Get Schooled: Lori's in Metromix

Metromix, the entertainment outpost for the Tribune, recently interviewed Lori for tips on buying boots for fall. She gave them quite an education. Below is a sampling from the article by Lisa Arnett that appeared Monday, August 25, 2009.

Know the Trends
"One thing that this season has going for it is that there are some real strong trends," says Andre. The three biggies? Cowboy boots (especially shorter styles), motorcycle boots with studs or chains and over-the-knee styles (ladies only).

Get a Good Fit
When shopping, wear your own socks (rather than those disposable shoe-store footies) and spend a full five minutes walking around in the store. "If it doesn't feel good now, it's going to feel a lot worse later." Try the toe-wiggle test: They should have enough breathing room to wiggle freely inside the tip of the boot. Another trick? Stick your hand inside the boot to feel for bumpy seams or rough edges where the lining meets the sole that could potentially irritate your foot. And if your calves are either more muscular or slimmer than average, look for brands offering knee-high boots in wide and narrow calf widths.

All About the Material
Look on the boot's box or lining for a label noting what it's made of. "Boots that are really high-quality are leather lined, leather-soled and leather-uppered," says Andre. Leather keeps your feet warm but is also breathable, and, when used for the sole, offers more flexibility and shock absorption than molded plastic. But because leather has a more involved treatment process and a higher import duty, it'll cost you. Likewise, a boot with a synthetic upper costs much less, but because the material isn't breathable, your feet can be a hot sweaty mess after all-day wear.

Watch the Weather
"If you're going to buy a $600 pair of leather boots and wear them in the snow, they're going to get ruined," says Andre. Salt and water can erode leather over time, unless it's treated to be waterproof. "We always tell people, buy a synthetic boot that's guaranteed waterproof [for snowy days] and wear your fashion boots when the weather is good."


Credit: Metromix photos by Jason Little

Shoe Shopping with Maurizio Celin of Nicole

Our favorite person who just happens to also design Nicole, Mr. Maurizio Celin, was recently in town for a visit with Lori. Only he could pull off suede moccasins with abundant fringe under white jeans, tee and a stripey cardi. (Sigh.)

We spent several hours walking the store, examining lines and trends and having a blast. Their faves? A predilection for the moccasins (adored the Medici mocs) and a healthy respect for our freshly arrived boots like Vic's 9940 wedge boot and the 9770 harness.

And Chicago? The shopping got a thumbs up. Frontera Grill, no. Publican, yes. But Lori's home-cooked meal was voted best by a long shot. (No wonder he's our favorite.)

No Proust, But We Wouldn't Lose Any Time Finding These

As reported in WWD Accessories, Chloe Sevigny is guest-designing a collection for Bass with Opening Ceremony. Click the image above for a readable version. While we won't have this at Lori's, we do have the classic Bass styles that tap into the menswear trends of the season. Read the article and take a look!

The Embellished Leg

Last fall was a banner year for leggings. Colors were rich and deep, textures spanned the gamut from gossamer lace to thick cable-knit wools and patterns ran from conservative argyles to trippy pop abstracts. There was a lot to be excited about.

So this must be a billboard year.

We have been inundated with leggings and the flood has only just begun. Daring (and darling) new pieces are on the way. Our faves? The super-trend stud leggings (left) and shimmering sequin jobbies (below) that take edge and sparkle to a glorious new place. Also on deck are the (faux) leather legging and a general emphasis on hardware: zips at the ankle and knee, ankle snaps (replacing the buttons of last year).

All this taps into the larger metal trend we're seeing in shoes, boots, bags and accessories. It's not quite rock-and-roll, but it's not quite not that either. Black is finally just black. Gray is its sidekick. Heavy metal hardware and deep reds accent. Is Fall is a knife fight? Picture the ersatz tumble in "Beat It." The S.E. Hinton aesthetic ... Are we dressing as the new Outsiders – hard and tough on the outside, uncertain with a heart of gold within – after being Socs for so long? The edges are harder: our collective slump away from excess during a lean year in which we've all bled a little.

Fall's message is that there's excitement even in hard times. Some of the gilt's flaked off to reveal our hard metal chic underneath. So be daring and bold and determined this Fall. Confidence is sexy, especially moxy that shimmers outrageously in legs like these.

Fall (and Beyond) Preview: Bass

Gone Fishin': Menswear inspiration from Bass is coming this fall.

Bucks! We love 'em. There is something so intractably preppy about the buck that charms us. That red gum sole, the suede upper and round toe. Add to that a saddle shoe with punch patterning and a patent loafer and menswear is back in the mix this fall. (We also threw in Spring 2010's pastel variations to keep you abreast of the trends.)

The look here is pure Annie Hall: baggy pants or boyfriend jeans rolled at the cuff and menswear-inspired materials like oxford cloth and ties. Tone down the testosterone with an unstructured bag from Imoshion or Big Buddha in romantic jewel tones. Or go in the other direction with something delicate and feminine to eke out the clunky casualness of the silhouette for some truly adorable outfits.