Dear Shopaholic, I need a pair of flat boots that are stylish, yet comfy.  I would like something that I could wear with skinny jeans.  Please advise!  – Kara, NYC

As always, I’ll start with a pair of boots that I, personally, own and wear.  These Steve Madden Candence boots are my easy on, go-to boot.  They are not exactly over-the-knee but have a similar look to that style boot.  For $99, you will most certainly get your money’s worth in one season!  And who cares if they get scuffed along the way?

Next on my list…I’m going super practical.  Rockport is known for *walking on a cloud* comfort and so they make sense for you city walkers!  Simple, sleek, and waterproof are the physical characteristics of the Rockport Emma High Boot costing $150!  Last month, Rockport was featured in Lucky Magazine due to their great design of women’s comfortable shoes.

If you want comfort, yet with a more rugged look – go no further than Frye Boots.  The Frye Veronica Slouch is cool, casual, and comfy.  Comes in many colors and tones (shown in the full grain black tumbled leather)…I own the brown tumbled and they are awesome!  Retail for $328.

And lastly, Ugg has some cute boots this year that go against their normal style, yet continue to include the sherling footbed and super casual style – shown here are the Highkoo II and Abilene (both $199).

All of the above boots were made with walking in mind and style on the brain.  Enjoy!

shops love!

We’ve already established two ground rules for traveling to the city: layering and accessorizing.  The next big thing which will make or break your trip is your shoes!  It’s so easy to look into your closet and throw all of your favorite shoes in the suitcase, but don’t do it!  Pack them carefully and think about only bringing the most versatile shoes.  It’s always nice if you can pack in somewhat of a theme – for instance, I try to pack only things that I wear with my black shoes so that I don’t have to worry about bringing two pairs of pumps, etc.

Forecast this weekend in NYC – 80s in the daytime and 60s in the evening.  Sounds perfect to me!  I’m skeptical though and I think the city always feels cooler because the buildings keep the street covered in shadows.  Lots of walking, too, so I have to pick only my most comfortable shoes – I’ll save my heels for dinner only.  Based on all of the *shoe criteria* that I must follow, I’ll most likely wear my Frye boots to shop.  The great thing about them is that I can wear them with skinny jeans or pair them with a cute skirt!  Regardless of the temperature, a riding/walking boot will serve your purpose.

Here are two that I like: the first is my Veronica Slouch Frye Boot $328 (you’ve seen them before, I know, but they are appropriate today as well).  Second is the Steve Madden Smyrna $149 in black – I love this boot on so many levels – it goes with everything, can be dressed up or down (PERFECT for the city) and the solid colored wedge heel is going to make your legs appear even longer (a HUGE bonus for a shortie like me).

Most of the time when we travel for a weekend, we have dinner out.  This is your time to kick it up a notch!  For me, heels are a must for dinner, so I always make room for one *special* pair of pumps to wear for dinner.  I can sacrifice in the clothing department to make room for one extra pair of shoes (no more than 3 for the whole weekend).

Michael Kors, how did you do it?  Perfection in a ($195) Pump with your metallic glitter shoe.  I heart you.  If you want a similar *wow* effect, but need more cash for weekend activities, check out Nine West’s Red Hot Studit ($98).  Red is such a great fall color, and studs are all over the place these days!  If you just don’t have the room in your luggage, you can’t go wrong with this Nine West “Rocha” pump in a neutral shade.  Neutral, leather, pump…what’s not to love?

So in sum – I love shoes, but have to be mindful when packing for a trip.  I pack shoes that can go with multiple outfits and then break the rule for one evening out!

shops love!

ps…don’t forget about The Shopaholic’s giveaway!!!  Please continue to refer your friends until Monday, September 27th!

In my opening post, I said that the shopping in ‘Cuse is less than impressive.  I stand by what I said, but I want to clarify just a bit.  We don’t have Nordstrom, Saks, or South Moon Under (one of my personal favorites).  We do have some nice boutiques though and I truly believe in giving business to the local community.  If you’re looking for infant and toddler clothing, you could try Chloe’s Closet in Fayetteville, NY.  I also recently stumbled upon a shoe store in Fayetteville when my mom was in town (did I mention that I inherited my love and ability to shop from my mother)?  Paul Karaz shoes has high-end shoes and excellent customer service.  Unfortunately for me, they do not carry many small sizes – I wear a size 5.  The owner was working with us, though, and special ordered a pair of Frye Boots – the Veronica Slouch (see below).  I received them in under a week!  Now I have at least one reason to look forward to fall…well these boots and football.  So while I still do the majority of shopping online, I do enjoy shopping in person at the local stores – just a matter of finding the right stores (and it helps when mom is there too – thanks mom)!

shops love