Open-Toed Boots from LoPresti Design

Christine LoPresti was a woman with a vision, and perhaps more importantly, a woman with the determination to see it through.

Not long after I became About.com's Guide to Shoes, I received a letter from a woman who had designed for herself a unique and amazing pair of boots.

She had a bootmaker whip up a prototype, and sent me images, hoping I might have some advice on what to do next. I had little help to give, but fortunately, that didn't stop her.

I recently had the pleasure of viewing Christine's first line, and fans of unique and luxurious boots are in for a treat.

About Christine and LoPresti Boots

Featuring luxe materials like silk brocades, jaquard ribbons and gold buttons, the idea for these tall open-toed boots was born after Christine viewed a life-size painting of Saint Michael at an exhibition of 17th Century Spanish art.

Having had a lifelong obsession with shoes, Christine told her friends on the spot that she was going to make those boots. True to her word, she made a first pair for herself, and not long after, orders began pouring in from her friends.

Where to Find the Boots

Now that she's turned her vison into a reality, these beautiful boots and coordinating belts are available to the public, with prices set at $95 for the belts and $750 for the boots.

Christine's debut line can be seen on her web site: LoPresti Design.