HOW TO GET THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR KNEE-HIGH BOOTS!

by elizabethanneshoes

Tips and tricks you can use to give yourself the perfect fit…

DEALING WITH HALF SIZES: Most shoe companies are moving away from half sizes. So what happens when you are stuck in the middle? Always buy the boot the half step up instead of down. It’s easier to make a boot fit that’s a little too big than too small.

To make up for the half-size difference, a set of gel insoles will not only make up the size difference, but will make your feet even more comfortable. Often times just an extra pair of socks will work well too.

THE BOOTS PINCHES THE TOE OR THE SIDES OF THE FEET: If the boot is a little snug around the sides of your foot or if your foot is being pinched at the toe, a shoe stretcher can come in handy. Shoe stretchers can expand the width and length of shoes (for both benefits you’ll want to purchase a “two way” shoe stretcher). Shoe stretchers work best for breaking in shoes that are a little too tight or expanding shoes that are close to the right size. You don’t want to use the shoe stretcher if the shoe is a size or two too small. Professional shoe makers and alteration companies provide this service as well.

THE BOOT DOESN’T FIT SNUG ENOUGH AROUND THE CALF: Professional shoe makers and alteration companies can take in a boot that is too wide around the calf. They will measure the length of the leg all the way down to the ankle and adjust the fit of the boot at all points on the leg. They typically take in the extra fabric at the zipper. These alterations can be a little costly, sometimes costing between $50 to $75, however, you then have a pair of custom fitted boots.  If you don't want to spend that much money try a pair of Top of the Boot faux fur boot toppers.  They completely cover up the portion of the boot that is too big for only $39.99 and they can be worn with all your boots!

THE BOOT IS TOO TIGHT AROUND THE CALF: Real leather boots can be stretched to give your leg a little extra breathing room. However, this only works if your boots are just a little too snug.

THE BOOT IS TOO TALL: If the boot is too tall and cuts into the back of your knee, professional alteration companies can cut length off the top of the boot to give you knee the extra breathing room. 

Are Ankle Booties for Supermodels Only? No

The best thing about ankle boots is the great variety in which they are available. From animal prints straight down to subtle flat suede boots, you can never miss a pair of booties to match with your daily wear. However, there are crazy rumors going around on the internet that ankle boots are only fit for those with model-like proportions. Could this be true? Well, models look good in everything and besides, we can always work around your physical features to ensure you still look good. Here’s how!

For the Tall and Slender

You will look your best pairing your ankle boots with skintight denims or leggings. If you do want to wear a skirt, finish off the look with a pair of stockings. Keep in mind that you are already tall and slender; showing off your bare legs from the ankle will only work to make you look even taller.

For the Tall and Curvy

You look your best when you layer long tunics and tights. You could also throw in a simple belt to bring out your curves and balance the whole look. However, since you are already tall, try to stick to the low heeled ankle boots especially if you are going for an ultra chic look or a more subtle office look.

For the Petite

Quite contrary to the rumors, it almost seems as if ankle booties were made for petite ladies. For instance, a bubble skirt, fitted top and a pair of suede ankle boots to finish it all off would look ravishing on a petite lady. The options are endless; just make sure you show some leg to enhance your height.

Plus Size

How about you look for a funky A-line dress and a pair of opaque stockings to pair off with your ankle boots? The overall look is bound to be anything but boring. You could also pair up a plain top with a floral circle skirt that’s just above the knee if you want to show off some leg.

So at the end of it all, you really do not need to be a supermodel to rock these little gifts of fashion. All you really need is a proper guide on how to rock them.

Boot Toppers in Alaska!!

Top of the Boot – like icing on cakes

Check out Nicole's Blog about Top of the Boot

http://highlatitudestyle.com/2014/01/19/top-of-the-boots-icing-on-cakes/

Fendi Pre-Fall 2014

Fendi London

The essence of Fendi was perfectly distilled into one look from the label's Pre-Fall collection.

But opposites have always attracted at Fendi. The future always arrives with the past. 

So it seemed logical that Spring's lightness should surrender to weight. And here there 

were masculine and feminine, hard and soft, the linear and the asymmetrical, 

plus a strong feeling of hard-edged precision softened and blurred 

by the shearling and fur collars and trims.

Faux Fur….It's Everywhere this Season!

Faux Fur Style

Faux fur has many advantages- it's perfect for this season, can keep a girl warm on a snowy winter day, and is both less expensive and more politically correct than the real thing. Wearing faux fur is definitely a challenge, however, as you want to avoid looking like a gorilla and come across as a stylish lady instead!

Sweaters

When you're in doubt about wearing a great deal of faux fur, it may be best to tone down the trend into a more subtle, wearable item such as a sweater.  A casual fur-lined zip-up or fur-trimmed collar helps you incorporate the look into your daily wardrobe, perhaps with a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans for a chic city vibe.

Coats

For all you risk-taking fashionistas out there, a fur-accented or even entirely faux fur coat may be just the thing you need in your closet this winter. Try not to overdo the trend by pairing loud, flashy prints with your outerwear, or by adding other furry pieces into the outfit. A fur coat looks great with solids and with simple, blousy tops and sophisticated high-heeled boots. To add a bit of 1940's glamour, try a bright red lip colour with a white fur jacket, dark stockings, and a black pencil skirt.

Vests

The cropped faux fur vest has got to be one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add another layer to your outfit, whether it's over a white babydoll tank, a classic button-down, a striped off-shoulder top, or even a minidress. Look out for sleeveless or cap-sleeved shrug-style vests, featuring animal prints, two-toned colour combinations, and a variety of collar styles.

Footwear

Faux fur on boots is back again for yet another season. Check out www.mytopoftheboot.com.  This time, Black Feather Fur joins the mainstream plain, dark-coloured fur which has become popular on winter boots over the past few years. The variety of textures and materials which is in fashion as of late allows us to combine fur-trimmed boots with leather leggings, lace tights, or plaid jackets. 

Gloves

You may not think of fur as typically appearing on gloves, but this winter furry accents are every bit as stylish as wilder, more noticeable pieces. These are certainly a better and more fashion-forward approach to winter accessorizing (too often, women who are otherwise dressed well leave home in tattered, cheap-quality yarn mittens which clash with their expensive jackets). Look for a neutral colour (a neon pink may not be the best bet for gloves you'll need almost everyday till spring), a pair which is sturdy yet sleek, and comfort. You'll find that supple, ladylike leather gloves trimmed in soft faux fur are to die for!

Boots & Leggings

How To Wear Boots & Leggings

 Leggings in vogue came from athletic garb becoming so popular in our daily lives. These form-fitting lycra tights were mostly seen at gyms but today we wear them everywhere. From grocery shopping to a night out, leggings have become a fashion staple. Unfortunately, depending on how we wear them they still can look like athletic wear. Make sure the top you pair with your leggings covers your backside. What you don’t know is the tighter the legging the thinner the fabric. Thusly, the fabric is thinnest at the largest part of your frame, so under no circumstances should you wear white leggings. No explanation required.

What Do I Wear With My Fur Topped Boots?

Fur topped boots make a fashion statement in a big way. When wearing them, you'll want to choose the rest of your outfit carefully, so as not to overwhelm the statement you are trying to make. You can create an outfit based around your fur boots that looks fabulous!

Pants

Fur boots are usually knee height, and because you want them to be the star of your outfit, you should tuck your pants into your boots. However, this look does not work with just any pants. Choose skinny jeans that have a straight leg so you don't have bulk above the fur boots. Pants should tuck smoothly into the boots without bunching at the top. You could also try wearing fur boots with a short skirt and opaque tights in the winter, which should help keep you warm and really feature the boots as the major piece in the outfit.

Tops

When choosing a top to wear with fur boots, you'll want to focus on two factors. The first is to choose a top with little embellishment, so that the detail on the top doesn't clash with the detail of the fur boots. And second, choose a shirt that has a little bulk, to balance the heft of the boots. You can do this through layering -- a long-sleeved T-shirt with a puffy vest looks simple but balances out your bottom half by matching the bulk. A zipped-up hooded sweater is also a good choice with a pair of fur boots.

Jackets

If you are wearing fur boots, it is probably chilly outside, so you'll want to wear a jacket as well. The most important factor when choosing a jacket to wear with fur boots is the length. Fur boots usually go to the knee, so choose a short jacket to avoid making yourself look shorter by covering your whole leg in boots and a jacket. Choose a jacket that is no longer than hip length. A puffy bomber jacket is a good choice for more causal fur boots, and a short pea-coat style jacket is great with fur boots that you want to dress up a little.

Seeing Double?

It's our model, Kimberly Kazbour, at our Top of the Boot booth at 

The Junior League of Tampa Holiday Market.

The Jr. League Holiday Market is the place to be this weekend!

The Biggest Event in the Tampa Area is happening this weekend.  

Join us at the
 

Dates:		November 8-10, 2013
Times:		Friday, November 8th - 9am to 6pm Saturday, November 9th - 9am to 6pm Sunday, November 10th - 9am to 5pm
Kick-Off Party:		Thursday, November 7
Cookies with the Clauses:		Sunday, November 10 To purchase Cookies with the Clauses tickets,  click here.
Admission:		JLT Member tickets are available for $5 each until  November 1, 2013.  After November 1st, tickets will be $8 each.   JLT Member tickets will be available for purchase online  through 11/01/2013 for $5 each.  Tickets not purchased by 11/01/2013, must be purchased  at the door for $8 each. Tickets are available to purchase online by the  general public for $8 each until November 6th.  Follow this link [www.boxofficetickets.com/JLT] to  purchase your tickets today!
Location:		Florida State Fairgrounds - Expo Hall 4800 US Highway 301 N Tampa, FL 33610
Parking:		$6 at the Florida State Fairgrounds
Merchants:		This shopping event features more than 135 specialty  merchants from across the country offering unique  gift items. Holiday Gift Market includes merchants selling  everything from clothing, jewelry, and handbags to food,  art and children's items.
Proceeds:		100% of net proceeds raised by The Junior League of  Tampa through the Holiday Gift Market will support the  League's programs and community projects in the areas of  education and child welfare.
Contact:		The Junior League of Tampa Shannon Walsh, Holiday Gift Market Chair Gianni O'Connor, Holiday Gift Market Chair   P: 813.254.1734                holidaygiftmarket@jlthq.com

What Boots Are Best For Petite Women?

Fashion reporter Teri Agins 

Tall boots are now seasonless fashion basics. Stylish women have many boots with a variety of heel heights and jazzy details, including trendy versions with cut-out "peep toes" and lacing, in materials from leather to stretch nylon and denim fabric.

Always wear your preferred skirt length or your skinniest jeans and leggings when you shop for tall boots, so you can study which silhouettes look the best. Boots should elongate your legs with an unbroken line, and shouldn't be too tight or too loose.

Shorter women will find the most-flattering versions are the sleekest, such as styles in stretch nylon. Avoid boots that bunch up around the ankle and those with a lot of embellishments, such as buckles and straps, which can make legs look thicker and shorter.

As you expand your boot wardrobe beyond black, try brown, burgundy and charcoal shades, as well as tan suede. Super-stiletto platform boots will make you taller, but the trade-off is loss of comfort. When a woman teeters around in too-high heels, she loses as much as she gains in height.

Boots should reach the lower edge of your kneecap. Avoid those that are shorter, such as mid-calf lengths that visually cut off your leg, or bridge the gap of exposed skin with black tights. Before buying thigh-high boots, spend a few minutes walking around the store and getting out of chairs to make sure they stay up without your having to constantly tug at them.

Are Your Boots Made For Walking?

Flat Boots for Fall

Why we love it

  We love any footwear that gives us a break from our heels but manages to look just as chic. With a range of fun finishes — anything from studding to the more pared-down Chelsea boot styles — these boots were made for walking and for showing off.

How to wear it

  These silhouettes are easy to style up and down with your wardrobe and they look great with our faux fur boot toppers!

What to look for

 Don’t skimp on the comfort and fit. Cheap boots are easily found but if they are not comfortable, they are a waste of money.

Penny Loves Kenny Women’s Fizz Flat Boot $100.90

Everyone needs a great pair of suede scrunch boots to wear with their Top of the Boot faux fur boot toppers!

Mt Dora Craft Festival 2013

If you're looking for something fun to do next weekend, join us 

at the 29th annual Mt. Dora Craft Fair. This is probably the biggest 

event in the southeastern US with 400 exhibitors. Last year 250,000 people 

attended. Many beautiful and unique items. We hope to see you there!

Florals and Booties

Florals and Booties for Summer

A colorful, abstract floral pattern splashes across this neoprene MSGM dress. 
Snake Embossed Booties are the perfect compliment to this great outfit!

How To Wear Boots in the Summer

White Sundress with Boots for Summer

A white sundress is comfortable for warm days and it looks cute with a pair of 

brown boots. You can also opt for a white airy (hi-low) dress instead of a sundress. 

Add a stash of long boho necklaces for trendy details.

Summer Boots

The Summer Boot

We love a sandal this time of year, but what to do if you’re looking for a shoe to toughen up your ladylike sundress for city wear (think less beach, more street) or hide your toes when your pedicure is looking a little worse for wear? Look no further than a summer bootie (seen here on Ginta Lapina in Stockholm Street Style)—suede, leather, embellished, buckled, what-have-you—and pick a pair that hits no higher than the ankle or mid-calf to avoid one possible pitfall: overheating. Not only do they look a little unexpected—and who doesn’t want that?—but wearing summer boots well also ensures you’ll have a broken-in pair (boasting all the marks of a fun, well-traveled summer) to take you fashionably through the upcoming fall months.  

            

Milan Women’s Spring/Summer 2013 

 Summer Ankle Boot

In keeping with the season’s mood for 60s-inspired looks, the ankle boot emerges as a key item for spring/summer 2013. Peep-toe details, cutouts and white or netural colourways keep the style from becoming too heavy, with sturdy heels essential to getting that retro feel.

Sportmax spring/summer 2013

Storing Your Boots

Storing Your Boots During the Off Season

Stuff your boots with crunched up newspaper to keep the shape and absorb any humidity, and then  place them back in the box or in a cloth bag . Store your boots in a dry, room-temperature location - then get excited for the next time you get to take them out and wear them again!

Ankle Boots for Spring 2013

Shop the Look: Peplum Top, Pencil Skirt and Ankle Boots at Haute Couture

Anya Ziourova's expert styling came into action when she paired a peplum top with a moto jacket with a black pencil skirt and streamlined ankle boots for a day of Haute Couture show-seeing. Her dark hues look smart, but we love the idea of taking the same silhouette and getting it set for spring in creams and taupes. 

Boots 2013

Paris Fashion Week Street Style 2013

Paris Fashion Week 2013 - How elegant is this patterned dress, and how great does it look with those high boots? Correct answer: Really elegant, really great.

Boots for Spring 2013

What Do You Call Sandal Boots?

Knee-high boots are always popular for fall, shielding legs during the chilliest months, but once the weather warms up, they're usually swapped for sandals. Designers decided to marry the two shoes for spring 2013. At Altuzarra, a stiletto gladiator version featured beaded leaf segments that add evening sparkle, while Proenza Schouler's downtown take was tightly laced and black. And across the pond at Acne, a lavender version was buckled to the knee. Now the question is — bootals or sandoots?