Rugged Fashion.

It is time to retire my favorite pair of booties. The Kate Spade black suede wedge booties that I scored at Marshalls a few years back are on their last stitch and have had me on the search for my new perfect pair of fall-to-winter booties.  The style was always heavy enough to ground any outfit with lots of layers or an oversized sweater, but they had a unique element to them. Classic with a twist. I will miss them.

Finding a pair of booties with unique style that were not too funky or edgy or uncomfortable took a while, but I've done it. The problem with my old favorites was that they were suede so I knew that leather needed to be a priority for my next pair. Then I saw these:

{See by Chloe, High Heel Wallabee Booties, $340.}

They are heavy enough to ground my everyday outfits, but the narrow stacked heel and narrow toe-box prevent them from looking too clunky. I can wear them on a job, in the city, or to a farm for pumpkin picking. The lug sole gives me the support I need (I am on my feet ALL day) and the detail is perfect for traction in the snow. It also gives these booties a nice rustic edge. They match my lifestyle and I can't wait to rock them with my favorite cozy sweater and skinny jeans. Bonus: the tongue of the shoe is sewn to the sides so that rain and snow can't get in! (They are available in a gorgeous camel color too.)

Skinny jeans + oversized scarf + t-shirt + cozy sweater + booties = easy rugged fashion and my go-to outfit. Change the bag, add earrings, insert a button down shirt in lieu of the t-shirt and the style is easily elevated. What do you think?

If you like this pair but the price is too steep, these are another great option:

{Marais USA, Shire Booties, $160.}

I love the wear-with-anything charcoal grey and the look of the textured felt.

If you aren't on the market for a new pair yourself, try breathing new life into a pair you already own with two easy steps:

1) Change the laces! If you like the ones on the See by Chloe pair above, try these:

{Dr. Martens Tricolor Shoe Laces, $3.}

Or you could try a fun shade like the teal laces on these adorable boots. (They were also a contender in my bootie search.)

{Kate Spade 'Saundra' Boots, $298.}

2) Drop your booties at the shoe cobbler to be re-soled, have the heel repaired, or just have them polished up. I do this with all of my shoes each season and they come back like new.

You can also choose to weather proof and polish your booties at home. Apple Leather Care is always great but I love Fiebring's Saddle Soap.

What is your go-to bootie?

Treat every day like you are on the runway.