Colored Boots for Fall and Winter

As I'm sure you are all well aware, I love color. There's nothing I find more sartorially depressing than a closet full of black or gray. One of the things that I love about Autumn is that it opens up so many more options for layering colors.

The keys to remember here are 1) keep the rest of your wardrobe neutral, 2) go monochromatic for an "easier" and more subtle look, 3) use complimentary colors to create more drama.

Steve Madden "Troopa" in Wine

Wear with:

Merlot Tights

Anne Klein "Caelina" in Navy

Wear with:

Dark Purple Tights

Tsubo "Tayla" in Charcoal

Wear with:

Espresso Tights

Elizabeth and James "April" in Forest

Wear with:

Mustard Tights

Steve Madden "Milaan" in Burgundy

Wear with:

Charcoal Tights

All tights courtesy of SockDreams. Shoes via Zappos.

My New Favorite Accessory

Though it's not quite chilly enough here in Austin for cuddly woolens, I can't help but indulge in my recent obsession: thigh-high socks. I wear mine layered over tights and peeking out of my boots. It's a nice way to create a tonal look or to introduce a splash of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

I have run into one slight problem, however. Namely, that many socks that are labeled "over-the-knee" or "thigh-high" end up being too short on my long and curvy legs. Or worse, the top band cuts uncomfortably into my knees. And the only thing worse than a muffin top is a muffin top on your legs (stem muffins? leg loaves?). The solution? A
plus size sock from Sock Dreams. They are thin enough that there is no bunching in my boots, but substantial enough to add warmth. My favorite part is the band. There's a soft and stretchy piece of elastic circling the cuff that keeps them in place without causing discomfort.

Here they are. The Extraordinary Thigh High:

Extraordinary Thigh Highs

Granted, I did not choose this color but my laptop is on its last legs and this is the only image it would let me upload. I purchased the Charcoal and will also be adding Black, Navy, and Burgundy.

Some of my other favorites: 



Wavy Top Over The Knee




Crochet Lover Over The Knees





Button Ribbed OTK



Extraordinarily Longer Thigh High

All photos courtesy of Sock Dreams.

Pretty Grunge

When I was about 11 I started wearing combat boots with dresses and ripped jeans with flannel. I listened to REM, watched 'Clueless', played viola and thought I was grunge.

I look back on this and remember that it was probably one of the first times that I experimented with fashion and just wore what I wanted. Sure, it wasn't particularly good-looking, and the kids at school probably thought I was a nutcase and living under a bridge, but I dug it.

To this day, I have a particular affinity for a hot pair of combat boots, a good old plaid shirt and some ripped stockings. I just think it's cool. Pairing a girly dress with a leather bag and some boots creates a sort of hippie devil-may-care aura.

Rachel Bilson rocking Pretty Grunge

I especially love spring fashion with some killer boots.

All Saints 'Damisi' Boots

Lace peplum top

Grungy skinny jeans

Studded bangles

Or how about this

Asos boots

Modcloth jacket

Swiss dot dress

Barbed wire ring

I can't explain it. It's just hot. Women turning menswear on its head and making lace look tough.

Put Katniss Everdeen in a dress and she'd throw on her own hunting boots and give you the finger.

That's what it's all about.

My boots? Well, they're these:

Things That Shouldn't Work But Do: Boots Edition

Everything goes with black. I used to think that, if most of my basic pieces were black, that my shoes and purses had to be, too.

Man, is that wrong.

Don't misunderstand me, I love black. I just don't always love it head-to-toe. Especially on a Pale person, all black can look a bit goth, which is fine if that's your aim. I just feel that, for the most part, black boots are rather Hard Rock.

You can wear brown boots with a black outfit. It is actually very attractive as the brown helps to break up and soften the harshness that black can impart. Check it out:

She's wearing 3 neutrals: black, gray, and brown. The scarf adds softness in the form of a silver gray knit. The boots are a slightly slouchy suede that contrasts with the stark monochromatic aspect of her tights, dress, and gloves.

Pippa Middleton wearing a coat that I suspect is Burberry and a satchel I believe is Mulberry

Here, Pippa Middleton shows the same principle. She has used a silk scarf and suede boots to soften the structure of her coat and bag. She looks both glamorous and like the girl next door.

Pippa Middleton and Kate, pre- Duchess of Cambridge

Goddess Kate here wears structured riding boots with a cinch belt and softens the outfit with a flowy top and velvet blazer.


Half the battle when it comes to fashion is BALANCE. When you understand how to balance the clothes on our body, you can get away with a multitude of 'sins' (like mixing black and brown par example).

Rachel Bilson

Anne Hathaway

Me