I am going to have a major shoe problem this fall. Not that I don't already have one. But, this season's offerings are so my speed, I'm going to have to use restraint not to go all Imelda Marcos in the footwear department. (Besides, my closet just isn't tricked out enough for a major shoe collection and my bunions are already screaming at me for even considering some of the heel heights I'm lusting after.)
Boots in every length, heel type and color, platform ankle booties and – I can barely even take it – high top wedge sneakers are going to be shuffling on fallen leaves everywhere.
Forget flats (unless they are Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats) or anything that isn't a true statement below the knee for Autumn 2012.
The look is tall, thick, strong and edgy and should be rocked in leather or suede (or a faux version,) embellished with buckles, laces, fringe or studs.
Neutrals are fine, but bright colors, metallics and patterns are still making a strong splash. Twisted shapes, geometric silhouettes and gravity defying elevation rule the shoe forecast!
Here is a selection of my wish list for fall:
Colin Stuart Lace Up Wedge Bootie: Colin Stuart's Fall 2012 boot collection has all kinds of shoe-hoarder enticements and they are all available for 20 percent off at Victoria's Secret right now. This lace-up wedge bootie is classy, funky and somehow classic all at once. If your feet can take the altitude, this shoe is perfect for everyday with jeans or for a relaxed evening out. The shape lends itself to being tucked under my beloved leg warmers, which, when pulled over the top of these booties, elongates even the shortest of statures.
Jeffrey Campbell Fall 2012 Mooncage: If I were granted the ultimate shoe coveter wish – that one shoe designer would send me one pair from every collection each season – that genius would be Jeffrey Campbell. This season, if I have to choose just one pair, the "Mooncage" is the bootie that has stolen my heart and sole. Practical? Hells no. Hot? Super duper. In fact, these are so spectacular that I would wear them to the grocery store just to experience them a little bit more each day.
Alloy.com Ricki Boot: Alloy is a great little online shopping site geared toward tweens, teens and college folk, but I scout fabulous, economical finds here all the time. Their shoes aren't the best quality, but for the price (which gets even better with their coupons), you can't beat indulging in a pair or two of on-trend knock-offs that will last you through the season. I'm kind of loving the Ricki boot right now as an everyday, pull-on-over-leggings with an oversized, gauzy sweater option.
I just can't decide on a color. My instinct says black, but the natural and brown are so western chic that I'm in a sole conundrum. Tweet me and let me know which ones you think!
Wedge sneakers! Steve Madden Hamlit: Wedge sneakers! My fave of faves for this autumn!! The retro high-top sneaker with a hidden heel gives you street cred and extra inches! I called around Mil-town to see if any of my go-to specialty shoe dealers had these in yet, but they all replied "no" as of when this blog was blogged. Ebay has tons of these if you are looking for deals – just search "wedge sneaker." But, here's my ultimate version: Steve Madden has combined the wedge sneaker with studding in his Hamlit! These add a rock 'n' roll edge to whatever you pair them with.
All items can be ordered online, or I urge you to contact my beloved shoe spots in Milwaukee – Mr. Shoe, Goldi and Shoo – to carry these or similar styles for some local shoe shopping craziness.
And a bargain shopper tip: I often find inspiration online and in magazines, but rarely drop the big bucks. Instead, I scour TJ Maxx or more outlet-type shoe stores to find designer knock-offs that appease my shappetite (that's short for shoe-appetite) without breaking the bank – or a heel.
Lindsay Garric is a Milwaukee native who calls her favorite city home base for as long as her lifestyle will allow her. A hybrid of a makeup artist, esthetician, personal trainer and entrepreneur all rolled into a tattooed, dolled-up package, she has fantasies of being a big, bad rock star who lives in a house with a porch and a white picket fence, complete with small farm animals in a version of Milwaukee that has a tropical climate.
A mishmash of contradictions, colliding polar opposites and a dash of camp, her passion is for all pretty things and the products that go with it. From makeup to workouts, food to fashion, Lindsay has a polished finger on the pulse of beauty, fashion, fitness and nutrition trends and is super duper excited to share that and other randomness from her crazy, sexy, gypsy life with the readers of OnMilwaukee.com.