Open-toe booties: Are they the schizo shoe?

I love an open-toe bootie, but a good friend of mine, who doesn't really care for them, calls them the schizophrenic shoe because they have one foot in the summer (open toe) and one in the fall/winter (bootie).

But that's what I love about the open-toe bootie - that you can wear them year 'round. A great summer nighttime look is a flirty summer dress and an open-toe bootie. Just as great is a wool shift dress, printed tights and a fun pair of open-toe booties.

My favorite look, however, is a pair of skinny jeans tucked into a pair of tall open-toe booties.

Here are some of my favorite schizo booties:

This open-toe boot is both cute and affordable. At $49.99, you can fit the Ardiente Secret Short Lee Peep Toe into any budget.

You can have both your toes and heel out in this Michael Kors Naples Open Toe Bootie, but it will cost you. Buy these on sale for $206.

You toes may be chilly in this Maxstudio Zimbabive bootie, but your legs will be warm in the taller version of an open-toe bootie. This sells for $139.

I saved the best for last. I ordered these Corso Como Christian Peep Toe Bootie over the weekend from Haute Look. They're sold out on the private sale website, but ladies you may be able to find them somewhere else.

The search for my red necklace may be over

If you've been following my extremely sporadic fashion blog, you know that I've been searching for a red necklace for about two years now (check out my Sept. 3, 2009 post). It's taken me so long to find something because I really don't know what I'm looking for. I can't picture the perfect red necklace, so when I see something, I'm like, "eh."

Well, I think I may have found something that tickles my fancy.

This Amrita Singh Cleopatra necklace peeked my interest long enough for me to at least check out the price tag - $139 in case you were wondering. It's marked down from $300 and is being sold through Gilt Groupe, a members-only online shopping site.

The sale ends Friday. If it's still there Wednesday, I may order it, if not, the search continues for the perfect red necklace.

Salute to army green - it's the new black

Have you noticed that army green is everywhere? And it's not because we're at war.

Army green is the new black - at least for this fall.

If you really think about it, army green can be a neutral that you can mix and match with all sorts of colors from tans and browns to blues and grays.

While I'm fully supporting that you buy something in army green to add to your wardrobe, don't spend an arm and a leg because while army green is hot today, some other color is waiting in line to take its place. An affordable accessory, like a scarf or bracelet, could be a nice introduction.

And if army green is a color you never thought you'd wear, then definitely head to your nearest, most fabulous store and try on something that's army green. You never know how a color will look against your skin or work with your eyes or hair color until you try. Be daring!

Here are some of my favorite army green pieces that I've noticed over the last couple of weeks.

These toothpick cords are from J. Crew and sell for $79.50. It's a no-brainer to pair them with the charcoal sparkle henley for $45.

You will be in tune in this Elizabeth and James band jacket. It sells for $395 at Piperlime.

Want to tip-toe into army green? Do it with this vintage sage rose tank at Miss Me for $58. The background is green, but the print districts you from the color if you're not sure you want a full commitment to army green.

You can never go wrong with two pieces for the price of one. This Kim & Cami tee and vest sells for $48 at Nordstroms.

You can kick some enemy butt in these Sergio Rossi Suede Platform Boots at Nordstroms for $1,250.

This Forever 21 Slub Knit Maxi Dress in army green is a steal for $19.80.

No jewelry needed

I was in Anthropologie yesterday itching to use the gift certificate my younger sister, Torri, gave me for Christmas. When I saw this Corey Lynn Calter top, I stopped in my tracks. This silk, flowy blouse is adorned with chains, beads and flowers made of lace.

I love necklaces, especially statement pieces, but with this wonderful blouse, that will look great dressed up or down, no necklace is needed.

The shirt is no longer available for purchase online, but if you're lucky enough, you can find it in your neighborhood Anthropologie. I snagged this blouse on sale for $69.99, originally priced at $148.

Subtle Slouch

I love the sophisticated look of this Banana Republic Eliza Slouch boot. This versatile boot would look great with a dress, skirt or jeans.

It comes in taupe (suede) and saddle (leather) and sells for $198. BR is currently offering free shipping on all orders more than $50.

Cultured Feet

I would feel like a lady once I slipped these on my feet, even on my most unrefined days.

These Colleen Rose heels at J. Crew are on sale for $249 (down from $325), with an additional 20 percent off until Sunday, plus free shipping. Shop fast!

Trousers with a twist

I just stumbled across these fun denim trousers from Built by Wendy. They are ultra girly with the high waist, slant pockets and tied cuffs. These would look great with flats or heels. They sell for $180.

Built by Wendy is having a sample sale Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m., and Mondays, from noon to 7 p.m. Head to 7 Centre Market Pl. (at Grand St.) for the deals, which include up to 30 percent off fall merchandise.

These lovely trousers aren't on sale, though. Pity.