Wardrobe Reform: Boots

Topshop, £90

While my fellow Americans back home may or may not be fretting over the contents of Obama's healthcare reform proposal, I have more important things to worry about--like what will be the contents of my suitcase bound for NY fashion week? Just like my commander in chief, I too am in the process of reform: universal wardrobe reform. I'm in search of a few key updates to my fall wardrobe for the New York shows, which I see as needs be easy to wear, mix n'match, day-to-night, working/partying/show-going--universal, if you will.

My proposal begins with shoes. Designer footwear, can be, in some ways, a bit like private healthcare: expensive, often detrimental to your health and riddled with hidden fall-backs. This year has seen the rise of the "it" shoe, sky-high sequined Louboutins, Louis Vuittons with the entire layout of Lego Land glued on top and now the advent of the sexy but totally impractical thigh high boot. But these shoes, while gorgeous to gawk at, aside from being totally impossible to walk in, also make quite the statement. And just like private insurance, once you tap into those resources, the arrangement completely changes...you no longer own the shoe, the shoe owns you. The newness and envy factor evaporates with the first outing (at least in the setting of a five day fashion Olympics, your repeat offense will most likely be noticed), and even though they may have cost you £600 and Gwenyth Paltrow was seen tottering about in a pair last month, they no longer work as coolness insurance.

That's why, despite the fact that I would gladly hand over a kidney for this fall's zipper adorned Balmain ankle boots, I shall practice what I preach and, for my main footwear purchase for the first round of shows, settle on the Abby Buckle Stud Peep Boot from Topshop, £90. Nobody cares if you wear the same sturdy, black ankle boots day in day out, and these ones are basic black with a twist.

On trend but not too much, channeling Zanotti, I see them going with the entirety of the wardrobe I have pre-assembled in my mind. Worn casually with acid wash jeans or leggings and an oversized vintage tee or after-party ready with some sort of sequined shift number or short, big shouldered dress cum blazer ensemble. And after giving the matter considerable thought, I can't really picture myself frantically scampering around Bryant Park wearing anything else.

Check back soon for the next phase of the agenda.