Autumn’s ankle boots and booties have started to hit stores and there are several good looking and comfortable options on offer. The elusive one to two and half inch heel has re-surfaced, so start stocking up if this is your preferred heel height.

Here are my top picks so far. Most of the styles can fit orthotics and insoles. Don’t worry too much about heel slippage because it’s inevitable with these styles. Remember to click through to all the colour options if the ones displayed are not to your taste:

1. Blow Fish Hold True ($68.95): For the price, this bootie is a steal. The wedge heel is stable while the studs are fun. I preferred the edgy integrity of this style in black but if you’re an earthy gal, go for the chocolate instead. Runs small. I had to size up half a size with insoles and socks.
2. Nine West Cleeo ($108.95): A killer bootie and my favourite of the lot. Extremely soft leather, a cushioning footbed and just so, so refined and feminine. I could charge around town in these at the speed of light. If I didn’t have a similar pair in my closet, I’d be snapping up these babies in duplicates. The cream pictured below is more of a tan in real life. Runs true to size.
3. MIA Sergeant ($139.95): Very fabulous and the white colourway makes my heart sing. A very roomy toe box so a good option for wider feet. Rugged casual style at its best. Runs true to size.
4. Clarks Indigo Turkish Blend ($125): Simply divine and my second favourite on this list. LOVE the ruched front lace-up detailing, asymmetrical top and textured heels. Surprisingly, I like  the grey suede colourway best. They’re Clarks so comfort is almost guaranteed. Great support too. Runs true to size.
5. Clarks Indigo Nottinghill ($100): This is a bootie with both a  sporty and bohemian vibe. The black looks more urban, but the burgundy trim on the brown is interesting. Clarks comfort all the way. Runs true to size.
6. Madden Girl Singsing ($59.95): Fabulous price! These are my third favourite and you’d have never guessed that from its three inch heel and synthetic upper. Very comfy, quite roomy and soft all over. The turn back cuff can be turned up for a different look which is just as sweet. The dainty little buckles are adorable and the criss-cross strapping is unique. Loved it in grey. Runs true to size.

Please tell me you’re wearing booties or at least that you intend to try them this season because they instantly transform an outfit to “right now”. Also, no calf width challenges. Do any of these styles appeal to you? If so which ones.

We used to be in love. Madly in love. But the chemistry has faded. We haven’t parted ways completely, but we’re keeping things platonic and are just good friends. We meet a few times a month and thoroughly enjoy each other’s company in small doses.

So ruffles and I have ended our passionate love affair and we’re sticking with good clean fun.

It has been a year of complete and utter ruffle explosion here in the US. Ruffles are still on everything. The saturated retail market has my eyes wondering and flirting elsewhere. What’s your relationship like with ruffles? Are you romantically involved? Wed for life? Divorced? Dating? Or playing hard to get.

I never fancied suede footwear for one main reason: suede doesn’t wear well and it’s very hard to clean, so it wasn’t long before the item looked untidy. But I’ve recently changed my mind. Perhaps my eyes have adjusted to the look now that distressed leather has become a fashion statement and we’ve seen a few seasons of deliberately distressed suede footwear in stores. Perhaps I’m just appreciating the rugged and worn urban look more these days.

Some suede footwear styles and colours lend themselves better to both deliberate and inevitable walk and wear distressing than others, like casual brown or grey boots for instance. Dressier suede footwear like fuchsia stiletto pumps look less good distressed in my opinion – but not too bad.

These days you can weatherproof suede with a spray, or buy weatherproof suede footwear from brands like Aquatalia. So while you can’t eliminate the wear, you can keep your feet dry. It’s amazing! If you lead a casual lifestyle, suede boots might be the way to go.

I don’t own suede footwear but I’m much more open to the idea now that I’m at peace with its distressed look. No more fretting trying to keep the suede looking as pristine as possible. Quite the relief. What are your feelings on suede footwear? Do you like the look of worn suede?

Obviously I’m Team Pearls! And I’m a white pearl girl through and through. I absolutely adore diamonds on others, but the sky would have to fall before I switched Teams. I have a few microscopic scattered diamonds on my almost antique wedding ring, but that’s it. Pearls is another story.

I have been besotted with pearls for a long, long time and have been wearing them since I was a little girl (pearl studs in the ears). There isn’t a gem stone, precious metal or gorgeous piece of costume jewelry that sends me into orbit as much as a KILLER pearl piece. I find the luster of the bead utterly mesmerizing and feel magical wearing any type of pearl.

Over to you. Are you Team Diamonds or Team Pearls? You don’t need to sport real diamonds or pearls to be on a Team. Costume jewelry is just fine as long as you don’t bat for both sides! And if neither remotely tickle your fancy, there’s a spot for you on the bench.