(photo: Guy Bourdain)
There’s no denying I love designer shoes, especially when it comes to this Fall season. And WHY do you ask? Simply, variety, variety, variety, and boy, is there plenty for everyone!
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there will always be predictable contenders to be coveted by all. It’s Fall after all, so there’s no denying the presence of boots. Sure, open toes are reserved for the ‘my feet look too pretty to cover up’ category, but with consistent care and caresses during months full of scaly and itchy skin, those beautiful feet could still use some warmth when covered up in such decadence like these shoes here.
Now, as much as I love to challenge the cold with open toe shoes, for this post, I’m going to focus on styles that keep the chills away like these white beauties by Prabal Gurung.
(photo: GETTY IMAGES)
At a glance, you might think they’re just another pointy toe ankle boot, but it’s all about the form and detailing. Let’s pick it apart, shall we?
Upon close observation, the pointed toe gives it that ‘YES, I’M HERE’ effect worthy of stiletto high heel shoes, but as your eyes trace the top of the foot right before you make your way up to the ankle, you notice that deep stop, into a boxy shape. The boxy shape then takes on the look of spats minus the buttons, completing the boot effect. And just when you think the ride is over, there’s that heel. Boy that heel, that gives me all the right feels. It’s a sculptured heel, but it’s SCULPTURE! The heel commands attention as it rests on top of a sphere. Then that sphere connects to a thin yet sturdy cylindrical shape, cut on a bias, held together by a goldenrod. Bravo, I say, Bravo!
Look One – Designer Prabal Gurung Boot, Fall 2018
What’s best of all about this designer boot for Fall is that it can easily be dressed up or down. So I thought, “What would be a good look to go with this boot?” Of course, pants would show off these boots a lot faster, but I always love the element of surprise, which is why I opted for a dress, specifically this one.
The dress though, for this coveted ankle boot, had to be special, which made me select this number by Monse (Farfetch). Taking a page out of The Saville Row Fall trend, houndstooth is what rules here. This Off Shoulder dress with its houndstooth pattern is sure to catch someone’s eye. What makes it even more of a hit for me, is its ruched three-quarter sleeves, folded-over strapless detail, and its bias-cut skirt, with varied length skirt panels. One cross of the legs, would accentuate the dramatic flair of the skirt, as a way to announce ‘HERE’S MY BOOT, WHERE’S YOURS?‘.
But What More Can I Add To My Look?
But I wanted to keep highlighting the boot’s details, particularly the sphere that made up the other part of the heel. Enter Proenza Schouler’s Grateful Dead Turtleneck, in white, covered entirely in large black circles bearing a red bolt right down the middle. I felt a chill thinking about my shoulders exposed and loved the idea of that pattern peeking from under the dress’s houndstooth ruched sleeve. Throw on a white, red and black Plaid coat with silver detailing and jeweled buttons and I’m out the door!
So seeing as my dress pick has no pockets, where was I going to put my phone and things? I wasn’t about to be tacky and carry my phone and other in my hands, so what’s a chick to do? Prada and Zara of course!
Accessories Drum Roll
By pairing Prada’s Mini Cahier Leather Shoulder Bag in red and black with gold metal detailing and gold chain along with Zara’s red Embossed Crossbody Bag with gold metal details, would just make the red bolt on the turtleneck pop. But what’s even cooler about this Prada bag are its cowboy influences shown by the metal accent panels on its front. And I know what you’re thinking-‘HOW COULD I MIX METALS LIKE THAT?’-all because the dress belt has silver metal detailing? What can I say, I like stirring things up a bit.
Still in the clutches of gold fever, I submit once more and opt for mismatched earrings in gold – an oversized matte gold heart with a dangling pearl and a Chloé Reese Drop earring with its double hoop design, just to give the ears, some graphic appeal to match the top. 
(photo: GETTY IMAGES)
Like a moth to a flame, Ports 1961 silver shoes became my ‘precious’, for a brief moment, as I live for anything shiny. A high heel pump covered entirely in silver tinsel and silver beading just screamed one word to me – PLAID! Call it intuition, call it madness or maybe I’m just gifted or twisted – take your pick.
Look 2 – Designer Ports 1961 Pump, Fall 2018
If you didn’t know this already, I’m a huge pattern whore. Pattern play is the best way for pieces to flirt with one another. I especially love when it’s done using different plaids, in different colors, as seen above. (Another Fall trend.) Besides, what else would go better with shiny silver than plaid, right?
With orange, royal blue, grey and white Turned-Up Hem Plaid Pants and it’s matching Pleated Plaid Top featuring an asymmetrical pleat paired with a TALL Tartan Check Puffer Jacket in a teal, yellow, black and white plaid pattern, who can beat that?
What accessories would complement silver tinsel and plaid?
Iridescence and more silver of course! For earrings, all you need is one of the Neogem Diffraction Drops earrings designed by Nikki Couppee. Lightweight faceted holographic plexiglass and brass make this earring extra special. Complete the look with this Binder Clip shoulder bag by Off-White, that cinches the high and low brands together seamlessly.
(photo: GETTY IMAGES)
Tibi’s designer boot, in salmon red, is a surprise indeed. You don’t often see boots in that color. But it’s the shape of it that really caught my attention. There’s the pointy toe with a sloping dip on the top of the foot. If you took the long leg off the boot, you’d be left with wearing a mule. Then you have its heel that looks like an even wider cylinder, underneath the heel of the foot.
Look 3 – Designer Tibi Boot, Fall 2018
For this Fall designer shoe, I chose to pair it with a Mary Katrantzou SMensy Blazer by Boutique, another Fall trend, and the mix of masculine and feminine will just add that something extra to the mix. I love how one pocket flap is slightly higher than the other. It perfectly mimics the different heights of the rectangles printed on the dress.
And accessories?
To round out this look, I recommend wearing Alessandra Rich’s Crystal Draped Circle Clip-On earrings, with its rows of layered crystal rows. These earrings would definitely add a little more sparkle and high drama to your look. Their large size, the geometric depth of the dress would really stand out. And finally, I would opt for The Volon’s Cindy Leather & Velvet Clutch in Velvet Pink, to carry my phone, lipstick, keys etc.
Inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage, with its rounded silhouette, this beautiful little number will be treasured for years. With pink velvet and metallic pink leather panels, they’re neatly gathered together by a drawstring gold chain. What’s great is that can be worn long or short. If that’s not dramatic enough, it has a dark olive feathered tassel at its base held together by a wide gold band. Finally, your effortlessly chic look is complete!
I hope you find inspiration from these looks I’ve styled for you. And remember, DON’T LET THE CLOTHES WEAR YOU!
Let me know in the comments if you like or hate the looks – I’d love to know.