SHOPPING: It may still feel like summer, but at least the boots are out in stores!

With temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, it was refreshing to see a nice selection of boots on display at our local Marshall's and TJ Maxx stores last week.  Both stores I visited had boots in boxes, with a sample on display above the boxes.  Unfortunately, the TJ Maxx display was fairly unorganized and more difficult to shop than Marshall's.  As someone who doesn't normally store boots in boxes (except the few pairs of higher-end boots I own), I miss the old days when these stores used to just display pairs of boots out in the open, whether by standing them on shelves or hanging them from a rack.  Nothing is more frustrating than thinking you've found the perfect pair in your size only to open the box and find it's the wrong color or style.  However, there is something to be said for that lovely leather aroma which wafts out when you open the box!

Back to what was on display at Marshall's and TJ Maxx, it's obvious that riding-style boots and other knee-high boots with flat heels will continue to be a big trend again this season (even Costco is carrying this style!).  Of course, I tend to gravitate toward the heeled boots, and the ones that caught my attention at both Marshall's and TJ Maxx were the Michael Kors "Lesly" boots for $179.99.  A little pricey for these stores, especially considering that I'm seeing similar prices online.  Although I've never been a flat of platform soles, I do like the stacked heels on these.  I found some photos of the boots being very nicely modeled on the My Style Snapshot blog.  I'd like to find a pair of great stacked heel boots this season, but something a little more conservative like these gorgeous vintage Anne Klein boots currently listed on eBay (if they were anywhere near my size, I'd have snapped them up for sure!).

Marshall's also had some nice Ralph Lauren black leather dress boots with fairly conservative spiked heels.  I didn't catch the price, but I'm always a sucker for a nice pair of black leather dress boots!

Here's to cooler weather coming soon so that we can really start appreciating this season's boots!

SHOPPING: Wow, Costco is selling boots!!!

Attention, Costco shoppers...Costco.com is carrying some very nice Kenneth Cole New York black leather riding boots for $99.99 with free shipping.

Want to try them on first?  Hopefully, your local store is carrying these like ours is!  Our local store had a very nice display of these boots near the front entrance yesterday with $10 off for $89.99.  I'm not used to Costco carrying fashion boots, or dressy shoes of any kind for that matter, so this was a very pleasant surprise.  Judging from the customer activity around the display, these will be a very popular item for Costco. I can see pairing these with skinny jeans and long skirts.

Also, these boots were displayed next to some Ugg-style boots.  I've never been a fan of Uggs (short for UGLY, I say!), so having these displayed next to them made the dressy Kenneth Cole boots look that much better!

Great Bloomingdale's sale graphic

I like the graphic for Bloomingdale's "Big Brown Bag" sale, especially the outfit on the model.  It's hard to go wrong with a blazer, leggings, and tall boots.  I really like the boots and they remind me of my current favorite Dolce Vita "Donnie" boots.

Ming-Na in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC this fall!

Actress Ming-Na gets our vote for the best-dressed cast member of the new ABC TV series "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Promotional photos show her sporting a sleek dark blue belted leather vest and some utilitarian short black boots - a powerful look, yet practical.

For an Entertainment Weekly photoshoot, she adds some kick-butt knee-high boots to the look!

And even on the red carpet, she rocks a very cool black leather top.

FAVORITE LOOKS - Harper's Bazaar, September 2013 - Part 1

This is always one of my favorite times of year - when the fashion magazines come out with their Fall Preview issues. These issues seem to get larger every year, and many magazines even tout on their front cover "Biggest Issue Ever!!!" Fortunately, instead of carrying around magazines the size of phonebooks (remember those?), these issues are now available digitally in beautiful high-definition. These digital versions also make it much easier to "clip" my favorite pages and share them here.

Without further delay, here are my favorite Leather Looks from Harper's Bazaar magazine, September 2013. The issue is so large that I decided to split it up into multiple posts.



Hugo Boss presents a great "career look" paired with sexy black leather over-the-knee boots.



Ralph Lauren pairs this mid-length leather coat perfectly with the height of the black leather over-the-knee boots. One of my favorite Leather Looks!



Sergio Rossi continues their fine trend of super sexy black leather over-the-knee boots. I especially like the nicely rounded toes and stacked heels.









Stuart Weitzman's ad campaign featuring Kate Moss in a variety of their over-the-knee boots is a winner!

A deal on Jimmy Choo OTK boots at therealreal.com

I think every girl should have at least one pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.  These sexy black leather over-the-knee boots recently listed on therealreal.com would be high on my list.

It's probably good they were already sold by the time I saw them, since they're a size 8.5 and a deal at $196 ($245 less 20% off).  Soft scrunchy leather towers over sexy stiletto heels.  Since I'm not a fan of platforms, I like how minimal it is on these.

I could definitely see rocking these with some skinny jeans and a black leather jacket for a concert or a tunic sweater and leggings for date night!

FOLLOW-UP: I just came across what I believe are these same boots on eBay.  They're a slightly larger size 41 and currently have a bid of $399.99.  The style is "April" and they have an original retail price of $1,395.  This just confirms that someone really got a good deal on these on eBay!

A great Philip Lim look on the Nordstrom website

Philip Lim features some great fall outfits paired with over-the-knee boots on the Nordstrom website.  However, my favorite by far is this great look featuring a cable knit sweater, leather shorts, and spiky black suede over-the-knee boots.

The sweater may say "school girl," but the leather shorts and super tall boots are total sexpot!