Ah! My post disappeared this morning. I’ve no idea what happened. I rewrote it again quickly even before my coffee. Fingers crossed this works!

After this week of wacky winter weather, let’s talk about one of my favourite purchases for winter 2012-2013: my studded boots.

Wise readers, you’ll note that my boots — as much as they sound like the sartorial equivalent of studded tires — are utterly impractical in the wet weather we’ve seen lately. No matter. Practical shoe selection has never been a Toque Girl strength.

I bought these Steve Madden Studded Boots in October this fall. At the time, I admit to serious qualms about their wearability. Too goth? Too trendy? But they’ve proved otherwise. I wear these quite often. I like them with skinnies and a blazer or boyfriend khakis and an oversized sweater. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received compliments from strangers on these boots.

Here are a few other looks you might like, including my favourite Chloé pair:

~Chris