Boho Booties

Roan Wedge in brown, $140
by Betsey Johnson
Available from Free People

I've been on the look-out for some brown ankle boots for some time now, but with the exception of the Rachel Zoe pair that I simply can't afford, I've been striking out.  That is, until I spotted these wedges by Betsey Johnson in the October edition of InStyle magazine.  Called the Roan Wedge, these lace-up suede ankle boots feature a 5-inch heel, as well as a 1-inch hidden platform, and they are available in brown, blue, and black--but of course I've got my sights set on brown. 

I'm digging the Roan's distinctly bohemian vibe, and I love the autumnal feel of the rich brown.  I envision wearing these boho booties with flared jeans or even a pair of skinnies--and with a price tag of $140, they're totally reasonable.  Still, I'm slightly hesitant... I'm wondering about their versatility.  Could I wear them to work--or are they too youthful, maybe too hippie?  Or would they be fabulously intellectual, perhaps even professorial, with a pair of wool pants and a cozy sweater?  Let me know your thoughts.  After all, I simply couldn't bear a footwear fiasco.

Think Pink (For the Cure)

 

Limited Edition Eddie Ballet Flat in dark pink, $178
by Tory Burch
15% of sales benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation



As you probably already know, October is breast cancer awareness month.  The statistics are staggering; in the US, a woman will die from breast cancer, on average, every 13 minutes.  Clearly, raising awareness of breast cancer and contributing to research programs is incredibly important, and doing so couldn't be easier this month--especially from a fashion standpoint, as there are infinite opportunities out there to shop for a good cause (yay!)--with a distinctly pink theme (double yay!).  And this year, it is Tory Burch's involvement with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that has my attention.



The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
http://www.bcrfcure.org/

 In honor of breast cancer awareness month, 15% of the sales of Tory's limited edition pink patent Eddie ballet flat will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is: to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.  Their work is critical, especially when 97% of women diagnosed with localized breast cancer at an early stage survive more than 5 years.

The fact that Tory's Eddie Ballet Flat is pretty much irresistable in the dark pink patent doesn't hurt either, but now you can feel good about this splurge.  When 2,140 new cases of breast cancer in men are expected in the US during this year alone, the time to get involved is now.  Not to steal from the cartoon below, but think of it as a donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  May shopping always feel so good.


The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Shop Pink 2011 Ad



For more information on breast cancer, or to get involved in the awareness and research initiatives of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, visit their website: www.bcrfcure.org.

Welly Socks

My rainboots are one of my favorite things.  I was gifted a pair of red Hunter wellies last year, and their cheerful color and durable rubber design makes any rainy day that much brighter.  But as an east coast girl, when the temperature starts to drop, I need a little bit more than rubber boots to keep my feet warm--and I've often traded in my Hunters for whatever Ugg design (or two...) I might be sporting that season.  Call me slow to the party, but I didn't realize that stylishly arming my Hunters against the elements was also an option.  Hello, amazing welly socks!

While shopping at Nordstrom on a recent rainy night, their Hunter display caught my eye (oh, those clever visual merchandisers!).  A cable sock in a classic cream color was peering over the top of pair of red Hunter boots just like mine.  Upon closer inspection, I recognized a new style for Hunter's own welly socks.  I was familiar with their basic fleece boot liner, but I never invested in a pair, feeling that they lacked a certain je ne sais quois (that's what I meant before about stylishly arming my Hunters against plummeting temperatures).  But these cable liners were different--or, more accurately, the "Basketweave" sock, which features a classic knit cuff atop their standard fleece welly sock. 



"Basketweave" Sock in cream by Hunter, $40
Available from Nordstrom


In addition to the cream color that I went for, the Basketweave is available in pink, cream, khaki green, charcoal, and black so you're guaranteed to find the right sock to accent whatever color welly boot you fancy.  Personally, I also really love the charcoal so I'm going to have to keep those in mind as a potential future purchase.  But color aside, in my view, it's all about the knit cuff, which folds over the top of your boot and adds a bit of timeless prep to your step.  Plus, they keep your tootsies warm--and you all know how much I love form and function.  I have to admit, I was actually a little disappointed to wake up to clear skies this morning...