Fashion Blog

The Great Fellini 8 1/2 movie masterpiece is being re-imagined by the director who brought us Moulin Rouge. The black and white grit and ominous imagery of the 8 1/2 original is going to be bumped up with glitzy colors, show tune romps, and a lot of star quality. With a rock out cast that’s too powerful for words, this meta re-imagination of the movie industry is either going to be the greatest money blunder or the best film of the year. We don’t need another Chicago, but we’re always hungry for another Fellini–it’s whether or not it can be pulled off by a contemporary that’s the trick.

To get ready for your own movie premiere, here are some clothes to wear to the theatre in honor of the glitz and glamour that will glitter this screen:

Robert Rodriguez Glitter Strapless Dress: $594.00

Pleaser USA Thigh High Boots: $69.00

Shop for affordable women’s boots and women’s dresses.

Winter in the Midwest is no joke. If your feet get wet and stay cold, you can easily cause damage to your skin. Last year I tried to get away with not buying decent boots, but that was a huge mistake. This year, I’ve wised up and I am getting real winter boots. I could get some sweet moonboots ala Napoleon Dynamite….

But I think I like these instead:

Sporto Women’s Patch Winter Boots $88.95 Free Shipping!

This is a great price for nice winter boots! They would look really cute with skinny jeans.

Not only will the Patch go great with your favorite outfit, it will protect you from all the elements. It features a rounded toe design as well as a suede upper. This boot is waterproof and features Thermolite construction which provides warmth and comfort without weight, even when wet. It’s the lightweight fabric that provides heavy-duty performance because it’s fabric made with hollow-core fibers that trap air for greater insulation. It dries 20% faster than other insulating fabrics,and 50% faster than cotton.

Salomon Uma Softshell Winter Boot $129.95

These are great, they’re really unique but they’re totally functional. Nice!

Zip up the Salomon Women’s Uma Winter Boot after a day of skiing in Jackson and hit the town. The softshell upper on these boots retains the sleek look of leather while protecting your feet from rain, snow and mud. Try wearing your leather high-heel boots out into the snow and at best you’ll get ruined boots, at worst a twisted ankle and ruined vacation. A ribbed back panel stretches to fit around your calf so snow can’t sneak in, and the Uma W boot’s grippy Contragrip sole gives you traction on slippery sidewalks as you head to the bar. A fleece lining keeps your feet warm during the brutally cold nights.

Shop for more affordable women’s boots at Smarter.com.

Modcloth.com has just announced it’s fall season highlights, and I am absolutely in love with their wintery/autumnal mix of colors. Modcloth is affordable and exciting, and if I had the bank to pull it I would love to buy from Modcloth’s style book every day of the week. But Smarter.com has a few select items that can help recreate the Modcloth look without having to pay the bill. Here’s a few tips:

BB Dakota The Shearer Coat in Yellow,Winter Coats & Jackets for Women: $120.00

Women’s Striped Sweater-Knit Berets: $9.50

Harley Davidson “Payton” Women’s Brown Boots: $54.95

Find more women’s boots and women’s coats at Smarter.com.

If you feel your wardrobe is lacking a pair of basic black yet dressy enough for special occasions type boot, this pair is perfect.  They are made of leather and were originally priced like real leather boots.  They are on clearance right now for about $147 off! Now instead of buying just one awesome pair of boots to last you through the fall and winter seasons, you can take the extra money and buy another pair for about the same price!  Don’t forget that Endless.com offers FREE overnight shipping and return shipping.

Charles by Charles David Women’s Liberation Boot: $178.72 (Was: $324.72)

Find more women’s boots on sale at Smarter.com.

Yes, I know it is still August, but come on, let’s stick a toe (literally) into fall fashion.

When items appearing in both the high and low(er) versions catch my eye, I know it’s going to be a trend. Of course there are tons of trends coming on for fall, but I wanted to get you all in early on this one: rain boots. No, not the little red ones you splashed through puddles with as a five-year-old (although puddle splashing is still allowed), no these are the Hunter version.

Founded in Scotland by American Henry Norris, this company has been supplying traditional British style Wellington boots to the public, not to mention the English Royal family, since 1856. This year, you can also find Hunter Wellies at J. Crew in not only the more traditional shades of black, navy and classic green, but in a shiny peony pink shade as well. Priced a reasonable $115.00 and mixed with Crew’s favorite cords, layered T’s and a trench, they will be a great purchase for the upcoming fall weather.

If you want to go high end, you may now pre-order the croc print version Hunter has made for Jimmy Choo from Saks. This version is priced at a more investment-level $395, but as a classic look paired with your skinny jean and a cashmere sweater, you are ready to go for years to come.

Or maybe branch out? Have you seen that now iconic pic of Kate Moss pairing her muddy Wellies with short shorts (or is it a mini) at the Glastonbury music festival? Better yet, do that even more English eccentric thing and pair your Wellie boots with an evening gown. Here in sunny California, this will be one way for us to cope with that El Nino winter they say were going to have.

I myself am going looking for some puddles this year. Hey, it’s free.

Photo info: boots from www.jcrew.com and www.saks.com. 

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.