Mid-Week Shopping Spree

In anticipation of my shopping trip with my fashionable friend from college tonight, I've been scouting the best boots for fall-winter'09. Though my former roommate's focus is on the knee-high variety, I can't help but stumble across many ankle booties as well (which have become my season favorite). As always, I tried to cover an array of price points to satisfy my cravings, while at the same time placating my Husband (and recognizing that we still share a studio apartment).

For those fashion gurus who need not look at price tags, these knee highs from Chloe are irresistible. These Burberry equestrian boots are reminiscent of the pair I spent every weekend wearing during my horse back riding career, and I can never get enough of those images. Though I can't get on board with the whole over-the-knee boot, these by Modern Vintage are the least offensive of the variety that I've come across. No one does elegance with edge quite like Christian Louboutin. Those trademarked red soles never fail to deliver effortless chic. These round toe ankle booties are no exception. My friend loves Giuseppe Zanotti (she wore a super hot pair to my wedding) so she may like these knee-highs, though they cost a months rent. Some sacrifies are worth it.

For the price conscious, yet not too restricted, I love these Tory Birch ankle booties. The rounded toe is fresh, the heel is high, and they go day to night seamlessly. No one does equestrian better than Ralph Lauren, and these field boots are very well priced. If you must buy over-the-knee, these Dolce Vitas are well priced and cute, if you fold down the upper portion of leather.

For those who have yet to land a job in this economy, share a studio apartment with their significant other, or spent all their money on the new Louis bag and have none left, there are some very well priced options for a little indulgence. The new low cowboy booty reminds again of those barn days, and I love this affordable pair by Lucky. These knee-highs by Marc Fisher are super cute (and even cuter because of the price). For an edgy little pair of booties, these Kennith Cole's are south of $100 and can be worn with skirts or pants.

And no matter how plump or paltry your wallet is, everyone needs rain boots for those wet, damp city commutes that inevitably engulf the months of January and February. My very favorite are the classic Burberry rubber boots, which I've had since college. If you want to wear a Burberry raincoat, don't want to look like a giant plaid pillow and , these Michael Kors boots hardly look like they're built for the weather. If you really want to camouflage your rain boots, these London Fogs are ridiculously cute, and 100% waterproof. (I'm just not that into hot pink rain boots with critters on them. But as always, wear what you like!) Counting the hours til shopping time.

Just call me Esquire

Breaking news in my inbox today:

"The New York State Board of Law Examiners congratulates you on passing the New York State bar examination held on July 28-29, 2009. An official certification notice will be emailed to the email address currently on file with the Board. The email will include an attachment with your official bar exam results, which will be in Adobe pdf. A copy of the Notice of Certification must be filed with the Appellate Division as part of your application for admission."

This is not only vindication after 3 years of torture, but also proof that torn sweatpants, Teva sandals and Hanes undershirts do not make one more apt to pass the bar than a cute, cotton blend dress and coordinating gladiator sandals. It is possible to be stylish and successful. A law license is certainly a timeless new accessory, it goes with everything in my closet.

Beware of Rushing in Heels

Tired of always 'saving' my best shoes for some illusive special occasion, I decided it was time to wear a new pair to run mundane errands. Since my fall '09 obsession is clearly ankle booties, I whipped out my brand new 4 inch set and headed out.

I had at least 2 hours before I needed to be somewhere, so I began my romp leisurely. When booties are new, the portion of leather just below the outer ankle bone is often stiff, as it has yet to be broken in by shopping trips or walks up and the corporate hallways. Not to worry, I rubbed a bit of Band-Aid Blister Block below my ankle to ease any friction this new booty might create. All was well 90 minutes and 40 blocks worth of errands later, when I spotted a Duane Reade and remembered I needed new shampoo. Thanks to the prime cost of retail space in Manhattan, half of this particular Duane Reade is located downstairs. Of course the escalator was not in service so I was forced onto the stairs (ok, I could use the additional calorie burn of a few steps anyway). I placed one foot delicately in front of the other to descend the staircase, and made it to the bottom with a few angry sighs encouraging me to use more speed at my back. After scouring the ransacked shelves for my brand (Pantene, just like Stacy London) I headed back for the ascent to ground level.

I knew my 2 hours were nearly up, and wanted to avoid the bitter lashes from other shoppers clearly in a hurry to leave Duane Reade. As I made my way up the stairs, I increased my pace one notch above normal. I underestimated the great amount of care it took to stabilize one leg at a time on a teetering 4 inch heel, and as I reached the top 5 steps where the outdoor light of safety greeted me like a helping hand, I missed its grasp and came crashing down onto first a knee, and then finally a thigh and partial butt cheek. Those angry sighs turned to shocked gasps, and a handful of concerned offers for help. No need, I could manage on my own. I stood, hobbled up the last remaining steps and brushed myself off. I surely broke in those booties, just as they broke in my self-esteem.

Prep School

Perhaps it all started when my parents sent me to private school at age 12. Or perchance it is a remnant of growing up in the 90210 idol age. (I also went to college where Gatsby themed fraternity mixers were all the rage.) Whatever the reason, I love preppy clothes, and I love preppy boys. Nothing makes me feel perfectly well dressed more than a gold button blazer, and nothing causes me to stop and stare more than the sight of a guy with a plaid scarf, khaki pants and a tweed coat.

The November cover of InStyle Magazine is a perfect example of the versatility and utter timelessness of prep. Reese Witherspoon dons a navy Brooks Brothers boys blazer over a gold brocade DKNY dress, and looks ready to party. Though the 90210 age has been replaced by the Gossip Girl generation, the preppy fashion messages have stayed steady (though the price tags have soared to astronomical heights far above the heads of the 16 and 17 year olds who worship the actor portrayal of New York City elite). Brenda Walsh's plaid shirts have been traded for Blaire Waldorf's pearls and head bands, Brandon Walsh's fitted jeans and crew-neck sweaters swapped for Chuck Bass's 3 piece suits and ascots. My Husband admittedly swoons over Nate Archibald and his crest-adorned cashmere blazers with coordinating bow ties.

Yesterday, in search of something new without breaking the bank, I stumbled upon a pair of old fashioned, wing-tipped, lace-up oxfords that I had to have. The thought of pairing them with skinny jeans and a long blazer made me giddy. However, there are limits to my preppy obsession. For example, the head to toe Lilly Pulitzer ensembles that fit right in at a Hamptons fiesta look oddly perplexing in normal life. There is something about pastel that reminds me of Easter eggs and bridesmaids, and while both of those images are pleasant enough, they are not things I wish to evoke when dressing.

Every season embraces hints of prep, but none quite as unabashedly as the fall. There is plenty of cold weather to come, and an abundance of plaid to warm the masses.

What's To Come

With the autumn chill squarely upon us, exciting fall fashions have migrated from central display tables to rear sale racks in order to make room for Spring 2010 offerings. Though I am not quite over the thrill of my boyfriend blazers and tweed minis, I welcome a peek into seasons ahead.

Designers' resort collections will hit stores first to tantalize us with warm thoughts of sun and sand, followed by full spring lines. The runway shots are dazzling. There are feathers (reminiscent of the flapper generation), there is mesh, there is bondage (the influence of the Herve Leger signature frock is lingering). There is a broader neutral palette, from designers who usually emphasize bright color, like Marc Jacobs. Donna Karan shows her distinctive shoulder-bearing ensembles in beige tones with impeccable draping. Though Narciso Rodriguez's red and black dress was crucified on election night last year when the always stylish Michelle Obama donned it on stage, I never understood the fuss. His Spring 2010 collection stays true to his use of shape and understanding of women's bodies. Project Runway winner Christian Siriano creates a nude effect with his choice of flesh-tones and sleeker silhouettes. Sheer fabrics and cut-outs keep things light an airy for spring.

Spring embraces a variety of footwear, including wooden heels, espadrille wedges, embellishment and ruffles (though admittedly, some are growing a tad tired of the Shakespearean ruffles that landed several seasons ago). Shoe guru Jimmy Choo has a new line of footwear, clothes and accessories for wallet-friendly retailer H&M that has me very excited. The signature sky high stilettos and rock-n-roll details are now offered for prices in the $120 range (a pair of classic Jimmy Choos begins in the $750 range). I'm praying to land a job by the time these lovely ladies line the racks in full force.

The over all impression of spring and summer 2010 is softer and more feminine than the structured tweeds of fall. Feedback designates the collections as very wearable, an often illusive quality on the runway. I'll be saving my pennies!

Yays and Nays

In a second round interview today, I knew I was in the right place when one of the first questions the vice president of buying asked me was to name a few trends I've seen for fall that I like, and some that I dislike. Though nerves and sweaty palms clouded my often lucid fashion mind, and made words stick like viscous chewing gum in my throat, I managed to name a few such trends that for better or worse, caught my attention.

As evinced by the brown motorcycle booties I paired with my interview outfit, I love exposed zippers. Whether they are on the hem of a pair of jeans, the sleeve of a jacket, the outside of a boot, or dangling from a neck, zippers add edge and interest to any ensemble. I also love bib necklaces, with large jewels or other such adornments. I have seen them in every price range from $39, all the way to $1,200, with the some of the cutest options falling somewhere around $100. I am happy to see the large, voluminous bell bottom-esqe jeans fall out of favor and embrace the straighter leg. Though skinny does not work for everyone (and scares many), I prefer the narrow styling. Most pairs contain a small amount of spandex for comfort, and in the right size (and age appropriate cut) straight jeans really look great on all.

I do not adore the over the knee leather boots, which I find reminiscent of a streetwalker or insect cocoon. Wear what you like, but these are certainly not for me (nor are they for most women I know). I also cannot get on board with animal print. Though my favorite aunt from Staten Island would disagree, I find it hard to wear and not all that flattering on most people. However, like tequila, small doses of animal can be good, as in a skirt trim or slim neck scarf.

Hopefully my damp hands did not ruin things for me, and my edgy booties spoke for themselves.

Everyday Denim

Like the housing market which at one time soared to incredulous heights, and inevitably came crashing down, so has the denim bazaar. The old additive is indubitable: what goes up, must come down. Today's New York Times article by Eric Wilson explores the at one time astronomical price tags of some leading jean labels, and how they have corrected themselves in wearing economic times.

I admittedly cannot go 2 days in a row without a pair of jeans. These days, there are very scarce occasions where one cannot appropriately (and stylishly) suit up in denim. Many offices allow (some even encourage) fashion forward ensembles that often involve a pair of perfectly fitting jeans as a crucial element of the overall look. (Of course, I'm not talking about law firms or financial capitals, I would not be so bold as to attempt to transform those force fields into chic, of the moment agencies that embrace denim as work-wear. But I would insist on breaking the black suit barricade.)

Though in my vast free time during unemployment I have come across a plethora of affordable jeans, I have tried very hard to resist the urge to buy, given 1) my lack of income, 2) lack of a designated job with a specified dress code, 3) the size of the closet in my studio apartment, and most importantly, 4) the 13 pairs of perfectly good jeans currently hanging that closet. But I have done my homework to offer educated advice on how to score a pair of perfect jeans that will be so comfortable, you will put the leggings back in the closet on weekends (hopefully under enough other clothing so they get lost and can't be found again).

I have always loved Seven jeans. I am happy to hear they have come down in price, but I still have a hard time shelling out $150 for a pair these days. An alternative is the 'sexy boot' at the Gap. They have a touch of spandex which makes them a comfortable, suitable alternative to the sweat pant (though I suppose anything is a an appropriate alternative to those). As I've said before, I really love the J.Crew 'matchstick' jeans (I suggest trying these on in a few sizes, because the sizing is slightly different in this cut). The matchstick is also a good cut for anyone who likes the modern straight jeans, but wants an alternative to the difficult 'skinny' cut. Old Navy has a bountiful offering of jeans in many different cuts, at very compelling price points ($22-$29), so if your budget is very tight but you love the trill of the purchase (who doesn't?) you can pick up a new pair for Halloween weekend. Always try on jeans, and check the rear view first, as this is what most people will see, and its a deal breaker on many pairs.