In Search Of

Steph joins Every Lil Step with a new column entitled In Search Of, where she puts her shopping on a budget skills to work in finding her latest wants and needs for the home, the closet, the kitchen, and more. If you’re In Search Of something yourself hit her up and she may just live vicariously through you for her next entry. Yes, she likes digging for a deal that much…

Black Boots

One good pair of black boots is practically an essential for cooler weather in NYC, and bonus points if they transition from weekend to the office to a (fairly casual) night out. I scored a pair of gently used Etienne Aigner riding boots for under $50 recently on ebay and in the process came across some other swoon-worthy finds I just had to share.

A steal at just $50, and real leather at that! I’d snap them up myself if I was size 7.

So classic, they’re just beautiful. Size 8, ladies. If I could buy 2 pairs I’d add these to my collection.

Guaranteed quality – Frye always makes a good boot. And they’re brand new. At $150 not a bad deal at all for this kind of quality. Size 7.5.

Leather Ankle Booties Leather ankle booties have graduated from last year’s trend piece to full on seasonal staple. And like the riding boots, totally practical in that they can transition from weekend to office to, if they’re sleek enough, night out. I love them with skinny jeans or dresses a la Rachel Bilson…

[image via Who What Wear]

…or Sheena Matheiken of The Uniform Project. And Kim of course:

They’re perfect for upstate apple picking, fall picnics in the park, or weekend trips to the green market.

Loving these. Size 8.5 and with the current bid of $36 well worth snapping up.

For a slightly more polished look I’d totally grab look-a-likes of these Top Shop cuties…

… for less with this pair on ebay. $50 for such a versatile pair is seriously tempting. I’d rock them with thick black leggings and a long sweater or skinny jeans and a blazer. Polished in no time.