My April obsession - the Perfect Blazer.

I really shouldn't say 'April' obsession, because it's been years and years of searching.  I've tried on a ton of blazers, both inexpensive ones, and ones I should have never put on my back.  Ever.  

I think everyone should have one great blazer in their closet to stick on over a blouse, pants and heels for a go-to outfit.  It would really make life so simple to have one great blazer.  Check out these images for inspiration.

Images from pinterest.com.

I'd like to have both a navy and a black, but really, I just want ONE THAT FITS.  They've either been too short, too long, too boxy, not enough room in the chest, too tight in the sleeve, too tight in the shoulder.  I really don't want to reconstruct a jacket either at the tailor, but I've been tempted to...

After looking and looking, I think I've found the perfect blazer.  I found myself in J.Crew two weeks ago (and yes, I've tried on their blazers for years) and said, 'what the heck, I'll try on another one'.  I put it on.  Wait.  It fits.  It really fits.  It's perfection!  Here it is.

Image from jcrew.com.

The Thompson Blazer in stretch cotton.  Not too long.  Nipped at waist.  No puff shoulder.  Just plain and perfect.  And the plus?  $178.  Sold.  (30% off this week, using code 'GOSHOP' until May 1st!)  

I bought it right before a trip to London.  I wore it no less than 3 days.  With AG Ballad jeans, ivory Theory blouse, cuffs of blazer unbuttoned and rolled up, and snake skin pumps.  Maybe it appeals to the equestrian in me, but I love it.  It also comes in white and khaki.  Check it out if you are in the market! ~ JH

PS - full disclosure - Lisa bought it in white!

Ode to a ballet flat.

When the 'Brown Santa' (i.e. UPS delivery person) tossed the pink package on my doorstep yesterday morning, I was giddy with delight.  Inside?  A new pair of Pretty Ballerina ballet flats!  I'm still not sure how I/we discovered this small store in NYC, but I'm so happy we did!  It was years ago, and I ended up purchasing 2 pairs of flats, one of which was the snakeskin ballet flat.

Image from prettyballerina.us.

I wore these to DEATH.  I lost a pair once (I think in Puerto Rico?!).  I reordered them.  I still love them.

One of the best thing about these shoes is that once you know what size you are in a certain model, you can reorder them in any color or print and they will fit the exact same way.  I'm a 'Rosario' size 39.  Period.  When I'm trolling the website, I click 'women' and then 'Rosario' under 'Model'.  Click, click, free shipping.  Done.  I have 4 pairs of Rosarios 'in rotation' right now.  Other models include the 'Lena' model has a pointed toe, the 'Shirley' has an elastic band around the shoe's opening and a round toe, and the 'Faye' is more of a smoking slipper. 

After an extensive search this spring for a perfect black ballet flat (criteria: rubber sole, structured shoe but not too 'fancy'), I just had to go back to my standard.  And the prices?  Under $200, which is less than the Tory Burch Reva ballet flat.  So today, these lovelies arrived.  Hello new shoes!  Welcome to my closet.

Image from gisy-schuhe.de.

If you find yourself in NYC, check out their stores - the original, shoe-box-sized store is on 1034 Lexington at 74th Street and their new 'flagship' store is located at 27 East 67th Street at Madison (there are also stores in Beverly Hill and Palm Beach).  And figure out what model and size you are for future purchases!

Note:  The return policy is 'tight', like 14 days tight.  And they are shipped with a bag taped like shipping paper around the shoe box.  It's not as easy of a transaction as a Zappos one would be, but it's worth it. ~ JH

…it's raining.

While we're awaiting the arrival of spring and flip flop season (although today's a pretty fantastic day), it's time to pull out the rain boots.  My littles (i.e. smaller children) burned through two pairs this spring already, splitting the back seam.  I'm about to bite the bullet and get them real boots.  Not Hunters, Sperrys or Joules.  They are pretty but not workhorses.  I'm trying my luck with Muck.  

I first spotted Muck Boots at the barn where my daughter takes horseback riding lessons.  They look tough and are built to handle every day wear and tear.  They are REAL boots -  they are used by REAL outdoors folks - on the farm in the midwest, in the wilds of Alaska, or even at the local barn.  These are premium boots, designed to be comfortable with reinforced achilles protection, and a sole that won't hold fine rocks. Who even knew I needed that?!   Of course, Mucks are 100% waterproof.  But best of all, these beauties are insulated with a fine woven neoprene which means feet will be warm and toasty when the kids are sloshing through slush next winter. Sign them up...and me too. ~ LB

Addition from JH:  I laughed when Lisa sent this over because I've worn Muck Boots at the stable where my daughter rides for a few years.  I bit the bullet for the simple functionality.  Well, Muck Boots have come a long way since I purchased mine at Dover Saddlery; there are fun color combos and all different styles (tall, short). Mine are like the first ones pictured, but not as cool. ~ JH

All images from muckbootcompany.com.

W2WW News Flash - Calypso Friends & Family thru April 15th + Tory Burch opening store in Natick Mall

Quick News Flash of 2 things we love!

First, we received an email today that Calypso Friends and Family sale gets you 25% off regularly priced merchandise thru April 15th! 

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Online, use the code SPRINGFF14.  Time to pick up some AG White Stilt jeans for summer.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Second, as I was walking through "Satellite West" (i.e. The Natick Mall) last night, I happened upon this, across from Burberry.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Yippee!  A local Tory!  Looks like it's opening this summer. ~ JH