Admit it : with all the new models of shoes to choose from, in the end designers are confusing us. It is easy in the summer; we choose between sandals, flat shoes, high heels, and eventually flip-flops when it gets really  hot. But in the winter? City casual shoes, ok, that's easy. Boots and thigh-high boots, even there I can tell the difference. When when we are talking about ankle boots and low boots, I start to get a little confused. 

Here is a little lesson for fashionistas who need a little brush-up on their fashion vocabulary.

Let's start with the ankle boot. This term is relatively new and has grown is popularity among fashion professionals as the fashion trend has grown and grown. Today, it is still more chic to speak of low boots than ankle boots, so we use this term in a lot of different ways. Take note: to be called a ankle boot, the shoe in question has to have a relatively high heel (if not it is a low city shoe) and the upper cannot go past the ankle.

Here are a few examples :

                 

For the low boot, it's even easier. This is what you call all shoes that have an upper somewhere between the ankle (ankle boot) and the knee (boot). Normally, if you wanted to be extremely precise, the low boot should have laces. But, with the diversity of models proposed year after year, everything that is too short to be a boot and too high to be an ankle boot is called a low boot.

A small picture demonstration :

                 

Does that make sense now ?

Contrary to what you may believe, it's really not that easy to choose a pair of boots. At least for me it isn't. There are so many things to think about: colour, heel type, how to wear them ....  

The first possiblity is to choose a really feminine pair of boots: high upper, stiletto heels, black or print. They are perfect for work or a night out with friends or your partner.

The second possiblity is to choose a pair of boots, while just as feminine, have a wider, more comfortable heel for hous of walking without having to worry about aching feet ... They are perfect for everyday and especially ... for a shopping trip! What better than a little bit of window shopping atop comfortable high heels?

The other day, I had a little jar of magic potion, which looked a lot like these. I keep it on my desk to ward off bad moods. I did a quick google search so I could show you exactly what I mean. 

In reality, it is more of a serum for dry and damaged hair, but I've decided that it is going to be a magic potion. "Do not swallow" is written on the back, but I'm still going to cast a spell with it : Normalement c’est de la potion pour cheveux abîmés, mais j’ai décidé que ce serait de la potion magique de fée. Il est écrit dessus “Ne pas avaler” mais je vais quand même ensorceler des gens avec : I'm going to cast a royal spell, and everyone will have to do what I want ( well, we can put it to a vote...) 

I also have a royal headband, with sequins that sparkle like the sun. You could almost say it is a headband fit for a princess, but a queen is even better.

To go with all of this, I need a magic wand and the perfect shoes. Dignified shoes that shine like I do. Shoes as light as they are beautiful ... what do you choose when you have aspirations like I do?

Shiny silver flat shoes, now I think that will do the trick.

Us "girls" ... we sometimes ask ourselves questions that are worthy of a grand philosophical debate...

Us "girls" ... We know that what outfit we pick totally depends on the shoes we plan on wearing. You "boys" .... Now you will be able to understand why we will never have the PERFECT pair of shoes, more specifically a pair of high heels.

High heels that simply aren't the right height, the right material (smooth leather, suede, distressed, patent leather...), or the right form. High heels where the toe is too round or not round enough, too pointy or not pointy enough, too squared or not square enough, too common or ... Well, now that you get the idea, you can see why we may absolutely NEED a new pair of high heels.

Let's take a look at a few pairs that, for us girls, divide us ( well, especially me) :

Do you feel any emotion in looking at this incredibly high pair of purple Alicia high heels from Castaner ? They are quite nice, aren't they ?

And how can you resist a sure bet like this pair of Orchid high heels from Ash ? Any comments?

And you? What's your choice?

The other day when I was shopping at H&M, I saw that they had viciously put pairs of pink leggings on sale right next to the register. Of course I couldn't help myself, what is £3 more when I've already spent £50? I know I'll wear them (even though they are bright), but the question is, with what?

With a pair of leggings that are THAT bright, I think black is the way to go. As luck would have it, I don't really have a lot of black shoes....

I've concluded that, in order to even wear these pink leggings, I'm going to need a pair of black boots. . Flat and simple that go with everything.

The Fudgees from Mellow Yellow for example ...

As you may or may not know, I absolutely love the colour pink. Pink trainers even better. But a pair of trainers with a pink sole ... well you can't do much better than that!

Pink all the way down to the sole, these trainers are guaranteed to put you in a good mood. People won't be able to help but notice the pink peeking out from the bottom of your shoe, and you will want to run, jump, and dance instead of walking normally. And you don't have to share it with anyone, this pink is just for you! Even better when the lining is pink as well.... With pink under your feet, you won't want them to come in contact with a grey London morning, but their added touch of colour will make you thankful that you did!

It had been a long time since I haven't worn a pair of pink soles until I saw these:

The perfect pair of Reebok that combine my love for Federer with their white and gold colours and my obession with pink from the sole to the lining!

In ten years, the biggest trends will no doubt be what is popular today. Since the end of last year, I can't help but notice a sudden return of brands and styles that I've definetly seen before. From the Reebok Pump to the NikeAir Force, each of these emblematic models is back and better than ever.

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With time, certain brands have anticipated this trend and noticed that adolescents / young adults that grew up in the 1990's now have buying power that cannot be ignored..... 

Among these nostalgic returns, let's not forget the sudden rise in interest for the Timberland 6 Premium.

Well known by the pillars of the Hip Hop movement, Timberland has for a long time been the loyal companion of the American rap scene. From the Wu-Tang Clan to Tupac, the heavyweights of old school rap have at one time or another worn these classic shoes. 

The durability of these shoes are no doubt one of the reasons. Their large and sturdy style is not just for looks. Anyone who has ever tried on a pair of  Timberland boots knows that these shoes were made to last for years, no matter what the circumstance. 

Time will tell if this "so" '90s shoe will find their place in a new decade ....

Last week, I took the first annual leave of my career ( except for sick days and family obligations), to take a weekend holiday to the countryside. No, i'm  not joking.

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Even though the weather forcast from my Iphone tried to make me see the bright side with an optimistic forcast ( same location, same date, yet 2 degrees warmer than the forcast on TV...go figure). But the essential is the same: rain for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

I was hoping to make the summer last a little bit longer, but I just don't see that happening anymore. I would at least like to keep my feet dry as you never know how the weather will change! Luckly I found these Aigle Venise Deluxe boots. The English countryside isn't exactly Venice, but a good rubber boot will take you anywhere! 

With thigh-high boots being all the rage this autumn in fashion magazines as well as in the blogosphere, the honorable mid-length boot has largely gone unnoticed. And yet, they keep popping up in all the AW 2009-2010 collections of our favourite brands : Cosmo Paris, Chie Mihara, Minelli...

What exactly IS the mid-length boot ? It is a compromise between the low/ankle boot (that covers the ankle) and the boot that stops at a few inches from the knee. The mid-length boot stops at the mid-calf. Some will tell you there is no difference between low boots and mid-length boots. Could they be right ?

The more important question is : which pair will I choose? 

Quite a few models have already caught my attention and are on the top of my wish list for October. October is the month of the mid-length boot. Low boots are for September.

After hesitating between a bunch of  Chie Mihara models such as Echus ou Valetta, I've really fallen hard for this model :

I love the pleated effect of the leather, the colour, the rounded toe and nice hight of the heel that will brighten up even the most dreary autumn day .