Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

What kind of boots should a woman wear with a skirt or dress. Does the skirt have to be a certain length to wear with a certain height of boot?

Sincerely,

Willing to try it

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Dear W.T.T.I.,

There was a time when the shaft of your boot dictated what length skirt or dress you wore, but that rule is no longer being applied, at least for this season. Ankle boots are being paired with bare legs and shorts or mini skirts; thigh high boots with skinny jeans and knee high boots with every look in between those mentioned and then some.

Although, if you want to wear boots in a more traditional capacity, then relegate your ankle boots to just being worn with jeans or long pants. If pairing them with a skirt, knee-length is best, provided you add a pair of tights the same color as the booties in question. This will give your legs a lengthy silhouette; pairing them with colored tights should have the same effect, but also add the elements of color and playfulness to the look.

Knee high boots can be paired with jeans, or again, knee-length skirts or dresses. The beauty of these boots is that with or without tights or stockings they only bare a little leg so the decision is yours as to whether you want to add them or not.

Over the knee, or thigh high, boots aren't for everyone, but they worked for Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" so they could be something to try your hand at - the boots, not the call girl service, of course. They work well with shorter skirts at night or jeans and leggings if you want to take them for a daytime stroll.

Nancy Sinatra once famously sang: "These boots are made for walkin', and thats just what they'll do." So no matter the height or style, if you care for your boots properly they're guaranteed to last you for as long as you'd like and through as many outfit pairings as you can imagine. "Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!"

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

What is your opinion on the UGG boot? I will wear them out when I am shopping or doing errands (never to a fancy occasion or a night out), usually with a pair of skinny jeans. Usually I wear them because they are SO warm. Also I think they are way cuter than a pair of sneakers and more comfortable than a pair of boots with a heel. I have read some people say they shouldn’t be worn out. What are your thoughts? Are they ok to wear out or should I keep them in my house?

Signed,

Ugg Boot Etiquette

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Dear U.B.E.,

Safely assuming you're referring to the classic short UGG boot style, it can be inferred from this post that there is no reason for you to relegate your boots to being expensive slippers. The classic style in particular predates the Hollywood-induced mania at the turn of the millennium. Although they can be traced back as far as the 1920's, it wasn't until the late 1970's that Australian surfer Brian Smith would introduce UGG boots to the U.S. Like Smith, they were favored by surfers who would slip them on after hitting the waves because of their warmth and absorbency.

Fast forward to 1995 when UGG began nationwide campaigns to expand the companies image beyond that of a "beach boot". Within five years, the company was a household name, thanks to celebrities and the country's growing obsession with not only their every move, but what they wore while moving. Celebrities wardrobes became the new social status standard to reach. Even after it was revealed that many of the stylish celebs were doing more borrowing than buying, companies had already exploited the middle-class's never ending pursuit to keep up with the Joneses. Many had already invested in what they thought were celebrity-approved fashions when in fact, they were just pawns in the game of excess. Since the classic short UGGs meteoric success was considered a trend popularized by celebs, they fell victim to fashion critics who swiftly gave them the metaphoric boot.

Consumers were forced to either choose to eat the cost and move past the "trend" or stand beside, or really in, their sheepskin footwear. As a result, the argument as to whether UGGs are "out" or "in" continues to play out, but that doesn't mean you have to play into it. Celebs may have popularized the boot to the brink of fashion ruin, but they at least had good reason to. For the quality and workmanship, UGGs provide the sort of comfort and warmth that makes them worth the ambiguous notoriety.

In the future, if you ever grow tired of your current UGGs, keep in mind that the brand offers a variety of boot styles and even added casual footwear so you now have the option to schlep around in sheep all year long. The companies expansion into apparel, home furnishings and children's wear just further proves that the company is staking its claim and proving that they're larger than a fad. So be assured that your boots, and this company, are here to stay. And judging by their ability to make such a fuss every year, it wouldn't be a surprise to find that they have more plans up their sheepskin sleeves.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I want a pair of UGG boots but I can't justify the price. A lot of companies now make their own version of "UGG's" and sometime's they're half the price! Is the quality of the "knock-offs" that bad that I shouldn't bother with them or are they worth looking into?

Signed,

Carbon Copy Boot Print

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Dear C.C.B.P.,

Every year its said that UGG boots are on the decline as more and more competitors try to recreate their signature "classic short" style. These boots have slowly become a staple for many a man and woman's winter wardrobe and just like any good pair of boots, they're going to cost you.

What sets UGG apart from their competitors is the same thing that separates designers from their imitation doppelgangers - the workmanship and materials. As their website boasts:

UGG® Australia uses only the highest-grade sheepskin available. Twin-face sheepskin is used in many of our core products. A piece of twin-face sheepskin has been treated on both the fleece side, and the skin side, providing the soft comfort UGG® Australia is famous for. Grade-A sheepskin is extremely dense and soft, which provides for a more comfortable and durable material. Lesser quality material and synthetics can be coarse, scratchy, and non-breathable. Grade-A sheepskin breathes naturally, wicking away moisture, and allowing air to circulate freely. Fleece breathes, wicks moisture away, and allows air to circulate, keeping feet dry. Sheepskin is naturally thermostatic thus keeping bare feet close to your natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside.

Only when you can find a brand of sheepskin boots that can promise you the same for a fraction of UGG's cost will you have found a deal. If you can't justify the price now then revisit the idea next fall/winter after you've: had time to search for a comparable brand; sought out department stores that may include UGG's in their post-season markdowns; and/or created a 'boots or barefoot' fund to help you save. Bottom line: don't be sheepish about paying for quality footwear.

Check out UGG counterfeit education to learn more about why buying counterfeit items is baaa'd, what they as a company are doing about it, how to protect yourself and how you can help.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I want to try out this trend of mixing punk rock with feminine looks. I keep seeing all these cool looking military boots I want to wear in magazines and in stores. But does this trend translate into the real world? How can I wear these boots without looking like I'm trying too hard to be trendy?

Signed,

Tough for Tulle

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Dear T.f.T.,

Today's "tough tulle" trend is very reminiscent of the early '90s look with Dr. Martens's boots. Back then girls wore them with long-waisted floral dresses, tights, lumberjack plaid shirts, unforgiving high-waisted jeans (now affectionately referred to as "mom jeans"), pork pie hats and long chains with inane charms.

Many of these 'grunge era' fashions have returned to the spotlight of fashion - with a much needed facelift - and could be paired with the well-grounded footwear you seek. For example, this style boot would look great with skinny jeans or leggings and an oversized shirt (think plaid button-up or v-neck pocket tee) with a thin belt to accentuate the waist and to give the outfit a modern silhouette. A vest is another great accessory for these boots. Throwing on a vest over a sundress or with a t-shirt and jeans will make them seem that much more cohesive with your look.

With proper styling and accessories you could even wear them at night with a LBD. My suggestion would be to try heavy eye liner with minimal makeup, lip gloss instead of lipstick and your hair simply parted down the center.

It may take some time, but before long you'll be able to incorporate these boots into your wardrobe without so much as a second thought. You'll surprise yourself at how easily they can be worn with a softer look to give it some edge or complete the tough look you're going for. Now all that's left to do is to find the pair that suits you best. And once purchased, you should wear them right out of the store. Boots are made for walking, as the saying goes, and there's no time like the present to take that first step.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com