Fashion Blog

In the blogging past, I have thoroughly expressed my love affair with Dr. Martens.  Years ago when I was a young girl, I owned my first pair.  They were navy blue and laced up to my knees, very combatish/cute punk girl looking.  But alas, I was young and reckless and loan them to a friend who I now don’t see or stay in touch with anymore.  As far as the fate of the boots?  That’s something I wonder about from time to time.  Now, almost ten years later, I recently picked up a pair of barely worn ‘docs’ in black.  They were my perfect size and lace up right above my ankle.  It was love at first sight, and now they just need a good breaking in.  It was almost as though I had manifested them in some strange way.  One day I’m surfing sites looking for cute seasonal trends and see that Dr. Martens were coming back!  I was so excited and then, a few days later mine arrived at store I was working at, sold by someone who no longer wanted them.  This new generation of Dr. Martens are bright, colorful, happy-looking.

Dr. Martin’s White Floral: $128.00

Dr. Martens Black Floral: $119.95

Well, kind of…the floral prints are pretty fabulous.  These boots are totally iconic!  Leather made with the signature PVC “bouncing soles”.   And they really do bounce, I wore them out dancing two Friday’s ago and they were super comfy.  Any of you Gen X and Y’ers know what I’m talking about.  Drew Barrymore recently graced the cover of the L.A. Weekly (looking amazing as ever), but in her feature profile there is a shot of her in her black Dr. Martens…totally cute, totally her.

So, if you are going to invest in some boots this summer, these are the ones to go with.  The style is timeless, the comfort unbeatable, and you’ll have cool edge over all the other boot-clad peeps.  Plus, the height of this style in particular looks great with cut-off shorts and a pretty top.

Image Source: laweekly.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Dr. Marten boots.

This weekend I am fortunate enough to be competing in a college level horse back riding competition. I’m very excited and doubly nervous about the prospect. 6:25 a.m. bus loading to be out in the countryside by 8:00 a.m.? Dreary snow, muddy boots, and stinky horses? Why do I do this again, you might ask? Well for one, it was my childhood dream to compete at an international horse back riding level, and now at least I get to compete at a national one. And two, just because it’s a fashion blog, I’ll admit to my guilty pleasure: The duds are absolutely to die for.

Exhibit A: the equestrian boot:

Solid Equestrian field boots run from $50-$400. Here’s where you can find replicas at a cheaper price.

AmiClubWear: Knee High Boot, on sale for $12.99

But if you want to get boots that will last forever and come from the boot-making masters, look no further than Frye boots.

Frye Boots: $398.00

Find at Smarter.com:   Shop for more equestrian products.
Discounts on  equestrian boots.
Buy Frye boots.

These boots are pretty hot. I should have known right off the bat that they are good old Steve Maddens.  Which means that these boots must be a) affordable and b) pretty comfortable for being so stylish. I really love the grey color, but unfortunately it’s not on sale.  However, I think even paying regular price for a pair isn’t bad at all.  It is still a steal for under $75.

Madden Girl Women’s Singerr Mid Shaft Boot:  $55.21 (Was: $64.95)

Find at Smarter.com: Women’s Steve Madden boots.
Discounts on mid shaft women’s boots.

I love getting comments on my posts - hint hint, double hint with chocolate on top.  So I was so excited when Melissa commented on my last post: January Sales - My Victoria Secrets Encounter. Melissa asks what one should wear with high heeled boots in the winter?  Great question.

Bronx Lace Up Buckle Boots, were $249.00 now $148.00 - these are my new boots, I bought them in black.

As it happens, I donned my new boots yesterday. I had a hairdressers appointment and then off to meet a couple of friends for a very important social engagement ( *please see footnote 1) The temperatures in London have reached zero and minus and it’s cold. As I mentioned many blogs ago, I don’t need much excuse to dress up even if I don’t really have anywhere to go (please refer to footnote 1 again).

However, what to wear with them? I actually wore two sweaters! The first was my black poloneck jumper purchased from Mango. Over this I wore a large open neck light grey sweater, which could actually double as a jumper dress. I ‘borrowed’ this jumper from my friend Laiten who is a body builder. So the sweater is huge. I then put on one of my black belts, to scrunch the sweater in around the waist. It looked quite chic. On the bottom I wore thick black leggings, with a slighty satin appearance. Then I pulled on my fabulous boots. Over all of this I put on my roomy black sixties style coat, with beautiful bell sleeves. It complimented the ’sweater dress’ perfectly. Especially since the sleeves are quite long so I pulled them through the bell sleeves of my coat (they are three quarter length) and folded them up.

I was warm, snuggly and stylish all rolled into one.

Mango Black Overcoat, was $179.99 now $88.99   Visualise this ensemble with the Bronx Boots! Superb!

Wear this Black ‘Nuca’ Overcoat with a thick jumper underneath,was $189.99 now $88.99

This warm sophisticated ‘Puppe’overcoat would look great with boots with a mid to high heel, was $199, now $98.99.  Also from Mango….

…team up one of these gorgeous coats with a fantastic sweater to match.

Mango Iago Sweater, was $69.00 now $33.99

Sweet ‘Darling’ sweater from Mango, was $49.99 now $23.99

This jumper sits on the hips, so if you’re not comfortable wearing leggings, wear with a nice pair of three quarter length trousers. That was you still get to show off your boots!

This gorgeous ‘ Canela’ sweater from Mango has endless fashion possibilities! Was $59.99 now $28.99

Mango have a great deal on leggings, only $13.99, down from $29.99 ( I personally would not wear those particular boots!)

Thanks for the inspiration Melissa!

* Footnote 1 - I wasn’t really meeting any friends on an important social engagement, I just wanted to wear my boots.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more sweater dresses.
Discounts on leggings.
Buy women’s sweaters and women’s overcoats.

Whether you’re the CEO or the arm candy, how you dress for the company holiday party is important. You want to look sharp, but not too dressed up. You want to feel comfortable, but not too comfortable. And you certainly want to be prepared for all of the potential mishaps: drunken secretary Anna Beth spill Dijon mustard all over you? Good thing you aren’t wearing the beige leather Jimmy Choos. Doc Tom decided to bring his un-neutered pup Growl that’s still not potty trained? High heeled shoes will keep you above THAT mess. Here’s a outfit for all the misfits, and good impressions:

City-style Slouched Shoes from Forever21: $34.80 - Cute, but not too expensive, and a nice warm brown color to keep with the holiday spirit.

Relaxed Straight-Leg Skinny Jeans by Gap: $69.50 - You’ll know you’re done stuffing down the eggnog and pumpkin cheesecake when these pants start to get too tight…

Now get a little flair with your top. The jeans and boots have been strong staples, but the top is what takes your look from safe to standout. Try any of BEBE’s short-sleeve collection, especially their shimmery tops like this one, with the frills. It’s sure to impress.

BEBE frill top: $79

*Use coupon code TUESDAYS at Gap.com at check out and get 10% off your order.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more brown women’s boots.
Discounts on women’s skinny jeans and women’s tops.

As December rolls in and extreme weather begins to take hold, everyone starts to wish they could be somewhere (anywhere!) else. Planning your winter break or spring vacation is always fun in dream world, but be careful to consider the big picture: sometimes the weather you’re hoping for isn’t the only thing you’ll be getting. Always check the weather report and the “average” snowfalls/storm watches wherever you’re traveling. You can kiss hot cocoa or margaritas on the beach goodbye if you’re stuck in a layover for hours on end. Plan accordingly. And dress accordingly, too!

When traveling south to north, don’t forget:

A Sturdy Winter Vest: $90

Industrial Shin-high Boots - Sorel Snowlion Snow Boots: $56

Cute (yet functional!) fur-lined jacquard bomber hat: $12.50 on sale

And if you’re going north to south, don’t forget:

Light, long-sleeve T: $28

(Believe me, you’re skin has been bundled up under layers of winter coats and hasn’t seen true sunlight in weeks. Layer up on sunscreen and go easy…skin cancer is not your friend)

A flowing wrap skirt to get you to and from the beach: $9.99

Top it off with a bright and jazzy sundress to kick away your winter blues.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more sundresses.
Discounts on wrap skirts and women’s long sleeve shirts.
Buy women’s boots and vests.

These boots are hot.  Every gal needs a pair) if not a similar classic black, knee-high pair of boots) in her closet.  Where them with a skirt or a sweater dress and tights. Sexy and on sale.  Perfect.

Vaneli Weald Boot: $170. 75 (Was: $190)

Shop for more Vaneli boots.
Shop through all women’s boots.

Comfy and cozy.  That’s what I like my shoes to be when it’s cold and windy outside and I have a lot of running around to do, but still want to be in fashion.  It’s not like that where I am right now, but…here is a great deal on some black Steve Madden boots. They are under $100 and come in black or brown. 

Steve Madden Women’s Tianna Slouch Boot - Black: $81.90 (Was: 89.95)

*Remember that Endless.com offers free overnight shipping and free returns!

Shop through all women’s boots.
Shop for more Steve Madden boots.

Here are some great boots to add to your fall wardrobe.  The pretty brown color screams fall, in fact. They can be worn with skinny jeans or a sweater dress with tights.  In my opinion, the “ruched” middle is great for us gals who can use a little more “volume” in their calf muscles.  It creates a nice illusion for “chicken legs.”

BCBC MaryAnn Boot: $129.99 (Was: $191.99)

For even more savings at Heels.com use coupon code AUGHEEL to get $10 off $90 plus free overnight shipping! 

Shop for more women’s boots.

The corporate world is a lethargic place. Waking up at 6:35am all four other mornings of the week, Fridays often fall prey to the snooze-button blues. I too understand this quibble. You hit the snooze-button about 5-6 times, and it always makes you feel so good because you think you’re stealing back some of what the office steals from you everyday. Of course, after hitting that snooze button 5-6 times you’re late for work, spend about 10 seconds getting dressed and eat breakfast in the car. Needless to say, those days aren’t you finest, fashion-wise. I’m not saying snooze-buttons are a bad thing, but how can we prevent hitting the snooze-button on our style? Here’s a couple easy style tips to save you minutes in the morning and still look dashing…and of course, I’ll write them all before you can say “10 more minutes, please!”
 

1. Lay out your clothes the night before. Sounds like kindergarten when you forgot to wear socks for a month, right? And mom made you sleep with them on so you wouldn’t stink up your Keds? Well this is the same little social exercise, only slightly matured. Believe it or not, setting out your clothes often gives you something to look forward to in the morning…and buys a couple extra minutes with the snooze machine. What’s not to love?

2. Unique Dresses. Leave the babydolls and jersey knits for the weekend beach brigade, love. Look forward to smashin’ fashion Fridays with some unique dress finds, like this Banana Republic Polka-dot Sheath Dress for $150.00 . Look for dresses with interesting cuts, necklines, and silkier fabrics. A simple choice in fabric or interesting cut will make this one-garment throw-on seem meticulously planned.

3. The Boots to Match. Just as dresses are a quick fashion statement, so are boots. Call me crazy, but they look far better than flip flops or your favorite pair of sheepskin moccasins. Boots can be fun and completely flexible, just remember keep them toned down in color, size, heel, and shape. Boots are an accent, not an outfit in and of themselves. My favorite:

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses.
                                        Shop for more women’s boots.