How to Win: UGG Glitterati Challenge II

Bada Bling, Bada Boom!

These boots are made for winning. Literally. They're the grand prize in UGG's Second Annual #Glitterati Challenge II. To win them, just go into one of 31 retail locations from January 18- 31 and and guess how many Swarovski crystals adorn the displayed custom UGG Classic Tall boot. The entrant who guesses closest to the correct number without going over wins a pair of $4,900 crystal-encrusted boots. The second place winner will receive a $500 UGG gift card, and third place gets you one for $250. There's no purchase necessary to win. Gotta love that part. Click here for participating stores.

Shoes Clues: 5 Snow Boots for Women With a High Heel Habit

If you're over the snow already, raise your hand. The resulting salt and grime are brutal to shoes, making many of us walk around in clunky rubber boots. I guess we still get fashion points for cool beanies and blanket scarves, but this season makes it hard to show off a good shoe game. I refuse to be defeated, so I've made it my personal mission to collect shoes that don't make me feel like a total schlumpadinka.

Many of mine are no longer available (the ones you can still buy are in the Shoes N Booze Amazon Shop), but I went on the hunt to find a few perfectly stylish options for you. And since we're at the end of the season, they're all on sale!!!

Cougar Gander Boot

I've reviewed Cougar boots on here before (see!), and they are definitely warm. This quilted wedge boot has a bit of Napoleon Dynamite appeal, but minus the dork factor. It's available in four colors, and it costs less than $100. Buy your pair here.

United Nude Eros Teddy Boot

If you've been contemplating a foray into the trend that is the fur accent, this is the boot for you. Embossed leather, molded rubber and faux fur converge for a textural take on this season's sporty inspirations. (Available in other colors at UnitedNude.com)

Hunter High Heel Chelsea Boot

The chelsea boot has become synonymous with cosmopolitan cool. Hunter's version features neon rubber tread and waterproof leather. The really great thing about these is that you can wear them whether there's snow on the ground or not. They're almost $100 off right now, so hurry to Hunter's website and snag a pair.

Melissa Soldier Boot

Melissa's glossy rubber boot is playful, yet polished. The lug sole keeps you from slipping on ice-slick streets, and the stretch inserts keep the fit cozy. It's half off  the regular price on the Melissa website.

Ralph Lauren Polo Hester Boot

Inspired by arctic expeditions, this Polo boot features neon quilted panels, a platform and a chunky heel atop a lug sole. It's relaxed enough for the weekend, but it's also a good choice for afterwork drinks. This upgrade to the classic duck boot is currently down to $139 from $450 on the Ralph Lauren website.

How do you stay a step above winter? Do you have a favorite pair of heels that are snow-apropo? Let us know in the comments.

Shoe Review: Cougar Mirage Boots

 

I’m not a big fan of winter. Snow, slush, cold, black ice… none of those things are stiletto-friendly. Actually, they’re not even cute flat boot friendly in many cases. Granted, I have a few pairs of high heeled snow boots, but there are days when I want something a bit more comfortable. I think the shoe gods hear my laments last winter, so they sent a little birdie to mention Shoes N Booze to the folks at Cougar Boots, who then sent me a complimentary pair of Mirage winter boots for review.

Funny thing- the boots arrived right before that freak snowstorm that hit the Northeast a couple weeks ago, so I actually got to test them in some snow. They were AWESOME! Their “Polar Plus” lining feels like Heaven and is sure to keep me warm on frosty days (apparently they’re rated effective in temps down to –22 degrees Fahrenheit). They also feature a very cushy insole, so it felt like I was walking on some type of cloud. They’re not bad looking, either. They’ll be great with jeans or leggings and a sweater this winter. Will I wear them to parties or to get cocktails with friends? No. Will I be glad I have them when walking around New York in the aftermath of a snowstorm? You bet!

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