Trend Talk: The Snakeskin Booties Our Editors Want RN

Snake your Booties

We're smitten with all the snakeprint shoes out this season, especially the black and white (or cream) ones. What was once an affinity became more of an obsession when we gave you guys the scoop on   block-heel ankle boots Kristin Cavallari wore this summer. Now there are SO many more options. and they run the gamut from low to high and stiletto to block heeled--not to mention the embellishments. Here are a mere few of the pairs we're currently craving:

Just Bead It

A quintessential silhouette-- the pointed-toe, stiletto-heeled bootie-- now with an extra does of cool, thanks to metal beads along the sole. This "Worthy" ankle boot from Steve Madden (available via Amazon for $139.95)  complements ripped vintage jeans, a folkloric maxi dress or something sleek and metallic. The key is to play around with prints and proportions.

Have a Moment of Transparency

It's a boot. Or is it a sandal? It almost looks like both (although, we advise you not to call it a "Shandalboot," lest you cause a scandal by stealing Tracee Ellis Ross's term for her favorite Stella Hues boots). However, this "Snake Away" bootie from Nasty Gal ($70) is actually an ankle boot with a mesh front. Rock this style barefoot, or go wild with sparkly socks (and please show us if you do).

Find a Unique Angle

One thing is clear- the perspex trend in footwear is still holding strong. If you're not into maintaining your pedicure when it's chilly out, but you still want to dip your toe into the trend, consider this "Turnaround" bootie from Ego Shoes ($56.99). It's clear wedge gives it the illusion of a gravity-defying feat.

Try a Dab of Ranch

Western looks are everywhere at the moment, and we love this high-heel "Homage" to urban cowgirls everywhere from Jeffrey Campbell ($185). With a pointed toe, slanted block heel and elasticized gore for slipping on and off, it's a lotta bit country and a little bit rock and roll. But really, it makes us want to jam to "Pony" by Ginuwine.

Strap Up

When the day calls for flats, we fancy this buckled bootie by Qupid (Available via ASOS for $51). Small studs accent the straps for extra edge. Wear these now with kick-flare trousers and a turtle neck, then bring them back out for the grunge takeover that's headed our way.

Celebrity Shoe Spotting: Kristin Cavallari and Sofia Richie Love These Ankle Boots

Point Blanc

via Instagram

We love white boots, and we love snake print. Apparently television personality, Kristin Cavallari is also a fan. She recently posted the above picture on her Instagram feed wearing this sick pair of pointed-toe ankle boots. Clad in an easy outfit of a white tee, cutoffs and mirrored shades, she ponders the value of coffee over tea, saying "Day 3 no coffee. Blah. Do you guys really like tea? I mean I love matcha- but this tea just kinda tastes like sh*t 😂." Fans chimed in with their opinions. Meanwhile we were just there for the shoes. (Though maybe we should inform Kristin a little Slow & Low Rock & Rye will wake that tea right up.) Sofia Richie was also spotted sporting this style earlier this month. So who made these must-have white and black python print booties? If you guessed that they're from Kristin's eponymous collection by Chinese Laundry, you're incorrect. 

Courtesy Photo

The shoe in question is actually the "Ahara" Snake Boot by Australian footwear brand, Alias Mae. Part of the brand's Fall '18 collection, this block-heel beauty is available for preorder here. If you need a similar style sooner, here are a few suggestions:

5 Fave Shoes from Ivy Kirzhner's Fall 16 Collection

Stars and Strikes

Not long ago, at the opening of the Bird Robot Heart art exhibit at Ivy Kirzhner's New York studio, we had a chance to not only preview the designer's SS '17 pre-fall collection (which we're not allowed to share yet), but also get up close and personal with her AW '16 collection. Inspired largely by 80s rock & roll decadence — namely the special dose of magic found in David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust— the collection features gleaming hardware accents on designs that mix Inuit influence and urban style sensibilities. We're enjoying high summer, but with an eye on fall, here are the pairs that put a twinkle in our eyes.

Lightning

We love the yellow gold accent and rose gold heel on this studded "Lightning" pump. In red, it's just over-the-top enough for all types of chic shenanigans. ($495 at IvyKirzhner.com)

Crane

This "Crane" boot? Simply put, it's sex on a stiletto heel– from the thigh-high silhouette in stretch-nappa leather to the gold grommets and lace-up look that nods ever so sensually to S&M. The open toe is just the place to show off that new hooker-red pedi. ($795 at IvyKirzhner.com)

Stardust

A galaxy of stars and studs dance on an over-the-knee suede boot, creating a showstopping tribute to David Bowie's larger-than-life performance style. We'd wear this "Stardust" boot every day if we could. OK... we would never wear the same shoes every day, but you get the point. ($995 on IvyKirzhner.com)

Swiss

When the temps actually drop, sometimes it's tough to keep things haute... unless you have the "Swiss" wedge bootie. Wild hare fur juts from between western-inspired studded straps on an almond-toe boot with a rose gold plaque at the heel. These'll be perfect for weekend brunch. (Not yet available)

Aztrakhan

If ever there was a shearling boot for us, the "Aztrakhan" is it. A hidden wedge, edgy straps and an over-the-knee silhouette atop a lug sole? Yes, please! We may have finally found the perfect boot to wear to JETS games. (Not yet available)

If this is your first time hearing of Ivy Kirzhner, it most definitely won't be your last. She's a fave of your favorite fashion editors, and her shoes have been spotted on Beyonce, Nastia Liukin and a host of other celebrities. Oh yeah... she only uses ethically-sourced materials, so there's also that.

Wild Wednesday: Fendi Monster Booties & A Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned

It's Scary out There

It's official. Winter has arrived. Considering the fact that a few days ago it was pretty warm outside, Jack Frost seems like a new kind of monster. We're friends with the monsters though, right? Well, even if you don't like the ones under your bed or that brutal one called winter wind, this Monster Bootie by Fendi will likely win you over. Fox fur trim at the ankle provides whimsy and warmth, and they eyes add to the fun. The sculptural open heel gives it a modern feel. Worn right, this bootie says your style is untamed, you know how to have fun and you don't mind attracting an extra eye or two. (Pun slightly intended.)

The bite of winter's wind is soothed by a sip of whiskey. Rye whiskey, with it's frontier-sy feel, fits right in with our wild theme today, and if sipping it straight isn't your thing, you'll want a cocktail containing the flavorful spirit. Try a Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek Rye at happy hour. While bourbon and scotch have a refined connotation, ordering rye at a bar gives you a little extra edge. Sarsaparilla was popular among cowboys in the old west, so having it in your cocktail contributes to your rabblerouser image.

Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned

Recipe by Eddie Eakin |Dallas, TX

Ingredients:

- 2 parts Knob Creek® Rye

- 1/4 part Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water)

- 1/2 part Root Beer Liqueur 

- 2 dashes Sarsaparilla Dry Bitters

- 1 dash Vanilla Bitters

Method:

1. Combine Knob Creek® Rye, Honey Syrup, Root Beer Liqueur, Sarsaparilla Dry Bitters and Vanilla Bitters in a mixing glass.

2. Add cracked ice and stir for 40 revolutions. 

3. Strain over ice in a rocks glass. 

4. Garnish with 1 whole star anise pod and a brandied cherry.

Outfit Idea 

Go for high-low in:
Fendi Monster Booties: available at NeimanMarcus.com
Annalise Cropped Sweater: available at candela.com
Jacquard Pencil Skirt: available at zara.com
Gattinoni Planetarium Crossbody Bag: available at Forzieri.com

Cutesy Tuesday: Betsey Johnson Booties &

In Honor of Those Who Serve and Have Served

There's nothing cute or pretty about war. I wish it didn't exist. I wish we didn't need soldiers. However, I appreciate them and the sacrifices they and their families make. There are a number of veterans in my family, and I remember the days of avoiding television news because I'd have a small anxiety attack each time there was a report of casualties in the countries where my cousin served. Thankfully, she's home now, and in one piece. There are battles she's still fighting as a result of her time at war, but she's healing. She's beautiful on the inside and definitely cute on the outside. So, I dedicate today's post to her, to my grandmother, who was an Air Force veteran (and also a cutie), to all the beautiful soldiers who serve and sacrifice and the civilian wives who wait and pray that their loved ones will make it home safely (for they fight a war of their own). 

Camo print— once one of the most recognizable symbols of tenacity— has become a fashion mainstay. Betsey Johnson coupled the pattern with a dainty grosgrain ruffle on this Frilll P bootie (available at amazon.com, where this blog is an affiliate) for a look that's simultaneously tough and sweet. The pointed toe and stiletto heel make it classy, yet versatile, the calf-hair upper adds texture and a luxe look, the camouflage pattern gives it an edge, and the ruffle at the ankle lends a feminine touch. There may not be look that better represents my cousin (and I'm sure many of the women who have to be tough when in uniform but are prone to look quite feminine in their civvies). 

The Sazerac, rumored to be the oldest known American cocktail, is strong, sweet and complex, thanks to rye whiskey, bitters and absinthe (again, like my cousin and many of her fellow soldiers). If you're not a soldier, but you'd like to attract a glance of admiration or two at the bar this evening, order this at happy hour. Women who drink whiskey are often seen as confident and sexy (similarly to the way women who wear camo print ankle boots with stiletto heels and ruffles are seen). If you'd like to try this drink at home to see if you can handle it before ordering it at the bar here's the recipe:

¼ oz. Lucid Absinthe
2 oz. Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye Whisky 
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
½ oz. simple syrup
Lemon peel for garnish

Add all liquid ingredients into a shaker with ice.  Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice.  Rim the glass with the lemon peel, twist over the surface and garnish. 

Spirited Sunday: Chinese Laundry Booties & Milagro Anejo

Easy Does It...

Sundays are for taking it fairly easy... as in brunch with friends, maybe watching a football game (or 3) and generally keeping things casual. You don't want to look completely dressed down, though. A cute ankle bootie with a block heel will pull together most looks, whether you're wearing jeans and your favorite team's jersey or leggings and a chunky sweater. This Raylin Bootie by Kristin Cavallari for Chinese Laundry is great option. It has an everyday feel, but the gold block heel add some umph (and makes it more comfy than a stiletto).

Days like this, you want something warm to sip (especially if you've been screaming at the TV). If you want something more exciting than your normal Irish coffee, try the More Precious Than Gold, featuring Milagro Anejo. (No judging Irish coffee. We LOVE Irish Coffee.) It's creamy, sweet, and who doesn't love a pumpkin drink? If you can't get your bartender to whip this up for you, just ask for the anejo in some pumpkin flavored coffee... or even regular coffee with honey. Either one will still do the trick... they just might not match your booties as well.

More Precious than Gold

1.5 oz. Milagro ANEJO

.5 oz. dark crème de cacao

4 saffron threads

1 pinch of chili flakes

.5 oz. brown sugar syrup

3 dashes of chocolate bitters

.5 oz. of sweet potato puree

1.5 oz. of hot water

Add all ingredients in small pot and heat up till almost boiling. Pour into Irish coffee cup or mug. Top with whipped cream and garnish with saffron.