Over-the-Knee Boots: Not Just for “Working Girls”

I remember passing the time in the downtown mall/bus terminal, circa eleventh grade, gazing at the pairs of thigh-high patent boots displayed in the window of a lingerie shop. At the time they seemed so glamorous, so tough yet feminine. (Little did I know the store was frequented by ladies of the night.)

Over-the-knee boots are back — and this time for nice girls, too. Even Glamour Magazine noted the trend in an online blog (though the writer does wonder if the style is “is a bit too Pretty Woman“).

Two Lips by Kitty Kat

Apparently readers aren’t worried about the “working girl” connotation. First, five out of six styles that Glamour spotlights are already sold out. Second, readers responded with raves like, “Ok, so I was flipping through the April 2009 issue, and I saw a picture of these AMAZING over the knee pink suede boots that I am DYING to get” and “I’m in love! Victoria’s Secret had a pair for 100 bucks. they had the perfect heal plus you could just fold down the top and make them knee highs.”

Tall boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

Glamour readers are not the only ones trying on the trend. Says Fashionising.com: “Over-the-knee boots: they may yet be one of the biggest fashion trends in 2010. We touted them as one of the year’s biggest shoe trends only in mid-May, and yet we’ve already spotted them on everyone from Natalia Vodianova to Kristen Stewart.”

boots by Bronx at Victoria's Secret

And Coutorture.com reported this spring, “Over-the-knee boots were all over the Fall 2009 catwalks, in styles that ranged from stocking-like to trouser-like in their appearance … these boots will undoubtedly cost quite a bit when they hit the retail floor.”

A fetish-inspired style by Alexander McQueen

Cost is a detractor: Most styles on Zappos run over $100, and those that don’t tend to be fashioned from polyurethane. Very Pretty Woman. Another downside is wearability: this is a style that veers easily into fetish gear. (That’s fine if that’s your thing, but it’s a big departure for ballet flat fans…) Or, as Blogger Splendicity points out: “Though I’m not sure about this trend being able to translate from the runway to real life, designers are churning out these tall boots.”

Eve by Dolce Vita

Blogger ShoeGoddess offers up one idea for how to wear her pair of tall Dolce Vita Eve boots: “The cut-out in the back of the boot ensures that you get that full over-the-knee look, but you won’t be claustrophobic at the same time,” she writes. “Flat boots literally work with everything, but I especially like to pair them with skinny jeans.”

Va Va Voom with Alexander McQueen

Whether you’re hitting the dance floor or playing hostess for the evening, nothing screams “look at me” better than a pair of femme fatale-inspired sandals.

These seductive sandals from Alexander McQueen are sure to add some va-va voom to your step, a luxurious pair of stilettos decked out in lace ruffles. These 4 ¾” heels are the perfect way to trot along to that evening soiree as you enjoy your moment in the spotlight. Add a dangerously-short dress to the mix, and you are bound to make a bold statement.

These gorgeous sandals have also taken a cue from Christian Louboutin with their bright pink underside, adding an extra-feminine touch.

Can we say haute? Pair these gorgeous sandals with a devilish red dress or all-black ensemble when you’re ready to play the temptress queen for the night…

Play the Desert Goddess this Summer

Endless sunshine may soon be in the forecast, but that doesn’t mean you need to steer clear of the metalics and shine this season. In fact, this season’s top trends are centered around gold silver and bronze, so it’s time to up the shine factor and play it up more often than not.

Get a head start on the season’s style in this pair of Alexander McQueen Gold Sandals.

They’re designed with crackled gold leather and glistening gold buckles, so you’ll be able to enjoy your shining moment at the oceanfront soiree, or other party that demands some dressing up.

These golden puppies will have you teetering on 5” heels, but fret not; you have a 1” platform to help you balance with ease. The thick gold chain band across the vamp is the perfect match for your slouchy gold hobo or glistening clutch; pair these up with a wrap dress, too-short skirt or some dressy capri pants for your golden moment in the spotlight.

Playing the New Year’s Princess

So it’s that time of year again, a time to take stock of the year’s past and count down to a New Year filled with hope, well wishes…and a new pair of shoes, perhaps?

It’s time to bid adieu to the woes and worries of 2008 and dream up a new life ahead. Indulge in the royal treatment during the post-holiday spending blitz – just one more purchase added to the 2008 shopping sprees couldn’t hurt, right?

End the year on the right foot, with the right shoes, I say, and you can’t go wrong.

Case in point: The Alexander McQueen Princess Platforms. These dazzling 4” heels will give you a chance to play Cinderella for the evening’s events, a beautiful pair of crystal shoes embellished with a silver paillette and made in a  classic peep-toe design. They’re strategically designed platforms, so you can dance the night away without fear of twisting your ankle. A perfect match for your royal ensemble that are sure to turn a few heads and even melt a few hearts.

Forget the fact that you may be teetering on a stiletto-like heel until sunrise. Forget the fact that a peep-toe pump means you could be playing footsie with some snow on your trek to the grand ball. And, forget the fact that these puppies will charge up at least four figures on the credit card statement.

Just enjoy the moment, and make a dramatic entrance to the night of revelries in high style, because when the clock strikes midnight and the carriage turns into a pumpkin…you could trade these $1,200+ heels for a used car.