Gray on Bay

A gray Saturday in late September calls for boot shopping, warm coffee, and book reading. C and I celebrated the brisk weather by doing exactly that. But not before a fun "photo shoot" on our rooftop. This place is great for tanning, cooking steaks or entertaining guests, but we like it best when we have it all to ourselves, away from the noise of this crazy city. 

Over the knee socks is our new favorite thing... wear them before you need full tights!

Isn't she cute?... but the last picture really means"Stop taking my picture"

Perhaps a bit too sassy for shopping and relaxing, but I couldn't help but whip out my new sheer top. It will go with literally everything, I will definitely be caught wearing it several times more. 

It even make my clown pants look good... hey Kate? 

The Shopahallic Guide to Boots

     Sorry for the lack of recent posts, I took a minor leave of absence from my blogging to fully immerse myself in my new Journalism school and concentrate on my sudden bout of published writing jobs! (Also, I forgot my camera cord back in Winnipeg so I have several amazing shots on a camera waiting to be uploaded... expect big things!) Anyway, all I think about these days are boots and chunky sweaters... SO here we go..(yes it's long but by the end you will have so many ideas!)

            Every fall as the leaves start to turn and the days become shorter, girls all over the northern hemisphere begin to ponder what to wear on their feet each morning when they walk out of their homes. As the cold winter ahead becomes more evident, the issue becomes more pressing. What do I wear to stay warm, dry, comfortable AND stylish? Thanks to the millions of girls asking the same footwear question each winter, finally the fashion gods have answered our cries.

The Wellie:

            For the fashionistas who face rain or slushy snow in the winter, have no fear – there is a solution to your sopping wet UGG boots. Rain boots have never been more trendy. Perfect for the days when its pouring rain or the snow has just started to melt, or when you just want to look cute. The infamous Hunter makes classic styles to be worn perfectly with jeggings, tights or skinny jeans. While brands like Chooka and now UGG are taking a more adventures turn on the traditional rubber boot.

Ugg Australia, Sheepskin lined, Leather Upper, Waterproof and lace up. So warm and quite cute! Winterpeggers paying attention?

The Biker:

            Don’t let the tough façade fool you. Biker boots aren’t just for the bad gals. This season, short, leather, round toe motorcycle boots are a must have item. And at low height with a wide round toe and good quality leather, your feet will be in boot heaven. Joe Fresh and Madewell both make beautiful styles, fit for a rocker or a princess. Stud embellishments and buckles… yes please! Dress up your pair with nylons, flirty skirts and a blazer.

Joe Fresh, I have always loved you, but this is just too much to handle. Marry me?

The Wedge:

            For a daring, comfortable, versatile and totally trendy boot, fashion followers know that this fall, it is the bold, block-like wedge bootie. Commonly seen in suede and leather and particularly appealing in black from designers like Michael Kors and Stephen Campbell. The thick wedge heel and covered foot top make for a boot so comfortable you could literally run in them, and dance of course.

In search of style? Jeffrey Campbell will ALWAYS provide you with the best. Found at Urban Outfitters

The Rider:

            Season after season, boot lovers flock to the same style. The riding boot started as a trend a few years ago and has moved into the staple shoe department of every woman’s wardrobe. The best styles can be worn two ways – above the knee/at the knee or folded over. Choose a color while keeping your coat and bag selection in mind, as you will want something versatile that will fit into your everyday outerwear. While you may find yourself replacing your riding boots each year due to water and salt damage, Blondo Shoes has a solution. The brand, available at Browns/B2 has come out with a whole line of waterproof leather boots, making every day life in riding boots much easier. 

Sometimes you gotta mix it up...I wear too much black. Aldo Shoes (surprisingly) just came out with these bad boys, over the knee gets me every time.  

The Thriller:

            While versatility, comfort and dependability are excellent qualifiers for the top 5 boots, sometimes a little adventure needs to be thrown into the mix. While keeping comfort and warmth in mind, seek out a hot pair of electric blue booties like the ones from Rachel by Rachel Roy or diamond studded heeled booties from Sam Edelman. While you would be foolish to try these at the office or slugging through snow, the thriller boots are a must for a night out with the girls. And, nobody said you shouldn’t wear wool socks under them. 

You're a smart man Sam Edelman.. girls love shiny things!

I will be asking for a pair of boots for my birthday... what pair will I decide on? Stay tuned. 

The Ultimate Don'ts of Beauty

Check out my article on 29secrets.com, the best new resource for fashion, beauty and life!

It's better than cosmo, it's free AND it's online. Stay tuned for more of my articles to be published....

http://29secrets.com/sections/beauty/ultimate-list-beauty-donts

xxx, Shopahallic

Fall 2010 Beauty: RED

As the days get shorter and your suntan starts to fade, take note of the changing leaves

and follow suit by switching up your go-to beauty colors. While this past summer you’ve been

playing up your girlie side with pale pinks and cute corals, fall 2010 calls for something bold – red.

The perfectly defined red lip statement dominated the fall 2010 runways in February by

designers like Nannette Lepore, Herve Leger, Givenchy and DSquared2. The clothes on the

catwalks said “I am strong, I am woman” while the lips add in “but also beautiful”. In the past, red

lips were often matched with feminine, flirtatious outfits. However, fall 2010 introduces a new take

on the glamorous lip. Do not be afraid to wear red lips with a powerful blazer, strong long-sleeved

dress or layers of sweaters and scarves. This season’s red is for the modern woman who is smart,

stylish and glamorous. Look out world, red lipstick isn’t the only thing we have up our sleeve.

From crimson to scarlet, reds are the season must have. Choose your particular shade

wisely and in accordance to your most worn fall items. For example, bright, glamorous reds go

great with dark, neutral colors –black, charcoal, jewel tones; just as warmer, orange reds pair

perfectly with browns, greens and other earth colors.

For the rest of your face think simple and natural, perhaps a thin liquid line on the eye or

light brushed mascara and a soft layer of blush to match your colored lips. When in doubt, check

out the celebrity examples of perfect red lipstick for inspiration. Kate Bosworth, Lauren Conrad and

Leighton Meester are just three Hollywood femme fatales who pull off the red lips seamlessly.

Just because your days at the beach are coming to an end, it doesn’t mean your fall won’t

be filled with bigger, brighter, bolder things.

Nannette Lepore Fall 2010

Don't be afraid to wear red on red!