Stylish with Substance

This year's sweater boots, even the Uggs (one pair below), are less ug' - at least to me - because they're inspired by a huge craft trend. The mini scarf secured by cute/simple/large/any buttons.

One thing some of you Ugg haters won't mind is that these boots are shearling and animal-cruelty free, as far as we can tell.

And don't they just look cozier to the eye?

Shop by your budget:

Impressive:

Ugg "Cardy" - ~$140

Recessive:

Miss Me "Cupcake" - ~$60

*Via Shoe Blitz*

Knitted bags are somehow not around the mainstream shops this season, instead, it's slippers. I wish it were shoes, but ah, no. Not this year anyway, though trends tend to evolve each year - something to look forward to. But winter 'tis the season for cozying our toes, anyway. Let the flats come back in Spring, after all!

Shop by budget:

Impressive:

Juicy Couture - on sale for $46

Recessive:

Old Navy - on sale for $10

Constructive: (crochet pattern)

UnRavel Me (on Etsy) - $4.50

 

Is black the new red & green, too?

 

I get e-mail updates from "the Obama camp" and apparently they're still sending me stuff even now. That's fine and all, and nevermind my e-mail hatred - this one was interesting. They're promoting a limited edition mug as the "Obama Holiday Mug" - thing is, it lacks any sign of any holiday whatsoever.

In fact, it's just black & simple and oozes deathly ominous vibes, not celebratory ones, which means I don't even think it's truly geared toward Obama fans honoring the president elect. It doesn't even seem suited for Martin Luther King day, let alone much but a funeral, therefore, and seems to only say that on Christmas morn', we'll still have Bush behind that huge White House lawn.

Come on, there could have been a tree - fair to both Christians and Pagans (the original reasoners of the season). But I suppose a tree does not "say" "Bush"?

I'm back from a mind's vaction with some butt fashion! W00t!

Of course it comes from the tamer and more mental-tittilating punny Victoria's Secret (Pink University, etc.), but this new pink plaid babydoll and matching ruffley panties totally fire up my mind, not just eyes (or shopping gene).

Ruffle Satin Babydoll

But um, a couple notes..

1. It appears the catty catwalk pouts have gone mainstream lingerie modeling. Not cute. To me, pouting is more for appealing to guys' sympathies and making them do what I want, however does not say, "come here to me (in my bed)". (I also don't scowl like a true bitch---what's up with that?!)

2. Yes, the back of the babydoll is tapered to show off the behind - cute! But this brings me to the ordering/wish-listing step and reminds me.... In my college days, I was as bootylicious as Kim Kardashian, which - if you're keeping score - is phattier than even J.Lo. However, I've lost weight, and even firmed up down, err back, there - but kept the oomph from weight gain / growing-up-hormones on top -- and now I'm worried my top size overpowers my bottom. Uh, what happened to the mix and match age, huh? (Anyone out there want a(n) XS top and S panties??) One thing's at least for sure, a mall trip with a changing room is on my schedule!

Which if it weren't for my upcoming birthday would be a sad field trip, for my bank account still thinks I'm a poor college student. Darn political science!

It's so important to do. It could help this "career" and improve chances (at least from 0.001%) of attending shows. It's expected, prudent, required(???) and I'm crazy not to.

Blog about the shows during the fashion weeks. And why the heck have I mostly not blogged 't all?! (With just one post on a show, and nothing about my Marc Jacobs!!!)

I'm sick of it. What's expected, what's done by everyone ... and like our current subtitle reads, a basic issue with the "style-us quo." It's no good excuse, really, I know. But I couldn't bring myself, somehow, to do it.

And why not just blog about other things? Possibly the guilt of not doing what I should be doing ... and probably the fact that runway shows are unavoidable.

I don't even really support my decision ... I'm just burnt out - yes, burnt out from past years. Back when I covered as much as possible while attending college. With that issue behind me, what the fab is my un-fabbing problem??!

I'm working on thinking of creative alternatives to mass-produced, media-marketed, model-splayed, over-saturation of the mundane and force-fed. Posts in the near future (not long term 100%) will feature the anti all-that. See what's caused my ill-feelings toward prêt-a-porter is my resurrection of crafting and designing bags after being moved into my apartment enough to justify the extra time spent. Recently, I've taken up my destiny-craft; weaving, and it's allowing me to work faster and I feel confident I can produce purses on a regular basis from now on. Even though I make negative money from it so far, it's what I really-really-really wish I could be doing full time.

And that interest in indie flows into almost every part of my life, which causes a desire to blog differently. Yet I know that's not what my long-time --- and new-discoverers through old-style posts --- want. I need to maintain a balance, and most importantly, just publish. It is my hope I can do it regularly again.

As for the past few weeks, I'm sure many of you understand my woes. Anyone feel similarly?

 

A brief look at what BCBG Max Azria is putting forth for apparel in Fall 2008 gives me a sense of disregard for the usually appealed-to northern weather of Fall and Winter. Funny thing.

 

Not even my recent move down south to Florida changes my mind about this being a slightly negative thing, but c'est la vie. Enjoy the shows!

 

Not tacky, too bright, or with a spot of logo on them, these slippers are just 100% cashmere luxury. In assorted sophisticated colors, this yummy indoor footwear is cable knit. They're lightweight, surely to suit any climate this winter.

One thing, the cashmere goat shorn material is given a more expensive pricetag ($110) by the Dooney & Bourke name, which means they cost more than say sheepskin thong slippers by Ugg. Hmm. Personally, I'd recommend either, and at least these are fairly on par with other 100% cashmere items out there. 100% of this fiber doesn't just mean price, it means infinitely more softness and virtually no itch.

One can then look at price differently, when comparing to other accessories. A Burberry scarf is usually around $200, and these mean total comfort for the feets. (And don't require other accessories to match.)

And anyone can buy these whether you're into names or not, bigger or smaller names, or prefer no names, even. With no distinguishing marks, what does it matter? These are simply quality, and there's barely any competition for these lovelies.

Just bringing you some different views for your two feet.

Oscar de la Renta's Metallic Python Doctor Bag (coming soon on Bag Dream) = ultra fabulous.

But when the same skin is put on a calf-height boot, does it make sense that it can be pretty fug? (fabulously, well, UG.) They're not too ornate, actually they're a bit plain. Is that the problem? Perhaps they need a stiletto heel and fewer pieces of hardware: something more elegant. I think that's it for me.

What do you think of this boot?

COACH is trying a new medium for displaying their well-known Signature logo: a knitting stitch! Their new knitted cashmere scarf and beret are knit with several difficult patterns, including a 100% original: the COACH C's.

If you're a big Coach collector or an avid knitter, you must put this on your holiday wish list. These accessories have my vote for holidays must buy from Coach. Of course you can pick out your own favorite(s) from www.coach.com, yourself, if you'd rather (or in addition to).

Signature Patchwork Knit Scarf: $398
Signature Patchwork Knit Beret: $148

(Kinda ouch, right? Well, you could try eBay. It'd certainly be interesting to see if this knitting pattern will be copied.)

Ohh la l'autumn! Ooh the flirty, swingy fun! LOVING this little dress, new by Chloé. Drop-waist silk tank mini. Could be worn to work, flirt or play. New? Honestly yes, but most sizes are sold out. Oh, lord, the humanity!