Fashionable and Functional Winter Feet

As temperatures drop and your layers increase, your footwear need not feel embarrassed next to that cute new coat with matching scarf, gloves, and hat you just bought. Whether you are preparing for the cold or the snow, there are some very chic yet functional boots on the market this season.

If you are a label-lover, you can find a good tread and warm lining in some of the most popular Fall 2009/Winter 2010 boots. The Chanel Fall-Winter 2009/10 Collection and Pre-Collection offer several gorgeous boots: heels, flats, varying heights, and varying amounts of lining. The tall metallic shearling boot with metallic signage and 85 mm heel or the medium-height calfskin boot with zip pocket and signature, both from the Pre-Collection, are the perfect examples of the union of fashion and function. Burberry also offers a few winter boot choices, my favorite being their High Weather Boots: a black leather, knee-high, lace-up, flat boot with fur trim.

If you are an outdoorsy girl, Sorel has created a line of seasonal boots that are waterproof, have a full-length fleece lining, are insulated, and are available in a number of fabric designs and styles. With all of the choices, it's likely you will find more than one to-die-for pair to match your favourite cold-weather gear. Their boots are available in sizes 5-12, and in heights ranging from ankle to knee-high.

Depending on your climatic needs this winter (and your footwear budget this holiday season) there is guaranteed to be a fashionable and practical footwear option for you, because you never know when you'll want to have some fun in the snow.

-Erin O'Hara