boots

Cold Weather Accessories: Fashion meets Function

November 9, 2012 at 11:49 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

We have already seen the temperature drop and some snow fall here in NYC (among other insane weather patterns happening recently). Now is the time to run out and grab any winter essentials you might need before it gets any colder. The most important thing for me is that these items are not only functional (ie. keep me from freezing to death) but also fashionable (I mean, it is my job). Here are my function meets fashion picks!

Coats: I have never owned a puffy coat which is weird seeing that I lived on the east coast my whole life. Whenever I tried to wear one I always felt like a Oompa Loompa. But I recently checked out this Uniqlo one and I love how it’s cut a bit thinner and not as bulky. Classic wool coats are always wonderful options too. Toggle coats like this one at Madewell seem to be popular this season. J. Crew, not surprisingly, has some fantastic options as well. I like this blush colored stadium coat.

Boots: Cute, cold weather boots are  hard to find. Especially if you want something warm, classic, and understated (not clunky or overly furry). I am eying these uniquely-cool looking Sorel boots. These will be perfect to get me around the city on wintery days yet won’t look like I am wearing straight-up snow boots all day. To me these are a perfect mix of fashion meets function. My coworker was rocking these Ugg boot yesterday which is another great boot option!

Accessories: When it comes to hats, scarves, and gloves I can’t have enough. My go-to resources for all these items is Echo. They’re affordable, available at departments stores and online, and have such a wide selection of classic and fun items. Gap always has a great selection as well. Techy gloves are a genius idea that we covered years ago but they’re still around and obviously popular so you can communicate and not get frostbite. Another big trend is fur. I say go for faux for ethical or financial reasons. I like these wraps from Restoration Hardware (random, I know, but how cute!) I’m also digging this faux-fur headband from American Eagle. Both will have you looking glamorous and warm.

And don’t forget to go through your old winter items and donate them to people in need!

 

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Go Ask Gab: More Fall Boots!

October 12, 2011 at 9:10 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Sometimes when we work on stories we fall in love with too many boots. Here are some of my favorites that didn’t make the cut for our boot story in our November issue — we love them equally as much as the ones that did!

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Go Ask Gab: Boots for Wide Calves

November 9, 2010 at 2:51 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Boot shopping is always so frustrating for me because my calves are rather large. Do you know of any places that sell boots with extended widths? —  Zoe

I’ve discussed this before in a post last year and like I said then, it’s definitely a question that I get asked a lot, especially this time of year. I can’t personally relate to this problem but I think every lady (and possibly guy) has their version of the wide-calf. We all have that item that we yearn for that our body just doesn’t cooperate with. Well ladies you aren’t forced to wear ankle or combat style boots the rest of your life — there are options out there!

I sent one of my “well-endowed calf” friends to check out the Naturalizer store. Naturalizer has always had a large selection of wide shaft boots but now 90 percent of their boots are offered in that size. Note: extended-width boots usually measures 18 inches but if you get a pair with an elastic panel you could get it to stretch a bit wider. My friend had a great experience and was impressed with the selection. She even recommended them to her mom, who was equally impressed.

J. Crew also has a great selection. So do sites like Zappos.com, Piperlime.com and Endless.com.

You can also check out my fall boot story for a great selection of boots for legs of all shapes and sizes!

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Shopping With Sue… At Old Navy

October 19, 2010 at 1:53 pm , by Sue Erneta

Money’s tight in the Erneta household right now. Two young kids in childcare. A pending move. And of course, this economy that’s messed up all of us. That’s why today I’m taking you shopping at Old Navy. I know I don’t need to tell you that the Navy has some of the best deals around but what you might surprised to hear is just how classy it looks. It’s not just performance fleece. Check out this look I put together:

Black leather motorcycle jacket. $199. I know. Count on me to find the one expensive item at Old Navy! But if you know me, you understand that I rarely pay full price for anything so I’ll be waiting for this baby to go on sale. I just love that you can find something this luxe and stylish at a place known for basics.

Ruffled dress. $29.50. A dress for this price is just amazing. (Bonus: It’s totally machine washable and comes in petite and tall sizes too.) I love this pretty blue color but there are also three other colors — including black — if this one doesn’t butter your muffin.

Dome cocktail ring. On sale for $10. I love a chunky ring. No cocktails required.

Double buckle boots. $39.50. Okay, so they’re not leather but with the way I can kill a pair of shoes in one season, it might not be a bad idea to save my money rather than investing.

What do you think? I really like my little outfit! And if you skip the jacket, you can be put together for only $79! Not bad for three fun pieces that will totally update your wardrobe.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/lhjFashionLady

So, tell me…what have you picked up at Old Navy lately?

Photos courtesy of Old Navy.

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Go Ask Gab: Boot Camp

November 24, 2009 at 1:12 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Where can I find boots that will fit my cute but large calves? – Connie

This is probably the question I get asked the most. I am fortunate, thanks to my father’s Mickey Mouse legs, not to have this issue but I have done some research throughout the years so I could correctly answer the question.

The trends this season work to your favor. The boots are super slouchy and won’t hug your leg. These scrunch boots from Victoria’s Secret- currently on sale- are great because they are relaxed and roomy. There are also a lot of lace-up boots out there that will offer more room for your calves. Love these 3 from: Sam Edelman, Nine West (also on sale!) and Cole Haan.  Boots with elastic at the calf are always helpful, like these daniblack boots. And of course you can always just embrace the bootie (you know I am a fan) and not worry about your calves at all!

Here are my top places to find extended calf boots:

J.Crew: as if we needed another reason to love this store (if you are a regular visitor to our fashion posts you will notice how frequently we mention them- we are obsessed!) Almost all of their high boots comes in an extended calf option.

Zappos.com: the best shoe shopping website in my opinion, has 558 options. Just search for “wide calf” and you can start shopping!

Naturalizer: also is a great resource. Found this classic style on Piperlime.

Check out our December boot story for more great boot picks!

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Go Ask Gab: To Bootie Or Not To Bootie…

October 13, 2009 at 10:22 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Gab, I trash-talked ankle boots a lot when they first came out, but now I’m secretly drawn to some of them. How do I come to terms with my uncertain feelings about ankle boots? And if I decide that they we’re meant to be, I’m worried that by the time I get them they’ll be out of style.  How long do we think they’ll be acceptable for?  - Kate

Kate, I think it’s always great to admit you were wrong about something. You don’t always have to be right and being wrong is a great lesson… oh wait we are talking about fashion!  I remember when I was young making fun of my older sister’s Dr Martens only to get a pair a year later. Our style and tastes change year to year. And sometimes it takes a season or two for a new trend to become wearable for “real people” and not just something that models or super-trendy ladies can pull off.

In terms of forecasting, you never know what will be in one season and out the next. When metallic was huge trend a few years ago, my friend asked me if she should buy a pair of bronze flats. I told her no because metallics had been around for a few seasons already and I thought it was probably on its way out. I was wrong and metallics are still around—and she likes to remind me of my mistake!

Booties are huge and everywhere right now. If you’re still on the fence about them, go for a classic pair—nothing too trendy, edgy or expensive. Get something that you know you’ll wear and can work into your lifestyle and wardrobe. Stick with black and other neutrals. (For those of you out there who are more comfortable with your booties, I encourage you to certainly take some risks!)

Once you buy a pair, rock them with a slim pant, short dress or skirt. And don’t worry about what you said last year. I’m sure no one will remember once they see you looking hot in your new booties!

Boots pictured above from Banana Republic, Sam Edelman, and Martin + Osa.

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Fall Shopping Checklist

September 8, 2009 at 2:35 am , by Sue Erneta

Hi! I’m Sue and I’m the Fashion Editor of Ladies’ Home Journal. I can’t tell you what to buy for fall (well, actually I did) but I figure I could tell you what I’m going to buy for fall and that way we can get to know each other a little better.

Here are some of the things on my list.

Navy boyfriend blazer: I’m opting for this shorter version from the GAP (sold out online but still available in stores) because it’ll be better for my 5’1″ frame. Navy is perfection to me, and I’ll wear this little number with jeans and tees, over little dresses, and maybe even with a mini skirt and boots. It’s the perfect ‘transition to fall’ piece.

Denim shirt: I already got one from American Eagle—gotta love early fall deliveries! I’ve worn it with a gold mini for a little contrast and this winter I’ll wear it with everything from jeans and a blazer to dressy skirts.

Read more

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