Something chilly is afoot,

Notes on looking boot-iful:

1. Boots should be your staple when the weather gets chilly; choose something that will be comfortable enough to fit your lifestyle. 2. Boots should be versatile - to wear with pants or a skirt–dressed up or down. Choose a style (ie: high enough shaft) to always flatter different outfits and look good from toe to knee. 3. You should be willing to spend a good percentage more for a good boot. Boots, well, there’s more of them! But they should also last—through all your wearings and the abuses of the weather—through different trend changes. Pick genuine leather or suede and a great style that is so you.

By the way, pointy toes aren’t necessarily in for the season, but they always elongate the legs.

Question from a fellow fashionista in need,

Ella, you know all the rules. I’m wondering what you would say about brand tags visible on scarves. I feel embarrassed by that tag hanging in plain sight on my winter scarf, but I’m not sure if it can be removed without ripping the wool.

Cold With a Long Winter Ahead

Yes, it is unsightly, and should be taken care of, Cold. I’ve tested this myself, though, and your scarf tag is probably hanging on by mere threads. It should be easy to hold taught and snip with scissors. Use caution!

Scary but true: Museum Replicas is trying to sell kilts as everyday menswear. These are not Scottish, nor traditional, and are intended that way; to be worn by well, pretty much any man at any time. (Yes, while doing construction work, men can be unconfined by constricting pants [that just really seems dangerous, somehow].)

They are even “for” punks and bikers, in leather and camo (most hilariously).

I beg to any of these unconditional men, wear the right undergarments, and beware of breezes.

The difference may only be $27, but this Style Steal for $298 at Anthropologie is the same designer Lauren Merkin bag being sold for $325 at Bergdorf Goodman. Considering that, it’s quite a price leap. Considering the rich silk velvet, even still expensive at nearly $300, it’s a good find. Yet, honestly, Lauren Merkin? This ehh! bag? I say, go for the ultra lovely Marc velvet bag at yet 100 dollars lower! That is a bargain.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, your old boots are storing (hiding in their ugly chunkiness). Are you prepared for this Fall weather, yet? Forget Fall, rainy periods are frequent throughout the calendar year. We’re still in Hurricane season, too, so let’s not assume the floods have “Sprung” and gone. Maybe those boots you grabbed for last Spring seemed great at first, but odds are they really don’t make the style grade (even if they have worked out to protect your tootsies).

For the ultimate in High Style waterproof gear (that could even double as a standard Autumn–even winter??!!–boot), you must consider this Pucci “Caledonia” printed rubber rain boot (in sophisticated grey and vivid violet, for even more whimsy). Don’t even count it out based on the usual Pucci pricetag (from the several hundreds), oh no, this little number’s under $160 (with free shipping, oh yes). Shoes.com even offers a price guarantee, and you can trust this little researcher; they can’t be beat.

And you and your feet won’t be soaked in those downpours, season after season, for you will be prepared. Order now to receive these beautiful necessities asap!

WARNING:

Scary!

Entry continued, read more »

I feel very lucky to have caught this Delia’s pump resembling a hot Louis Vuitton number, for over $600 less. (I’m inspired to bring you such Style Steals on a regular basis!)

At a current price of $42, the Delia’s Aria is made of suede instead of satin, but portrays the same romantic elegance with ruching and a dainty bow. That strappy look (which furthers the ribbon feel) is reached through the Mary Jane ankle strap.

The spurious Delia’s pair may not have the same oomph, but it’s more practical, from the pricetag to the more moderate heel height. (I must warn shoppers, though, the heel, to me, looks 3 inches tall, not the listed 2″.)

(Plus shopping at Delia’s can be one big bargain bin experience through Oct. 20th. In the spirit of saving, Delia’s is offering its fashion leftovers for $9.99 and less in a Last Chance Clearance.)

Possibly even the best thing about this re-take is that, without that tulle trim and Burlesque appeal, it won’t attract fashion disasters the likes of Christina Aguilera. (I so picture her strutting about in her Marmalade getup with the Vuitton pumps.) In these, instead, you’ll be feminine and participating in a huge trend.