9.09.2013

what she's lovin': all about the bootie {guest post}

you may recall I often refer to my Jenn.the.stylist friend when talking styling or my favorite looks.  well, I have talked her into doing some guest posts on her favorite pieces of the season.  


I would also like to point out that if you live in the Seattle area and have ever dreamed of having a stylist help you design your wardrobe, organize your closet, help you with that special look for an upcoming event, you should probably contact Jenn.  she has a great eye and will help you get so many miles out of what you own and help you fill in the blanks.  and even though she has been styling herself and her friends and family her entire life, she is now launching a business.  so she is affordable for a limited time.



ok, I'm done.  here's Jenn:

Have I got your attention?! One could easily have mistaken this post to be about any number of topics because I do believe that there are many things in life that are "all about the bootie."  With regards to fashion (and keeping this post strictly PG), I could be referring to jeans, swimwear, or panty lines (even workouts) but instead I have devoted this correspondence to tall boots' more petite cousin which have become a year-around mainstay in fashion today...

simply put: the bootie.  

Booties have become so popular in recent years that they now earn their own category as you search shoes on popular websites.  From heels to flats, booties are being paired with anything from jeans to slim trousers, cut-offs to dresses all year-long.  

Before introducing you to a few of my favorites this year; let me first make a compelling case for the bootie, as you may be asking, "why, how??"  The bootie can be just as versatile and a little more edgy than the classic tall boot.  In particular, I like that you can cuff your pants or wear an ankle-length hem and still show a hint of skin or, with a lower cut version, you can easily pair booties with skirts or dresses for a fun alternative to classic pumps.  Just like with any boot, there are casual to dressy versions of the bootie for every occasion...really.  Let me prove it:


Casual

These are the quintessential bootie, a real no-brainer.  Perfectly paired with casual pants: jeans (of course) or...even the coveted track pants.  In particular, I like the smoke gray because it can be worn with black, gray, brown, navy or really any neutral AND suede is such a great material as you transition your wardrobe for fall (to note - I wear suede year-round because I love it!)  I also really like how the cut of this pair dips in front of the ankle, showing a little more skin - super flattering with a cuffed jean, cropped pant or even a skirt.


Splurge-worthy: 

I finally own a pair of Rag & Bone booties!  Not to rub it in, but I took the proverbial plunge during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and have been biding my time (no pun intended) until cooler temps allow me to exchange my sandals for these.  I have been eying R&B booties for a couple of years now - the Newbury bootie has been a celebrity and stylist favorite.  This year they lowered the shaft and added the sweetheart detail as well as the straps and tonal piping to make the Harrow.  
I'm imagining myself pairing these with skinnies and an over-sized sweater like pictured above. or dressing them up with a silky tee and leather jacket for a night out.  Given the investment, I am going to be wearing these day in and day out!


Classic: 

These are the perfect bootie for work and play; easily transitioning from day to night wear.  Fabulous with jeans and ankle-length, tailored pants as well as pencil skirts and dresses.  This particular pair is cut low in the shaft (really just covering the foot); therefore, exposing the ankle bone and making them extremely versatile and flattering on most everyone. Trade these for your standard pumps and your instantly updated for fall!


Military-styling

They're back...Doc Martin style, lace-up booties are everywhere this fall.  Resist the "teen-spirit" and stay clear of flannel paired with crop tops (more trends for fall).  Instead, go for a more demure pairing such as leggings with a cashmere boyfriend sweater or a structured jacket. Add luxe accessories to keep the look sophisticated rather than grunge.  I chose this particular pair because I like the laces with the buckle detailing and the zipper in the back adds interest as well as ease (who really wants to actually lace up the boot?).


Peep-toe 

There are so many great peep-toe bootie options available, many with lace-up details or cut-outs.  I like these because they are a great price point for a more trendy style of bootie.  


These are perfect for a night-out, paired with a special top and dangly earrings or a silky pant and a clutch.  Just remember that a fresh pedicure may be the best accessory given that these highlight both the heels and toes!


Western-inspired  

Not a subtle western; these are more El Paso than Dallas, so stay clear of pairing with plaid shirts, cowboy hats or overalls.  I have a pair of Free Bird boots and I absolutely love the intricate and unique details that make them special.  I would wear these stylized booties with skinnies and long layers, such as a long cardigan over a stripped tee.  Clearly these boots will elevate the most simple of outfits.


Fierce  

Not for wall-flowers, these booties are "single-lady" worthy (I'm sure Beyonce must own a similar pair!). I love the neutral color, which is more subtle than a black cage bootie.  Dresses? Yes, please!  But also a pair of jeans and a blazer - have fun wearing these booties with a more conservative outfit and let your footwear be the spotlight.


Biker

Show some skin with these low-cut biker boots.  I'm imagining these with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and a sweater.  Or really throw caution to the wind; have fun mixing styles and adding some edge to a more girlie dress and over-sized cardi combo.  These would even play well under a more boot-cut pant with the biker details peeking out only when you sit down.  A true '90's throw-back, in the best kind of way!


Let me know which bootie is your favorite and how you are wearing your pair.  And please keep the feedback coming!  Also feel free to share with your fashion-forward, bootie-loving friends.  

Kind regards,
Jenn

Follow us both on Pinterest - Jenn & Kirsty for favorite bootie choices and looks.  

Thanks Jenn!

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