Lean, mean high-heeled boots were stars on fall runways – crocodile ones paired with seventies-chic camel, black ankle styles with Pat Benatar-worthy minis, simple brown boots with just about everything. But you needn’t blow your rent money on an $800 mock-croc pair from Celine – we have you covered for as little as $85.
Embossed leather looks like crocodile but costs much less than the real thing. Strut your stuff in Kenneth Cole New York’s Belle de Jour-esque camel ones ($325 at Kenneth Cole Soho). Or pair an alligator-esque ankle style from Steve Madden with pants ($109 at Steve Madden stores). Plain brown boots are just as chic – and won’t go out of style. Ann Taylor’s tall round-toed boots go with just about anything ($198 at Ann Taylor stores). Or for a hip seventies-casual look, try an ankle-height pair from Via Spiga ($258 at Via Spiga stores).
When buying black, look for fresh details that set the boots apart – a contrast stitch, a metal buckle, or a skinny heel. We love a punk-rock chain on Nine West’s pointy-toed ones ($159 at Nine West stores) and the sexy back zip on a stretch leather style from Sam & Libby ($85 at Lord & Taylor and Macy’s).
Kenneth Cole SoHo, 597 Broadway, near Houston St. (212-965-0283).
Picks of the Week
The New York Design Center’s sale means huge discounts at more than twenty top furniture showrooms (usually open only to the trade). 200 Lexington Ave., near 32nd St. (212-679-9500); checks accepted; Thurs.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-5; 9/21-9/23.
Vera Wang’s bridal sale has half-priced gowns for $500 to $3,000. Bridesmaid’s ones are only $25 to $75. Stay tuned for a separate non-bridal sale. Sizes 2-12. Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Ave., near 32nd St., eighteenth floor; A.E., M.C., V.; Sat. 9-5; 9/23.
Mackie by Bob Mackie, the eveningwear designer’s lower-priced line of swank suits and dresses, is now about 60 percent off, from $85 to $650. Sizes 4-14. 498 Seventh Ave., near 37th St., twenty-second floor (212-736-0305); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-5; 9/18-9/22.
Escada’s sale offers up to 70 percent off on loads of glam women’s clothes and accessories, from $25 to $700. Sizes 4-14. Parsons School of Design, 560 Seventh Ave., at 40th St.; A.E., M.C., V.; Sun. 10-5, Mon.-Wed. 9-6; 9/24-9/27.
Rafé New York’s trendy embellished handbags (sold at Bergdorf and Saks) are about half off at the sale, from $35 to $100. 333 W. 39th St., Suite 1102 (212-279-7608); cash only; Mon.-Fri. 9-5; 9/18-9/22.
Renee DuMarr’s dressy, sophisticated women’s suits, tweeds, and evening ensembles (sold at stores like Saks) are 50 to 75 percent off, from $75 to $400. Sizes 2-14. 530 Seventh Ave., near 38th St., seventh floor (212-768-3734); A.E.; Thurs.-Fri. 4-7, Sat. 10-3; 9/21-9/23.
Z’Baby Company’s warehouse sale has kids’ Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel, and more for $10 apiece if you buy at least ten. Girls’ sizes up to 14; boys’ up to 8. 445 W. 50th St. (212-245-baby); cash only; Mon.-Fri. 10-6; 9/18-9/30.
Additional reporting by Brooke Showell.