The footwear statement for fall 2009 is the boot. From sexy and thigh-grazing to just-ankle-high, boots are the perfect accent to this season’s streamlined silhouettes. We’ve scoured Denver for the best options available this month:

Over-The-Knee Boot: The urban-warrior look found its match in the over-the-knee boot, but the tan, suede Tucson (right) by Corso Como leaves its basic-black cousins in the dust.

With a wearable heel and gel inserts in the footbeds, this boot is made for walking, while sleek styling shows off its fashion-forward appeal. Wear it high with tights and a miniskirt or a dress, or fold the top over and pair with skinny jeans for a casually cool look.

Tucson by Corso Como, $270, Two Sole Sisters, 1703 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-0404, twosolesisters.com.

Calf-High Boot: Although boots that hit at the calf can be a tricky length, this versatile style works equally well with fall’s narrow pants—like skinny jeans or leggings tucked inside—or with skirts, dresses, and coats that hit just above the knee.

Show off a great set of gams even though summer has passed in a pair of calf-high boots by celeb favorite Fiorentini + Baker. The simple lines keep it chic, but a double-buckle detail and a thick, stacked heel provide just enough biker edge.

Fiorentini + Baker “Andie” double-buckle boot, $485, A.Line Boutique, Village Shops at the Landmark, 5375 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, 303-773-8200, aline-online.com. (more…)

At only 26 years old and a mere three years in business, designer Jason Wu is already at the forefront of American fashion.

Recently thrust into the international spotlight for designing Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown, Wu received the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award for Women’s Ready-To-Wear in January 2008, and he was a Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund award finalist in July 2008.

With all this attention, it’s no wonder Denver boutique Lawrence Covell is thrilled to begin carrying Wu’s line this season–the only store in the state to do so.

Wu’s polished and feminine spring collection features familiar silhouettes (cuffed walking shorts, A-line skirts, sheath dresses) cut in colorful, luxurious fabrics like silk, organza, and chiffon.

Visit Covell for a well-edited representation of Wu’s collection, including a hemstitched black organza skirt and an emerald green chiffon dress with fan detail (pictured).

Lawrence Covell, 225 Steele St., 303-320-1023

The boyfriend jacket popped up on designer runways last spring and has been on the fashion radar ever since. But this season the trend is everywhere, from the catwalks of Jil Sander, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Stella McCartney to contemporary collections by Jill Stuart and Rebecca Taylor.

The key to this functional wardrobe addition is the fit: A boyfriend jacket should be slightly slouchy, not oversized and sloppy.

At Sarah boutique, a good-looking version by Fillmore in pale gray will look perfect with a pair of favorite skinny jeans, over a sheath dress, or, for the more fashion forward, paired with cuffed shorts and a cool T-shirt.

Fillmore stretch boyfriend blazer, $159

Sarah, 1067 S. Gaylord St., 303-482-2299

The Madison Avenue Sample Sale brings its select designer merchandise to Denver for the first time ever this weekend.

The discounts–50 to 70 percent off the full retail price–are noteworthy, particularly because these brands’ accessories qualify as luxury investment pieces. Included in the mix will be previous seasons’ Judith Ripka 18-karat-gold and sterling silver jewelry, Judith Leiber handbags, and watches by Maurice Lacroix and Gucci.

JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek, 150 Clayton Lane

Fri, Mar. 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat, Mar. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun, Mar. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Designer stilettos and leather boots can drain a bank account quickly. But not if you shop at Samantha Castilla Shoe Boutique.

Each week, the Cherry Creek North shop knocks 40 percent off the price of select kicks for its “Shoe of the Week” program. This means that every seven days a girl can score a different pair of shoes (think eggplant mid-calf boots by Sigerson Morrison or even Christian Lacroix’s peep-toe pumps) for usually hundreds of dollars less than the ticket price.

Samantha Castilla Shoe Boutique, 226 Steele St., 303-333-3206

What: Mod Livin’, Decade, and all the Goodwills in town can’t begin to compete with the annual Denver Modernism Show, a shopping extravaganza for all things art deco, modern, and mid-century.

Why: Vendors from around the country sell clothing, lighting, ceramics, furniture, and more.

Bonus: A special Friday preview party (7-10 p.m., $10) gives a sneak peak at all the goods.

Details: Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m. National Western Complex Expo Hall, 4655 Humboldt St. $5. For more information, visit www.denvermodernism.com.