Ladies' Ultra-Uber-Cool Grunge, Goth, & Glamour Boots

I'm embarrassed to admit that I own only two pairs of cool boots - my Docs (those are mine pictured in the intro) and a cheaper pair of mid-calf boots with a fairly decent platform heel on them. I own a pair of gorgeous shoes that have so much attitude they think they're boots (in other words, wear them under jeans and they look like boots). I love those shoes more than my Docs. (Ooh, did I just admit that in public?)

I also own the cheapest pair of Ugg boots I could find and I hate them. But one winter I was so cold I needed them, so they hang out in the back of my cupboard and my comfy and very warm pair of hiking socks jeer at them because I'd rather walk around in socks than Ugg boots. I dream about owning a specific pair of Ugg boots that actually look quite cool - but then I remember my pair at the back of my cupboard and think "Nuh... I'll save up for the Harleys instead."

So, you can help me finance my dream of owning more than two pairs of sort-of cool boots (and at least one pair of ultra-hot boots) by buying your own boots through this lens - we both get something: isn't that a cool idea? And then I can come back here and show off my new boots and you can drool.

Okay, I'm teasing - I'd rather you went off to Kiva.org and loaned one of those enthusiastic but disadvantaged entrepreneurs some money first - then you can come back here and not feel guilty.

Come on in and dream a bit with me, anyway.

These are Them (with a Capital T). The shoes that think they're boots. Aren't they great? (I can pretend at least!)

Did you know that you can cheat and make a pair of shoes look like boots? If you have a great pair of closed shoes, see the instructions on my Pirate Costumes lens for making "boot gaiters" (or extensions).

If you have a sturdy sewing machine and use a thin faux leather fabric, you could even make gaiters that you could wear "out-of-costume" - ie, convincing enough to pass public scrutiny.

(Pictured left) Costume Craze sell these thigh high vinyl boot toppers for $15.99 - a cheap way to get a sexy boot look.

The Doc Martens style boot was invented by german doctor Klaus Martens in 1945, after an ankle injury made it uncomfortable for him to wear standard army boots. He designed a pair of boots using softer leather and "air cushioned" soles.

Women were Doctor Martens' first customers, and today Docs remain just as popular with girls who know what they "goth".

Special offer at Endless - buy two pairs of selected Guess boots and save 20%. Offer ends 25 November.

Pictured is the Guess Soshanna Pump.

See Guess High Heeled Boots instead.

These are my "dress" boots - they have a half-height platform and a nice heel, and look really good under jeans.

Special offer at Endless - buy two pairs of selected Nine West boots and save 20%. Offer ends 25 November.

Pictured is the Nine West Zarajoe boot. Nine West also stock flat boots such as the Barkin boot.

Lens content copyright © Elsa Neal, 2007-2010. All rights reserved.