Riding Boots

     So I just got back from a friends house and our conversation prompted me to write this blog.  Her birthday is coming up and asked me what she should buy and I blurted out "riding boots"!!!  She agreed and the conversation went on for a while about what to wear and how to style them. Below are some of my thoughts and suggestions on how to wear riding boots. 
     First of all, splurge on a pair......I promise you they are a classic and will not go out of style!  Make sure they are of quality and comfortable.  Mine are dark brown leather but they're available in all shades of brown and black and even mixed.  What I like about riding boots is that they are very versatile; perfect for a night out to running errands on the weekends.  Wear them with leggings, skinny jeans, shirts, dresses, and even winter shorts.  I love them when worn with high knee socks. Below are some great finds.    

Frye Shirley Riding - zappos.com

Tory Burch Patterson Riding Boot - shopbop.com

Sutton Tall Leather Flat Boot - jcrew.com

Dublin Aristocrat Field Boot - horseloverz.com

Steve Madden Roady - shoes.com

military jackets for fall and beyond

J Crew

Military jackets are a must have for the fall and beyond..............yes they have been around for a long time and each year fashion experts tell us that they are "in" again.......BUT the styling, cut and hardware is what changes from season-to-season.  In this blog, I will highlight some of my favorite pics and offer some styling suggestions. 
Let's start with the military jacket above.  This style is currently sold everywhere.  What I like about this style of military wear is that it's relaxed, casual, and has a very classic feel.  I also love that it has a draw string to define a waist.  The sleeves can be rolled up or left down depending on the outfit.  I see this type of jacket as a blank canvas because you can dress it up or down to give it your own personality.  How cute would it be to pin some vintage broaches to this jacket to soften up the look and to bring in a more lady-like feel?  I think, with a military jacket, in order to take the manly/army edge out of it, you must try to soften the look with something feminine.  I love contrast in outfits............something heavy with something soft, something really girly with something really masculine, something romantic with something edgy, something bulky with something fitted....you get the idea.  Wear this jacket with a flowy skirt, tights, and maryjanes, or even thrown over a simple wrap dress and heels.  When in doubt.... throw a belt over it!  Don't forget to add a little sparkle with your accessories. 

Sanctuary Reserve French Terry Military-Nordstorms

This style has a very different feel from the 1st look....a little more "uniform".  You can think of this style of military as being more like a blazer.  This would look great worn over a flowy tank (sequence would be hot), a fitted shirt, or t-shirt.  I would pair with a great pair of skinny jeans, leggings or even trouser style pants.  Be sure to add some shine and texture with your accessories because this is a more uniform/masculine style (plus you don't want to look to Sgt. peppers lonely hearts club bandish)  Love this jacket.....it's very trendy and "now" so make it your own and keep it feminine!

Loeffler Randall

I mean...........come on.................I love you..............This may not be for everyone (Just me!!!)  Give me faux fur with a hint of military and I am on board!!!!  Ladies if your into this jacket then you know what to do!

denimblog.com nicole richie in Stella McCartney

marieclaire.com

burberry prorsum fall 2010

Fossil Marion Jacket

LOVE LOVE LOVE....WANT WANT WANT!!!

http://dfgmarketing.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/tommy-hilfiger-fall-rtw-2010-detail-012_runway.jpg

http://www.shoes-addiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/duck-shoes-tommy-hilfiger.jpg

Tommy Hilfiger Bennington Duck Boots walked the 2010 fall/winter runway and I love them!!!!  I have to say that I owned a pair of Sporto duck boots when I was a kid.  I believe that mine were green, but these are not your typical "old school" ducks.......these are vamped up-Preppy-hot-collegiate-Massachusetts-Hunter!!!!!   I mean 5" HEELS with RUBBER.........CRAZY AND BRILLIANT!!!!!!   Gosh I can't wait for fall.......oh and please rain!!!!  I can see myself wearing these Ducks with skirts, sweats, jeans, and shorts......style with anything.....What could be more unexpected then to pair these Ducks with something more formal like a fancy skirt or sheath dress???..Now, I realize that not everyone will be embracing this style but if you do then check out some of these options...........a lower heel may be more wearable.

 

Sorel Joan of Arctic zappos.com

Sorel Cate the Great REI.com

Lands End Ducks Boots landsend.com

L.L. Bean

Chloé Fall-winter Ready-to-wear 2010

Neiman Marcus

Bergdorf Goodman

Style.com

net-a-porter.com

I love love Chloé...............and this season's designs did not disappoint..........very 70's to early 80's with a touch of Sound of Music!  Chloé house is very talented at being able to strike a balance between masculine and feminine influences.  This seasons colors are very neutral; lots of tans, taupes, camels, black, beige, greys and mixes of tartan jacquard prints.........fabulous and very fall!  This collection features lot's of men's high-waisted trousers paired with flowey silk blouses, fitted cigarette pants, and lots of suite combinations......not to forget the beautiful knee skimming cocktail dresses.  I have to say that I would love to own and wear every piece in this collection........................unfortunately I can't...............I have been looking for less-expensive alternatives and below are some viable options.  Amy Astley of Teen Vogue captured how wearable and relatable Chloé fashion is to women by saying, "Chloé.......designs real clothes with the right amount of fashion".

Ann Taylor Loft Everyday Cropped Pant

Nanette Lepore - Nordstroms

BCBGMaxazria

Jcrew.com

Piperlime Pour La Victoire

JCrew-Langford Platform High Heel Oxford

The Striped Shirt

H&M boat neck, 3/4 sleeve

Striped shirts (or Breton shirts) are always in and they are my latest obsession!  The nautical striped shirt has been worn by fishermen for centuries but exploded into mainstream America during the 50's and 60's. Of course you serious fashionistas know that Coco Chanel was a huge fan of the striped shirt and paired it with men's trousers for years..............oh and pearls of course!  SOOO Everyone needs to own one because they will never go out of style and can be paired with just about anything.  Look for sturdy cotton with a little stretch to hold it's shape over time.  I prefer boat neck or scoop.  3/4 sleeves look great when paired with a longer T-shirt under it.........not a fan of a turtle neck layer on this look....too uptight!  Keep in mind that you are dealing with horizontal stripes so to avoid looking large, go for a more slim or tailored fit.  If you are having problems finding one that's more slim then take it in to your tailors and have them pinch the waist about a half inch on each side.  Very inexpensive.  Here are some pictures for style inspiration...........happy shopping.

Bridget Bardot, 1964. Image from quicksaidthebird.files.wordpress.com/2010/05

Image from: Tradecity.com

bdbphotos - Eva Mendes

Sunrainey.com Penelope Cruz