Vogue.tv Style Expert Louise Roe Talks Trends in Shoes!!

Louise Roe is Vogue.TV’s Stylist brings her expertise to you on what’s hot in shoes and boots for Fall 2008 fashion!

Louise Roe, Vogue.tv Stylist
Boots of all heights and styles are hot for Fall 2008: booties, mid-calf and knee-high boots are amazing and can be worn in very different configurations

What does Louise suggest as the best skirt length for most women to wear this with Sleek & Structured?
‘A knee-length pencil skirt or structured shift dress looks absolutely sensational with a suede, lace-up, mid-calf boot

Nine West Zayit, available at Piperlime
It adds a modern edge to a very ‘femme fatale’ look. Slick on a red lip and a cape, and you’re good to go. Alternatively, go for a loose, mid-calf skirt with a high waist – these might sound Granny-ish, but they are going to be huge for fall , check out the D&G show.’
What other styles would she suggest?
‘If you’re not so confident about your legs, opt for an ankle boot

Max Studio, Zanzibar, available at Piperlime
or an Oxford with a high, skinny heel (and a hidden platform for extra height). This is a more flattering shape and will slim the leg. Warm berry tones work well with black, grey or houndstooth fabric (another huge trend this season). Make sure you cinch in the waist with a thick patent belt – this look is all about the hourglass silhouette – and remember posture is crucial, walk tall!’
What about peep toe booties?
‘Not for this look – Sleek and Structured is really about dressing for work with a chic edge, but a peep-toe booty is more appropriate for the evening. Wearing tights and peep-toes is a major fashion faux-pas too, so keep those legs bare and pair a great metallic peep-toe

Anne Klein New York, Belladonna, available at Piperlime with a floaty empire line dress!’
Any other color choices beyond gray to look for (or avoid)?
‘As well as the berry shades (purple, cherry red) that go well with grey or black, you can also look to brown shades for a warmer, casual look. Chocolate, taupe, olive green and cream are tones that play very well off each other – channel your inner Fall goddess with messy, loose hair and a little blush on the cheek!’
Bohemian Dream : Is there any feeling about the UGG trend or is that more casual than the boho look that is being presented which is more sophisticated than last season?

‘Hippie chic is back, but this season’s bohemian girl is a little more glamorous than season’s gone by. She has gold embellishment – sparkling sequins and beads – on her dress, chunky bangles and rings, a plait in her hair and a confident smile on her face. Look to the Gucci Fall show for her character – there’s a sense of the Seventies rock ‘n’ roll groupie going on. Thick black kohl eyeliner, a suede slouch boot

Kenneth Cole, Bard Tender, available at Piperlime and an oversized cashmere beanie complete this look. It’s my favourite way to dress right now, very relaxed but cool, plus it works for day and evening.
If it doesn’t fit, what other tall boots would work with this look– is there any color choices that are worth trying (or avoiding)?
‘A long, two-tone boot

Frye Paige Tall Buckle, available at Piperlime, really works with this look if you want to make a statement. Plus it’s flat, which makes it easier to get around.’
After Midnight – What other styles or ways to funk this up or make it edgy?
‘Black patent is definitely this season’s answer to the chunky biker boot

Chinese Laundry, Tabb, available at Piperlime
. Slightly more streamlined and elegant, the boot should stop just underneath the knee. Go for a zipper instead of big buckles, and steer clear of a heel: too much tight black and a killer heel can err on the side of trashy.
Instead, keep colours monochrome and keep just the lower half of your silhouette tight: skinny jeans, leggings or jodhpurs look awesome. A cropped leather jacket and a long scarf give a very French feel to the look – and again, you can rock the trend day or night. Just make sure you have the attitude to go with it, after midnight girl is a full-on party girl!’
Thanks to Vogue.tv’s Louise Roe for her great style commentary and to Piperlime for having all the perfect boots, booties and looks for Fall 2008!
Stevie Wilson