Searching for an 'Ugg-Alternative'.

Hi everyone!  Hope you all are safe and sound and have electricity back after Hurricane Sandy and the follow-up Nor'easter.  After an abbreviated school week, I ran into a fellow Mom in the parking lot of school who was bemoaning her Uggs.  She's pretty fashion-forward and complained how she wished she had an 'Ugg alternative'; she wants something easy to slip on, warm, maybe water-resistant, and definitely a little more stylish.  I told her I'd research.

Ironically, her request came on the heels of (pun intended) my reading an article on Yahoo! asking if 'Uggs are over?'.  For my 2 daughters?  No.  For me?  Probably.

After a little research, these are some options that I like.  First, I wanted to see what La Canadienne had to offer this year.  I picked up a great pair of La Canadienne booties last winter (which I put on today for the first time this season and love just as much as I did last winter).  This year they have a couple interesting options.  First, the Camilla Stone Oiled Suede boots caught my eye.  I can see leggings and skinny jeans tucked into them as well as a skinny bootcut jean over them.  They are waterproof, hip, and pretty easy to put on (just one side zipper).

Image from zappos.com.

Another one from La Canadienne is the pull-on Trevis boot.  Shown on Zappos in black or charcoal (loving the charcoal color!), they can be pulled on, worn tall or folded over, and might just be a great Ugg-alternative.  One review on Zappos simply stated "Great purchase.  All purpose boots, from walking the dogs to going out for dinner.  Worth every penny."

Image from zappos.com.

Another company that makes a great all-weather shoe is Aquatalia.  A friend (and reader!) pointed me in the direction of this boot - the 'Sweet' boot.  These boots are based on a classic motorcycle boot, but are waterproof and slip-on; the zippers and buckles are simply decoration.  Great alternative!

Image from nordstrom.com.

There is always the option of waterproofing any boot.  I use Meltonian Water & Stain Protector on all of my suede and leather winter shoes.  Using this spray opens a bigger set of options.

Image from amazon.com.

I like these pull-on Frye booties.  After waterproofing spray, Lindsay Plate Short boots are a great option for everyday wear.  They might not be as warm as the La Canadienne or Aquatalia options, but they are super cute.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Similarly, these Ryder boots from J. Crew might not be warm, but a little spray and these are really great pull-on booties.

Image from jcrew.com.

I think these Stuart Weitzman booties might be great.  They do have a zip up back (not a true pull-on boot), but they are so cute that I'd love to wear them.  The faux fur lining should keep feet warm and toasty; add a little spray and they are water resistant.

Image from zappos.com.

Finally, you know how I love Polyvore, so I put together a set of outfits featuring a couple of these boots.  Wear the Ugg-alternatives with jeans, black leggings, matchstick pants, or slim bootcuts.  And stay dry and warm. ~ JH

W2WW Ugg Alternatives

W2WW News Flash - Friends & Family Sale at Bloomingdales.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Another reason to mark your calendars!  Wednesday, November 7th through Sunday, November 11th, Bloomingdales is having their Friends & Family 20% off sale.  I've always loved the Friends & Family Sale - it's a great way to get that item that I was 'on the fence' about.

If you are shopping in store, simply ask for the Friends and Family discount.  Online, use the code 'HOLIDAY', with free shipping too.  Happy shopping! ~ JH

Liquid Love

Fashion inspiration can come from the most unexpected of places.  This time, it was from my 10 year-old, t-shirt and yoga-pant-wearing daughter on her birthday trip with me to NYC and a walk past Uniqlo.  If you've never been in a Uniqlo, that will change over the next 3 years as the Japanese retailer makes a push on-line and into the 'burbs.  The store is super big and super fun, with cool basics arranged by color and a staircase that lights up when you walk on it.  She set her sights on the wall of down jackets, all liquid and glossy, in a virtual rainbow of color choices, like all of their offerings.

Image from backseatstylers.com.

The Uniqlo jacket is lightweight and warm, and folds up into it's own cute little sack to the size of a small loaf of brioche.  All for $69.90!  After seeing Grace wearing it in purple - and throwing it on once when I ran out to groceries -  I was disappointed that I didn't get one for myself.  (Note: Jen has one from last season, not quite as 'liquid' as this season's offerings.  And, she loves it!)

Image from uniqlo.com.

Well just a few days ago, Uniqlo opened its online store!  Two days later, my new black coat arrived, looking slick and warm,  perfect for fall days in New England.

Image from uniqlo.com.

I personally feel you don't need to look any farther than Uniqlo.  Heck, I got a navy one for my husband.  He travels down south quite a bit - he can be warm in Boston and then easily stow it when he arrives.  Here are some of my favorites this season:

It was Patagonia that started the trend a few years ago with it's down sweater.  The company has got a whole line in all lengths and weights now, but I like the cranberry and black in these two styles the best. 

Images from patagonia.com.

For a higher end look, Uniqlo did a special collab with sister company Comptoir des cotonniers.  Gorgeous paired with here with the green dress.  And, sold out completely.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Burberry doesn't disappoint with this lovely puffer.  Can't you just see it with jeans or legging and boots for date night?

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Check out Zara's glossy puffer.

Image from zara.com.

Moncler can do no wrong and this stunner in oxblood (yes, I'm still obsessed) is city chic paired with black leggings and booties.  I could see transitioning it to jeans or a cute dress and still looking fabulous.

Image from barneys.com.

If you don't have a lightweight puffer in the closet for winter, you don't know what you're missing.  The glossy finish is fresh and breathes new life into this age old wardrobe staple. ~ LB

120 Years of Vogue

Image from kentonmagazine.com.

Jen and I will be curled up on the sofa (fingers crossed Jen has her new one by then)  with popcorn in hand on December 6th when HBO premieres a documentary film to mark the 120^th anniversary of the fashion bible also known as Vogue.  Anna Wintour and other editorial royalty will take us behind the scenes at the crown jewel of the Conde Nast empire….Lots of designer interviews (Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang, not my faves) and celebs features (SJP and Nicole Kidman who look amazing in almost anything).  What I want to see is the sneak peek at how they put together their fabulous editorials. 

HBO documentaries rarely disappoint so put on your best jammies ladies and tune in. ~LB

A little obsessed with Calypso St. Barth cashmere.

About a month ago, I started wearing a camel colored, sleeveless cashmere "duster" I purchased last spring at Calypso St. Barth.  Over a column of black, over a white blouse with black pants and cheetah flats, it has been a go-to since I first put it on.  Lisa has one , a long-sleeve version, in navy.  She's worn it on planes, over jeans, etc.  Just one of the most useful pieces of clothing we've owned.

And today, in my inbox, an email from Calypso showcasing all of their fabulous cashmere.  I swear, if I don't get in to Boston to check it out I'll go nuts!  Check out some of these lovelies. The Maggie Cashmere Duster is what Lisa owns (and the color below is the color of mine), and I might have to dive in an get another one too.  It comes in 6 colors and is so yummy soft, light, and yet warm.  Heaven.  Any of you out there who get cold all winter?  This is the piece you want to own and throw over everything.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

I'm a total sucker for a turtleneck and stripes.  What about this Callee Striped Cashmere Turtleneck?  Both obsessions in one, with really cool wide sleeves.  Comes in navy and in camel.  Love it over white jeans (yes in winter!), skinny white cords, or just jeans.  Elegant mommy-wear.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Another great "mom" sweater is the Janine Cashmere Pullover.  Great over jeans, skinny pants, with a cool long-sleeved t-shirt underneath.  I love the dolman sleeve draping!

Images from calypsostbarth.com.

Finally, the Jaci Cashmere V-neck is a great everyday sweater.  Not too fitted, it has great details like a rolled hem on the v-neck and deep side slits for movement.  And, it comes in 8 colors, from your basic neutrals to this cayenne color.

Images from calypsostbarth.com.

Great cashmere!  Plus, right now, 25% off Friends and Family with the code FALLFF12 at checkout online AND in store.  If I can only find a morning to sneak off to Newbury Street. ~ JH

...you are 'inexplicably drawn to clog boots'.

Hi everyone!  Back from Caribbean trip #1 (and yes, it was fabulous!).  Returned to an email from a reader from the Pacific Northwest.

"I am surprised at myself, but I am inexplicably drawn to clog boots (which is sort of anathema to my clean, modern, comfortable style... I usually wear ankle booties and knee-high wedge boots from fall through late spring). Upon trying these warm, comfy, and sturdy boots (by Vialis, style no. 4862, "Garret") on, I had to have them. 

How can I wear these without looking too bohemian and not too après-ski? The shaft can be uncuffed, worn straight up, or ruched down. (I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, and am slim/petite... In case if those are factors in outfit suggestions)."

Yes, we too have our moments of purchasing something that's completely outside of our comfort zone because we simply love it.  So, let's take a look at these Vialis boots.

Image from reader.

These are a great neutral and I can see why she loves them.  I think we're all looking for something different, yet wanting to maintain our style.  

Since our reader is slim and petite, one thing I like to do is to create a column of solid color with these boots.  The lighter lining of the boot will create a color break by the knee, so think about keeping the pants and top the same color (if not wearing jeans, in which case I'd do a chocolate sweater or top on top of the jeans).  Keeping the color palette really neutral works well too.  I'd stay away from prints and light silks.  The heaviness of the boot calls for a certain 'weight' in the clothing you wear with them; otherwise, you'll appear 'unbalanced'.

Do stay true to your 'clean, modern' style by working with tailored, clean pieces.  In terms of labels, Vince comes to mind immediately when I think of these boots.  J. Crew's simple pieces.  Let the boots speak for themselves. By keeping the outfit clean and modern, the boots lose a little of their bohemian look.

Don't forget that a quick spray with Kiwi Suede Protector on the top suede will keep the boots looking good in the Pacific Northwest rain.

Image from amazon.com.

I put a few outfits together on Polyvore for our reader using a column of color, neutrals and a jeans outfit.  Hope you are inspired! ~ JH

W2WW - With Clog Boots

Vanessa bruno
theoutnet.com

Vneck sweater
yoox.com

Rag bone wool shirt
rag-bone.com

American Vintage summer tank top
$51 - the-dressingroom.com

Vince stretch pants
barneys.com

J.Crew slim fit pants
jcrew.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied slim jeans
stylebop.com

Michael kors tote bag
couture.zappos.com

Louis vuitton satchel
bagborroworsteal.com

Tory Burch gold bangle bracelet
nordstrom.com

J Crew j crew jewelry
jcrew.com

C Wonder set of bangle
cwonder.com

Hermès watch
usa.hermes.com

Tory Burch tear drop earrings
nordstrom.com

Tory Burch silver stud earrings
saksfifthavenue.com

Knitted scarve
hampdenclothing.com

Chan luu
net-a-porter.com

Tory burch
toryburch.com

Warby parker eyewear
warbyparker.com

Pull V 4 fils - Eric Bompard
eric-bompard.com

Gilet chauve-souris - Eric Bompard
eric-bompard.com

One of my dirty little secrets.

Every Tuesday and Friday, I make a few minutes and sit quietly with a particular email that comes to my inbox on those days.  I won't even open it on my iPhone; I need a bigger screen to check it out.  What email is this, you ask?  It's my 'Shop It To Me' email.

Image from shopittome.com.

Brilliant site for someone like me!  Shop It To Me is basically a shopping 'sale' search engine that's customizable.  It canvases dozens of retail sites and delivers emails to you full of sale items from these sites based on your shopping preferences; you decide what retailers and brands of clothing you want to have emailed to you as well as specifying sizes, price range, and percentage off retail price.  As their site says:

"When you sign up, Shop It To Me will send you either a daily, semi-weekly, or weekly email of sale items which match your preferences."

For example, each Tuesday and Friday I receive an email, sorted by retailer (or you can choose to group by brand or type of clothing), of all the brands and types of clothing IN MY SIZE that are on sale for 20% off or more.  You can adjust almost anything!  I have about 30+ brands listed on my account with no restrictions on retailers.  I search only women's clothing, but you can add men's and children's as well. 

Last Friday, my email had some great fall items, like this DVF coat from shopbop.com, about 30% off retail, just in time for winter.

Image from shopbop.com.

This Tory Burch Silk top is 40% off at Nordstrom.

Image from nordstrom.com.

And I love this Lauren Merkin clutch at Bergdorf Goodman, $75 off, down to $150.

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

I'm a car coat junkie, so this Juicy Couture one appeals to me, especially at 30% off.

Image from piperlime.com.

So, instead of me trolling around all the separate sites, I can have 2 emails a week, outlining what's on sale where.  And what girl doesn't like a deal every now and then?! Love it! ~ JH