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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

COWBOY BOOT #FASHION WITH GUEST AUTHOR PATY JAGER

Corral West Flat Heel Cut-Out Boots
Award-winning author Paty Jager has been a frequent guest here at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers over the years, but we had no idea one of her characters had such impeccable fashion sense—at least when it comes to cowboy boots. Leave a comment (along with a way to contact you) about your own fashion footwear preferences for a chance to win a copy of Paty’s latest book.

Paty writes murder mysteries, western romance, and action adventure and has authored 30+ novels, a dozen novellas, and a passel of short stories. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor. Learn more about Paty and her books at her website and blog. 

Shandra Higheagle talks Cowboy Boots
Hello, I’m Shandra Higheagle, potter by trade and amateur sleuth hobbyist. My heritage and passion for the earth comes out in the vases I throw from clay I gather on Huckleberry Mountain. The purification process for the clay heals my soul and gives my art more depth.

Broad Toe Flat Heel Boot
I didn’t pick my hobby, it picked me. My deceased grandmother began coming to me in dreams when first myself, and then my friend, were accused of murder. My dreams helped Detective Ryan Greer piece together the clues that pointed to the real killer.

But the reason Anastasia has me on her blog today is to talk about my fashion passion.

Cowboy boots. I have twenty pairs of fancy boots in my closet. And I have four pair of everyday riding boots. When I sold my first vase at a gallery, I bought my first pair of embellished fancy boots. When Ryan moved in with me, he was delegated to a small space in my closet. I wasn’t going to get rid of my boots or take them out of the closet. He has to make do with what space there is left. A woman has priorities when it comes to her boots.

As I said, I have every day boots. These have a less dramatic heel, it makes walking on uneven ground easier, and no embellishment on the boot itself. These are plain cowhide leather. Everyday boots are for mud, rain, cleaning stalls, and riding horses. The bottom of the sole is slick to slide in and out of the stirrup easily and the heel just high enough to catch on the stirrup and keep your foot from sliding all the way through.

Dan Post Tall Shaft High Heel
My fancy boots, ones I wear to town, to art shows, and when I dress up can have embroidery, cut-outs, different leathers, colors, stains, and studs. I have two pair that have leather fringe. One is a boot and one is a bootie. A bootie is a short only 7or 8-inch shaft or the height of the boot. A boot can have an 11 to 12-inch shaft on some of the fancier boots. There is also a walking heel, which is shorter and flatter and a fashion heel, which is about 3 inches high and narrower at the bottom than at the top. These boots are stylish but can be as hard on the feet as a high heel sling if walked in for a long period of time. And you can purchase boots with different type of toes. There is rounded, snip, pointed, square, and broad square.

I wear my fancy walking heel boots to town and events where I’ll be on my feet a good part of the day. Nighttime events and times when I know I’ll be doing more sitting than walking, I wear my fashion heel boots.

Lucchese and Old Gringo are the Cadillac of boots. They usually run $300 to $2000 a pair. The other brands Laredo, Corral Boots, Justin, Ariat, Dan Post, Tony Lama, Ferrini, Durango, Boulet, Roper, and Nocona, to name the most common ones, have prices ranging from $100 to $400.

Lactose Cut-out Boot
I have the lower priced boots for every day and some of my fancy boots. I have one pair of Luchesse and one Old Gringo. I like having many different pairs of boots, but I can’t afford the high-end lines very often.

What about you? Do you like shoes or boots? Maybe handbags? What is the one item you tend to have more than any other in your closet?

Leave an answer in the comment section along with your email, and I’ll draw a name to win a copy of my latest Shandra Higheagle Mystery as either a print book or an ebook.  The drawing will be held on Monday, June 19th.

Fatal Fall
Book eight of the Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery Series

Avarice…Family…Murder

When the doctor is a no-show for her appointment, Shandra Higheagle becomes wrapped up in another murder. The death of the doctor’s elderly aunt has everyone questioning what happened and who’s to blame. Shandra’s dreams soon tell her she’s on the right path, but also suggests her best friend could be in grave danger.

Detective Ryan Greer knows not even an illness will keep Shandra from sneaking around, and he appreciates that. Her insight is invaluable. When she becomes embroiled deeper in the investigation, he stakes out the crime scene and waits for the murder to make a tell-all mistake. 

But will he be able to act fast enough to keep Shandra or her friend from being the next victim?

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14 comments:

Angela Adams said...

The high-heel boots remind me of a pair I had in high-school! Thanks for the post.

Autumn Jordon said...

So pretty! I lived in my boots when I had my horses. I wish I could two-step back in time. Thanks for sharing.

traveler said...

What an interesting and lovely post. I have a collection of sandals since they are necessary for the long, hot summer. Casual, fancy, flat, higher and different colors.

petite said...

The boots are stylish and artistic. I see the comfort in the low heel and the very beautiful designs. I enjoy changing running/walking shoes daily which means I have a good choice, but mainly for comfort.

Paty Jager said...

Hi Angela, Thanks for stopping in!

Hi Autumn! I wore cowboy boots most of the time growing up. Now when I ride and dress up. Thanks for commenting.

Traveler, I think a collection of any type of shoes is healthy. ;)Thanks for stopping in!

Petite, I have a pair of good walking shoes. I need a new pair. But I do enjoy the artistry of a pair of fancy boots. Thanks for commenting!

Diana McCollum said...

Interesting blog post! I've always loved cowboy boots, although I know longer have a pair, as I live in the city.

Paty Jager said...

LOL- I just noticed this. The boot marked "Lactose Cut-out Boot" Is a Lucchese- top of the line boot.

Hi Diana! You don't have to be a country girl to wear boots. Thank for stopping by and commenting!

Denise Z. said...

Frye Melussa English riding boots for dress, Justin Ropers for dancing. And I love Shandra's fashion sense. Dz 87507 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Nothing. I have two pair shoes. Two purses. One back up. And clothes. krs362 @ yahoo dot com

Paty Jager said...

Denise, Justin boots are comfortable! Thanks! I thought Shandra needed a vice and collecting cowboy boots seemed like a good one. ;) Thanks for leaving your email!

Hi Anonymous, I don't have many pairs of shoes, but I do love my fancy boots. Thanks for your email so I can contact you if you win.

Unknown said...

I have a great pair of of high top mauve boots for dresses - purchased in about 1990 and still in style! not as fancy as the one posted but good for a county girl lol

Paty Jager said...

Vicky, Mauve is one of my favorite colors. It's hard for boots to go out of style. Thanks for stopping in!

Paty Jager said...

Today is the day! The winner of an ebook of Fatal Fall is.... Anonymous is the winner!

Paty Jager said...

I tried emailing anonymous and the email bounced back. If she doesn't contact me in a day or two, I'll pick someone else.