April 16, 2009
YSL Double Monk Strap Boot

When it comes to fashion and shoes, I go through phases that I get in and out of – sometimes quickly and sometimes I don’t think I would ever get out of it (like my Grey phase – it’s just such a great color). I am out of my dress shirt phase and am currently into my tee-shirt phase and I got out of my boots phase a couple of months ago.

But it looks like this pair from YSL is igniting that spark again. Influenced and inspired by Japanese construction worker’s traditional footwear, this double monk strap boot is fresh and cool and classic all at the same time.

The soft leather will be a joy to wear while …


(Read the rest of this article...)


March 10, 2009
YSL Jonny Boot in Leopard Printed Calfskin


Animal prints should generally be avoided. Zebra strips, cow spots, leopard prints don’t make for classic pieces or practical ones. I love my YSL Jonny Boots and needless to say, I was horrified when I saw this.

Just because you have a great iconic design doesn’t mean you can butcher it by slapping on the tackiest leopard print. Firstly, where will you wear this to besides a dress party and what will you wear this with? I can’t imagine how this could be incorporated into an everyday wardrobe.

This is hands down one of the worst ideas and I am left quite speechless; the only thing I can utter is ‘WTF?!’.

Find this for US$795 at YSL.

 


(Read the rest of this article...)


February 24, 2009
YSL Rocker Leather Ankle Boots

Favored by one of my favorite bands, Kings Of Leon, these boots stay very true to their name. From the sharp pointed toe to the side detailed gore that forms a subtle, visual stoke of detail when placed together – this is one rockstar worthy pair.

This would look equally good with denim or tailored pants – dressed up or down. I would wear this on formal occasions for a bit of an edge. This quiet, classic pair with its elastic sides will ensure easy slip in and off that will be much appreciated after the copious amounts of alcohol at the after party.

Function and style – can’t beat that. Get this for US$830 at Saks Fifth Avenue. …


(Read the rest of this article...)


February 1, 2009
Thrifty Flavors: Giorgio Brutini Dress Boots


Thanks to Keith aka KjAM at Party Favorz who gave us the push we needed to create a Thrifty Flavors segment where we find chic, great pieces for alot less than the usual items we feature. In uncertain times comes the need for greater prudence and here at Style Flavors, we are all about that. Though it might take a while for us to ride through this recession, it’s all good because being thrifty will never go out of style. And really at the end of the day, it’s not how much your clothes cost, but how you put them together, carry them that matters and relate to people that matters.

These dark brown dress boots feature a 2 inch heel that might be a …


(Read the rest of this article...)


December 19, 2008
Emporio Armani Short Leather Boots


I am attracted to detail; both big and small. But what eventually takes the cake and seals the deal and have me wipe out my credit card is when an item has understated, subtle, classic detail. Details that you notice if you look closely enough.

This pair of striking boots has just what it takes to induce desire. The side zip closure adds a dash of cool while the snap closure that wraps around the front of the boot allows an easy slip on while proudly and quietly displaying its origin. 

The cracked quality of this 100% lambskin adds a vintage charm that will only get better with age and wear - this will look fantastic with denim! 

Get this for US$595 at Emporio Armani.


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 25, 2008
Paul Smith Turandot Boots


I am very much looking forward to Fall; it’s barely weeks and my want list for Fall keeps growing by the day! These handsome pair of boots by Paul Smith is the newest addition to my list.

I am loving the double buckle design on this slip-on pair. They go seamlessly with the stitching detail that runs throughout the boot adding a tough yet sleek touch. The studs add a stamp of roughness that goes perfectly with the vibe of these boots. 

They are wide enough so you can tuck your jeans in and the side zipper provides an easy way to slip in and out of this. Also available in Black but my vote is for the slightly pebbled brown shade; it’s got more character and would …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 20, 2008
Gucci Rubber Boots

I have always wanted to go check out summer music festivals like Fuji Rock, Bonnaroo and Glastonbury. I am a huge fan of alternative and rock music and 3 full days of alcohol, musicians and groupies in the summer heat equates to much debauchery and fun! I never got to the chance to check them out; at least not yet. There is always somewhere else I need to be or something I need to do.

These rubber boots from Gucci will look right at home at Glastonbury. With rain and mud and all round wet weather, rain boots (or as the English call them, Wellingtons) are the staple footwear at the annual event.

I haven’t had much love for Gucci recently but these black, sleek rubber boots …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 15, 2008
Emporio Armani Ankle Boots

If you’re looking for a pair of sturdy, simple yet classic boots that you can wear for years to come, this could just be it.

This slip-on pair with side zip closure has a wide enough upper band so you can fit your jeans or pants in. With some ankle boots, you have to wear your skinny jeans before you can tuck them in because the width on the upper band doesn’t allow for much fabric. You don’t have to worry about that with this pair.

The simple belt adds a solo touch of detail but it speaks for itself in its own understated way. The thick rubber sole will ensure you get everything you need done with ample sole protection.

This pair is not unique but sometimes, all a boy needs is …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 14, 2008
Emporio Armani Self-Tie Ankle Boots

What better way to welcome Fall than a pair of a great boots that will see you through the wet grounds of winter and everything you have to do and the running around it all requires.

This self-tie ankle boots from Emporio Armani will ensure you slip in and out easily with the side zip closure; yes, the laces are for show and you don’t really need to touch them unless you want to knot them in your own individual way. The laces together with the aged-leather adds a cool military vibe while remaining stylish.

The polished leather on the rounded toe adds a subtle touch and the heel will give you a complimentary 1.2 inches.

Get this for US$372 at Yoox.    …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 7, 2008
Grenson for Rag & Bone Runway Dodger Boot, Canvas

Grenson was founded in 1886 by an English shoemaker and they have recently collaborated with Rag & Bone to produce a collection of shoes for Rag & Bone’s Fall line.

This pair of boots might be hand made and all but it is unfortunately ugly. I can’t stand the dull mustard patch of canvas; it looks like day old mucus and just ruins the whole look. If it had not been there, this pair of boots would be decent looking.

The lace-up placket and contoured seams on the front and back gives this pair a nice, constructed look. So they should have stopped there and not added anything extra. Because a patch of color can sometimes be a patch of …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 5, 2008
Marni Zip Ankle Boot


I, for one, love it when designers take something classic and interpret it in their own individualistic way while retaining all the qualities of the classic design. This ankle boot from Marni is one such example.

At first glance, this might seem like a regular ankle boot with a stitch pattern. But if you look closely, you’ll realize just how different it is. The zipper on this pair is located on the front as opposed to the side like most boots. This zipper is semi-hidden by a leather placket so there is subtlety and functionality. This pair of boots will probably be easier to slip on because of where the zipper is located. I’ve had my fair share of boots …


(Read the rest of this article...)


September 1, 2008
Prada Flame Applique Boot


Now I don’t get why anyone would want a pair flame-inspired boots by Prada. Wearing a designer label to the neighborhood’s trucker bar does not automatically make you the most well-dressed. 

So Prada or not, these just look terrible and out of place. The flame-like appliqués don’t add a dash of cool no matter how hard you will them to and the high-shine burnished leather is another perplexing detail. The only individuals I can think of who will be excited by this pair of boots are fashion-conscious bikers and even that itself is sort of an oxymoron. So you mean to say that someone would spend $1700 on this pair of boots, hop on their bike and go be one with the wind and then come home and polish …


(Read the rest of this article...)