Boots, Boots and Boots!

I love boots and I love that everyone here seems to wear and enjoy boots as much as  I do.  In my eyes, its one of the best fashion trends of Fall and Winter.  Last Fall I snagged this gorgeous pair of Coach black flat boots from a Nordstrom Rack in San Jose, Ca while visiting my parents.

 

This is a classic look that I feel will last more than a few years, especially because of the quality of the leather.  I was already wearing a tan pair of Steve Madden boots but they did not survive the season here!!  They had water stains and a hole was beginning to from at the point :-(  I knew I needed a new pair of tan colored boots and when I came across these I could not resist,

 

Its difficult to wish for Spring when you have boots like this to wear!  Coach truely delivers when it comes to leather flat boots.  The looks are classic, the quality is very nice and the cost is acceptable.  I think I am all set for a few years:-)

Pacific Northwest

I know it has been awhile since my last post.  I am actually on the other side of the continent now - living in Issaquah, Washington, a suburb of Bellevue (city sister of Seattle).  I love it here, the gloom has yet to affect me:-)  I have really come to enjoy the scenic views of the Cascade Mountains, this time of year the tips are covered in snow and on the commute home on a clear day it is so gorgeous
:-)  I still can't decide what is more a beautiful, a view of the beach or  a view of the mountains.


Picture from: http://www.123rf.com/photo_8678988_i-90-bridge-seattle-mercer-island-highway-cars-snowy-cascade-mountains-bellevue-washington-state-pac.html

Birch Box!

A few weeks ago I read an interesting article about several women, all in their 20’s who have successfully started their own businesses.  One company, called Birch Box , is a membership site where you pay $10 a month and receive a  box of high-end beauty samples.  The items you receive are based on your profile and what you are most interested in.  I received my first Birch Box the other day, and was so excited to open it.

How cute is the packaging?!

I received the following samples:

• Kerastase Shampoo, Conditioner and Shine Serum
• Color Club Nail Polish in a lovely Coral shade
• Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer (just need to say that for a sample size, there is a lot in here!)
• Sara McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer (Body Lotion)

My profile consisted of me being mostly interested in anti-aging serums and hair products to treat dry ends. I also specified that I was interested in both classic & trendy make-up looks.

Overall, I think the monthly samples are a great way to try new products.  If you want to buy any of the products in a full size, you can do so through the Birch Box website.

Summer Weather

This weekend it was absolutely gorgeous!  Friday I took a half day from work so I could attend my younger sister's college graduation.  My parents also had flown in from California so it was great to all be together.  Saturday, I met up with my Mom in Andover where we walked around the town and then later met up with my Dad and had lunch together. 

The weather was 75 and sunny and with our luck there was a craft fair going on in the Andover Commons. My Mom bought me a beautiful hand painted olive oil cruet.

I returned home and started preparing foods for Sunday's Mother's Day dinner. While chopping all the ingredients that go into the Russian Potato Salad (a favorite in the family!), I had the windows open and enjoyed the warm breeze.

Now it is dark and rainy :-| Can't wait for the true summer weather to return!

Designer Shoe Giveaway:

Fashion Blogger Erika Marie of Fashion Chalet is giving away a pair of Alexander Wang sandals! Click here for your chance to win!
http://www.fashionchalet.net/2012/04/giveaway-alexander-wang-safari-sandals.html

Happy Saint Valentine's Day ♥

I am feeling quite in the mood for Valentine’s Day this year. Seeing people wearing red, men and women holding bouquets of flowers, I even have my pink heart earrings on.



"She bath'd with roses red, and violets blew,
And all the sweetest flowres, that in the forrest grew." - The Faerie Queene (1590)

Fall Footwear

Just a quick fashion related post -

I love fall for multiple reasons: crisp temperatures, cozy clothes for lounging at home, Halloween, beautifully colored leaves, My Birthday, Thanksgiving, sweaters and layers and of course finding new boots.

This year I was not sure what type of boot I wanted for myself, I thought I wanted a tan pair of "riding boots" but on my legs, I didn't like how they were too wide around my calf, they just didn't look right. I already have a pair of black suede knee-hight flat boots so for now, I am using these - although I feel I really do need a brown boot in my wardrobe. I also decided I needed a good "fall" shoe that I could wear with my work pieces during the week and still pair with my more casual clothes for the weekends. I loved these from Marc by Marc Jacobs, but thought they were quite pricey for my budget.

Selling for $295.00 at The Tannery.

I liked the look of this Mary Jane "wedge" because I knew they would look great with either pants or skirts/dresses, and above all, they are comfortable! Everyone knows how much more comfortable wedges are compared to regular pumps. While looking in Macy's last week, I saw
these gorgeous suede Mary Jane wedges by Ellen Tracy,



How similar do they look to the Marc by Marc Jacobs style? I ended up getting these Ellen Tracy wedges in tan for a mere $67:-) I thought the tan would look perfect when worn with the different colored corduroy pants I own. These shoes even look great with black skinny jeans:-)