Ankle boots - must haves, looks, tips & street style close-up!

Ankle boots - must haves, looks, tips & street style close-up!

Ankle boots are a popular boot trend again this season and the style rules of how to wear them have gone out the window.  Ankle boots are a chic, edgy alternative to thigh-high boots, and this season's must-have shoe. Here's how to wear them.

There are so many fun ones out there: wedge, heel, flat, cut-out, laced, buckled, and the list could go on. And they’re so big for fall — you really should own a pair. Don’t be afraid!

1. Tuck your pants into your ankle boots – that will create a long leg line and your legs will seem endless. The best model choice for this look would be tight, skinny jeans.

2. Rolled jeans will show a little bit of your ankle and will look great on your boots. Wear this with skinny or wide-leg jeans which you can roll.

3. The sock trend will never go out of fashion. Wear your socks layered over the leggings and you will get a perfect autumn/winter look. Pick neutral-coloured socks, your ankles will thank you.

4. Pair your boots with a dress! Opposite styles love each other, so wear your military ankle boots with a romantic lace dress. To avoid the “short leg line”, wear your “above knee” dress.

Whether you prefer your booties with trousers, jeans, leggings or you’re all in with ankle boots and a skirt, adding this style into your wardrobe is a great way to update even classic pieces and keep your wardrobe fresh! 

Some of the basic buying suggestions;

• always start with black. They will be more versatile
• a medium heel (cuban heel) is again, the most versatile. You should be able to wear it comfortably all day, but it will give you a little extra height, which helps no matter how tall you are.
• buy good quality boots. In Winter, you shoes cop a lot – mud & puddles. A good quality leather will last you much longer, and on the whole, be more comfortable too.

STYLING TIP.

Ankle boots can visually cut your leg short!  If you're short in stature, you want to lengthen the visual appearance of your leg line as much as possible, you're better off with a low cut shoe. It's not so bad if you're wearing similar coloured boots to tights, there's not the obvious contrast to break the look.

MY MUST HAVES

Whether flat, platform, studded or suede—there's an ankle boot out there for every taste. Shop my picks for the chicest booties to try this season.

1.    Woolworths Ruche Buckle Boots. R 550.00  
2.    Rage ankle boot, brown, gold. R284.99
3.    G by GUESS Women's Shoes Fairly 2 Fashion Ankle Boots R890.00
4.    Guess by Marciano Fidelia Women Ankle Boots R1,200.00
5.    Rage ankle boot, black, heel, zip detail R559.00
6.    Spree Wedge Ankle Boots Black MADISON R699
7.    MR P suede ankle shoot R189.99
8.    Foschini Heeled Slouch Boot R599.00

Scroll through for great ways to wear your booties, and a few tips to keep your legs looking slim and fabulous.  And remember, you don’t need these exact pairs to create great outfits — use these outfits as inspiration to wear your ankle boots well, no matter what style they are!

I’d love to know how you like to wear your booties or if you have any questions, so feel free to leave a comment below.

HOT TREND: THE COOLEST WAYS TO ROCK SNEAKERS

HOT TREND: THE COOLEST WAYS TO ROCK SNEAKERS

The sneakers/trainers/running shoes trend, whatever you want to call it, has exploded onto the fashion scene for 2014 and is really taking off!  Brands like Nike, New Balance and more are releasing their takes on the sneakers and fashion bloggers, celebrities from across the globe have jumped on board the trend!


A cool pair of comfy lace-ups is the perfect way to dress down a fancier frock or add an unpredictable twist to a more casual ensemble.  As we saw on the Chanel and Dior Couture runways, these pumped up kicks are being worn with anything and everything, including skirts and dresses.

Wearing heels 24 hours just sounds impossible. Sandals and boots aren’t for every season and sneakers just seem to be the way to go sometimes. But sometimes it can be challenging to incorporate into a fashionable outfit, without looking like you just hit the gym. I’ve included multiple photos of street style stars, bloggers and more sporting the sportswear trend and rocking it! we all want to feel pretty, girly, and even sexy while wearing sneakers.  

1. Don’t just wear any sneaker
You should have non-gym sneakers that are clean and flattering, and have a certain classy look about them – you want people to know you’re wearing them as a fashion statement.
2. All or nothing
Depending on your personality, you’ll either want to stock up on barely-there ankle socks or go all in with eye-catching socks that complement your ensemble.
3. Be particular with the rest of your outfit
Make sure the rest of your outfit is polished with clean lines (in other words, no frumpy pants that sag over your cool sneakers). The whole point is to offer a stylish contrast between masculine and feminine.
4. Start with a monochromatic look
If you’re new to the world of cool sneakers, make a splash by wearing a monochromatic look and use your sneakers as the pop of colour your outfit is waiting for. Keep the colour palette simple for a complicated shoe.
5. Mix and match
Experiment! Mix different outfits with different cool sneakers without fear you’re “doing it wrong.” Go with your gut and wear what you love – confidence will always make or break an outfit.
6. Go super feminine
Wear form-fitting, girly pieces (like leggings, skinny jeans, or maxi skirts), which will turn your sneakers into a cute accessory instead of an eyesore. 
7. Keep an eye on proportions
Wearing high-top sneakers with a knee-length skirt will make you look shorter – opt for low-tops that will elongate your legs. 
8. Accessorize accordingly
Adding sophisticated accessories will l any doubt that you’re on your way to the gym. Opt for things like a super-tailored blazer, lux fabrics like cashmere, straight leg jeans or a structured bag.

Hopefully this gives you some great inspiration on how to include sneakers into your outfits, whether they be neon, coloured or neutral!  From high-top cut-outs to low-top lace-ups, sneakers are all about keeping it classic. And comfy, of course. Here are some ideas on just how to rock them…

 Which looks do you like? If you love the sneakers trend.

POWER OF RED

POWER OF RED

In this post I show you how powerful the colour Red can be when dressing. It is the color of fire and blood, associated with energy, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color. Combine with other colours for a strong combination that will have you standing out in a crowd. Even red accessories (which are not overly expensive) are a great way to update your wardrobe.  

Red accessories are an easy way to introduce the colour Red into any wardrobe. This knitted scarf was a sale find for just $2! The Vivienne Westwood was a little bit more pricey.

Sunglasses: @gucci

Jacket: @roger_david

Shirt: @roberto_cavalli

Bag: @viviennewestwoodofficial

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Scarf: @dotti_squad

Using the colour red in block colour outfits is also a wise way to style an ensemble. In this case the red is reflected off both with the turtleneck and the pants. 

Coat: @bossinimenswear

Shirt: no name

Pants: @manuelritzofficial

Shoes: @ted_baker

Gloves: @dentsgloves

Bag: @ted_baker

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Balancing an outfit can easily be achieved by using small accessories such as pocket squares.

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @ydaustralia

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Bag: @davidelfinofficial

Ring: vintage find

A red tie can be just as effective to make an outfit pop and to gain interest. Side Bar: also makes you look taller!

Sunglasses: @gucci

Shirt: @oxfordshop

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shoes: @connor_clothing

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Socks: @paulsmithdesign

Shoes: @oxfordshop

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

Ring: vintage find

I believe every man should have a bold red blazer. It is perfect in creating fresh looks, like this one I wore to Virgin Australian Melbourne Fashion Festival. Do you like nautical looks? If so, perfect with a striped blue Tshirt underneath.

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Blazer: @bossinimenswear

Shirt: @oxfordshop

Pants: @manuelritzofficial

Bag: @viviennewestwoodofficial

Shoes: @cesarepaciotti

Ring: vintage find

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

Bonjour! You do not need to wear head to toe red to stand out. Using Black as a contrast can make a simple striped Tshirt and bandana scarf look new and modern. 

Sunglasses: @lespecs

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @iuter

Pants: @connor_clothing

Bag: @doucals

Shoes: @adidasau

Scarf & ring: vintage finds

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

A true wardrobe classic, the perfect trench coat. In a bright bold colour 

it is easier to create lots of different looks. True fact: The trench coat was originally developed for soldiers in World War I. The streets are the new battle grounds, so dress accordingly! 

Sunglasses: @gucci

Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Coat: @bossinimenswear 

Pants: @connor_clothing

Gloves: @dentsgloves

Shoes: @ash