Merry Christmas, and a sale at Saks!

First and foremost, to all of our readers and friends, Lisa & I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Image from fashionista.com.

My parents sent along a Saks gift card for Christmas (Thank you very much! I love the 'gift of shopping'!) and I, of course, had to postpone showering and cooking this morning to wander onto Saks.com.  When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a huge Saks sale, online and so near!

You HAVE to check it out.  Up to 70% off on designer items!  Prices go up on 12/27 at 12:01am.  Use the code 'HOLIDAY' for free shipping & returns too!  

Among other things, these Tory Burch cheetah pumps are coming in the mail to me.  $122.50 from $350.  65% off!  Love!

Image from saksfifthavenue.com.

Merry Christmas to me! ~ JH

...you are hosting the holiday.

This is always tricky.  You have family coming over or staying with you, your kitchen is full of people, the oven(s) is(are) on, and you feel like you are going from one meal to the next.  How can you look stylish and together when your head is in the oven all day?

Here are a couple of tricks I've learned over the years that I thought I'd share with you:

• Wear short sleeves, regardless of your outfit being a dress, top and skirt, or top and pants.  Do you really want to cook in a heavy sweater or long sleeve blouse?  I don't.
• If you are going to wear heels, try wedges or stacked heels.  I can't help myself.  I love heels.  I have a couple of good wedges or stacked pairs that work well for being on your feet all day.
• Beware of 'dangling jewelry' and scarves.  I can't tell you how many times I've almost burned a scarf leaning over the stove.  With the additional frenzy of the holidays, leave the scarf in your dresser.  Ditto with pendant necklaces, etc.  Last thing you need is for your pendant necklace to take a dip in the gravy.
• Stay away from wool and leather.  Jersey, either cotton and silk, is a great material.  Silk blouses are good, light-weight options.

Finally, from a good friend, don't forget to set up a 'lip stick station' in your nearest bathroom or near a mirror.  At the beginning of the day, put your lip stick or gloss, a pressed powder compact, and brush or powder puff in your 'station'.  Over the course of the day, refresh!  You'll be happy to look refreshed instead of shiny when you sit down for dinner.  My 'station' is always in my 1/2 bath in the drawer under the sink. 

Best of luck over the next week, and all the best to you and yours. ~ LB & JH

W2WW Hosting the Holidays

Diane von Furstenberg wool sweater / Theory / Joie cap sleeve t shirt / Cartier / Michael Kors straight leg pants, $330 / Theory tailored pants / J.Crew twill skirt, $260 / Jimmy Choo wedge shoes / Kate Spade / Ivanka Trump wedge shoes / Tory Burch shoes / J.Crew white pearl necklace / J.Crew j crew jewelry / J.Crew knotted bracelet / Tiffany & Co. jewelry / Stella & Dot gold ball earrings / Bottega Veneta sterling silver bangle bracelet / Morra Designs yellow gold jewelry / Tory Burch belt

In Search of the Perfect Black Boot.

What is it with our readers and shoes these days?  :-) I know, we love them too.  I was out to dinner with a good friend earlier this month who asked if we could talk about our favorite black riding boots.  Of course we can!

With all of the high-end shoes we talk about, you will be pleasantly surprised at my favorite black riding boot.  It's very affordable, great leather, and comes in wide calf as well as standard.  Right now, it's on sale for $169.90. (They are normally priced at $259.95, still very reasonable for boots.)  Made by Corso Como, the Samual boot is an elegant, comfortable boot at a great price.  

Image from nordstrom.com.

Corso Como makes a version of this boot every year (or, at least Nordstrom carries their boots every year) with slight modifications.  I own both the black and a caramel pair I bought about 3 or 4 years ago and still wear both regularly.  I cannot recommend them enough!

For another choice, Lisa is NUTS about Frye boots.  She bought this amazing pair in NYC a couple of years ago in a fabulous grey that works with both brown and black outfits.  The ones pictured below are similar - the classic Frye Riding Harness boots.  At $348, they still aren't too bad for boots, and the leather on Frye boots is like butter.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

The back story to WHY Lisa had to buy the Frye boots?  She LOST her black J. Crew boots.  I mean really, how do you lose boots?  While she was away 2 summers ago, she realized they were missing, and sent me off to the cobbler to see if she had left them there.  Unfortunately, the cobbler didn't have them.  She thinks her husband might have mistaken the bag they were in for trash.  Ah, the shoe drama!

But that brings me to the next boot we love, the J. Crew Booker boot. Similar to the pair Lisa lost, J. Crew always makes a solid riding boot.  And, if you need it, they too have an extended calf option.  At $298, apparently lots of people like them because some sizes are on back-order until February.  (Right now, everything at J. Crew is 30% off, both online and in stores!)

Image from jcrew.com.

Finally, for a more 'rugged' looking riding boot, I've always loved the Archive boot at Madewell.  I love the texture of these boots and really lust after them in the 'English Saddle' color.  My ONLY problem with these boots is that they are 'pull on'; there is no size zipper.  It's tricky to tuck pants into these without them riding up your leg.  You would have to tuck your pants leg into your socks and then put them on.  That's my only warning; they are really great boots otherwise.

Image from madewell.com.

Let us know what great black riding boots you find out there! ~ JH

Holiday 2012: The Sales!

We are all bombarded with daily emails advertising all kinds of sales - friends and family, pre-Christmas, post-Christmas, etc, etc, etc.  Like everyone, I love a good deal and it's during this time of year, right before Christmas, that some of the best deals are out there, especially in the chain and department stores.  (Like in J. Crew, starting today, the entire store is 30% off through Monday the 17th!) Yes, there are some fabulous after-Christmas sales, but the quantity of goods in stores is higher now than it will be after Dec. 25th.  

But more important than the sales, is what you should actually BUY.  Just because it's on sale doesn't mean it needs to go home with you.  There are several categories of items that I like to purchase this time of year, and I thought I'd share some of my tricks with you.

First, boots.  Riding or heeled, knee-high or bootie:  these are items you want to pick up now for next winter. Heck, for this winter!  Boots are some of the most expensive footwear out there.  Last winter, I knew I wanted a brown, stacked-heel boot and ended up with a pair of Chloe boots for 60% off the original price.  If you know you'll want a pair of black riding boots next winter, get them now.  Or, stacked heel booties. Like these Vince 'Chase' booties - love them even more at 40% off!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Or, what about these Tod's Rubber Sole tall boots that you can wear all winter!  40% off!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Another 'item' I tend to poke around for during this pre-Christmas time is outerwear.  Good outerwear costs a fortune, so why not give yourself a little 'To me, from me' gift?   Especially if it's more of a 'specialty' jacket/coat rather than an essential one.  I LOVE this capelet at Bloomingdales - 30% off right now, and comes in black, grey, and this delicious orange.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

I love this Mackage, leather-trimmed coat.  If I didn't have something very similar in my closet already, I'd be checking out right now. 25% off at Nordstrom.

Image from nordstrom.com.

While Saks isn't 'blogger friendly' (i.e. I can't pull images off their website), they have over 200 pieces of outerwear on sale right now.  If they would only let me pull pictures from their site!  

Handbags are also good items to purchase now.  I'm a clutch junkie for sure, and can barely contain myself around clutches that are on sale.  This one, by Stella McCartney, is a 'fantasy' item, but I love it so much I had to share it here.  Even though it's 40% off at Nordstroms, at Nordstroms it will stay. (As a note, Neimans has it on sale too, but only 33% off!)

Image from nordstrom.com.

Ok, back to reality.  This Cole Haan tote is lovely with its big tassel (TASSELS!) and braided handles.  It comes in 3 colors and it's about 33% off right now at Bloomingdales.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Finally, a brief list of items, which, if you see them on sale, buy them!  You will use them.  I promise.

• leather gloves - how many pairs do you go through in one winter?!
• knit gloves - see above.
• a well fitting black cashmere sweater.  Never out of style and a wardrobe stable.

So while you're finishing your holiday shopping, don't forget to take a peek at what's out there for you. You might be pleasantly surprised! ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - The Sartorialist was in Wellesley!

On Monday night, I was amongst loads of college students in the Alumni Building Auditorium at Wellesley College.  Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist, was speaking that evening with a book signing after.  Who is Scott?  To say he is a 'blogger' would be selling him short.  Photographer of street fashion, keen eye, artist would be better titles.  One of the first, if not THE first, photographers of street style.  If you haven't checked out his blog, please do.  Lisa and I are fans, maybe not of the street styles for us (some of the outfits of his subjects would raise eyebrows at a PTO meeting), but for inspiration and the beauty in his work.

Things I learned on Monday?  

• To feel the pressure of having to post on your blog, and yet at the same time, not feel the pressure.  Don't write or blog just because you haven't posted in a while; write about what you feel passionate about.  Actively look for inspiration and write.
• Be vulnerable in your blogging.  Ok, we're not going to let it all hang out here, but we'll try to continue to be personal.
• Don't let advertisers influence you.  Not that we have any, but one day, Lisa and I will have a business meeting and discuss.  I'll be sure to keep this in mind. (Lisa and I have NEVER had a business meeting about this blog; it's kind of a joke that we haven't.)
• Use your voice.  Be the person you are in person, in your blog.  

And, of course, I couldn't help but have a book signed and have a picture taken.  A little star-struck I must admit. 

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Hopefully this brush with greatness rubs off on us here at W2WW. ~ JH

In Search of the Perfect Black Pump.

One of our friends (and a reader!) asked for our opinion of what we think is the perfect black pump.  There are many different kinds of black pumps, round-toe or pointy toe, staggeringly tall or manageable.  We'll go through our personal favorites.  

Disclaimer:  We should start by saying we are shoe addicts.  Years ago, we only dreamed of scoring a high-end designer pump on sale at Saks on the morning after Christmas.  (In fact, one year Lisa DID score the classic Campari Manolo Blanik mary-jane pumps; we have the same shoe size, so it took a lot for me not to rip them out of her hands.)  In more recent years, we've splurged a little more on wardrobe 'staples'; once we find something we LOVE, it might just be worth the designer price tag.  

A perfect black pump is a wardrobe staple.  This spring I finally splurged on getting a classic pointy toe pump - the Manolo Blahnik Newcio Pump in black leather.  

Image from nordstrom.com.

Plain, simple, really comfortable.  I knew I wanted a pointy-toe, black leather pump with a 3 1/2" heel.  Over the course of a year, I tried on many pairs at lower price-points but kept coming back to these.  I know I will have them (and wear them) forever and they will never go out of style.  (And just FYI, my foot is wide in the front with a narrow heel - tough to find perfect-fitting shoes that won't squeeze my toes or, conversely, slip off my heel.)

But that price-point is more painful than a pair of bad stilettos to say the least.  There are other options out there.  Lisa fell in love with this pointed-toe pair Valentina pumps by J. Crew last spring.  She bought them in red and swears they are completely comfortable.  This winter, they are carrying them in a black patent (which works well for inclement weather).  With a 2 3/4" heel, they are a GREAT height that should keep your toes happy through holiday cocktail parties.

Image from jcrew.com.

For round-toe pumps, I have always loved the Kate Spade Karolina pumps. I have them in a black, faux croc leather.  Piperlime is showing them in a black patent this winter.  They are extremely comfortable with a 3" heel.  (They also come in a nude patent, and Bloomingdale's has them in a black grosgrain with a glitter heel.)

Image from piperlime.com.

A few years ago, I went on a shopping mission for a friend who needed a dress pronto.  I purchased 10 dresses, a couple of jackets, and these pumps, after I learned that she had no classic pumps.  She kept 2 (or was it 3?) dresses, a jacket and a cardigan as well as these Calvin Klein simple, classic pumps, which have a 3" heel.  She said they were really comfortable and, at $69, the price is definitely right.  They must be a great seller since they are still on the market and now come in a whopping 22 colors on Zappos!

Image from zappos.com.

Finally, let's take a page from Kate Middleton's book and look at the L.K. Bennett 'Sledge' Pump.  The Duchess of Cambridge wears these day-in-and-day-out, which says something about the comfort and wearability of them.  While the heel is 4", the 1/2" platform brings you down to 3 1/2".  I have a pair of L.K. Bennett pumps from about 6 years ago that I still love and wear.  The shoes run narrow, so if you have a narrow foot, this might be a great choice for you. 

Image from nordstrom.com.

Those are our favorites.  Hope you find a pair you like! ~ JH  

W2WW News Flash - CUSP section open in Neiman Marcus Natick.

Wandering through Neiman Marcus in Natick this week, I was thrilled to discover that an 'in store boutique' of CUSP was being completed.  CUSP is an outpost of Neiman Marcus featuring a contemporary and well-curated collection of young and emerging designers.  I love CUSP; there are lots of different price points and designers' pieces are mixed together. In the Boston area, we are fortunate to have one of the 6 stand-alone stores in Chestnut Hill.  

Now, in Neimans in Natick, I can simply wander up to the second floor and check out all the fabulous fashions CUSP has to offer, including their own line of accessories.  Just look for the totem poles! (And thanks to Neimans for allowing me to take photos.)~ JH

Love their accessories tables!

Images by Jennifer Houston.

Holiday 2012: Hostess Gifts

Image from marthastewart.com.

The first holiday party invitation arrived in the mail last week!   Besides the fun of putting together festive holiday outfits, I love to put together fun and festive gifts for the hosts.   But what to get??   Think special treats for the hosts that they might not otherwise buy for themselves!    This year, I’m leaning towards personalized, if I kick into gear early enough, and edible.  Yum!

See’s, an old fashioned chocolater since 1921, makes the most delish candies and mints.   Just for the holidays, the California confectioner, opened a shop in Burlington, MA at Wayside Commons which I stumbled into on a girl's night out with an old friend.  The sales gals were generous with samples and all self-control when out the window.   $75 later, I walked out with a bag of assorted treats. These old fashioned peppermint candies need only a red ribbon.  Done! $10. 

Images from sees.com

Pair these mints or any other edible with a bottle of amazing vino!   If you're looking for  a great wine with a great story, look no further than 90+ Cellars, a Boston-based wine brand that brings fine wine from all over the world to you at a fraction of the original price.  The idea is this: they bottle the excess from highly respected wineries with a history of high ratings. I first heard about 90+ on Chronicle last year and had to try it.   The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is fantastic and we have a case in the wine cooler.  Available at Nine East Wine Emporium.  From $15.

Image from ninetypluscellars.com.

I'm a sucker for decorative plates and CWonder has a fantastic selection.  Perfect for jewels, change or keys!  Better than the junk drawer.  And the one on the bottom? We could all use a little zebra in our lives.

Images from cwonder.com.

Jen and I both love personalized stationary.  Who doesn't, really?  Especially when you can place the order with your Christmas cards!   I like this classic design from Tiny Prints. 

Image from tinyprints.com.

Laguiole France is known for its Languiole cheese, which has an Appellation d'Origine Controlee (label of guaranteed origin) and as the birthplace of the Laguiole knife.  I bouth this Laguiole cheese knife at Anthropologie last year and couldn't be happier with it.  The French know how to make cheese and cheese knive sets, let me tell you.  It comes in a lovely box ready for wrapping.  Pair with a gift certificate from Wasiks or your favorite fromagerie for a little apres-party wine and cheese love fest.

Image from anthropologie.com.

An adorably cheeky way to serve guests on this solid wood serving board, flanked by twoadorable silver mice. $28 at CWonder.

Image from cwonder.com.

There's lot of good hostess gifts to be had locally in our home town of Wellesley.  Try these monogram coasters from Papers & Presents for $40...

Image from paperspresents.com.

...or these initial notecards for $13.

Image from paperspresents.com.

I am always looking for a good book to read and forever asking my friends to share their lists.  Stop by Wellesley Books and pick up one of your favorites from 2012 and inscribe the inside cover with a little holiday happy.

What about a summer story by Nichole Bernier, Wellesley author?  In 'The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.', Kate's peaceful summer is anything but when she inherits a trunk of journals by her deceased friend.  The journals reveal a woman far different than the cheerful wife and mother Kate thought she knew. 

Image from wellesley.indiebound.com.

Shout out to my formidable rival on Words with Friends (you know who you are!) for your recommendation for 'Gone Girl'.   I got the book on CD and listened during the commute.  It's about a marriage gone awry so consider the audience when giving. :-) 

Image from amazon.com.

One of my favorite reads this year!

Image from goodreads.com.

This book is on my Christmas list.  If you don't follow Deb Perelman's blog, SmittenKitchen, drop everything now and check it out.   She creates simple delicious recipes in her shoebox kitchen in NY and has just published her first cookbook.  Great hostess gift!

Image from smittenkitchen.com.

If you are local in Wellesley, a newcomer and local favorite shop perfect for gift-giving is Pine Straw in Wellesley.  Owner Tracy Cranley has a great design eye and her perfectly curated gift store won't disappoint.  She's pointed me to her favorite hostess gifts this year.  First up, the Corkicle..chill the rod attached to the cork and voila, instantly chilled wine!  

Image from Lisa Bida.

Love, Peace and Joy candles luminate from within.  She has cute, decorative match boxes to go with.

Image from Lisa Bida.

Your host will want to ditch the Trade Joe's liquid hand soap for these beautifully wrapped and fragrant soaps from Claus Porto.

Image from Lisa Bida.

No, this is not wine.  It's dishwashing soap!   The pretty bottle would look right at home on my counter next to the real bottle of wine.  

Image from Lisa Bida.

How about these hometown coasters for the man-cave or den?

Image from Lisa Bida.

If I'm going to a party where the kids are invited, I like to throw in a little giftie for the children.  These straw drinking glasses were a HUGE hit last year and kept the kids occupied the next day while Mom and Dad were recovering.  $3.99 at the Container Store.

Image from containerstore.com.

Or how about these cool old-school, low-tech, high-fun trinkets I found at Pine Straw?

Image from Lisa Bida.com.

Happy Party season, one and all!  ~ LB