A Recessionista Shops for Fall Boots.

Fergie “Carly”

It’s gray outside and the weather is getting cooler and as I get dressed this morning my mind keeps turning to boots. Fall is right here and that means boot weather. I am addicted to boots. Every fall, I add to my collection. I own more pairs than I care to disclose. Next up on my hit list are two of this Fall’s must have boots. The bootie – so cute and functional. And the sexy, tall, over-the-knee boot. Both are so versatile and can be worn with anything from jeans to skirts, leggings and dresses.

Let’s start with the OTK Boot. There are so many options out there – brand, price range, color, style, height, material, and I could go on. You can go flat with a comfy sweater and leggings, high heeled with a mini-dress. Then there’s boot length, many designers actually go way over the knee to mid-thigh, a great look if you are tall, lean and leggy. If you’re more petite, try to stick with the OTK boot that falls over the knee, between knee and thigh.

Here are some options for the recessionista, one who is able to stick to a budget and still dress stylishly. My goal under $200 a pair.

Jessica Simpson “Clancy”

If you are looking for a casual and comfortable OTK boot this fall, Chinese Laundry’s Trust Me boot is a great and affordable option, retailing for $99 from Nordstrom. Another option, Fergie’s Carly also available at Nordstrom for $199.95.

For a more tailored look, I like Sam Edelman’s “Mischief” boots from Bloomindales, retailing for $180 and available in Rainy Gray, Brown or Black Suede. Another nice tailored boot is Jessica Simpson’s “Clancy” which carries the riding boot style and can be cuffed down for a slightly different look. It is available

at Nordstrom and retails for $197.95.

In the higher heel category, I like the Guess “Rumala” High Heel Over-The-Knee Boots from Bloomingdales. They come in Black or Mushroom and retail for $199.  Another choice, would be Two Lips’ Over-The-Knee Boot from Victoria’s Secret for $197.

On to booties, or ankle boots, a staple in any fall wardrobe. They were big last fall and are still strong in 09. They can be worn with jeans, skirts, pants, leggings, the list goes on. And if you thought there were a lot of options in the OTK boot wait until you start exploring the bootie. Booties combine with other fall trends such studs or ruffles (which are very big this fall). You can have stiletto, platform, peep toe, cut outs, flats, etc. They come in many different fabrics and color options. You can take a simple outfit and make it pop with a fabulous bootie. It is a great accessory this fall. With so many options it is very hard to narrow the choices. My goal this time, under $150. I find Nordstrom and

Piperlime to offer a great selection in this price range.

Here are some of my favorites. First up, the Truffle by Hive & Honey. It combines the peep toe bootie with ruffles a must have this fall. And very affordable at $89 from Piperlime.

For an edgier look, you can go with the N.Y.L.A. Isabel Bootie for $109.95. It is a great look combining cutouts and studs. Another edgier option is the Fergie Thief Bootie with side cutouts, shiny patent piping, a peep toe, and snake skin embossed mid-sole retails for $139.95. Both are

available at Nordstrom.

Some great everyday booties are the Mia Seductive on Piperlime for $130, the Sofft Orlena Bootie at Nordstrom for $149.95 (I love this brand for their comfort), and the Report Kline Bootie at Nordstrom for $124.95.

There are endless fabulous options out there and these are only a few.  Did I mention I love boots?