Spotted: The Perfect Work Boots

I’m sitting on the subway and I see these boots.  I’m walking down Newbury Street and I see these boots.  I’m in a major teaching hospital and I see these boots.  When did this memo re: fabulous yet understated boots get sent out and why was I not CC’d?

Yes, you get the message–I’m in love with these boots.  I know what you’re thinking though–black boots?  So what?  But take another look–these are not just any black boots, but the perfect work boots.  The wide, solid heel avoids the “I’ve been walking on two pins all day” feeling by 5pm.  In addition, they narrow at the toe, creating a flattering, feminine silhouette.  I’m sure chunky shoes are flattering on someone out there, but thus far, I have yet to meet her.  Finally, the buckle details add a dash of equestrian chic, taking a simple shape and tweaking it just slightly.

You can find these boots (Edelweiss by Matisse) here or on just about any well-dressed girl walking around these days.  Consider yourself CC’d.

Designer Profile: Abel Munoz

So I may have mentioned a few times how Boston is not the fashion capital of the U.S.  City of snow, city of black-iced sidewalks, city of the comfortable Ugg-booted commute.  Don’t get me wrong, I moved back here from New York so I could wear a sweatshirt to the grocery store without receiving glares.  But sometimes riding the subway does get a little…demoralizing.

The good news is that our neighbors to the north are our cousins in crime.  Badly patterned rubber boots, plastic-y shoes, Lacroix boots dragged through salted snow, Toronto designer Abel Munoz has seen it all.  And he wants to fix us.  Canada’s most fashionable Costa Rican import is ready to hit the U.S. stores any second with his line of tango-inspired modern classics.  Mixing the eclectic with the traditional, his latest collection features graphic platforms, gladiator heels, and booties you’ll think twice about dragging through the sleet.  Oh, and have you ever seen shoes like these red ones before?  They were inspired by the female torso, says Munoz.  The designer’s other career as an art director for Canadian fashion mags FQ and Sir ensures his designs stay progressive and unique. 

I know what you’re thinking, Boston students–how can one wear such shoes and pay rent too?  Fear not–while the shoes may carry hefty price tags (prices start at $350 and can go beyond $1,000), Munoz’s creations are meant to be investments.  “I want to develop signature pieces that will last and be relevant for years to come,”  says Munoz.  “New designs with a classic inclination.”  We’re on board with that.  Saks, are you listening?

Abel Munoz’s designs are available to U.S. shoppers at www.abelmunozaccessories.com.  Canadian shoppers can also find his shoes at Ron White stores (www.ronwhite.ca).

Purging, The Martha Way

Moving is a time for reassessment. What clothes to keep, what clothes to lose, and what clothes go to the tailor for real this time. When moving this fall, I discovered I had not one but two bags of shoes to take to Goodwill. Peeking into the bags, I reconfirmed these were all wise choices. The stacked heel Maryjanes in both black and tan (goodbye 1990’s Courtney Love), the white college graduation heels that never quite fit right, the bizarre “structural” wedges that seemed to be constructed out of children’s building blocks. None of these will be missed, and maybe someone out there can turn them into a Fashion Do.

Moving is also the time to organize a nice neat closet a la “Martha Stewart Living” and I cherish these moments (“cherish”–so Martha!). Laying out all my shoes in color-coordinated rows, I discovered that while I had scourged my closet of oversized slingbacks, I certainly was not lacking for gold shoes. Somehow I have accumulated six pairs over the last few years, and that’s not even counting the sandals. Cracked leather, matte leather, peep toe, mule, modern gladiator–there they all were, sparkling in the light of my new closet. I wondered how this could have happened. Then I realized that not only do I own too many gold shoes, I mostly WRITE about gold shoes. Martha does not approve of addictions.

But why not this one? Gold is a neutral, albeit a special one, and it adds the most lovely zing to any evening outfit. Like this pair–wouldn’t it be cute with jeans or a little red dress? These shoes are even named “Submit”–come on!

OK fine. I never make New Years resolutions, but perhaps I can two-step my way out of denial to focus on more pressing matters. Like silver shoes. Martha would appreciate the balance.

Slippery Slope

It’s a few days after Christmas and there are more than a few moving boxes lining the walls in my apartment.  I’m tempted to buy one of those gas station onesies, slap on some rubber gloves, and start tossing everything I should have tossed before I packed up my last place.  But while I live in Boston, I refuse to wear anything flannel, fleece, or otherwise “comfortable” unless it’s to the gym.  Shudder if you must, but it is a slippery slope–one day you’re in drawstring pants at the supermarket, the next day you’re running errands in a parka over a flannel nightgown with no make-up on.

 

The same goes for hanging out at home.  Surely there are more attractive things to wear than college sweatpants and Uggs.  So instead of going barefoot in my sporadically heated apartment, I’m searching for something a little less hausfrau, a little more Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.  And while we can’t all have Alber Elbaz custom-make us some cute Lanvin flats for flitting around the house, these would trump Ugg boots any day.  They come in this lovely muted gold, silver, or black (if you want to get Jackie Kennedy about it).

 

I may even pick up a couple extra–after Husband and I clean up the place, we’re going to be those obnoxious people who make their floors a no-shoe zone, and I want my guests to come back.  Croissant, anyone?

Best Boots/Leg Cast Ever!

Hey guys, wait up! No, I didn’t break both my legs, these are my new Stellies!

Um, Stella McCartney? For Adidas? Yes, I bought them full-price, why? I think they are *superrrrcute* with these shorts!

No, I don’t have polio.

Anyway, I bought them in black too. I know it’s cold, but they keep my legs warm! Like leg-warmers, only not. They go with so much, totally allll my formal shorts, and I would say most of my culottes. And I was getting really tired of those Moonboot Marc Jacob thingies.

I hope we have eight ZILLION more weeks of winter. Whee! Huh? Whatever, I could but I don’t like wearing pants. And why would I go trout fishing? I’m a vegan. Like Stella.

But yes, these are doing a really good job supporting my ankles, thanks for asking. Maybe when you’re done polluting the Earth with your leather-animal-hating shoes you can borrow them.