Are you open to a peep-toe?

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jamesport bootie

I've been fixated on boots since writing about them in a recent Style section.

But, to tell you the truth, it doesn't take an assignment to make me obsess about shoes, particularly boots. If you were privy to the incessant internal dialogue I have pondering the heel width, height and design elements of footwear, you might think I need help.

The latest source of shoe-specific debate I've been waging with myself was sparked by an honest question from my mom: What's up with peep-toe boots? Her take, based in a Midwestern reality that involves lots of snow, is that they simply aren't practical or even cute.

I love the peep-toe on pumps and even now on boots. It's an unexpected twist on a classic silhouette that adds a bit of edge. And, in places like Charlotte, it's a great seasonal transition shoe.

Without tights, peep-toe boots can work with skirts, leggings and dresses. Once it gets a bit cooler, adding contrasting tights (bright colors are popular, like electric blue and hot pink) will kick up the attitude of your look.

What do you think about the peep-toe boot? A favorite brand or style?

Free Friday: Boots products

This week's giveaway is Boots Original Cold Cream and Boots Original Skin Tonic.

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain BOOTS in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address in the text of the email.
• Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Entries sent after the deadline will not be considered.
• E-mails that meet the stated criteria will be entered into a random drawing. One entry per e-mail address, please.
• Only the winner will be contacted. Please do not post your answers and contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Kristin Davis, Belk end relationship

"Sex and the City" star (and S.C. native) Kristin Davis and Belk have parted ways, according to New York Magazine.

The Kristin Davis Collection was expansive, and included jewelry, accessories, shoes, intimates and clothing. The line was scheduled to be part of the Style 360 event at New York Fashion Week, but word came from event organizers late last week the fashion show had been cancelled.

It was just about a year ago that I spoke with Davis in Charlotte as she readied to celebrate the launch of her line with a fashion show at the Blake Hotel.

The fall 2009 collection will be the last available in stores.

What do you think of the announcement? Of the line? I never got around to buying anything from it, but did lust after a few pairs of shoes.

Charlotte's got style

Fashionable events continue to bust out all over Charlotte. Here's a few more:

Fashion's Night Out

Neiman Marcus at SouthPark and Lotus boutique on East Boulevard will be participating in Thursday's global celebration.

All 40 Neiman Marcus stores across the country are participating in the initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and infuse the industry's economy. From 6:30-10 p.m. the Charlotte store will host fashion presentations, trunk shows, beauty makeovers, caricature artists, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and more. The exclusive Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be available for sale during the event -- 40 percent of the proceeds will benefit the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum.

At Lotus, from 7-11p there will be music and drinks and the first 20 people through the door will receive Lotus gift certificates. Morgan Fogarty is scheduled to cover the event live for Fox News Charlotte.

Accoutrement

Potion and Bella Ropa boutiques for a night of high fashion and fab beauty products at Accoutrement, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 24 at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. The style experts will use models to showcase the latest in fall fashion and beauty, including jewelry from Genia of Silver Girl Designs.

Free Friday: EcoTools set

After a brief hiatus (a girl has to use her vacation time or lose it!), Free Friday is back. Thanks to the faithful who let me know I was missed. Or, at least the chance for free stuff was missed. Anywho, this week's prize is a pouch of Ecotools beauty products, including body wash, body lotion, intensive hand cream and body mist.

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain ECOTOOLS in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address in the text of the email.
• Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Entries sent after the deadline will not be considered.
• E-mails that meet the stated criteria will be entered into a random drawing. One entry per e-mail address, please.
• Only the winner will be contacted. Please do not post your answers and contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Project Runway: Three strikes

Ra'mon! Ra'mon! So glad you ditched that Catwoman suit!

Well, well. Apparently the inability to sew isn't exclusive to Fashion Show designers.

Mitchell finally got was was coming to him for his inability to focus, design, and oh yeah, SEW. First it was the smocking, then the horrid maternity shorts that could easily accommodate a person in each of the legs. Then, he admitted to the camera he chose Ra'Mon as a partner because he expected to be carried through the challenge.

Oh honey, no. If you're going to rock a cocky bravado, please, please have the skills to back it up.

For all the drama that was promised, I was thought it was pretty standard Project Runway fare: lippy designers not wanting to share or collaborate with others. Qristyl and Epperson nagged each other like an old married couple. As much as I want to like Qristyl's work, I am not feeling anything she's done thus far.

And, with each passing week, I'm feeling more confident that Ra'Mon might be the winner, especially since he's showing at New York Fashion Week. I'll be checking out his show (as well as the shows of fellow PR alums Christian Siriano and Malan Breton) during the semi-annual festival of fashion which starts Sept. 10.

Thoughts? Have you been watching "Models of the Runway?" What's your take on that show?

GIVEAWAY! Love Project Runway? Prove it by rockin this American Apparel black hoodie T with an embroidered PR logo. To enter, send an email with RUNWAY in the subject field to style@charlotteobserver.com. Email must include full name, mailing address and phone number. One entry per email address, please. Only the winner will be contacted.

"Real" women cause a stir. Really?

Seems people can't get enough of Lizzie Miller and her "real" belly.

Glamour Magazine ran photo of "plus sized" Lizzie in the September issue and has sent the latest wave of body honesty and adoration through the fashion world. Lizzie -- who is a size 12-14, certainly not plus-size by realistic, American standards -- was featured on morning talk shows, explaining her pooch.

Photo by Walter Chin, Glamour magazine

Now, the New York Post is reporting Lizzie and a band of fellow non-size-two models were seen shooting pics (including buzzed about model/author Crystal Renn) -- gasp -- in the nude in New York recently, supposedly for an upcoming Glamour spread.

I am always on board for honest, truthful discussion of body image and the reality of the American female form, but I am conflicted about this Lizzie/Glamour situation. In much the same way I was when Anna Wintour dressed Adele for the Grammys or the Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto was the darling of Paris Fashion Week.

Is the intent honest or a grab for headlines? Is it more fetishisizing of larger women? Is mainstream fashion really ready to embrace "real" bodies?

Thoughts?