With winter dragging on, it’s time to think of fun things to do to brighten your days (or nights). How ‘bout a crazy-themed party? A completely unorganized potluck with friends (just see what shows up)? Or maybe just some drinks and dinner in front of a warm fireplace?

When you’re ready to step out for some fun, part of the point is dressing yourself up and making yourself feel great. A couple of ideas:

Patent boots. These sexy, sassy boots will immediately lessen the winter blahs. They work with jeans, pants or skirts, and they shine like nobody’s business. Plus, they’re comfortable and easy to wear.

Haven’t seen the sun lately? No worries. This eye-catching gold cocktail ring shines just about as brightly and will make people sit up and take notice.

Other ideas for brightening up your winter evenings? Let us know!

If you’re going with new clothes for 2011, then new shoes must be close behind. It’s a little too cold to think about sandals here (although I am anyway), but there are tons of shoe options for work or play that are appropriate for the upcoming colder months.

These faux-leather button Maryjanes are an awesome option for winter weather. Cute and still practical and great for lots of casual looks.

Microsuede wedge heels are another cool look for winter 2011—and you can wear these with your work outfits or out on the town. This pair has a fun rosette for added flair.

Sleek and shiny patent snowflake boots make a good addition to your winter boot wardrobe. These work best in rain and look great with just about any pair of pants.

What other shoes are you hoping to add to your closet this winter?

I feel like I’m writing about boots ALL THE TIME. But I can’t help it, because there are just so many cute ones available right now. Boots and sweaters, I can’t get enough!

Check these out! My feet feel warm just looking at them. They have a built in sweater your feet and calves. And the fun decorative buckle is another great touch.

And then there are these lace-up boots, which combine the old-fashioned lace-up look (very chic) with a modern tall boot. Yum.

Last but not least, these gathered ankle boots with the lace-up back detail will have everyone looking in admiration at your feet. Once again, modern meets old-fashioned trend in a great way.

What are your favorite types of boots?

Do you have a New Year’s party to attend? And the bigger question: do you have something to wear?

New Year’s Eve is a fun time to get glitzy and let your hair down. Something like this Sparkle top is a great idea—lots of colors, pair with black pants and you’re ready to go.

Another idea is something like this deep-v tunic, which you can accessorize with a fabulous necklace and pair with stand-out shoes, like these leopard print heels.

And this abstract print red and black tunic would be another great option, since it has the sparkling embellishments around the neckline to add that extra touch of pizzazz. Some black boots and a fun bag and you’re on your way!

For Thanksgiving dinner this year I decided to wear a sweater dress, tights, and knee-high boots. But, while I thought I had tall boots from a few years ago, turns out I didn’t! (I’d given them to Goodwill). Fortunately a quick trip to the mall remedied my problem—because tall boots are EVERYWHERE.

How do you know which tall boots to choose? In some ways they’re all very much alike: neutral colors (mostly black) with a similar shape. But style detail (zippers? scrunch or no? etc.) and heel height can vary a lot between boots.

How did I choose? I picked boots that fit me and were easy to get on. I wanted black, because my sweater dress and tights were shades of gray. And I like basic, so I stayed away from some of the wilder detailing or incredibly high heels.

Your boot choice should be all about what you like and what's comfortable for you. If you can’t find a style you like at a particular store, don’t settle! With all the options out there right now, you will eventually find your perfect set of tall boots. Check out Silhouettes' collection of boots here, and pick out the styles you love.

One of the fun fall fads this year is animal prints—specifically a touch of animal print in an outfit to spice it up. Shoes are a great way to add some animal prints to an outfit without overwhelming your look with leopard spots.

I want to talk about three pairs of shoes that pull off the animal print thing really well—they’re a nice way to start incorporating the look even if you’re not ready to go all out.

These mock-croc leopard print slip-ons would look great paired with black pants. They add a splash of fun.

Another subtle animal print shoe are these leopard cuff booties. They’re mostly black, but then—surprise!—a leopard print cuff. They’re a lovely plush suede and you could rock them with jeans or any other pair of matching pants.

And finally, if you want to be crazy bold, these leopard print cowboy boots. They’re stylish and very eye-catching. You’ll probably be the only one with a pair of boots like this!

Other ways you can add animal prints to your outfits? Keep your eyes peeled for bags, scarves and other accessories that can add a touch of excitement.

Brrr, it's officially winter - the time of year when hot beverages taste like heaven, thick sweaters are pulled out from hibernation and scarves rarely detatch from our necks. All this aside, in the chilly weather, where a storm is just around the corner, winter boots are a must-have!

These Quilted Weather boots are the perfect pair- keeping your feet warm and dry with plush faux shearling lining, polyurethane coated nylon and a rubber sole. The side zipper and wide calf sizes makes for the perfect fit!

Winter just got better! These boots are available in grey and black, now on sale for only $59.00.