My latest obsession… booties! Here are my already-have and must-have booties for fall (yes, it’s STILL fall!) from the boutiques where I love to shop the most. I prefer to buy my chic and quality boots at La Canadienne and David Lesage. For comfy and more affordable boots I head to: Call it Spring, Hush Puppies and L’Équipeur (Mark’s). When it’s glamour I’m after, I either splurge at Billie Boutique or hit the trendy & not-so-pricey collections at Aldo. Some of my favourites below are on sale at the moment, so try to get yours before the snow falls and before these styles are gone!
COMFY EVERYDAY BOOTIES
Call it fall with Call it Spring
For urban cowgirls – these Antall ankle boots are best paired with skinny jeans and perfect for sauntering up to the cowboy that you fancy. They come in three fun colours: Cognac, Teal and Bordeaux Suede. Also available in black (not shown), for those who prefer the absence of colour. Real leather and really on sale right now! ($34.98 – $49.98)
www.callitspring.com
Mark’s makes boots that work it, minus the steel cap
Actually, Denver Hayes is the brand that makes these super-sturdy, yet fashionable Oil Suede Zip Cuff Booties ($99.99) which are available at Mark’s. They are so cushy, yet they feel like they could do damage if you had to kick someone’s ass. I’ve been wearing mine for over a month now and it’s like they were custom made for my feet.
www.marks.com
Hush Puppies
These puppies are called the Slumber Hiker and are made for ladies who like to hike to their favourite boutique or café – NOT recommended for the Adirondacks, but could definitely do it for a stroll on Mont Royal. They come in taupe, brown and that non-colour, black. ($180.00)
www.hushpuppies.com
COMFY & CLASSY BOOTIES
Oh La La, La Canadienne!
The bootie version of a riding boot with the name of a brute – these Montreal-designed, Italian-made Cognac-coloured leather Boris boots are on the very top of my fashion wish list! At $345.00, they are an investment, but Oh (Canada), so worth it.
www.lacanadienneshoes.com
David Lesage knows what women want
David only carries Chie Mihara booties and shoes at his minimalist fashion boutique, David Lesage in Les Cours Mont-Royal. Chie is a female shoe designer from Spain whose shoes and boots are designed with a vintage flare and are exceptionally comfortable for footwear with a substantial heel. I bought a pair when David opened his boutique three years ago and still love them and they don’t look like I’ve worn them for that long. The best part of shopping at David’s store is that he only gets in a few styles, so you know that you’re not likely to run into someone else who’s wearing your boots!
www.davidlesage.com
GLAM BOOTIES
Aldo always has a trendy boot for you
Western goes wild with these CEDRINA ($120.00) ankle boots. Go for the glitter in beige or black – they’re all subtle suede in front and party in the back! Also available in black with faux-but-fierce leopard in the back… Grrr!
www.aldoshoes.com
Billie Boutique on a budget
I stalk Billie Boutique – where they carry to-die-for labels way out of my budget – with patience and restraint, and then swoop in when they mark down the items that I coveted for months. Like these Costume National boots that were originally $695, but I got them for $175. Or these Pour la Victoire booties that were originally $495 and I paid just over $100. Fashion-label purchases at a fraction of the regular price always makes me feel like I’m one step ahead!
www.billiegirls.ca
