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!

 

April’s no-fooling must-haves

“April showers, bring May flowers.”

… with that let’s greet April’s rain in style and hope for a gorgeous spring and summer.

10 – A big umbrella - Bella Pagoda Umbrella – B&W Pinwheel: A big pinwheel umbrella is a style statement that keeps you dry. Imagine? Ha. So many times we sacrifice function for fashion, but when it comes to rain that’s just not practical for daily life.

9 – Slim calf rain bootsHUNTER Regen Quilted Rubber Rainboots: Hunters new rain boots are slimmer in the calf, keeping your legs drier and offering a more flattering fit. This black quilted pair scream classy riding boot!

8 – A hooded anorak - Jil Sander Navy Hooded Coat: throw on a water-resistant hooded jacket on gloomy days and you’re ready to roll. This coat takes you to the gym, errands, brunch, and more.

7 – A totally water-proof rain coat - Topshop Blue Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac (also in bright yellow and orange): when it rains, it pours! So be sure to have one coat that will keep you totally dry even when it’s coming down in bucket loads. Go for navy, or a bright red, orange, yellow or blue. Just because the skies are dull, doesn’t mean your outfit has to follow suit.

6 – Cute rain hat - Burberry Cotton Reversible Black Bucket Hat: I have this hat. Rain isn’t so bad when it provides an excuse to wear fun pieces like this. I’ve never worn it with the signature print showing, I prefer the black showing and the tartan for myself. It’s key to keeping your hair dry.

5 – Classic Trench - J.Crew Icon Trench: every woman needs an iconic trench in her wardrobe. The name of J.Crew’s “icon trench” says it all. Whether you investment in Burberry or opt for French Connection – start with a classic beige with basic buttons and a belt (NB: double breasted never goes out of style, but spring 2011′s leather and studded details are a trendy take on a classic look and won’t make it to next season). Longer styles will keep you drier, and are more figure-flattering.

4 – Printed rain boots – Chooka Panthera Leopard Rain Boot: I’ll admit to owning three pairs of rain boots, excessive I know. But I do think there’s room for two pairs in every woman’s wardrobe. One tall black classic (back red zipper and buckles optional). And one printed. My choice of print are Stuart Wietzman’s subtle leopard (not available, similar to these Chooka’s), but I have friends who love a bright polkadot, plaid, striped or just plane BRIGHT. A shorter pair can also be a great addition (great for petite woman). Of course homage must be paid to Burberry’s signature print boots (as classic as their trenches), just please don’t pair these with any of the following: a Burberry signature print umbrella, scarf, or rain hat… anything signature print – you get the idea!

3 – A neutral nail - Essie Chinchilly: Let the rest of your outfit do the talking this month, give your nails a neutral break from the darker grays of winter. Bonus: your mani will stay chip-free longer.

2 – A bright scarf – J.Crew wool gauze scarf: I love banner blue – aka “hot-blue” – as I commonly call it. On cooler April days pop this scarf around your neck and your face will glow. It’s a great color to wrap around the shoulder strap of a purse so it’s always close by.

1 – An eco-friendly tote - Green is Good Tote: Earth Day is April 22nd, go green with a gift that keeps on giving. To the environment – and my future grandchildren – thank you.

 

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

- Dolly Parton

 

Hunter Lace-Up Rubber Rainboots

Hunter Lace-Up Rubber Rainboots

what are they wearing…

in Antarctica??!


I’m about to find out. Today marks the beginning of a trip that will conquer a lifelong dream to travel to all seven continents (before age 30 – that criteria was altered last January to include my 30th year when I learned these somewhat intensive expeditions are booked a year in advance and only run from the end of December until early March each year; noted). Another bucket list goal was to get to 30 countries before 30 (it only counts if I’ve actually left the airport). I’m applying the extension here too, Argentina and Chile are numbers 27 and 28 leaving me with two more 2011 adventures. I’m excited to visit Santiago on my way South and Buenos Aires on my way home.

So what are they wearing in Antarctica? I’ll be wearing a lot of LAYERS, including my Hunter Wellies with leopard fleece socks, gray Burberry scarf, North Face quilted puffy baumer, and LA Dodgers hat to hideaway and close my eyes on long flights. I’ll save everyone the pictures of the rest of my less glamorous “gear”, but I will say this is probably my most interesting packing experience ever (although it’s not my first trip requiring enough disposable hand and feet warmers to brave each day’s subarctic temperatures… apparently Toronto in December isn’t cold enough for me). It’s also really fun to say “Antarctica” in any normal sentence, as in: “Sure, after Antarctica?”, “I’ll call you after Antarctica” or “Let’s do it when I’m back from Antarctica.” It never gets old. I’m a lucky girl.

Stay tuned for pictures of me and my new best-friend-forever Penguins in the New Year… 

Happy holidays!!

You only live once, make sure it’s enough.


hunted HUNTERS

Rachel Bilson, Julianne Moore and Katherine Heigl stay dry with green and black Hunter Wellies.

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Photos: Rachel Bilson, Julianne Moore, Katherine Heigl: Splash News

Wellies have been popular for years, and Hunter rain boots fiercely came onto the scene a few years ago with celebs Rachel Bilson, Julianne Moore, Katherine Heigl loving their Equestrian vibe.

There are currently countless colors, styles and collaborations: Jimmy Choo for Hunter’s faux croc boots are so gorgeous Hilary Duff’s a fan. Rachel and Katherine are in good company in the green boots, Nicole Richie also rocks this eco-hue. Julianne’s black is appropriately more New York than LA, Blake Lively (aka Serena) recently rocked her own Upper East Side Wellies. Even minis can get their hunt-on, with Violet Affleck and Matilda Ledger showing us utter cuteness in little pink boots.

So whether you keep it basic black, eco-loving in green, or $$$lux with Jimmy Choo – get HUNTED.

Nicole Richie “Priceless”

Nicole Richie promoted her new book “Priceless” at the Grove on October 6th, wearing a hunter green Celine Sweater Dress, and “House of Harlow” 1960 Leslie Platform Booties in Black Leather.