Budget Stylista: Bring on the Boots

I hate to admit it but fall is almost here. Major tear.

But while I’m not excited for midterms, wool coats, shivering on my walk to class and being too cold to drink iced coffee, I am excited for boots (and really excited for Pumpkin Spice Lattes). I know, its not easy to think about knee-high boots when you’ve got sweat building up in the crook of your arm (just me?), but right now- while you’re still in summer mode – is really the best time to stock up on boots for the season:

1) Because you can find good deals.
2) You can find whatever you want in your size.
3) You’re so sick of dirty flip flop feet, you just want something soft and buttery covering up those toes.

Those three reasons were good enough for me to go on an Internet shopping spree from my bed last night. And I found some major gems.

This season, embellished boots and more masculine lace-up boots are totally in my closet. Doesn’t seem like you? Wrong. You can wear these little guys with anything. Pair them with leggings and a long button down for the day, or pair with a flirty feminine look for a nice juxtaposition of girly and boyish. Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Steve Madden’s Roady Boot

So I’ve hit that point in the summer (which usually comes after a couple hot-as-death-weeks) where I start craving my leather boots. I’m not going to lie if you walked into my apartment unannounced I may or may not be wearing them around with the AC cranked up pretending that, if for just ten minutes, it is finally fall.

Other than my crazy “pretend” sessions, I obviously satisfy this yearning to zip up my motorcycle knee-highs and run through some leaves by heading to the mall and dropping some major cash (if not all my cash) on a brand new pair…which then just leads to more torture as I stare at them for an entire month before it’s socially acceptable to put them on…outside of my apartment.

But that’s beside the point.

The actually point of my ranting is that I have found my new fall love. Which is no easy feat (or feet…ha!) considering that there a million different styles of boots of which I own about 20, so finding one worth my entire paycheck for a week is a hefty task.

This fall, Steve Madden’s Roady boot in brown will be my go-to shoe for any and every occasion. I am so excited about these that I can barely contain it. I can’t really begin anywhere other than the color, which in a sea of black leather boots stands out like a sore thumb- in an amazing way of course.

The distressed brown leather is so unexpected – rugged and feminine at the same time – making them a girly addition to rocker-inspired dark wash skinnys and a motorcycle jacket for night, while also being able to toughen up a floral print dress and tights for day. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Boot Orgy

boot introOne of the must-have items this fall (and the fashion item that has taken the lead role in my dreams) is a pair of boots. Not only are they super functional, but boots are also one of the easiest, most-stylish ways to pull together an outfit.

There are many styles of boots in fashion this season, from shooties (shoe booties) all the way on up to the hottest style of ’09, the over-the-knee boot. It’s super sexy and a great way to add some va-va-va voom to your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. Yes, without looking trashy.

Boots aren’t cheap, but they’re a versatile addition to any college girl’s wardrobe. The perfect riding boot can be worn with jeans tucked in, or even with leggings or a dress – meaning they can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Boots are so popular right now that even the ugly Sorels of our childhood days are getting in on the action.  These super-functional boots have gotten a makeover so they will not only keep your feet dry in snowbanks, but they’ll look pretty damn adorable in the process.

You want to be warm, dry and totally hot? It’s time to get thee some boots. Tall, short, ankle or knee-high – there is literally something for everyone. Here are a few to drool over inspire you. Read More »


From StyleBakery: Shoes To Wear To Class

Let’s face it: Those UGGs aren’t earning you any style points, but you wear them anyway because they are comfy and they match everything. There are other footwear choices out there that are wearable, warm, and WAY cuter.

Before temperatures get too low, wear a cute pair of flats with jeans or a skirt to school. If your flats give you blisters on the back of your heel, try inserting Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz, which keep your feet from slipping in and out of shoes. A single pack costs $6.95. Here are some fashionable flats that will get you out of that UGG rut this school year:

sb flats Read More »


Budget Stylista: These Boots Are Meant for Fabulosity

fall boots intro copySo you know how last week I said the essential item for fall on campus is an oversized, throw-on-anywhere-and-go cardigan?

Well, I lied.

Fact is, aside from the essential cardigan there are a few other essentials that should be stashed in your dorm room (and no, I’m not talking about your birth control or condoms… although those are probably just as important, unless you like to frequent drugstores for awkward encounters with pregnancy tests and Plan B boxes).

Where was I? Oh yeah – boots.

A great pair of fall boots may even rival the essential-ness of a great cardigan. Pair the two together and – shazam! – you’ve got yourself one fabulous looking outfit, even if what’s underneath resembles a burlap sack or something out of Heidi Montag’s closet. The great thing about tall riding boots (combined with a long cardigan or top) is that they can turn leggings into acceptable pants (key word here being long top - I don’t need to see your jelly shaking on my walk to class with my morning latte), and we all know the benefit of not being stuck  in a 3 hour lecture in too-tight jeans and our muffin top spilling over onto our crush’s lap.

Un.comfort.able on all levels.

Boots also prevent the awful wet socks in the winter time, are comfortable to walk around campus, and make the hungover-hot-mess look you could have going on look instantly chic and pulled together. Can Uggs do that? I think NOT.

Bottom line: Boots are a must have, but usually muy caro (that’s spanish for really expensive.  See mom! I did sort of pay attention in High School!). Here are some affordable options that cut back on the price but not on the style.

I l-o-v-e these options: Read More »


Rock The Look: Oversized Sweaters

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A big, comfy sweater is definitely a must-have this winter. It will keep you warm and looking chic, unlike a baggy hoodie. Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson, above, look cute but casual, the perfect look for heading to class or shopping. Jessica Alba dresses the look up a little by adding a belt and tights.

In order to pull off this look, however, make sure that the sweater isn’t TOO enormous. You don’t want to look like you stole it from your grandpa’s closet. Buy a sweater that is meant to be oversized or go one size up from what you would normally buy.

Here are some stylish oversized sweaters. Click the picture to visit the store’s website. Read More »