fashionable functional winter boots

… for every woman!

This is my first winter on the East Coast in three years, I’m thankful that it’s been mild enough that I’ve been able to get away with my J.Crew Sperry Shearwater boots, original navy Hunters (with cream fleece socks), my Stuart Weitman leopard rain boots and my black Gucci (with leopard fleece socks) rain boots. But a big snow storm will hit… so topping my “to-buy” list is a pair of winter boots. Above are my finalists, I’ll likely end up getting a furry-shearling pair, and a classic black go-to. I’d also love a white pair like the Pajar‘s or Sorels to throw into the rotation. Wish-list!

Sorel “Tofino” (Canada) – these are all over the magazines and style segments as the “it” boots of the season. Red is fresh and unexpected, but this style is also great in brown, grey, and black. They fit small, in the US they come in half sizes – in Canada go down half a size to the next whole size.

Sperry “Plover” – these work in rain or snow, keeping you warm and dry. I love the tie and fur!

Hunter “Adley” – these come in black, dark olive and brown. I can’t get enough shearling. Hunters only come in half sizes and they fit big, if you’re a half size go down to the next whole size.

GEOX’s “Dina Stilvali” – these quilted patent boots are warm and cozy with a subtle shiny splash. They only come in whole sizes, they fit small, go down half a size to the next whole size.

Hunter “Regent Savoy” - my favorite boot this year, but I’ll warn you – the shaft is snug (15.5 inch circumference). Snugger than the Hunter original; 16 inch – (if you have a wider calf try the Hunter Huntress for an extra 0.5″, it’s 16.5 inches). The Regent also comes in Montpelier leopard.

Pikolinos – Lisboa 767-8441 – these are tall, warm, waterproof and a complement to any outfit.

UGG Belcloud (Canada) – great in black, brown, or Cognac – you can wear these like a riding boot.

Pajar “Grip Boot” (Canada) – so après ski, but they also work in the city. I love white, red, grey, black, animal (brown and black) and plaid… the black Gianna, Women’s Wolseley, and Red Wood.

Sorel’s 6138640 – exclusive to Browns in Canada, these zip-up boots are ready to throw on and go!

 

GIFT GUIDE… for him

“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”

< $25 – Fur Trapper Hat: help him stay snow-shoveling-ready (and warm!) with a fur trapper hat.

< $50 – Roots Ipad II Sleeve – this iPad case offers padding and a bright kelly green interior.

< $75 – UGG slippers – these slip on scuff slippers are a pillow for his (and your!) feet.

< $100 – HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY COLLECTION flask with blanket sleeve: thanks to Mad Men, flasks have made a comeback. The Bay’s signature print flask is a great conversation piece.

< $125 – UGG Shearling Glove: comes in brown, camel and black leather – a cozy classic.

< $200 – A plaid scarf: not too-fashion-forward, but a soft statement that keeps him looking pulled together. This look works for the office and weekends.

< $300 – Red Wing® for J.Crew Wabasha boots: help him fight rain and snow in style.

< $400 – Barbour® Beaufort jacket: every man needs a Barbour jacket, it’s a classic staple.

< $500 – Alden® for J.Crew suede longwing bluchers: if he doesn’t know what shoes to wear with jeans on casual Friday or nights out, these are them! They also work with dress pants and a suit. They aren’t to be missed in black or dark brown leather either (a shoe in for a more conservative dresser – for the daring, check out the high tops).

must-have: angora fedora

Gearing up for an East Coast winter, I welcomed two Hat Attack purchases from Dealuxe this week. The charcoal Angora Fedora (#1) and the chocolate brown Vicky Floppy hat. I’ve always loved hats, they’re a go-to accessory where fashion meets function… keeping your hair protected, head warm, and your outfit oh-so chic in one of the quickest ways possible. Depending on the color(s) of your jacket(s), I suggest the grey for blondes, and the taupe for brunettes (#2) – angora rabbit fur makes a great neutral that works with countless styles of coats, jackets and blazers. For the daring, the Beaver finished fem fedora with self band (#3) takes this statement style to another level. And the Aspen Hat in green (with teal), white (with yellow), and black (with grey) shouldn’t be missed.


J.CREW MacAlister wedge boots

J.CREW MacAlister wedge boots – amazing in EVERY color!

 

J Brands fit for a Princess!

Kate shows us J Brand jeans really are EVERY girl’s go-to! If it’s good enough for a Royal…

click here for more details

Photo: Kate Middleton c/o: jbrand.com

Kate wasn’t all formal while visiting Canada this month. She let her hair down in Navy J Brand 811 Luxe Twills. While I’m still a fan of the rainbow of skinny pants we’re seeing this summer, I’m also a sucker for navy. Not to mention, they offer the perfect backdrop to complement her gorgeous ring.

 

penny loafers are back

…for men and women!

Whether you go bold à la “intense red” or “tulip” yellow, or keep it “sabbia” subtle – this is the driving moc that doesn’t stop. An animal print makes a statement, while suede keeps it simple.

Wear these fashion-meeting-function flats with white jeans, capris, linen pants, or a summer suit.

For the daring – and true retro irony… add pennies!!



snakeskin flats

 

From Newbark’s Sid Python-print leather shoes (Elle Macpherson’s been seen wearing these on her London school runs), to J.Crew’s Sardinia whipsnake espadrilles, Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat’s in grey snakeskin, and Jack Rogers Women’s Belle Loafer – these shoes are the perfect showing of fashion meeting function in everyday life. Flat so you can run around the city, without sacrificing your statement style. The neutral tones are corporate office appropriate and match everything.

two-tone ballet flats

Taking a cue from the can-do-no-wrong house of CHANEL, two-tone ballet flats are a must-have!

A look that keeps giving from day to night, your feet will thank you. Opt for the classic white with black capped toe (MADISON ET CIE “CHANELLA” BALLET FLAT), or neutral and metallic 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Sidra Two-Tone Ballet Flat. TORY BURCH is a fan, as is Tod’s, with neutral metallic and black and white. The GAP had a great pair a few months back as part of their “the city flat” collection (sadly no longer available) that I can’t get enough of… hello VALUE.

Whatever your color combo and price-point – cap those toes!


“Something Borrowed”

Kate Hudson wears a spring-off-white suit in “Something Borrowed”. Click “next” for more.

Photos (all Kate Hudson) c/o: Splash News

Newly engaged, and very pregnant, Kate Hudson has recently been promoting her new movie “Something Borrowed”, based on Emily Giffin’s best-selling book. A quick beach-read (aka “chicklit”), this is a story you can’t put down. And somehow you’ll find yourself rooting for the best-friend / fiancée stealer – Ginnifer Goodwin. That’s how well Kate plays the character of Darcy… a real b***h. But what she lacks in human kindness, Darcy makes up for with her killer wardrobe we can’t help but love. Her white suit is complemented by her Fendi raffia and suede heels (no longer available), and brown Chanel hand bag (scroll to second photo – not available online). The height of her stilettos, rolled cuffs of her pants, and waist-tie (knotted, not bowed) give this menswear-inspired look sultry-spice… for a girl we quickly learn is anything but nice.

Kate (aka Darcy)’s beach badminton style (third photo) is equally covetable to her Manhattan-garb with her crocheted tunic, modern aviators, printed silk scarf (worn as a headband) and red-hot-summer nails. Both outfits remind us to try (and mix) the neutral tones of spring-summer 2011.


a wedding fit for a Queen

Photos: Kate Middleton www.starandstyle.com; www.westfieldstylenotes.com; www.shibawi.com

“Marry Prince William? I’d love that. Who wouldn’t want to be a princess?” – Britney Spears

Sorry Brit, that ship has sailed.

This Friday, April 29th marks one of the biggest days in nuptial history. Prince William of Wales KG FRS (William Arthur Philip Louis; born June, 21st 1982), the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales – will marry Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton (born January 9th, 1982). In full royal-fashion, their Westminster Abbey wedding has earned the UK a bank holiday. After their engagement was announced last year (November 16th, 2010), the world has been counting down to the big day. Who will Kate be wearing? It’s rumored to be the British fashion house of the late Alexander McQueen. 4 more days… until the festivities begin at 4am EST.

Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera will host a NBC Royal Special Wednesday, and E! News will also be on the scene. Not to mention the blogosphere and press coverage from the 1,000 BBC and 400 CNN workers assigned to the wedding. For those of us without an invite (or plane ticket), we can wake up in the early North America hours to our TVs and royal-high-tea. I’ve already got a date.

And for the countless women (myself included) following Kate’s style – her red suit above is Luisa Spangoli, paired with a Hollie de Keyser belt purchased from a Knightsbridge boutique. Her trench coat is by Burberry – selling out within one day of her wearing it (how Oprah-effect). And finally, her hot-blue dress worn while attending a wedding at St Andrews with William is by Issa. Her go-to London designer also responsible for her November engagement announcement dress. While Kate’s turned down offers to grace the cover of VOGUE, and keeps quiet while William shines – we can’t help but LOVE this girl next door turned princess and future Queen of England. Not bad.

What will she be wearing next? Her family’s new coat of arms. It just keeps getting better for Kate.