First it was the ankle bootie, then the Oxford bootie, and now a peep-toe version of these styles is Spring 2008’s trendiest new shoe. This trend sends the same mixed message as sleeveless woolly turtlenecks and short-sleeved coats (Winter items with impractical Summer styling). But peep-toes are super for Spring and this shoe is essentially a peep-toed pump with a little more foot coverage.

The ped is being paired with ankle length skinnies, walk shorts, skirts and dresses. It’s an eccentric look that’s definitely not mainstream. I can appreciate the fresh idea, but I can’t see myself wearing them. Can you?

Hot off the press: peep-toe Oxfords and peep-toe booties from Nordstrom. Heel heights are once again absurd. I quite like the streamlined look of the style without laces.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of slippers and the ones that I found under my Christmas tree a few weeks ago are the best yet. They’re made by a German slipper company called Haflinger who take pride in marketing their product as “the world’s most comfortable slipper”. I would have to agree.

Their slippers offer arch support, cozy interiors, a double felt non-skid sole and of course, they look nice. They’re made of breathable boiled wool and are completely machine washable. They set you back a pretty penny ($50 - $65), but you’ll find them on sale on sites like Footsmart and Onlineshoes.

I’ve tried everything from $8 styles (Target) to the kind that mould to the shape of your feet (Brookstone). They either stretch out, lack support, tear, make my feet perspire or feel slippery. Haflinger has found the formula that is perfect for me. Here’s to fabulously happy feet at home.

I’m particularly partial to the cream ones with the lamb appliqué (left). They’re on my feet right now.

A pair of casual knee- or calf-length weatherproof boots are a must if your Winters are cold and wet. They’re usually best worn over straight or skinny jeans, but under a casual dress or skirt with tights is also an option.

Causal tall boot selections are abundant this season.Take your pick of the following styles:

• Wellies are ideal for muddy playgrounds, farm settings and walks with the dogs. You might need to try on a few before you decide on a pair because rubber can be a little stiff around the ankle. I’ve found that wellies are most flattering when they are knee-length instead of calf-length, so be sure to try both looks.
• Lace-ups are rugged and sporty and a particularly good choice for those with narrow calves.
• Fleece-lined boots are cozy and toe toasting. Select a style with rubber heels and soles to keep the warmth in and the damp out.
• Faux fur styles are adorable and perfect for snowy après ski settings.
• Urban looks with rubber soles are versatile, utilitarian and the perfect Winter walking shoe.

Your look comes together quickly with a pair of great casual boots because they do all the talking. Add a flattering piece of knitwear, a casual parka or coat and a tote or sling bag and that’s it. Your outfit is functional, comfortable and stylish. Easy!

Lace-ups	Fleece-lined	Faux Fur

Faux Fur	Urban	Urban

Wrapping paper, or gift wrap, is usually wrapped around a long cylindrical roll of cardboard. Save these rolls and cut them in half because they make superb long boot shapers. If you don’t have proper boot shapers, try this cheap trick instead (rolled up magazines are another cheap, but effective, option).

I stumbled across the new approach yesterday as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I had a new pair of boots that were in desperate need of shapers, so I temporarily used the wrapping paper roll to keep them upright and neat. That did the job perfectly and the rolls are now there to stay.

Unfortunately I cannot appreciate the elevation of these shoes, but platforms are the height of party fashion this season. They’ll look festive and mod with cocktail dresses, jeans, flirty skirts and satin skinnies (either bare-legged, or with hose). Pop in foot petals to prevent your feet from sliding and add an insole for cushioning comfort. Statement peds like these are sure to kick your outfit up a notch if you feel stable in 4-5 inch heels. They’re like sculptured works of art on your feet. I’ll admire them from a distance because I draw the line at 3 inches and “2 hours” for party shoes and that scenario needs to include a lot of sitting.

Pretty party platforms with either skinny or chunky soaring heel heights are a must if you like the look and your feet can stand it. It’s a skill that you can add to your resume if you can walk and dance the night away in these. I don’t know how Beyonce does it.

Above-the-knee shift, sheath and tunic dresses are extremely popular this season, and if I’m not mistaken this trend will continue into Spring. Wearing the correct type of heel with a raised hemline is imperative if you’re to keep your look hip and chic. It’s best to wear chunkier heels or a shoe with a little more foot coverage when sporting a mini dress or skirt. A skimpy dress paired with a skinny heeled shoe gives the illusion that you’re going to topple over, but a chunky heel somehow balances out the look.

The exception: skinny-heeled, knee-length boots with raised hemlines somehow works. The extra coverage that you get from the boots achieves a striking balance.

The haute couture illustrations are a little over the top, but they do perfectly illustrate the mini dress with chunky shoe look.

Shoe clips are an interesting way to give plain looking shoes a mini-makeover. Department stores don’t seem to stock this type of shoe jewelry anymore, but I have seen them at consignment stores and at online sites like Aliza Darik and Absolutely Audrey. At between $20 and $46 for a pair (plus the cost of shipping), shoe clips aren’t cheap. But it’s less than you would pay for a glitzy pair of shoes and you have the added advantage of switching them between different pairs of peds. They might be the perfect addition to your holiday ensemble or even a pretty Christmas present.

Does the fashionable weatherproof boot exist? It does and your options are greater than you think. Wellies are fun for playful and casual settings, but if you’re after something a little more sophisticated, try boot brands like La Canadienne, Aquatalia and Sudini. You’ll find that most of their collections are either weatherproof or completely waterproof. In fact, the styles are so fab (and really comfy), it’s almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, they cost a pretty penny – you’re looking at an average price of $300. The Sudini brand tends to make a more affordable range.

You’ll find a wide assortment of these practical yet stylish boot brands on Zappos.com and at most department stores. Be sure to browse on-line to find a pair that tickles your fancy because there’s lots to choose from.

An assortment of weatherproof and waterproof boot styles from La Canadienne and Aquatalia.

I’ve spent a fortune on socks in the past, hoping that the more I paid for a pair, the more they’d satisfy my simple sock needs. I’ve also gone to the other extreme of paying 99 cents at a local drugstore in hope that they might be the ones. All I want is a pair of cotton rich spandex socks that aren’t baggy at the heel and stay up the whole day. Unlike most people, I prefer to wear thin socks that are wool-free (unless I’m working out and wearing sports socks). If my feet are cold, I pop on 2 pairs. Socks with a wool content make my feet itchy and I find thick socks bulky and uncomfortable.

After a long search and much experimentation, I found my perfect socks at the Gap. I now buy all my socks there because they are the wool-free pairs that stay snug on my feet. They have also lasted the longest. I’m still wearing perfectly great Gap socks that I’ve had for 5 years – no holes and extra-robust elastic makes for a fab pair of socks. But horses for courses, so if you like the same types of socks that I do, I can recommend the Gap. I can’t find the specific socks that I have in mind online, but they are the patterned pairs (e.g. stripes and argyles) that are available in an assortment of colours. You’ll find them near the checkout counter for $4.

Knee-high boots tucked into skinnies or slipped on underneath a skirt is a fab look for Autumn. It’s a versatile dressing formula that can be adapted to any fashion persona or lifestyle. While classic long boot styles are always in vogue, you might get the urge to splurge on an alternative funky pair if your budget allows it.

• Cuffed boots are striking, but they can look bulky if they aren’t shaped correctly for your legs. A streamlined cuff and a style that tapers at the ankle is a safe option.
• Biker boots add an edge to any ensemble by providing glorious contrast when matched with ultra feminine pieces.
• Casual flat boots are all the rage on the streets of London. Riding boots and slouchy styles make for a superbly unfussy urban look.
• Sliver wedge boots are a modern and retro combination. Their low wedge heels oozes comfort, but beware of their overall silhouette. They could make you feel dumpy since the style doesn’t always taper at the ankle.

One of the reasons I love Autumn is because boot season really gets my fashion juices going. Long boots in particular are a powerful statement piece that always adds drama to your ensemble. And thanks to heavenly cushioning insoles, their comfort factor is easily increased.