New Additions, Welcome to the Family

A warm welcome to my two latest shoe purchases. I've been looking for ankle booties for a while now, especially since I've finally admitted to myself that fall is coming.

I originally had my eye on the Isabel Marant ones, but my current funemployment situation means I can't spend $$$ on a single pair of shoes. So, I got something similar instead. The black pair are Steven by Steve Madden (here) and the tan pair are DV by Dolce Vita (here). I got them shipped overnight via Zappos VIP which is beyond amazing. Both shoes are so comfy and the heels are just low enough that I can wear them all day long.

Oh, Go Take a Hike

Last winter, I was utterly enamored with Azzedine Alaia's take on the hiking boot. Done with a sexy heel, treaded platform and engaging snow leopard print, it was love at first sight. This season, he's reissued the same style, but in a more subtle print. It's still love, but at $2,220, it's out of the question. But that doesn't mean I'm over it.

Every time I see it, I still thank 'man, I really really like those shoes.' So, I'm on the hunt for something that'll rock my socks in a similar way—but for way less dosh. I know snow leopard will be out of the question, because no one does leopard like Alaia. Plus, I don't want a knockoff. But I do want something that will give the same balance of sexy, sleek and rugged that I love. Here are some of my top picks: