. And, to a boot-lover like me, that is a good thing.

Gucci Riddle Lace-up Boot $1690 at Saks.com

I love the equestrian-reference of the lower lacing.  Add to that the slightly military-feel of the buckled calf details and you wind up with a boot that is not quite granny, not quite riding boot, and 100% fabulous.

I love how these boots feel like an updated classic. They are just fresh enough not to blend in as just another cookie-cutter granny boot, but are still classy and sexy enough that you can easily get years of wear-ability from them - whether they are matched with casual jeans or a hot pencil skirt.

How would you wear a pair of boots like these?

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I have to admit, I was intrigued by the new Prada Lug-sole boots with the separate buckled strap that I just ran across over at the Saks website:

Prada Lug-Sole Boots $1350 at Saks.com

Even more, I am confused on how I managed to miss seeing these before now. Must be that darned real-life getting in the way of my shoe time again.

Ah, well. If you, like me, were having trouble visualizing how these would look on the body, here are some shots from the Prada RTW 2009 show (c/o style.com):

I have to admit, I liked these better before I saw the runway shots. On the body, they’re just not working for me. I can actually feel myself beginning to like them less and less even as I write this.

And, my husband’s comment of “What’s with the crotch-strap?” when he saw these on my computer screen certainly gives me another mental association that I really don’t need when looking at any pair of boots.

So, now it’s your turn.

Would you wear these…and if so, with what?

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The Nieman Marcus ‘Cusp’ website is having an ‘Up to an Extra 50% off’ sale (Online prices include all discounts).

Some of the featured shoes:

Manolo Blahnik’s Green Satin Buckled Sandal $337.80 $805 @ Cusp.com.

Modern Vintage Buckled Maryjane Pump $94.20 $225 @ Cusp.com

LAMB Platform Cap-Toe Booties $218.40 $520 @ Cusp.com. 

Dolce VIta Spectator Maryjane Pump $58.20 $145 @ Cusp.com

As always, have fun & happy shopping!

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I have only one pair of Hollywould shoes, and those are from the ‘for Target’ line that was produced a year or two ago. I do admit to admiring a number of Hollywould shoe styles; particularly some of the colorful ticking-striped shoes in red and blue that are just too cute for words. Unfortunately, cute is rarely enough for me to shell out close to $500 for a pair of shoes - for me it must be true love combined with an almost mindless desire to get that shoe!  Luckily for me, that rarely happens, leaving most of my purchases in my budget ’sane zone’. I was, however, hoping to try out at least one pair of Hollywould shoes toward the end of next year when all of my ‘New Home’-related debt was paid off.

Unfortunately, the odds of my finding the perfect pair has dropped as Hollywould follows Linens and Things in closing up shop. I love a sale, but this is a sad way to get a bargain.

Hollywould shoes is subsidiary of the Kellwood Co.; a company which markets both men’s and women’s sportswear as well as, interestingly enough, sporting goods. Kellwood Co. announced plans to sell the Hollywould line back in October of this year; unfortunately, there have been no takers to date. Founder and creative director Holly Dunlap’s final day was November 24, 2008 and the press offices are also closed at this time. 

If the Hollywould website is any indication; this is their last hurrah.  Beginning December 2, 2008, a sale was announced with discounts of up to 85% off original prices; the site is currently down to $79 per item site-wide. Yesterday it was $89, so expect discounts to continue as the stock depletes.  Discount shipping codes appear to have been shut off.  Order confirmations will be emailed, but due to the store-closing nature of the sale, e-mail cancellations are still possible if stock cannot be located.  All items are, predictably, final sale.

So, if you want to take a peak and see what is left, by all means, visit the Hollywould website and get your last shot at shoes that are reputed to be as comfortable as they are attractive.

When last I checked, there were still many styles available, including Ballet Flats, Kitten Heels and a handful of boots:

For those of you who love the Hollywould brand or were thinking of trying it out ’someday’, this may be one of your last opportunities to own a new pair of Hollywould shoes (Outside of whatever stock is left on websites such as Shoes.com and 6pm.com). Certainly it’s a little bittersweet, and it does show that even the luxury market is affected during an economic turn-down. One of the few up-sides I can see coming from this is a possible slow-down on the price-inflation that has started to become normal in the shoe market over the last few years. Obviously, that’s a very small silver lining to be found, but at least it’s something.

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Yet another sale. I can’t keep track of all the sales that have been springing up of late.

While all the sales are possibly another indication of trouble for retailers who are hoping for any cash-flow boost during the current uncertain economic climate; they remain good news for all of us hoping to make our budgets stretch just a little bit further. I certainly hope most of our favorite shoe retailers weather through the current financial troubles without too much difficulty.

So, if you feel like hopping over to the Nine West website, they are having a 20-30% off sale on any footwear on their site.

Some seasonal options?

How about the faux-fur cuffed ‘Accents’ boot for $179.99 $199.99 before the additional 20% discount?

Me, I’m feeling pretty partial to the ‘Cuzza’ ankle boot for $109.00 $149.99pre-additional 20% off. Anything that manages to hit tough, sexy and practical is a winner in my book.

Of course, if you loved last season’s Jimmy Choo Maryjane sandals but missed them or need a lower-priced alternative, you can find a fair and affordable substitute in the Nine West ‘Lex’ for $29.99-34.99 $89.99 before the additional 20% off.

Finally, what fun would it be talking sales if we didn’t find something in the fun and funky category? The ‘Bela’ hair-calf ankle boot in black or brown for $89.99 $119.00 before that additional 20% kicks in. Pretty decent prices, all the way around.

Well, I’m off to enjoy dinner with the family. That, unlike all these sales, is a least easy on the pocketbook.

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