Hot Chocolate: You Better Work: The Utilitarian Boot

Fave Fashion Muse Rihanna in her work boots. Hot!

I'm really into the utilitarian boot trend...mostly just because it always looks so deliciously inappropriate with any outfit when done properly (the irony...). If you're not a fan, I'm sorry for you, because this will definitely be a major look for the late summer and fall. In terms of look, heel hight, and price point, there is just about something for everyone, so unlike many other trends (read: skinny jeans), this one is fairly democratic and egalitarian. To help you take advantage of the opportunity to channel your inner construction worker, I'm presenting the 10 utilitarian boots that I think are the best that the high street currently has to offer.

1. The Nine West "Buren" Boot
I always like to think that I've somehow outgrown Nine West, but they always manage to draw me back in with their magnetic little claws. I first spotted these while shopping with my mom in Montreal last week, and as she can attest, it was love at first sight for me. The Buren fits perfectly into my fashionatrix alter-ego--tough and edgy, yet feminine and ultra sexy. I bought my pair in black (hence, the "atrix" in "fashionatrix"), but you can also get them in a rich dark brown or a two-toned camel. With free shipping and $10 off the purchase from Nine West's website, and with a 1.5" platform, these boots are definitely made for walking. LOVE! $139 before any applicable discounts.

2. The Sam Edelman "Sanford" Boot
These boots are both rude and polite, both semi-formal, and casual, both for the day and a very fashionable night out. Nothing wrong with a little versatility! It would be said of the woman who is fortunate to wear these roach-killers, "when she was good, she was very, very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid"--which is the point, as all empresses should strive to be the best at everything. $275 at Nordstrom.

3. Trouve "Jenna" Boot
These are for bad girls. Buy them (in Whiskey). $129 at Nordstrom.

4. Steve Madden "Harllem" Boot
The shout out to my beloved neighborhood alone is enough to make me run out and grab a pair, but the boot itself is the icing on the cake. They're flat. They're well-priced at $130. They're hot, and you can wear them with anything from teeny weeny shorts to skinnies, to skirts, rompers, and leggings. These are particularly cute with strong shoulders (which, as you know, I love) and boxy sweaters a la the '80s. Alternatively, or in combination, pair with retro chain handbags, elbow length gloves (leather or lace will do), and/or the annoyingly hipster-ish hat of choice. And walk it out like you own the place.

5. Dolce & Gabbana "Torino Mouflon" Boot.
Thousand dollar boots are stupid and unethical, if beautiful, so just drool over these beauties from afar, and judge anyone you see who actually has the gall to wear them.

6. Michael Kors "Joplin" Boot
Grungy, military, chic, comfy, expensive. $425. Smart girls will wait and catch them on sale.

7. Lucky Brand "Blake" Boot
Love it in green. Roll-down cuff is an added bonus, and the affordable price is a definite incentive. $109 at Bloomies.

8. DV by Dolce Vita "Prince" Boot
Fit for an urban princess. Chunky heel adds grit, height, and comfort. $135 at Nordstrom.

9. Boutique 9 "Rivit" Boot
Nine West does it again, with my favorite in the flat boots category. Detailing, texture, and an interesting selection of colors. I fancy the gray. $200 at Nine West's site before applicable discounts.

10. Apepazza "Liverpool" Boot
Super cute in Camel, particularly with the chunky dark brown heel. Construction boot meets pump, with ankle straps--what's not to love? $200 at Nordstrom.

Honorable Mention

BCBG "Max Azria Toby"

Upside: They look like they hurt.
Downside: They look like they hurt.

While we've seen the shoot (shoe-boot) before, this incarnation is intriguing because of the toothed rubber sole. If your knees say yes, go for it! $250.

Dishonorable Mention
Joie "Refugee" Boot
Naming a boot "refugee" is incredibly distasteful. Pricing a so-named boot at $535 is unfathomable, and even mocking. Thumbs down.