Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd... in Shoe Style

[jitterbugbaby]

Last week, I was lucky enough to score an invitation to a preview screening of the upcoming Tim Burton-directed Sweeney Todd starring Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and the great muse of Tim Burton (and sighing fans everywhere, myself included), Johnny Depp. I post no spoilers here. I will only say that it was great and that never has there been a better match of source material and director's vision. And the music is fantastic, which I had forgotten, not having heard it since I was in middle school. There's a half hour featurette available at the Apple website about the making of the movie, which includes a peek at the costume design work. And that, of course, got me thinking about shoes. No surprise there, right? If you're after that Victorian-inspired boot with a Sweeney feel, you'll want something with a bunch of laces and/or buttons for period-accuracy and a good durable sole so you don't slip in all that blood and/or mince meat. Something like these Jessica Bennett Guard boots ($236) with a removable gaiter.

Or these olive Maximum boots from Exchange by Charles David (on sale for $165) to match your favorite Mrs. Lovett ensemble.

You could even go for these rose-embellished Mark Nason black leather boots ($479), if you're willing to pony up more cash.Â* Although, if your meat pie business suddenly starts raking in the dough (no pun intended) hand over fist when the new barber upstairs sets up shop, you might have just the funds you need for these pretty boots.

If you want a different take on "authentic" Sweeney Todd footwear, take a page from the playful sartorial guidebook of the man who's bringing Sweeney to life this time around and wear your own much-loved work boots.