hurray, reader mail!  i’ll admit that this one has taken me a while to answer…extensive research was required.  but here we are, at last:

I was wondering if you could recommend some brands or styles of boots that are good for those with really small calves.  All the articles I read mention the problem of boots for people with large ones, but I am really tiny and like boots that hug my legs (hate that swimming feeling and look).  Also looking for fashionable rain boots that are good for small calves.  Any suggestions would be great…  ~ j.v.

excellent question.  not one that personally affects me, but i have plenty of friends that have this issue.  a few rules of thumb:  steer clear of pull-on boots, as they’ll be roomier at the top than one that zips.  and, some sort of buckle closure at the top or anything else designed to cinch the boot is probably a perfect option for you.

the truth is that you have to have a lot of hands-on experience with various brands to come up with really good options in this department.  so, i decided to call in the expert:  morgan wendelborn, style director at shopbop.  here are her words of wisdom:

As far as rainboots go, I actually buy mine a half size up, because they look best when they are a little clunky (plus you can wear a thicker sock!). As long as the rest of your silhouette is fitted or slim:  pair with leggings or skinnies (don’t wear a baggy pant tucked into your boots unless you are making a late night ice cream run!) and a fitted jacket.

If you have slim calves, you should definitely take advantage of the over-the-knee boot! It is really fitted all the way up to the knee and looks great with skinnies and leggings, AND keeps your legs toasty!

i tend to agree with morgan’s take on rain boots - i think a fitted option just wouldn’t look quite right.  but if you must, ugg makes a new waterproof boot with a zip closure ($180) that should stay about as fitted as any rain boot can.  this engineer rain boot from jeffrey campbell ($72) is another great option - i think this will be as close as you’ll get to a snug fit, particularly since it doesn’t go all the way up the calf.

as for the over-the-knee boots, if you’re not sure you can rock the style, keep in mind that most of these boots can be cuffed to allow them to work as standard tall boots as well - and that will keep the top much more snug against your leg.

a few of my favorite picks for you:

• pour la victoire over-the-knee boot ($465):  i think this is a perfect option for you, as the zipper closure and toggles at the top will keep this one snug whether you wear it over the knee or cuff it.  if you’re really narrow, you should even be able to close the toggles when it’s cuffed, keeping the top snug.
• twelfth st. by cynthia vincent flat riding boot ($276.50):  that buckle detail should keep this one looking perfect no matter your calf size.  
• one last little tip:  european brands tend to run more narrow, so look for styles from designers like l’autre chose and coclico for particularly trim cuts.  i love this obama heeled boot (i swear, i picked it before i even saw the name!) - it’s on sale for $378, and should fit you like a glove.

j.v., i hope this helps out - let us know what you end up buying!

every so often, an email hits my inbox and i just exclaim “yes, exactly!” when i open it.  such was this email i received yesterday from kirna zabete.  kz is every new yorker’s secret source for the latest and greatest in fashion lovelies, this fantastic store is finally offering its designer wares online.

i think each and every one of their picks is a flawless, investment-worthy choice…and, if you can swing it, you absolutely should.  if nothing else, you should at least spend some time playing on their site…there are so, so many lovelies to ogle.

but i love this look so much that i’m going to give you some budget-friendly ways to get the look…so that you can look as hot as this picture without walking the streets begging for spare change to finance your fashion.

i love this version of the tie-neck blouse from banana republic (in the lovely purple, not that blah tan color), and it’s just $69.  equally lovely is this version from marc by marc jacobs, marked down to $78 at nordstrom.  but best of all is this stunner from roberto rodriguez, which i may even prefer to the original, on sale for $200.

and if those loooovely lanvins just don’t fit the budget, i’d swap for this version from bloch london for $163 - gorgeous (and a perfect match for the banana republic top above!)!  for an even better steal, i have to admit that i would never have thought to check here, but plus-size site silhouettes has a quite lovely satin cap-toe flat (in sizes 7-12) for a cool $40.  i’d go for the wine color, i think…perfect for this time of year!

the clutch is vastly more complicated, as i adore their choice and hate to mess with it.  so…how about if i find the exact same alexander wang clutch for you at 50% off?  yep…$325 at shopbop.  don’t say i never did anything for you!

it’s official - the much-anticipated bargain lines from anya hindmarch and sigerson morrison have finally hit target.com, and should make it into stores by monday.  and not a moment too soon…i think we could all use a cheap thrill this week, don’t you agree?

it’s no secret these are two of my favorite designers - both have the unique ability to make styles that are youthful but still sophisticated.  and both have done a fantastic job for target.  the hindmarch line is my absolute favorite - possibly my favorite target designer collaboration yet.  i can’t wait to see these in person, and am crossing my fingers they work as well in real life as they do in pictures. 

the sigerson morrison collection has a lot more misses mixed in with the hits, but i still think it has potential, and i’m anxious to check out these wares.  i’ll definitely be splurging on those silver flats (this color is available online only, god knows why), as i can never seem to keep metallic flats looking new for very long, so i’m happy to scrimp in that department.  and if you’re just aching to rock the bootie trend this fall, despite my advice to the contrary, at least you can do it for under $50 here…just please, steer clear of the bedazzled versions.  if you simply can’t resist the sparkle, i suppose these gold peeptoe pumps could work for a holiday look, or add a heavy dose of ’80s irony to a casual ensemble.

so, tell me - what piece(s) will you be picking up from these new collections?

i realize pink suede peeptoes may not be the most practical purchase this time of year.  but honestly, can you think of a more fun “girly shoe” purchase?  

my bet (read: fervent hope) is these are bound to go on sale before long…after all, who buys pink suede in the winter (or, more to the point, who releases a pink suede, open-toed shoe for a fall collection)?  then i won’t feel quite so bad about breaking my kate spade ban to add these darlings to my shoe closet.

i am not a boot girl, or a heels girl, or a (gasp) athletic footwear girl.  i may love them all in theory, but the reality is that i wear flats.  every day, rain or shine, my go-to shoe is the ballet flat.  however, now that i’m living in a much brisker climate, i think it’s time to admit that i may have to turn in my flats for the winter, in favor of something a touch more weather-friendly.  but, as i’m also living in a much less fashion-forward climate, none of my heeled boots are going to do the trick either.  so, i’m faced with the dilemma of purchasing potentially very expensive footwear that i know may never actually leave my house.  but i want to give it a go.

what i want:  these amazing taupe riding boots at barneys (left, $480) are calling my name oh-so-seductively…as are these equally stunning grey belted boots (center, $480) from coclico (the pics at shopbop are vastly superior, but the price is lower at piperlime, so they win).

what i bought:  for now, i’ve taken the hubs’ advice, and picked up a pair that’s more budget-friendly (cough, cheaper, cough) to test my fashion flexibility.  these cognac suede boots (right, $133 after discount) remind me a lot of the classic campus by frye, but at less than half the price (especially when you factor in the $25 discount AND the free vogue subscription with purchase promotions at endless right now).  this way, if i manage to make the style work for me, well, it’s splurge-city, baby. 

i’ll keep you posted on whether my attempt at a recession-friendly fashion decision paid off…

recently, while browsing one of my favorite online footwear sources, i came across a line i’d never heard of before - lilybee.  every style was detailed, classic, and stunning - i had to know more.  so, i dropped an email to kassie, the owner of simply soles, who told me the line was actually a brand new offering that she’d designed herself!

named, adorably, for her two children (her daughter lily, and her son, who’s obsessed with bees!), each style is christened after a celebrity inspiration.  the natalie, for example, is a chic turquoise peeptoe flat - vegan, of course.  the sultry black stiletto is the perfect fit for its namesake, angelina.  and the gwyneth, my personal favorite, is an impossibly polished and stylish silver wedge, made special with a beautiful pleated detail on the vamp, and a flattering but practical black stacked wooden heel.

every style is made in brazil, under kassie’s close supervision.  the end result is a gorgeous, handcrafted shoe you won’t see on anyone else in your circle.  check out the full collection at simply soles, and pick up your favorite from this limited line while you can!

at first, i was afraid it was a crush.  but every time i look at this stunning gemma pump from loeffler randall, it becomes more clear:  this is definitely love.  love the luscious raspberry color, the open toe, the swirl detail on the vamp, the lizard embossing, and the super-practical 2″ heel.  love absolutely everything…except the $450 pricetag.  money tree, where art thou??

i do, however, think this qualifies as a worthy splurge.  unlike her handbag line (tragically, i’ve had several bad experiences there), jessie randall’s shoes are built to last - and i have a closet full of them to attest.  this color will be amazing all winter with those colored tights you’re seeing everywhere, but really, can you imagine a more perfect summer party shoe?  i simply cannot…and a shoe i can wear literally 12 months out of the year is a rare enough commodity it may be worth biting the proverbial bullet.

pick it up at shopjake, the store that is singlehandedly forcing me to think about what exactly would happen if i maxed every credit card i own.  i do believe you can use code heel08 to score 10% off…every little bit helps.

in a recent interview with now magazine, sarah jessica parker said she’d choose shoes over a guy – because they’re more dependable than men (ouch! matthew broderick?!).  talking about her sex and the city character, carrie, the 43-year-old actress said she “could probably count on a manolo more than a man.”  so is it better than sex? they asked.  “yes!”

while i may not nessecarily agree with SJP, we definitely agree on a love for shoes.  and i’ve recently discovered a new shop in the internet ether - solestuck - that allows for some serious shoe indulgence.  the selection is amazing and, while there are no choos to choose from, these babies will fit much more nicely into your budget. 

i adore betsey johnson’s playful bestyville line, and the lani heel is no exception.  with the girly flower detail and the funky rubber heel, just thinking about them makes me feel like sugar and spice! 

to keep my feet comfy (thanks to a padded sole) and looking fab, the exchange by charles david can easily be paired with a suit at the office.  the liquid patent leather in burgundy is a perfect update to your fall look, and a steal at $44.95!

for a fun, casual weekend look, the dolce vita wendy boot is a gorgeous update on a riding boot, and would be perfect with jeans, a dress or even a mini - just make sure you add tights! 

for me, though, the best part about solestruck is that you can’t get into too much trouble.  most shoes are under $100, and i don’t think i saw anything much over $200.  plus, their packaging is truly fab - it makes the online order that much more exciting!

best of all, the kind folks at solestruck have generously offered SMC readers an exclusive discount!  just enter code FERXKU9UN at checkout for 20% off your purchase, but only until september 19…so shop it up!  and, of course, make sure you let us know what you pick up while you’re there.

it is, apparently, shoe week at shoppingsmycardio.  but how am i expected to resist temptation when those devilish bunnyshop writers steer me over to the new markdowns at barneys, and there i spy these completely lovely blue flats by leopoldo giordano, marked down from $350 to $85? 

truly…one can only have so much self-control.

editor’s note:  i am thrilled to introduce the lovely and talented jessie, of prior shoppingsmycardio fame, as our newest contributing writer!  let’s send her some welcoming warm fuzzies, shall we?

once upon a time, flying was glamorous. ladies would dress up in a suit with hosiery and a hat to fly. lately when i travel, i feel like the coach cabin is the equivalent of a greyhound bus. gone are the smart suits and chic hats - these days, you are more likely to see travelers in their pajamas.

i am not advocating that we all step out in pillbox hats to fly, but who doesn’t want to feel chic after a day of travel?  fortunately, it is possible to look great and be comfortable.

let’s start with a fabulous carry on.  it needs to be large enough to hold your essentials but not so big you are cursing the weight of it when your flight is delayed. keeping in mind that said bag is going to slip under the seat and the plane floor is not the cleanliest place, don’t carry a bag that you will be devastated when it gets gum or whatever else is lurking under your seat on it.  with that in mind, for $118 you can’t go wrong with this aer satchel (even if it is by jessica simpson).

i like to wear jeans when i travel: a wide legged pair in a dark wash looks put together yet effortless. the faye jeans from citizens of humanity ($194) are perfect for travel.  they have stretch in them so they will hold their shape, and they are really soft for your comfort. best part, the darts on the back do wonders for your posterior!

travel days can be long, so wearing a fabric that won’t wrinkle is key, you never know when you will be late and have to run straight to dinner.  a solid tee is perfect travel wear, you can always accessorize to dress it up. michael star’s tees wear beautifully; they have great lines and come in fun colors. i love the cotton scoop neck long sleeve in eggplant ($52), one of my favorite colors for fall. if you are more of a neutral girl, go with the java color. the longer length is perfect when bending down, so you aren’t showing anything you don’t want to. 

i heard someone say once that animal prints are either fifth avenue or call girl (and not the fabulous call girl, belle de jour, on showtime). this gorgeous leopard wrap by kashmere is definitely uptown chic, and you can pick it up at bluefly for the bargain price of $90 (marked down from $195). wearing a scarf when traveling is key, if you are cold you can use it as a blanket, or in a real crunch as a pillow.

airplanes can be chilly, so layer a chic blazer like this cotton blazer from banana republic ($125). in khaki, it will work with most anything you have packed for your trip, and is sure to become a classic in your wardrobe.

finally, footwear.  who are we kidding…it always come back to the shoe!  i am going to suggest wearing a classic heeled boot like the classic campus boot from frye ($398).  this boot will look amazing under your wide leg jeans or over your skinny jeans. i have been coveting frye boots, ever since i was in high school and i would wear my mom’s vintage pair. i recommend a boot over flats because when you are enduring the humiliation of security and you have to take your shoes off, don’t add insult to injury by having your bare feet touch the floor! boots = socks!  wearing your boots will also save room in your luggage for all your other shoes!

now that you are gorgeously dressed for your travel, enjoy your trip!  and don’t worry…all that staring is only because your fellow passengers wish they looked that chic!