Into The Trench

Burberry Prorsum Belted Plaid Peplum Trench Coat

Ah, the trench coat...

Always preferred in any basic wardrobe list, the trench certainly pulls its weight.  Depending on brand and the purpose, the trench coat is durable, resistant, versatile, beautiful, and classic.  Men and women exude a certain sense of familiarity with traditional fashion and classic taste.  Whether worn with basics or dressed with unexpected trends, the versatile coat transitions easily from classic to modern.

Popularity has brought quite a market for brands to jump into.
Shall we see what is out there?

SHOE OBSESSION - Smokin' Polina

Born Women's Polina (Tobacco Suede)

Born first caught my eye via these very cool clogs that my sister-in-love(law) showed up to church in one Sunday.  I had to compliment them and later found myself thinking about those sluggers, wondering where I could find a pair.  Weeks later an add in my REALsimple mag(I know, I know, I'm so exciting) for a pair of boots grabbed my attention and I followed it back to the Born website.  And then my eyes landed on THESE... and I've been hooked ever since.

But can't you understand why?  These girls are perfection for anyone who likes a rough edge to a classic, somewhat feminine boot.  These remind me of the shoes we'd wear 'way back when' with our aprons and undone beauty.  They make me nostalgic for a time I never knew, but often dreamed of.  And the discolored suede and chunky base bring a longing for adventure.

So to you, Born, I say 'thank you'.  Thank you for quality, thank you for eye-catching, understated beauty, and thank you for that something special that we all long for.

What fashions from the past do you appreciate?  What do you wish to see come back?

FALLing for Turtlenecks

Missoni Cashmere and Wool-Blend Sweater

I don't know about you but as a child I hated turtlenecks.  We're talking I-can't-believe-how-dorky-I-look hate.  Years later the 'message', if you will, of the turtleneck became loud and clear.  So I put one on and suddenly it was clear to me... this isn't dorky, it's mature.  That was the problem, I wasn't ready to be mature back in elementary school(who is?!).  But as a teenager, I had realized that there would always be a place for everything somewhere, someday.  That day had come.  And, years later, appreciation for the shirt has grown into a kind of love.  And, by the looks of it, the runway feels the same way.

So here's to the easy to wear snuggle-neck shirt that enters fall/winter wardrobe with adoration.

While the turtleneck is beautiful alone, feel free to play with this staple.  Layer under a (sweater)vest or 3/4 sleeve blouse for a warm, experienced look.  Tight sleeves present a backdrop for your favorite cuff.  Or add a statement necklace for a strong impact.  I prefer to match it with drop earrings and hair pulled back for a polished look.

Let's see what's out there:

Monday Must-Lust List

I kept thinking that today(yesterday, as it's technically Tuesday now) was Sunday.  With that, I completely missed the very first post of this kind.
This week I am going casual.  Hope you enjoy!
So, without further ado, I present the Monday (technically Tuesday) Must Lust List.....

Lanvin Sneakers

Reed Krakoff Tote

Pierre Hardy Boots

J Brand Denim Pants

Balmain Velvet Top

Chalayan Sweater

Etro Coat

Stella McCartney Scarf

Alexander McQueen Cuff

Nixon Watch

What is your Must-Lust of the week?

Spot On

Joseph Animal-Pring Calf Hair Coat

The trend is bigger than ever.  The wild cat print has become a must-have for the seasons and may be making its way as a staple for all wardrobes.  While covering head to toe in any sort of this print may be a bit much, there are a million and one options for adding a touch to your outfit for a fun twist.

There are a TON out there, but here are a few items at various prices to get you going.

WARNING, FRIEND:  SOMEWHAT LENGTHY POST AHEAD...

Textured Blazers

Alexander McQueen Ocelot-Jaquard Satin-Twill Blazer

Blazers come in all lengths, colors, and patterns.  Stripes, polka dots, prints- you name it, it's covering a blazer.  Texture, however, is too often overlooked.  That's too bad considering texture serves a more important purpose as the base upon which any superficial(in the most clinical sense of the word) aspect of a jacket depends on.

Collar Candy - October

Brenda McGowan Summer Festival Necklace

Though it comes with the name of 'Summer', it truly fits every season of the year with its adaptable colors.  Handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, every detail justifies the beauty of this thoughtful piece of art.

Check out the rest of the finds:

FALLing for Flares

Roberto Cavalli Sequined Wide-Leg Flared Pants

They are officially back.  The fun flare leg pant that many of us grew up on(I certainly wore them loyally) has returned with a vengeance for the new fall/winter season.  I, for one, am doing cartwheels.

Here are some options in varying price ranges to get the juices flowing:

SHOE OBSESSION - Modern Western

Toga Pulla Heeled Strap Ankle Boots

Feels like I have just been kicked out of breath by perfection.  These show-stealers caught my eye and now I can't stop thinking about them.

This boot includes all three features I am currently pining over:
-ankle boot
-pointed toe
-thick heel

As well as one that I wasn't expecting: major western influence!

Western inspired boots are so in.  And, as a mountain girl who grew up on westerns, these feel a bit nostalgic.  Don't know that I could do a full-on cowgirl boot, so these are right up my alley - western, but chic.
The metal tipped heel and decorative buckle add a unique touch atop the beautifully worked leather.

*drool*  yikes, let me get that...

Who wouldn't be tempted to build daily outfits around this piece of work?
Surely, you will dream of these, too.

What are your favorite features for shoes right now?  Do you dig the western boot trend?

Rainy Day In : Splurge vs. Steal

I prefer to snuggle into my hubby on these days.  But, when he can't join me, I am perfectly happy snuggled inside my favorite throw, a cup of hot tea warming my hands, watching a Midsomer Murders marathon or reading a good book.  How original, I know.  Of course, there's always time for browsing my favorite blogs and attempting a bit of 'window shopping' from the comfort of my couch.
Here are some favorite must-haves for the days spent inside...


Cozy sweater
Splurge

Rainy Day Out : Splurge vs. Steal

Rain is coming!  Rain is coming!  Okay, maybe it's here already..
Whether you enjoy the weather or would rather leave it behind you, no one wants to be caught unprepared as the downpour arrives.  Here are a few must-haves, both luxe and budget-friendly, to assure you are walking comfortably when the weather calls.


Trench Coat

Splurge

SHOE OBSSESSION - The Cat's Me-ow

Emerson Fry - V-Heel Leopard Pump

*Deep breath*...

Every once in a while a shoe comes along that forces one to pull a good ol' fashioned stop-n-stare.  You know, the kind that makes you forget what's going on around you as you're left dreaming about that glorious fantasy world in which you are gallivanting around in the gorgeous soles... yeah, that one.  Well, these shoes did it for me.

I spotted (no every pun intended) this picture on pinterest but found it impossible to follow them back to their den.  However, I recently ran into the black sister-pair to these.  And, as any half-desperate hopeful would, I clicked on the picture.  Can you guess where it landed me?  Right at the Emerson Fry website.  Wasting not a second, my mouse found the fall collection shoes and I think my heart literally smiled (did you know it can do that?!).  There they were.  So I stared, and 'oohed', and 'ahhhed', and dreamed... and then (not so) sublty revealed this funny little story to my husband.  He, of course, knew exactly what I really wanted him to know - 'these shoes!  I want- nay, NEED these shoes!'

 These are a very doable price for such a lovely staple shoe.  At $325, these lovelies look worth every penny.  The print is fantastic, not loud or obnoxious.  The shape is classic and the X toe adds a special touch.  Even the heel adds something unique while the spots drain down to the thin, stacked heel, bringing a touch of organic beauty.  They stand as a staple for any fashionista, whether as a complimenting piece or as a statement.

Go check them out!