Don't Desert Me - Desert Boot Me

Hooray!  My Steve Madden Damiann desert boots have proved to be one of the most gregarious, friendly, plays-nicely-with-others pairs in my closet.  I'd been longing to acquire shoes like this for quite some time and already own a high wedge pair; I read a great article by a woman who spent a year writing in Italy, and she commented that she would see these literally every day on scores of Italian people from the ages of four to eighty-four, styled in every way imaginable.  My understanding is that Clarks (in the 1950s) was responsible for the popularization of these crepe-soled, interpreted-for-civilians boots, designed to mimic the rough suede boots that British soldiers in the Eighth Army wore in Egypt during World War II.  Anyway, one of my pragmatic and stylish little students has been rocking hers from DSW on a near-daily basis with her uniform khakis (brilliant!) since September, and I coveted them so badly - to the point that I broke character [as a serious, no-nonsense educator, okayfinenotsono-nonsense]  to ask her where she got them.  I scoured the Internet for the right pair, and after all my research, I determined that the Damianns were just perfect.  From their smoky taupe color to the matching laces to the slightly high rise, I knew they would be ideal for neatly chilling out little boho dresses, ripped jeans, and even work outfits.  Flat, comfy shoes can go wrong on me, i.e. misadventures with Sperrys and menswear-inspired wingtip oxfords, but these chic, incredibly versatile boots have not failed me!  I strongly recommend that every girl I know scoop up a pair.  Here are some styling ideas:

Casual: the perfect shoes for a late-night grocery run.  Macy's jeggings, Old Navy oatmeal cable sweater, Forever21 hoodie, Elliot Lucca bag.

Work: Great for a long day of racing around to make copies, lecture, and circulate among students.  Marshall's long-sleeved tee, Ann Taylor pants, vintage studded belt, Tiffany jewelry.

I can't wait to totally bite this adorable look - especially the slouchy little black ankle socks.  Equal parts insouciant gamine and slightly grungy punk pixie.  She looks so cute!  Photo credit: www.gemfatale.blogspot.com

Lucky Magazine featured a little column on styling desert boots a couple of months ago; the writer was urging women to think outside the box and pair them with opaques and short, short dress shorts.  Scary territory, but I think I could get into this, especially with interesting tights, like the diamond-patterned burgundy Anna Suis I found at Marshalls for $4.99.  Photo credit: www.luckymag.com

Love how these  downplay a short-skirted, multi-layered outfit in a "I'm-not-even-trying" way.  Photo credit: www.mycolorfashion.com

You know it's good if SJP is doing it.  'Nuff said.  Photo credit: www.fabsugar.com

I love this beautiful stranger!  The boots look even better when they're a little beaten-and-grunged-up like this.  Denim cut-offs, as far as I'm concerned, are a wardrobe staple.  Photo credit: www.fashionbombdaily.com

After the ridiculously pandemic Isabel Marant Dicker boot craze, I lackadaisically tried on scores of imitations, but they're not for me.  Something about that cowgirl heel and vibe read 1980s Chinese immigrant (to my p.c. friends, no offense meant -- after all my mother/personal hero fits the above description to a T, it's just not who I am) in mom jeans.  I do love the mellow, feminine way Kate Bosworth styles hers, and the fact that she wears them everywhere and with everything:

Photo credit: www.bussbuss.com

Here's Kate in her appropriately scuffed-up black Dickers, presumably at Coachella or something.  Photo credit: www.celebrityfashion.onsugar.com

All in all, a great success.  I also like that the Damianns can transition between seasons with little to no effort and go with every ensemble imaginable.  Being the type of unapologetically girly girl who only dons sneakers to work out, I'm in love with a pair of flats that match ripped jeans as well as they match a '90s floral mini-dress.  Desert boots = just desserts.

 - xoxo

Ankles Away

{Long-sleeved tee, leggings, kind-of-awful ruffle skirt, and cardigan: F21; Kenneth Cole for Macy's multi-chain necklace, Elliot Lucca bag, and "Kamea" ankle boots from Target.}

A few weeks ago, I went into the city for a Holiday Dinner with Liz and Marina.  Being the sort of borderline-OCD, meticulous loser who loves the process of packing for trips, I had assembled the "ultimate overnight bag" a long time ago so I could be ready for assorted adventures at a moment's notice.  At any time, I'm ready to go with toiletries, pajamas, phone/camera chargers, Kindle, neurotic "just in case" case (instant stain-remover balm stick, Advil, batteries, PeptoBismal..), and even travel flip-flops.  Imagine my smug self-satisfaction as I slung said getaway satchel over my shoulder along with my every-day bag and and caught the earliest train right after work as smoothly as an 8th grader tells a lie.  My one extreme rookie move: wearing intense 5" wedge booties that are not, in fact, as comfortable for hoofing it around Manhattan as they are for racing around school.  The "these shoes really are comfy" subterfuge is, unfortunately, a self-deception characteristic of suburban gals who wannabe city gals.  Doh!  A zany bicycle-rickshaw-ride and painful night/morning of walking later and my feet were shot - to the point that I simply had to purchase totally superfluous travel flats at a discount place, my flip flops being out of the question in December.  So not ideal in spite of all my planning.  (Although dinner with my girlies at Spice Market was fantastic.)
Enter these totally random beauties from Target, where I've picked up a few surprisingly decent designer rip-offs for minimal dollars.  I first saw these a month ago for $32.00 and didn't pull the trigger, which worked out great since this week the last pair of 6's was lurking on a bottom shelf - and marked down to $14.99.  Score.  The price tags on Target shoes also state their "features;" in this case, cushioned soles!  At around 3.75", these Balenciaga/Tory Burch-feeling boots are - gasp! - actually comfortable.  (I swear!  I even did a test run and wore them to take my pup for a vigorous walk.)  I cannot believe how wearable and awesome they are, especially since I've been craving a rock'n'roll edge to my accessories these days, even going so far as to break out my 2001 punk-rock studded belt.

The front view is really the best - I love the aggressive combination of ankle boot, wedge, motorcycle styling, hook-lace-up, top-stitching, and faded black "leather."  This amalgamation would make for quite the multi-hyphenate!  From the side, the grainy rubber wedge is relatively cheap-looking - not that I'm complaining, what with the bang for my buck.  Comfort, height, style, versatility, and warmth are a great bargain for under twenty bucks.  I love accessories that inspire the exuberant over-use of commas.  Oh, and those button snaps?  They fold over to reveal awesome furry lining, should one choose to wear them so. 
So weird, funky, fierce and yet oddly classic (at least to me) all at once.  Love.
-xo

Farewell 2011 ... Happy 2012!

Happy New Year! I go back and forth on whether or not to make resolutions, as mine are usually the exact same goals January after January, demonstrating neither great imagination nor massive accomplishment the previous year (work out, save more money, do the dishes in a timely fashion, don't procrastinate, etc.).  Primarily, I'm hoping to manage my time efficiently and devote more energy to my loved ones and creative pursuits.  Achieving that ideal life balance might be elusive, but working toward it brings a surprising happiness in itself.

Here are a few highlights from this past winter:

{Celebrating turning 21+ and taking an obligatory tool-bag photo with my love Sarah, in party frocks, giant heels, and chunky wedges.}

{Celebrating the holidays with puppy and hubby in a bronze-sequined Calvin Klein tee (from Marshalls) and F21 snakey liquid leggings with ankle zips - I've been living in these.  Perfect for a stream-lined, quasi-rock'n'roll look in chilly weather ... plus I can't afford the actual leather leggings I've been coveting from the Row.  Perfect compromise for $15.80.}

{Meeting my beautiful, sweet, cuddly niece Avery - she looks just like her lovely mama Jennie.  Snuggling her is bliss.}

Finally, a huge congratulations to my BFF Marina on her engagement to her man Ariel!  Amazing couple, gorgeous girl, stunning ring.  I can't wait to celebrate with them.

No matter how my outlooks, attitudes, tastes, or ideologies change, the wonderful people (and dogs) in my life get me through it all.  Sounds trite, feels great.  Provided the world doesn't end this year (here's hoping), I'm so grateful for it all. 

xo

Belated Thanksgiving

{A tongue-in-cheek post-it labeled with my last name (and often nick-name) that a colleague used to label my paperwork.}

This sticky note, fittingly attached to a daunting stack of November paperwork in my mailbox at school, succinctly sums up the constant feeling of running a lap behind and scrambling to stay on top of daily / long-term tasks and goals.  I've been feeling the pre-winter overwhelmed frenzy over the past couple of months, and this reminded me to take a deep breath and chill.  One way or another, everything does manage to get done or else isn't quite as pressing as, in the clutches of neurosis, I tend to think.

Love-Stoned:  This outfit, in neutral, stone, and taupe hues, got me through several fall weekends and holidays this year.  Brass hoop earrings: Forever21; statement necklace: Target; cable-knit sweater: Old Navy; cords: brand unknown, T.J. Maxx; booties: Dolce Vita found at Marshalls.  This year's Thanksgiving was spent with family and best friends (the Slotkins) over a super-relaxing meal and wine.  As the year draws to a close, I'm definitely counting my blessings.

{Elementary graffiti near one of our favorite restaurants; a great, simple message.}

{Delicious brick-oven pizza - I am thankful for you.}

{Candy-pink nails to keep my Color Project going; one of the best fall InStyle issues.}

It can be difficult to keep centered and positive when life gets hectic.  I'm about to start a week of winter break, a luxury in itself, and am ready to keep my eyes peeled for the beautiful moments every day, for the "freshest and the best" (Fitzgerald has been in my head lately), and the slowed-down, in-between joys that punctuate the whirling merry-go-round.

-xo

28th Birthday

{Birthday card and leopard-papered gifts from my wonderful parents; white wine that tasted oh so delicious after a manic Monday.}

To celebrate my 28th, my husband took me to Union League in New Haven, one of our favorite French restaurants, where the travails of work and daily stress felt light years away.  I took advantage of the occasion and donned some super-sparkles. The shimmering gold sequined shoulders of this cream blouse make it a special item.  All year, I wait with bated breath for the shameless, incandescent glitter of the holidays, which so perfectly excuse some of my favorite words: shimmer, shine, glimmer, and gleam.  Even in elementary school, one of the primary reasons why I sucked at recess dodgeball (besides poor hand-eye coordination) was that I was often scouring the ground for shiny items in the hopes that the playground might turn up unexpected treasure.  (Pehaps a discarded dentist's office ring?)  This year, I managed to curb excessive sparkly purchases by reminding myself of this wise adage: Sequin season will come again. 

What I Wore: Fleur-de-lis tights and sequined blouse: Imaginary Journey, Marshall's; black camisole, gold "pyramid" stud earrings, black A-line "brocade" metallic mini-skirt and gold/rhinestone charm: Forever21; vintage bracelet and ring, watch: Burberry; pumps: "Lomack" by Aldo.

{Shrimp ramen made by the hubby for a late-night weekend snack.}

{Crackle manicure - Sally Hansen Ink Splatter over Milani Neon Fresh Teal.}

{More hot home cookin': David Chang (Momofuku) rices cakes with spicy pork and Chinese broccoli with Szechuan seasoning and crispy shallots.  In Chang's own words - oily, spicy, and bangin'.}

This $32.00 Forever21 camel-colored jacket, my gift to myself, is much warmer than it looks but soft as a sweatshirt, making it the ideal topper for a chilly Sunday brunch.  It's also been perfect for the fairly cold mornings lately, but doesn't add extraneous bulk, which I hate when rushing around in the morning before school.  Jeggings: Tyte @ Macy's; scarf: J.Crew outlet, glasses and earrings: Forever21; motorcycle boots: DSW; Coach bag.
All in all, it was a food-filled, incredibly relaxing birthday, giving my plenty of reasons to be joyful and grateful.
-xo

Farewell to Fall

{A random, haunting moment of loveliness on my commute home, demanding that I literally stop and "look at the light" pouring through a golden frenzy of foliage.}

After the rager of a Nor'Easter we had last month, I was slightly bummed that autumn activities were cut so abruptly, particularly apple-picking and trick-or-treaters.  However, the season certainly didn't fly by uncelebrated.  As Thanksgiving Eve is upon us, crisp and brisk, I'm bidding a bittersweet farewell to fall - with some favorite moments over the past few months.

{A favorite candle - which helped light our dark home during the storm - and a recent holiday-themed manicure.  Essie Nail Lacquer in Geranium and ancient Revlon in Firecracker.}

So, with a soundscape of tree removal crew trucks and the blink of an eye, peak foliage is over and the flurry of the Connecticut winter holidays has begun.  Happy Thanksgiving, and here's to an inspiring winter.

-xoxo

I Spy (Inspiration): H20 Redux

{A quirky bobble-head at a local store.}
The October Nor'Easter that recently hit Connecticut actually made national news, causing many of us to lose power for over 8 days and nights and wreaking havoc all across the state. I won't rehash it here, since I'm finally starting to feel more or less "back to normal" or at least not that we're on the precipice of death by freezing ... or depression .... or both. One bummer, however, was that Halloween, one of my preferred holidays (even though I never do much to celebrate), was put on indefinite hold. This October felt less like a glorious transitional month filled with scarlet and rust leaves against blue skies, and more like a brisk speed-rap punctuated by wet, heavy snow, a question mark and a rude slash.
Here are some little moments throughout the month that felt like sparks of light in the dark:
{Someone's amazing baby costume from Facebook -- sorry, don't know the source! She is too adorable, although she looks skeptical about the pragmatism of her outfit ....}

{Tchotchke decorative bottles for a spooky holiday display.}

{A self-manicure that was only minorly successful - tried to create an ombre effect with Milani nail lacquers, going from bronze to silver to gold, but the shades were a little too close. Still, a fun, shiny bit of nail-jewelry.}

{Dream chaise for my dream office - hot (but not garish) pink flocked velvet, lots of room, quilted reclined back. Can't you see some icy, Hitchcock blonde draped gracefully over this seat, gimlet in hand, makeup pristine? I would probably take it more down the path of mouth-breathing naps, but it would look so pretty, especially with dark, Gothic pillows and punky flourishes around the room. In the window's reflection, you can see my breakfast take-out box. So glamorous.}

{This manicure was another experiment in my color project. Revlon Nail Lacquer in Minted; Coach "Audrey" satchel in cornflower. In the past, pastel or light colors did nothing for me. These days, I love to play with them almost as unexpected neutrals. Still ecstatically in love with that handbag.}

{Lilu's tough-girl, rock-and-roll Halloween outfit, a striped sweater with a vinyl Jolly Roger on the back. I believe she felt more powerful in this get-up. Or mortified. Also, we've since vaccuumed.}

While my original autumn plans were certainly snowed out, and "peak New England foliage" is an aesthetically altered tableaux what with the fallen boughs that line every street, the storm made me stop to think about how much I appreciate - and take for granted - the not-so-little comforts, luxuries, and moments in my life. Luckily, color, design, and joyfulness pick right back up and prevail in adversity, making every-day life that much more beautiful. All we have to do is look around.

-xoxo