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...

Everyday Equestrian

In my adolescence, I spent a good deal of time riding horses--and I have to confess that my favorite part about it was undoubtedly the wardrobe.  I find the whole look--riding boots, jodhpurs, and all--to be so elegant and timeless.  It has been years since I've been on horseback, but my feelings about the equestrian look haven't changed a bit.  However, riding boots are really the only component of equestrian fashion that I've managed to embrace in my normal life to date.  This is all about to change--thanks to my favorite denim company, J Brand.


Of course, J Brand does much more than simply denim; in fact, just last month, I raved about their new fall collection, which includes amazing corduroy styles in rich jewel tones.  Well, J Brand has done it again...  Allow me to introduce you to the J Brand jodhpur.

J Brand Jodhpur Ad

  
Inspired by the classic riding pants that I wore so fondly in childhood, J Brand's new jodhpur is made from Japanese luxe twill with a flattering skinny cut.  Perhaps my favorite detail is the exposed zipper on the outside of the ankles, which brings a modern twist to this traditional style.  The jodhpur is available in five different fall hues: sharkskin, a stormy grey; vintage stallion, a rich brown; wine, a deep burgundy; congo, a dark army green; and a traditional black.  

Jodhpur in congo
by J Brand, $227

It's difficult for me to pick a favorite color, but I'm leaning towards congo; I feel like that shade of army green can really enhance the fall color palette, whether it's matched with subtle neutrals or more brilliant shades like red
 and orange.  But regardless of your color selection, the jodhpur's versatility speaks volumes.  For a more formal look, they can be paired with high heels and a blazer.  Alternatively, to keep things casual, they could just as easily be worn more with boots or flats and a cozy sweater.  However, even if you're opting for casual, their inherent elegance and timelessness makes the jodhpur a wardrobe staple.


My crystal ball tells me that we will be seeing a lot of jodhpurs in the upcoming season, and I'm totally on board with this trend.  So this fall, bring the equestrian to the everyday.  Your closet will thank you. 

Booties for Fall

Earlier this week, when I awoke before my alarm (shocking, I know) to a deluge of rain and a chilly 50-degree temperature, I decided I would take advantage of the inclement weather by debuting my new pair of caramel brown Tory Burch knee-high leather boots.  While I recognized that the first week of September was awfully early to venture into boot season, I felt safe with my footwear selection for two reasons: (1) Labor Day had officially passed; and (2) the weather seemed to mandate something sturdy.  Paired with leggings, a black silk tunic with the same caramel brown speckles; and a tweed blazer, not only did I feel ready to take on a rainstorm, but I felt more ready for fall than ever.

More than any other season, I love fall fashion.  After those scalding summer days, I find it almost relieving to think about layers, to cozy up in luxe fabrics, and to embrace a subdued yet utterly rich color palette.  Oh, and I love boots.  

Finding the perfect pair of boots akin to treasure hunting in a lot of ways; I mean, I can hardly describe the indescribable joy I experienced upon discovering the aforementioned pair of brown Tory Boots (I have the same pair in black) at Off 5th for a fraction of their original price.  What's more, there are so many different occasions that call for different boot styles.  Reasonably speaking, I believe it could take a lifetime to develop a comprehensive boot collection.  At a minimum, a girl needs brown and black flat boots, as well as brown and black tall boots.  So that's four pairs of boots right out of the gate.  But then there's dress-up boots vs. casual boots, Ugg boots, cowboy boots, rain boots, thigh-high boots, and ankle boots...  It's enough to make your head spin!

Boots are not a new topic for She's Come Unheeled.  In fact, my very first post discussed the merits of ankle boots (also commonly known as booties or shooties), which remain a tried and true style today.  So, some 2 1/2 years later, I have booties on my mind again.  While I was catching up on my celebrity gossip today, perusing the most recent issue of Us magazine, a particular pair caught my eye, which herald from the collection of celebrity-stylist-turned-designer, Rachel Zoe.  From what I know of her--all thanks to the wonderful world of reality TV--I'm not exactly of fan, but I have to admit that the girl's got style, and her Audrey Booties are evidence of such.

Audrey Platform Booties by Rachel Zoe, $395
Available from Shopbop.com

Made for fall, these suede ankle boots will take you to new heights--quite literally, with their 5 1/2 inch heel and nearly 2 inch platform.   Since I'm practically 6 feet tall without the enhancement of footwear, it is perhaps a little bit scary to do this math, but also kind of awesome.  Just saying.  I love the warm, buttery brown that seems to be everywhere this season and shows well in suede.  The elastic gore insets at the ankle offer some additional texture, and as far as wearability is concerned, also make the booties easy to pull on and off.  I envision these booties worn with skinny pants or with a fitted skirt and a pair of opaque tights.  The only downside is their $395 price tag, which is definitely steep.  Maybe that's just the price we pay for turning over a new leaf and embracing the on-season trend--or maybe we'll get lucky and score them on sale as the leaves begin to fall...

Casual Couture

Juicy Couture "Couture Is Here" Ad

Tee-shirts have always been a wardrobe staple for me.  Versatility is a quality that I constantly strive for, reasoning that if an item can't give me a lot of mileage, then my hard-earned dollars are best spent elsewhere.  Obviously, tees offer a lot of bang for your buck, as they can be worn in their basic form with jeans and flip-flops for a casual everyday look, or dressed up by adding a tailored blazer on top and your favorite party shoes.  Needless to say, I own a lot of tees so I have been trying to clear out the old to make room for the new--and to be very, very selective when it comes to actually purchasing a new one.



Couture Is Here Vintage Tee, $48
by Juicy Couture

That being said, it was love at first sight for me with this adorable Juicy graphic tee.  My love affair with Juicy dates back about ten years to my early college days (uh-oh, I am aging myself!), and I have collected what is perhaps an unhealthy--yet utterly fabulous--amount of Juicy pieces since.  However, I have tried to limit my purchases of blatantly branded Juicy items, opting instead for unadorned track pants and hoodies, sweaters, tops, and accessories that represent the girly indulgence that is Juicy without turning me into a billboard (which is not to say that I don't have some of those as well).  Yet, in spite of a little name dropping, I can't help but love love love this tee.  In fact, what's not to like about this simple charcoal-colored graphic, printed on a super-soft cotton crewneck in a vintage white?

The stylists at Juicy recommend wearing this tee "beneath a tuxedo jacket and a pile of necklaces."  Add a light smokey eye to the equation, and I really can't think of a better look for a night out.  It appears that couture is, in fact, here--and it's gone casual.



Juicy Couture "Couture Is Here--Statement Maker" Ad



Geek Chic: the Laptop Edition

I have been dreaming of a new Apple laptop for what feels like forever, but it has been difficult for me to budget for such an extravagant purchase when I feel like there are always so many other things to buy and do.  Fortunately for me, I have an amazing husband, who surprised me with a shiny new Macbook Air on my 28th birthday a couple of weeks ago.  And so the search for the ideal case to protect my pretty little laptop began--because a fashion blogger absolutely needs to have the right accessories!



Stardust 11" Neoprene Computer Case
from Marc by Marc Jacobs, $42
Available from Shopbop.com

So, after an exhaustive online search that spanned several days, I finally placed an order for the Stardust Neoprene Computer Case from Marc by Marc Jacobs.  My main priority was protecting my irresistibly thin and light computer so I was set on a neoprene case, and this one just...spoke to me.  Embossed with the Marc Jacobs logo and alternating star and heart icons, this neoprene sleeve features an enameled logo plate, zip top, and a padded interior with fuzzy faux-fur lining.  While this case is also available in black and violet, it should come as no surprise that I opted for the blindingly hot pink.  Incidentally, based on my research, the $42 price tag that I scored from Shopbop is pretty standard for neoprene cases of its type--and $6 less than the advertised Marc Jacobs' price.

The moral of the story is that I couldn't be happier with my purchase.  Now my new computer is not only protected, but it's pretty in pink too.