Mission Impossible? (Ankle Booties)

Since earlier this fall, I have been lusting after ankle booties. Maybe it's because I hardly have any really cute shoes for fall and winter. Sure, I can wear my Bearpaw boots every once in awhile, but it would be nice to have a dressier option.

I had a lot of trouble deciding what exact pair I wanted to invest in. I didn't want it to break the bank, so I was steering towards a price range between $30-$60. I wanted it to have a low wedge heel, preferably around 2-3 inches, so I can (attempt) to wear it to my classes and on errands. And it must be in a neutral color, most likely brown, taupe or grey.

I also had problems figuring out which style would be most flattering. I am pretty petite, and I know that ankle booties can be hard to pull off for smaller women. Originally, I wanted a pair that I could wear bare-legged in early fall with dresses and miniskirts, but I'm thinking that I should stick with wearing them with skinny jeans and tights or leggings. I'm also considering wearing them with cuffed boyfriend jeans.

The one pair I found that I really loved were the ALDO Pirnie booties. They have a hidden wedge heel (wedge is always easier to walk in) and a chic corduroy construction with a leather wrap-around buckle in a contrasting shade. I fell in love with their quirky but cute look, but I wasn't quite willing to drop over $60 for them. I almost forgot about these booties. But then I was graciously gifted with an Amazon gift card...and the wheels started turning. I looked them up on Amazon's website and lo and behold, there they were, in grey (my preferred shade) and for only $27.99! What a steal, right? I wasted no time and snapped them right up. 


I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived just a few days later and I was eager to try them on. When I finally got home for Christmas break, I got the opportunity to test them out--and I gotta say I love them even more in person! I ordered a size up from my usual 6 and they fit perfectly, with just a little slippage that can be fixed with some socks. The instep is ruched, which adds a cute touch, and I love the flared top part. They look a little weird, because the opening is too wide for my ankles, but I still like them a lot. I can't wait to wear them with grey tights and even possibly jeggings/skinny jeans. Overall, I think the booties were a very smart buy!

Do you like ankle booties?

Fall Must-Haves



Grey knit duster cardi (A&F, winter 2011); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); navy culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010)


Duster cardigans. Capelet jackets. Moccasin booties. Tights. Loop scarves. Slouchy skinnies. Tall boots. What do these have in common? They're my fall must-haves!

This past weekend, I rediscovered the joy that is layering. I missed it over the summer, when temps were rarely cooler than 85. But Saturday was a nice relief from the heat, and made me crave fall. Though it felt a little weird at first to be wearing such a thick sweater when it's still technically summer, I love how cute and cozy it looked with my tunic, culottes and tights. And it inspired me to hunt down more duster cardis. I think they look really cute over skirts or shorts with tights.

Accessorizing is key for fall--that's where the scarves, jackets, tights and boots come in! I have a few pairs of tights (the sparkly navy ones above, light grey sweater tights, brown, brown striped leggings and cream pointelle ones) but a girl can always use a few more pairs, right? I love how they look with boots, which is why I'm lusting after a pair of tall, non-Ugg-style boots. They look totally polished but still casual. Scarves make me feel cozy, and they're a great alternative to necklaces. And capelet-type jackets are great for slightly chilly fall days.

 

What's on your fall must-have list?

Sock It To Me!

Socks used to be the forgotten accessory. Who really cares that much about socks, anyway? No one will see them (probably), so does it really matter if they're cute (or match, for that matter)?

This season, a lot of my favorite stores are selling socks. Not just any old socks, but cute socks. All kinds of patterns and colors. Knee-high and slouchy, they're perfect for a bold school girl look with a mini skirt and cardi. Or if you're feeling shy, you can let just a little sock peek out from cropped boyfriend jeans. Socks are totally versatile, and are great for cooler days when you want to stay warm but still want to look good.

What is your favorite way to rock socks?

The Lust List: Autumn

As sad as I am that summer's nearly over, I'm also extremely excited for fall to arrive. I'm already beginning to stock up on essentials that can transition between late summer and early fall. I'm also on the lookout for stand-out autumn pieces.

[From left to right]: ALDO Pirnie Bootie in grey (zappos.com); Coach Poppy Sequins Poppy Cinch purse in dark amethyst (coach.com); AEO Owl Pendant (ae.com and American Eagle stores); Hollister Orange County dress in burgundy (hollisterco.com and Hollister stores)

I really love the owl pendant for its bold quirkiness. I'm getting into jewel tones for this season, especially ruby and plum. And I've been wanting booties since last fall!

What pieces are you lusting after for autumn?