These boots are made for walkin'

Its officially fall, and that means it is time to think about your boot collection. Every girl should have a kickass pair of boots, and there are no shortage of offerings this fall. You could go with the classic black leather knee boots, or consider chocolate brown suede wedges for a interesting twist. Or, if you are tall and thin, try the new flat riding boots that were shown on the fall runways with slim skirts (the pair to the left is by Burberry).

Here's a great black leather pair from Moschino. They hit at the knee with a bit of ruching at the top, which adds something special; they also have a rounded toe with a shorter heel, which makes them relatively practical and easy to walk in. Before you buy a pair of boots, or any shoes for that matter, make you can walk easily and smoothly in them.

On the opposite end of the style spectrum this fall, we have cowboy boots and mukluks. Mukluks were popular last year, and they are back - make sure you wear them with a correctly proportioned outfit though (skinny jeans and a fitted blazer would work). Cowboy boots are a little easier to wear, and you can find them in every color and at every price this fall. Here's a pair I love, from Frye:

These would look fantastic with casual skirts and jeans, and they're a little more interesting than the standard plain boots or loafers. Picture how well they'd dress up blue jeans and a classic white button down. Add a leather or suede jacket, and you're set for fall.

Marc Jacobs has some absolutely amazing boots this year (and this is coming from someone who usually dislikes his stuff). They are definitely classics with a twist.


This chocolate suede pair has a very pretty round toe and high tapered heel, which makes your feet look more delicate, and the gold ribbon detail down the back is a unique touch that adds interest in a very unexpected place.

These sexy black ankle boots below and to the left, also by Marc Jacobs, would give even the most basic outfit a rock'n'roll feeling. Studded pieces are everywhere this year, and these would be a great to get in on the trend - and the subtle studs on black leather are still pretty classic.

The boots on the right are by Henry Beguelin. The combination of deep brown croc and tiny gold studs is uptown take on this fall's popular western look. Like the Marc Jacobs pair on the left, these would be fabulous with jeans.


If you are a little more adventurous, think about getting a colorful pair of boots. Emilio Pucci did some suede ones topped with his trademark colorful prints, and Prada did some beautiful colored croc flat boots. And you could always go with a pair of cowboy boots trimmed with a bright color - try camel with turquoise for an eye-popping western look.

Finally, because any post about shoes would be incomplete without something by Manolo, here is the Blahnik take on the cowgirl style:
A little bit sexier and slinkier than the average cowboy boot - its got a stilletto and hits just below the knee - a cowboy boot for the city girl.

Going Dotty

What says "fun" more than polka dots? They are cute, peppy, and classic all at the same time. Picture a red and white polka fifties style skirt, a pink and black polka dot halter dress, or a scarf in any color combination at all. Whether you are a glamour girl or a prepster, there is a dotted piece for you.

One of my favorite polka dot pieces is my black and white laptop bag. It's a little more fun than the typical black affair, and it was under $20 from Target.

I'm also a fan of Target's polka dot rainboots, which come in lots of color combinations. These would be an excellent addition to your wardrobe if you live in a rainy area.

I also really like polka dot dresses, skirts, tops, etc. One of my most versatile pieces is a black and white dotted skirt - its knee length and fluttery, and goes with everything from a black turtleneck to a turquoise jacket.

If you don't want to go for a entire dotted ensemble, try accessories. Maybe a lime green tote with pink dots if you're the preppy type, or a fuschia and black shoe for more of a vampy look. Or perhaps you want to go classic, so get a black and white polka scarf, tie it jauntily around your neck, and pretend you're at a cafe on the Champs de Elysee.

Here's a cute pair of wedges by Brian Atwood and a fun umbrella by Moschino. By the way, an umbrella is an excellent way to try out a pattern or color you're not sure about committing to in clothing form.

The Kiffen goes to School

On October 3rd, the Kiffen will be starting school at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, majoring in Fashion Design, of course. Who better than me to design clothes for well, everyone?

Here's a couple pieces by emerging designers (soon to be me) that I like:

A pair of hot turquoise peep toes by Eugenia Kim - Saks Fifth Avenue carries her stuff, and its very bright and playful.

The bag is by BE&D - they make all manner of fabulous leather studded bags, from sleek little clutches to big carry-alls like this one.


Here's a beautiful satin blouse by Paco Rabanne, and a pair of shoes by one of my favorite new designers, Brian Atwood:

Aren't those shoes fantastic? For those of you in the market for new stilettos, I highly recommend checking him out. If, like most of us, $500 shoes aren't quite in your budget, Nine West and Guess will have their knockoffs out soon enough.

With a bit of luck, I'll be one of the "emerging designers" someday soon.

What would the Kiffen do (part 2)?

Dear Fashionable Kiffen,

I like to keep my hands and feet pristine by getting regular manicures and pedicures. However, I'm never sure what colors to get - should my tips and toes match, or can they be different colors. Also, what colors are big for this fall?

- Confused about Color

Dear Confused,

There are so many fantastic polish shades out there right now, it is even difficult for the Kiffen to choose one. First of all, you can definitely have different colors on your tips and toes, as long as they don't clash. Try putting a light shimmery pink on the tips with a brighter fuschia on toes, or peach with coral on the toes, or my personal favorite, a shimmery nude on the fingers and a rich burgundy on the toes. Also, when selecting your polish, consider your skin's undertones. Whether you have warm or cool undertones, make sure your polish matches. Try a coppery red for toes and a sheer gold for tips if you are warm, or a blackberry hue on the toes with a light blush pink on the tips if you are cool-toned.

This fall's colors are rich and deep - claret, merlot, even shimmery black (although I would advise leaving this shade to the gothic chicks). If those shades are a bit much for you, there are also some beautiful metallic nudes, with either a gold or silvery cast to them. OPI's new "Chicago Collection" has some great colors for this season - "Got the Blues for Red", "Marooned on the Magnificent Mile", and "Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ" are dramatic reds, while "Skinny Dip'n in Lake Michigan" is the perfect neutral.

- The Fashionable Kiffen

Wild Style

Animal prints are huge this fall, and I love 'em. Leopard, tiger, zebra, lynx, even giraffe. They can be sexy, classic, playful, or quirky - or all of the above. For example, both Jackie O. and Carmen Electra have worn leopard prints well albeit in different ways. I think they are great for pretty much any piece too, from a bit of zebra trim on a bag to a full-on leopard coat. Even if you're not really into the look, there is place for these prints in every girl's wardrobe.

If you just want a touch of pattern, try a pair of leopard print shoes, a bag, or a scarf. Or even a hair accessory like a headband or clip. For less of an impact, choose a print with similar tones, like a chocolate brown on black cheetah print as opposed to an orange and black tiger stripe. I really like the idea of shoes like these used a neutral - wear them with jeans, black pants and skirts, any shade of brown, etc. You could use an animal print bag, scarf, or even a coat as a similar neutral - you really never know what will look good until you try it on together (this goes for a lot of things in fashion, actually).

I also like animal print bags. Here are a few of my favorites:



Animal prints are great for accessories, of course, but consider a coat, shirt, skirt, dress - anything, really. For instance, this cute little coat that looks amazing thrown over jeans.






And this sleek moschino pencil skirt is a great alternative to all the miniskirts that were in stores this spring and summer.


Some designers always have animal print in their collections, and do a great with it - like Dolce and Gabbana (who line all their suits with leopard print) and Versace. Others showed animal prints as a trend for this fall, like Moschino, and Prada. Really, though if you get a great animal print piece this fall, you'll be able to wear forever.

Rules are meant to be broken

"You can't wear white shoes (or pants, or skirts) after Labor Day!" I think that everyone has heard this rule, and most of us follow it. It makes sense - white linen pants look horrendously out of place in November. However, sometimes white can look utterly right during the colder seasons.

For instance, picture a soft chocolate brown cashmere sweater or a teal velvet blazer with a pair of crisp white pants, or a sleek white pencil skirt with a black turtleneck. Both of these could work in the fall and early spring. What matters is the material of the white item in question - it must substantial, no chiffon or linen. Also, keep the color on top, and your accessories, dark and wintry, or else you'll look too out of place. Of course, white on top is perfectly acceptable year round.

What about your favorite white leather bag (this can also apply to pale pink, baby blue, or any other summery pastel)? It might look great contrasting with your black suit. This look only works with bags made of heaver materials like leather, croc, or microfiber. Do not bring out woven or straw bags in January.

White shoes, however, just don't work out of season. Many styles are too flimsy for winter wear to begin with, and shapes like pumps and boots are just bad and kind of trashy 99% of time. (My one exception would be white pumps with a flowy sundress or light-colored palazzo pants in the summer. And there is never a good time for pure white boots.) Winter white, ivory, or cream colored shoes can work, though, just make sure you stay out of mud and slush, because nothing is worse than dirty white shoes. And of course, never wear black hose with light colored shoes.

Don't feel the need to put away your favorite white pieces just cause its Labor Day. Do put away anything linen or made of straw, however. Just don't be afraid to break the "rules" of fashion. After all, if Coco Chanel, Mary Quant, and Christian Dior hadn't been afraid to challenge the established looks for women, where would we be today?

Awesome Croc

Some of my favorite materials for bags and shoes have always been crocodile or alligator. However, they are prohibitively expensive due to the difficulty of working with reptile skins and their rarity. But in the past few years, techniques for stamping, printing, and embossing leather or even vinyl to closely resemble exotic skins have improved by leaps and bounds. Now, that black croc structured bag can be yours for under $100, if you don't mind that the skin came from a cow instead of a crocodile.

Nothing is more ladylike and polished than a croc bag, and they are perfect for every season. Carry black, chocolate brown, or rich deep jewel tones like teal and burgundy in the winter, and camel, ivory, or pale pink in the summer. Or just go for a bright lipstick red, magenta, or turquoise all year round. Croc looks great in every color.
















Both of these great bags are by Isaac Mizrahi for Target, and cost under $30. Pretty good deal, isn't it? Here's a great tote and clutch, this time by Liz Claiborne (her bags are surprisingly nice for what can be a "soccer-mom" label at times).

Really, though, there are mock-croc bags available at all price points. When choosing one, look for a embossed design - the surface should feel bumpy but smooth under your fingertips. Also, make sure the design has some variation, because actual crocodile skin is not perfectly uniform. Finally, it should be a little glossy, and of course make sure the stitching is even and the construction is sturdy. Pick a color that goes well with most of your wardrobe - black and various shades of brown are obvious choices, but bright red, forest green, and dusty rose may work just as well, and they will add a punch of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Finally, consider crocodile shoes. A little more subtle and a lot more classy than patent leather, croc pumps are perfect for the office or a night out. Brightly colored croc sandals can add some interest to a little black dress, and croc loafers are a new twist on the preppy classic. Don't worry about your shoes and bag matching perfectly - you can wear leather shoes with a croc bag, and vice versa. Just make sure they are complementary colors and have similar hardware. Here are a few pairs of great croc shoes: