Reader Q&A: Fall Boots?

Reader Q&A: Fall Boots?

Via

Rose wrote in with the following: I wanted to suggest that your adoring readership (or the women of the Northeast US, or maybe just me) could really use some advice on boot trends right now. 'Tis the season.

Happy to help, Rose! I've been drafting a post on Ugg alternatives for those of us who are always freezing, and I'll include some of that here. But you are a New Yorker with a great sense of style so I won't fill this up with the sad tales of those of us who rely on a whole string of Superfeet to keep us upright. I've included a few pictures and TONS of links of various price point boots for you to click through and see what you like. If you want to skip the post and find the coolest boots? Visit Pikolinos for the $200 range or Nordstrom's for a mix of prices.

Oh! For those of you interested, this is the type of email you'd get from me suited to your personal style if you book me for online personal styling. Just sayin'.

Here are three questions I'd like you to think about before you buy boots this fall:

Dear Sugar: That Ecstatic Parade

Image via

 I recently read the most incredible book. It's called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar. It was published in 2012 and contains some columns previously published in what was an anonymous advice column at the time (the author was revealed when the book was published, and the book contains newly published entries, too), but I just read it over our trip to Las Vegas of all places.  I'm not affiliated in any way with the author, but I want everyone I know to read this book. It matters to me so much that I'm going to start posting some of the columns from it here in the hopes that you will read-and share-them. If you're offended by swear words and graphic language, be aware that she uses some. If you'd rather only read my posts about personal style, come back soon. Today, I'm going to share my last favorite column since September is over. As usual, I'm going to underline the parts that stand out to me. Please feel free to comment one last time if you are so moved.

The Work on Doing the Dishes

The Work on Doing the Dishes

Today I'm taking advantage of the hundreds of people who read this blog every day to do some evangelizing. I was raised in Vermont by hippies, and I never knew any religious evangelicals, and I'm not one to this day. But I have come to appreciate how it feels to so strongly believe in something that you want to spread the word-you want everyone you come across to know your truth.

I'm not talking about religion-I'm talking about Byron Katie and The Work. Before I explain anything more about it, let me give you an example from my recent life.

Before the Work:

I'm washing some dishes by hand. I'm pouring Dawn on the sponge and feeling frustrated with my husband. The thoughts go something like this: He should use the dish soap without all this crap in it! I don't have the energy for another disagreement over this. I'm so sick of him bringing chemicals into our house!

After the Work:

I'm washing some dishes by hand. I'm pouring Mrs Meyers dish soap on the sponge and feeling productive. The thoughts go something like this: Man, this soap smells so good! Yum, that was a good dinner! I'm so glad I bought this and made that.

It's that simple. Maybe you already came to the realization that you could buy the soap you like and use it, and he can use the soap he likes. What I came to understand through The Work on this topic was that I didn't want him to buy my soap, I wanted me to. So I did. And I use it. And sometimes he washes by hand and uses his soap. What I don't do is try to convince him of something (buy this soap!) that I wasn't even doing! And whenever I do the dishes, I know that I'm using the product that I like. Phew!

It's amazing to me how many little moments of distress there are in a day for me. Doing the Work has reduced the negative thoughts that I have (see Before the Work above) and hold on to. Now, they come to me and almost as fast I wave them goodbye. I can't recommend more highly that you watch a video or listen to a CD or podcast (that's how I pass my 3 hour daily commute), read a book, download a free worksheet, and/or even attend one of her seminars called The School for the Work. I'm considering going as soon as this next year! 

Want a simple idea you can start with today? I love what she says about Whose Business Are you In? And heads up-by "God" she means reality.

Does Edgy Pink Exist?

Does Edgy Pink Exist?

Spoiler alert: yes, yes it does.

You see, I'm not a pink person in general. I love coral and every hue of orange, but I don't tend to reach for the pinks for my clothing or my surroundings. However, I do recognize that many people love pink, and I'm always striving to push my own boundaries around it. And, it's become fall 2014's color of the season so why not have some fun with it?

Fall Foibles: My First Facial

Fall Foibles: My First Facial

Here's how I ended up in the parking lot with someone hitting their door against my car (more on that later): my husband was going out of town for work. I've always wanted a husband who would say something like "why don't you go take a bath, honey" or "you should go get yourself a pedicure. Just relax." So when mine said "I hope you do something you're really excited about," I agreed with what he hadn't said but he did in my head. I was going to get a facial! I've never had one, and a friend of mine loves them.

My dull, broken-out before picture was appropriately sad.

I knew nothing about facials, however. I imagined my skin would look better, and that was good. I figured it would be relaxing. "Hi! I'm here for an 11:30 facial," I tell the yogi at the front desk. "Rachel?" she murmurs. "Huh?"

I go into the room, and she hands me a late 90s strapless towel dress. "You can remove all of your clothing or cover yourself with this. Or with the sheet," she whispers. "Um..hm....Why would I need to be naked?" I don't say aloud. She leaves, I take my shirt off, leave my pants and socks, and get on the heated (divine) bed, under the sheet, face up. I figure she'll want to wash my neck or something.

She comes in, or at least I think so. My eyes haven''t yet adjusted to the bat cave lighting situation. Then, she proceeds to sit down at my head and put on the Turbie Twist hair towel, also from the 90s, and rub a series of liquids on my face: a sandy one, then she slowly washes my face, a slippery one, then more slow motion washing, followed by an aloe-scented goo (after sun care? I wonder and don't say) that goes on my face and arms. I am glad I'd removed my shirt. More ritualistic washing. Then, what smells and feels like a berry jam. I resist licking my lips as she whispers something about goggles. Oh! There they are-something like the ones that Kramer wore on the Seinfeld episode where he buys a tanning bed. I am blind-or are my eyes shut? I can't tell. Then, she is pulling my feet out from under the blanket. Annnnd...I still have my socks on. I hadn't anticipated feeling like a virginal teenage boy. She coos something about a foot massage. My ears perk up. More goo, this time on my feet, followed by a relaxing foot rub. Then, my feet are wrapped in plastic bags and pushed into...could they be snow boots? Space boots? No. They make a wobbling noise-rain boots?! Whatever they are, they are warm. Heavenly warm. "Did you get these on Zappos?" I don't ask.

She must be washing her hands, judging by the slashing near my head. Only then do I realize how gross it would be if she rubbed my feet with feet goo and then touched my face. Relieved by the splashing noise, I take what I realize was my first deep breath.

Then she is by my ear: "It's time for the extractions." Um, what? I nod knowingly as she cotton balls my face with something in slow motion. What follows next ias the pimple scene from Hairspray except I have the swimming goggles back on again. Then more ritualistic washing of the face. Then she whispers "You're going to feel my thumb." Thumb?! Where?! Lip balm. She must have said lip balm because that appears on my lips.

Then the sound of lotion on hands and a shoulder massage. I exhale that breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Then a few more rounds of face washing, and the heavenly rain boots are removed. Later, as I put my shirt back on, I spied them-heating pad booties. Genius!

And just like that, she's trying to sell me the products she used, and I know we're wrapping up. The sales part is shorter than I had worried, and I'm grateful. My skin feels loved, and my back and feet wonderful. We chat about her friend's recent lip injections (too much), and I am back out in the lobby with the yogi who still thinks my name is Rachel. 

After-seems more glowy, right? Or maybe the light is just better?

Later, I'm analyzing my face (does it look better? tighter somehow? more youthful even?) in the mirror of a dressing room at Loft, and an employee comes back asking if anyone drives the make and model of my car. I quickly dress and go outside. I've parked too close to someone, apparently, and she'd like me to move my car. I do, leaving the clothes I wasn't that excited about behind.

You see, I believe in karma, and sometimes experience what I think of as a karmic boomerang. Sometimes it's just that fast. Back at the spa, a woman had opened her car door into me, shielding it with her hand. This was my pre-facial self, and I was in a rush, not yet aware that there were such beautiful things in the world as heating pad booties. I fake smiled at this woman and checked my car but didn't ask about her hand, then rushed into the spa. Wouldn't you know it, 1.5 hours later I'd blocked someone in and gotten called out for it in front of a dressing room full of people. Car karmic boomerang. But at least my skin looked shiny!

A few days later, my skin looked a bit better than it had before. Am I over-the-moon? I am for massages, and next time I'll book one! 

My Anthropologie Sale on Sale Picks

My Anthropologie Sale on Sale Picks

Here's the deal: Anthro is having a 25% off on top of their existing sale stuff with code SALEONSALE. I'd feel like a bad friend if I didn't just let you know that. Annnnd give you my favorites, too, of course.

Oh boy. If you are a woman, have any female friends, are married, have a mother/sister/daughter/daughter-in-law, you can thank me after they open this gift anytime in the next year. Wow is this bracelet gorgeous or what?

This tank is a statement piece, it's perfect for a date night out, it's dry clean only, and it wants to be worn under a drapey sweater or soft blazer or fitted jean jacket this fall.Would be great for a large chest because it's a lot of detailing. If you're looking for a similar tribal look with less bling, try this incredible tank-I'd wear it with a blazer or moto jacket and skinny trousers to work. Want something similar with a bit more swing? They've got you covered.

Ruffled and military are not words you typically associate with each other, which is what makes this jacket to die for. Wear it every day until you're too cold and then pull it out in the spring again. Likely not great for an XS since there's a lot going on here.

If you have mostly skinny pants for fall and winter, this striped tshirt is for you. Wear it when you need a little extra length over the butt and with a patterned jacket to pattern mix those stripes. The white layer is a soft satin.

If you just had a baby or are having a baby but aren't telling people yet or, frankly, if sometimes you feel pregnant after a big meal (me!), this tassel tank is for you. And, it's fall-appropriate and on-trend with those tassels.

Want cooler jeans? Done.

Going on a trip around the world and want to fit in everywhere and be able to wash these in your hostel/hotel/camping site sink? Done, too. Yeah, they say dry clean, but they're rayon. I'd wash 'em.

Looking for a more interesting earring or purse situation? I can't get enough of these crescents and this amazing clutch/pouch thingee. Both would make the best gifts for a fashionable family member or friend. I have a drawer where I stash gifts that I love as they come up, and as the birthdays arrive I always have something on hand.

Dear Sugar: The Black Arc of It

My late father-in-law dances and giggles with my mother-in-law at our wedding

I recently read the most incredible book. It's called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar. It was published in 2012 and contains some columns previously published in what was an anonymous advice column at the time (the author was revealed when the book was published, and the book contains newly published entries, too), but I just read it over our trip to Las Vegas of all places.  I'm not affiliated in any way with the author, but I want everyone I know to read this book. It matters to me so much that I'm going to start posting some of the columns from it here in the hopes that you will read-and share-them. If you're offended by swear words and graphic language, be aware that she uses some. If you'd rather only read my posts about personal style, come back soon. Today, I'm going to underline the parts that stand out to me. Please feel free to comment if you are so moved.

Lolli and Pops: Gourmet Candy in Tysons Corner, Virginia

Lolli and Pops: Gourmet Candy in Tysons Corner, Virginia

As you know, I live in Northern Virginia, and I love to share bits and pieces of all that there is to do and see not only in DC but also in my very own Northern VA. While I was waiting to meet a personal shopping client the other night, I realized that I had stumbled upon Lolli and Pops. My best friend sent me their link a couple weeks ago, and there it was!

Once you read this post, you will pretty much know what I'm going to get everyone always for birthday and Christmas presents and shower gifts and new baby gifts. So, spoiler alert!

As you can see, I went from thinking "Oh, I'll get something for my husband" to "We have to come here and buy gifts for everyone we know." I took lots of covert pictures, but you'd have to see it to believe it. It's room after room of themed candy, some by geographic location, some by chocolate or fruit candy. The employees dress in straw hats and striped aprons, and it's just adorable.

The Roaring 20s at Modcloth!

The Roaring 20s at Modcloth!

Happily Ember After Hat

I have a few friends in mind for this post (Erika, Colleen, I'm looking at you!), but I really surprised myself with how much I loved these pieces from Modcloth. More than that, I love that you can search by decade on the main page (lower right). There's something so appealing about seeing items spinning off the same decade all together. I started with the 20s and fell in love! Especially with the shoes. I love the feminine heels with masculine details-like these!.

Altogether Unique Heel

That's So Maven Heel

This search feature seems perfect for Halloween season if you're looking for a vintage touch to add to your outfit. I also instantly wanted to host a cocktail party after looking at all of the sparkly 1920s hair pieces and perfect tie-front shoes. Maybe it's because I was born on Halloween, but I've always loved the idea of hosting a party around what the guests will wear!

These wide-leg pants would be perfect for work, and they've got tons of other wide legs, too. Having a whimsical town hall wedding? Please wear these shoes as your something blue! And crack yourself up with a visit to the 90s-inspired section, clog shoes, plaid, and velvet skirts and all. In plus size, you can't shop by decade, it seems, but you will find way better dresses than the other section has!

Guide to Natural Bridge, VA

Guide to Natural Bridge, VA

Here's my guide from last year on how to have the perfect weekend in Natural Bridge and Lexington, VA. I still stand by it and thought you might like it! Thanks for all the positive feedback about my guides! I know you come here for style advice, and I like to think that extends to life-style, too! I love the DC-Northern VA area, and I love showing it off!

First, make the easy three hour drive from Northern VA/DC.

Be sure to stay in this adorable restored caboose that sits on a hill next to a horse farm. The train crossing sign lights up when you drive in the driveway!

If you went with more than two people and two dogs or two people and two kids (they can sleep up in the cupola!), you could also rent the cabin that sits adjacent. We'd love to do that with kids who were old enough to send to sleep in the caboose. Who wouldn't want to wake up to this view?

Take a quick nap in the silence of a country afternoon to have plenty of energy for a double feature the non-profit community drive in.

Bring chairs and bug spray but take their advice and buy concessions there. As you can see, time is slower there. Where else can you get popcorn for $1.50 and candy from $0.35-0.75? And where else does a pot-bellied pig on a leash share the family blanket behind your car? Sadly, I was too chicken (polite?) to snap a picture.

Ignore the locals' suggestion for breakfast. Drive by the Pink Cadillac Diner and admire how pink and decorated it is, but do not eat there. It has not been cleaned since the Elvis movies advertized on its walls were in the theaters.

Instead, swim in a swimming hole with your babies, lounge by a lake with your husband, make a desperate Wendy's (baked potato is gluten free) run when you realize that all lunch places are closed by 1PM and save your appetite for dinner at the The Red Hen. We didn't take any pictures, although it was tiny and adorable, because we were just too busy eating herb risotto, perfectly cooked duck, and pork chops over braised cabbage. Peter finished his meal with a black forest cake. Yum.