Stuart Weitzman Sweep Ankle Boot

I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for fall and winter! I love pulling out all my fuzzy sweaters, my warm scarves and gloves, and most of all, my boots. I love boots. There’s something about pulling on a pair of fantastic boots that puts a spring in my step. Heh. Get it? Spring? In the fall? What? Hey, love me, love my corny jokes, that’s the rule. Anyway, while I’m not digging the recent over-the-thigh trend because, y’know, I’m not a dominatrix (I totally could be if I wanted to, but I’m not), I think the western boot trend is fun. But mostly, I’m enjoying the ankle boot trend. They’re so cute! And there are so many great designs out there. I’m sure I’ll be featuring them a few more times over the coming months. But right now, let’s talk about color. We’ve established that eggplant is a great fall color. This fall, a lot of vibrant colors are in—teal, orange, mustard, and even shades of blue other than navy. You can punch up any neutral fall ensemble of blacks, grays, or browns with a great pair of shoes or a handbag in a rich fall hue. And suede is a fall staple that never goes out of style. So get ready, because this post delivers a triple whammy of fall trends: Ankle boots in eggplant suede! And they don’t get much better than the Stuart Weitzman Sweep.

This is a kickass boot. It may not look that remarkable from the front or top, but turn it to the side and you’ll see the contemporary spin on the 60s-inspired design. The upper is 100 percent suede, but along the platform, and then sweeping up the sides and around the heel base is a strip of patent leather in the same color as the rest of the boot. The patent accent also extends to the underside of the heel, giving a little extra flash with every step. On the inside is a complementary colored zipper for easy putting on and taking off. The stiletto heel and the platform are also covered in suede for uniformity and impeccable style. Made from leather, the sole has an embossed logo pattern that will give you a little traction on slick fall and winter streets, which you’ll appreciate on the 4.25-inch heel. A .75-inch platform makes that seem a little lower. While it fits with my eggplant theme, Stuart calls this color hyacinth. The Sweep also comes in black. Try it for $425 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

As much as I love Stuart’s shoes, and that patent leather inlay, the Sweep is a bit pricey. I think I’ll wait for a sale. In the meantime, the Jessica Simpson Pasadena ankle boot has caught my eye. It’s completely suede, with no leather accent, but it does have its own unique little detail—the topline of the boot is curved. I think it makes it a little more feminine. Jessica Simpson may be an airhead who doesn’t know chicken from tuna, but she designs some super cute shoes. Right, as if she designs them herself. Can’t you just see her hunched over a drafting table, drawing shoe designs late at night? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Ok, so she lends her name to a cute line of shoes. There we go. The Pasadena also zips for easy dressing, and has a four-inch stiletto heel with a .75-inch platform. They also come in smooth black leather. Get either one for $127.95 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

This bootie is a bit taller than a standard ankle boot, but it’s just as gorgeous and purple as the other two. The Nine West Zenon bootie is also a bit more sophisticated without the platform. This would be a perfect boot to wear to work. The split seam detail also gives it a stylish silhouette that you may not want to hide with slacks. Pair these booties with a pencil skirt for maximum effect. The upper is one hundred percent suede, while the sole is man made. (Hey, that rhymes!) The shaft is about 8.5 inches high from the arch, and sits on a four-inch heel. Obviously, I love it in this deep purple shade, but the cool thing about the Zenon is that it offers you a lot more options than the other two as far as color coordinating. It’s available in black suede, and then in several smooth leather colors: black, dark green, dark brown, and dark natural, which is basically tan. Choose your favorite and make it yours for just $119.95 at Endless.com.