Cornucopia – Style Aplenty

Now that fall has arrived and temperatures have plunged a speck, fashion mavens can finally comfortably model autumn’s most popular trend: the boot. In spite of our delayed fall climate, I have seen many of New Orleans’ fashion enthusiasts suffering through balmy September and October while rocking their new boots and booties. I am among these brazen devotees. Form before function is an occupational hazard.

Boots … something about the act of lacing them, zipping them up high or pulling them on makes me feel powerful, taller, more intense — as if I could kick some serious booty (I am a mere 5’2 and have been compared to both Napoleon and a terrier — neither were compliments).

I own boots that date back to high school and boots I have saved every last penny to purchase. There were the “20 Eye” Doc Marten boots I once implored a family friend to bring me back from her trip to London, not to mention the black Justin cowboy boots I pleaded with my father for during freshman year of college. But you know what? I still own — and wear — both pairs.

Made for Walking
This season the boot trend is quite radical. Designs range from the short bootie to the severe thigh-high to the over-the-knee style. Colors are striking: oxblood red, royal blue and even a fierce leopard print. Rachel Elizabeth Adams, blogger for “The Elizabeth Chronicles” and creative director/assistant manager of Angelique Shoe, has been sporting her Hoss Intropia metallic booties since the first day of September. “I love flashy feet!” she exclaimed. “We have been selling ankle booties like crazy. It’s such an easy trend to adapt to our humid climate.”

When it pertains to styling, Rachel offers expert advice. “Ankle booties can look sophisticated and on-trend when paired with a dress or pencil skirt, or youthful when worn with cut-off denim and a plaid button-down.” The contrast of feminine and edgy makes the bootie a must-have for all ages. Angelique Shoe carries all styles of booties for fall, from studded with a stacked heel to gold with grommets.

Similarly ecstatic about boot season are the shoe specialists over at Feet First. If you would like to adorn your feet with the latest and greatest styles, the shoe doyennes at Feet First have the New Orleans shoe scene covered. Christyn Random-Bethune, floor manager/trend guru for Feet First’s three stores (visit their latest location on Metairie Road), gives her insight: “If you do not own an equestrian-style boot yet, I recommend adding a high-quality pair to your wardrobe as an investment piece.” This particular style of boot oscillates in and out of what is trending in fashion, but if well cared-for, it can be worn for ages. Random-Bethune also has a few boots on her wish list for fall: “I am obsessed with a pair of statement boots by Sam Edelman that have buckles running up the back of the leg. They appear sexy and polished and they elongate the leg — perfect when paired with skinny denim.” To stay current, she suggests boots and booties with metal accents, sculptural designs, color-blocking and unexpected details. If you are unresolved about what style is right for you, Feet First assembles a “Shoe Look Book” each season. This marketing tool allows fashion followers and trendsetters to preview upcoming inventory, pre-order and even purchase their must-haves.

Whether you want to channel your inner Bond Girl with a racy thigh-high style or embrace the punk trend with a studded pair of moto boots, remember to support your local boutiques. Happy shopping!

Angelique Shoe
5421 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 891-8992

Feet First
Uptown
4122 Magazine St.
(504) 899-6800
French Quarter
526 Royal St.
(504) 569-0005

Old Metairie
200 Metairie Rd., Ste. 102
Friedrich’s Square