Boot of the Week: Hunter Boots Regent St. James Tall Rain Boot

The Hunter Brand is known for their rain boots. They have their classic style in every color imaginable. But for a working woman, a bright yellow or red pair of rain boots may not seem appropriate for those rainy days at the office. So here is my recommendation for you ladies, the Hunter Regent St. James Tall Rain Boot. 

Fancy name, I know. But they are practical, neutral, and the asymmetrical cut is oh-so-flattering. At first glance, these boots look like a pair of leather and wool boots -- not pair of waterproof, rubber, rain boots. Your male co-workers will never know the difference.

These rain boots make a splash, and that's that.

And the Winner Is...

These boots may be made for walking, but for most boots, when it comes to Oscar’s big night, the invitation to take the formal stroll down the red carpet historically gets lost in the mail. The 2012 Academy Awards show, which takes place on February 26^th, promises to be no different. Sure, it will be filled with head-to-toe glamour, and celebrities who get the elusive fashion nod can turn instantly into fashion icons. And “fashion don’ts” will be ridiculed in the media for a long time to come. For many stars, putting their best foot forward means playing it safe. Even celebrity royalty don’t grab what could be the fashion role of a lifetime: sleek dresses, sleek hair, and long, beautiful boots.

“Take a chance!” I plead to the leading ladies who have graced us for years with their acting prowess and studio staying power. “Surprise us!” I will to those Hollywood beauties that are secure enough in their beauty to wear thongs on the beach with paparazzi in tow. But the truth is, the 84^th Annual Academy Awards Show follow in the footsteps of those before it. When it comes to their feet, nominees will play it safe—not practical—“safe.” There will still be an abundance of 5-inch heels and strappy platforms holding up actresses who wobble their way through interviews, but long, luscious, leathery boots will be impossible to find.

Yes, boots will get the snub, quite like Leonardo DiCaprio who was overlooked for his work in Titanic and  J. Edgar, and Donald Sutherland who was ignored for his roles in M*A*S*H and Ordinary People. Sadly, boots will go unrecognized for the great performance that they put in throughout the year, and will be left at home on the big night. The opportunity for boots to get that break out role will slip away, and it’s likely that at the only boots that will be gracing the Kodak Theater will be Puss in Boots, one of this year’s nominations for Best Animated Films.

But judging from pictures, maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe this year’s nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role will be better off stepping out on “safe” terrain, wearing what gorgeous leading ladies of years’ past have already proven to work. Let’s take a look at this year’s top ladies and their recent boot outings. 

Meryl Streep, nominated for the Iron Lady

Rooney Mara, nominated for the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Michelle Williams, nominated for My Week With Marlyn
with her daughter Matilda in pink Hunter rain boots

Glenn Close as Cruella Deville,  nominated for Albert Nobbs

And, last, but not least, Viola Davis, who must never have worn a pair of boots in her life…or at least not since her break-out role in The Help.

Viola Davis, nominated for The Help

Judging from these pictures, maybe it’s better that these top ladies stick to shoes. But some day, on some glamorous night to come, boots will have their time. Boots will be up to the job. Someday, we’ll all be watching as a pair of Christian Louboutin 5-inch knee high boots accept an Oscar. There’s a lady out there who is confident enough to pull it off, and that’s that.

Welcome to the Family

This weekend, we welcomed a new addition to the family: Sperry Top-Sider Shearwater Boots. Finally, a pair of snow boots that wouldn’t look like my brother’s hand-me-downs.

Not that I minded wearing my brother’s cast offs. For years, I wore every pair of clunky rubber lace-ups that he outgrew. In fact, I couldn’t wait until they were mine. Bright, red fireman boots and white Power Ranger specials…If my big brother wore them, they were great, and that was that. When we got a little older and my little brother took off in size, I even had his old boots to choose from. Sure, there was a part of me that envied the girls who were the oldest in their family or who had older sisters. They always had the pretty pink or polka-dotted boots. The truth is, though, that I really didn’t mind wearing my brothers’ old boots, and in some ways, this fact still mystifies me.  

Maybe it was because when I was young, the snow in and of itself was exhilarating, and building snow forts and snowmen with my brothers was pure delight. Snow wars with neighboring clans were limitless, and a well-aimed snowball was infinitely more important than what was on my feet.


But somewhere in those middle school years, the desire to curl up on the couch with the dog to watch a “Friends” marathon during a blizzard snuck up on me. The thrill of getting bundled to careen down the hills of the Montclair Iris Garden was waning, and suddenly there were far fewer occasions to wear the Frankenstein footwear that kept out the snow. Sure, there were the massive-snowstorm shovel fests when every mother and child was obliged to help dig out, but that was rare. And in extreme situations, those big clunkers would do. They kept my feet dry.

me, in the snow

But keeping my feet dry was becoming less important. It was then that Uggs became my muse. I collected Uggs the Kardashians collect reality shows, and I loved them. I had tall basic black, tall black with shearling cuffs, and short black Uggs. I had brown Uggs with shearling trim and standard brown, too. I had pink Uggs and teal Uggs, and green Uggs that to this day hang out under my bed and are so comfy that in their retirement have earned the place of slippers in my life. Many of these boots, however, grace the back of my closet now, faithfully remembering the days they spent in the foreground. Sure, they may be worn, but they sure were worn well.

It’s not that I am indifferent to my Uggs. They own a place in my heart that reminds me of first crushes and sleepovers. They own a part of my history. But time marches on, and so does style. My Uggs have a track record of warmth, and I know that I can count on them to join me in welcoming our new Sperry  boots to the family…and to the closet. 

Boot of the Week: Coach Marlena Boot

The Coach Marlena Boot is a classic riding boot -- a necessity in every girl's closet. Now I know they may be a little pricey at $398, but let me tell you, Coach boots hold up. The first pair of "nice" boots I ever bought was a pair of walnut colored Coach riding boots. That was in 2008. I wore them yesterday (and received a compliment).


Coach riding boots can trot around the track day after day, through rain, sleet, and snow and still look beautiful. This Marlena pair is perfect for everyday wear. Pair them with jeans and a tee in the spring, a sweater dress and leather jacket in the fall or a long down jacket in the winter. These boots will enhance your wardrobe.


I give these boots a gold metal. And that's that.


Pick up a pair of these, here.

Super Boots XLVI

The Giants won the Super Bowl, and to some Giants fans, the fact that Mario Mannigham was able to keep both boots in bounds in the fourth quarter while pulling down a spectacular 38-yard reception was the highlight of the game. Replay after replay, all eyes were on one Giants' feet.

My eyes, however, were still caught up in the memory of another set of heels. To this Giants fan, it was Madonna's skin tight, thigh high, half-time boots that stole the show.

At first, Madonna's half-time show left me confused and worried, much like the way I would feel when Ahmad Bradshaw's backside dropped in slow motion over the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Egyptians gave way to marching bands, and at times it was hard to find the 53-year old icon on stage. But the boots set her apart. That long line of black leather creeping up her thighs was more intriguing than any wardrobe malfunction could ever be. One need only remember to look for the boots. The boots scored big. 

Now, over-the-knee boots are not typically my favorite. This type of boot is risky, especially for a 5' 4" mother of four. But Madonna's a bona fide superstar, and man did she pull them off. Madonna looks better than most 20 year olds, and she looks better now than she herself did in her 20s. Boots like that can only be worn by a confident woman, and with the right woman wearing them, boots like that can be the reason for the confidence. Madonna stood out in her 4-inch stacked boots, and that's good considering that Super Bowl XLVI was the most watched television program in American history.

Madonna put on one of the best half-time show performances in years, and her boots were the star. Her boots looked fab, and that’s that.

Boot of the Week: Frye Harness 12R

I recently bought these boots and they are quickly becoming one of the staples in my wardrobe. Whether I am going to class, meeting up with a friend for lunch, shopping, or strolling around the city these boots can be found on my feet. I usually wear them with skinny jeans, leggings, jeggings or a pair of riding pants. They are comfortable. They look great. 

I recommend them. I love them and that's that.

You can find them at the Frye Company or at Zappos. 

*Websites can also be found under the "Boot of the Week sites" box to the right