New Boots

Let me preface this by saying I knowwww they are Uggggs. This is also probably the most I've spent on any clothing item, including my coats and my prom dress. However, I have only had Ugg Jillian for 24 hours and I'm already so glad I bought them. I originally purchased Ugg Broome II in black leather but the black wasn't as dark as I would have liked, and, as much as I love simple, they were too plain for me. I normally keep away from suede shoes but the black suede on the Jillians are so rich and nice, and they have just enough detailing. The tread is so nice and the heel is heightening but still comfortable to walk in.

However, this is the main draw of these boots:



LOOK AT ALL THAT SHEEPSKIN. I feel like my feet are wrapped in carpets and blankets. The insole is also removable so I can place an extra insole under them for more arch support and when they get worn out I can just buy new sheepskin insoles. I've worn these boots the past 2 days with a pencil skirt and an a-line skirt and they look nice with both; eventually I'd like to try them under bootcut jeans and over leggings (and maybe skinny jeans...maybe). The fleece does show at the top but it actually doesn't bother me much; makes me feel like a 70s ski bunny.

If you live in a really cold climate where your feet get cold easily I would highly recommend these. I've worn them with a single pair of tights and I can feel the difference on my legs. They also come in a beautiful, rich chocolate brown if that's more yours style. These are going to be my favourite winter boots for years to come.

New Beauty Buys

I rarely buy makeup, and when I do it's by a middle-of-the road drugstore brand. I just don't wear a lot of makeup unless it's a special occasion; I just don't like all the fuss and reapplying things throughout my long day seems like added stress. That being said, I do wear makeup, I'm just very picky.

I was wandering around after work the other day and visited Sephora on a lark. The only times I feel like I ever step in there is to reapply my perfume while I'm shopping in that mall or picking up my free birthday gift (can't miss my free birthday cake scented body wash, can I?). I've been getting frustrated with my eyeliner; it smudges throughout the day so I look like I'm constantly crying. It's because I prefer pencil liner. I don't like liquid eyeliner because there is no room for error, I prefer to use it for fancy makeup and I feel like it's a bit dark for my fair skin and hair.

Well, I bought this:



Clinique Quickliner for the Eyes

Had the look of a pencil, but I knew it had to smudge. I made a line on my hand with the tester, read the box ("sets in 60 seconds"), thought "yeah right" and then attempted to smudge it with my finger. And it did not budge. I was in shock! I bolted over to the Clinique section and grabbed my usual color preference black/brown. I've been wearing it for a few days and while my "wings" aren't really visible by the end of my day there is NO smudging.

I was about to check out when another display caught my eye. Lip stuff! Ah lipstick. I love the IDEA of lipstick; I feel like lip color would look good on me since I don't think a lot of eye makeup looks good on me and my lips are naturally dark. However, I hate reapplying (remember how low-maintenance I am?) especially because I drink a lot of water throughout the day and don't want a gunky water bottle. I don't want to worry about lipstick drying out my lips, having it on my teeth, or having it wear off unevenly.

I still like trying it on, though.



Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Here is Sephora.com's description:

What it is:
A lip treatment that protects the pout while offering a universally-flattering vibrant rouge tint.

What it does:
Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 looks beautiful on all complexions, thanks to a well-balanced, warm-cool pigment that compliments the natural shade of a woman's lip, no matter her skintone. Sugar, a natural humectant, ensures long-lasting moisture while hydrating meadowfoam and black currant seed oils condition the lips. The formula is further enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamins to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals and provides year-round protection from damaging UV rays. This versatile treatment allows for buildable coverage to customize a sheer or rich hue and is the perfect partner to the bestselling Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15.

If that was tl;dr, basically it's a sheer, buildable lip color that feels and applies like a chapstick. It's not sticky, it's moisturizing, and has spf. It also smells like lemon sugar, which is delicious.

The shopkeep also informed me that this color from Fresh is new, and there will be more gift sets featuring it around the holidays. They also make lip scrubs, which I wouldn't mind trying in the winter.

I highly recommend both of these products; next time you see a display for Clinique or Fresh I'd check them out.

It's Like I'm Walking On A Pile Of Baby Ducks

The title of this post comes from an episode of That 70s Show, where antagonist dad Red Forman describes what a comfortable new pair of shoes feels like. I think of (and often say) this every time I try on a pair of shoes that I can tell will be heavenly to wear all day.

As a commuter, in Chicago no less, I walk a large amount of the day and often on really shoddy sidewalk. Comfortable shoes are a must here, as I can attest to my pile of impulse buy heels I never seem to wear more than once.

Women who wear ugly shoes, such as Toms, who use comfort as an excuse clearly do not know about the plethora of stylish and affordable flats that feel like slippers. I've compiled a list of some styles I've worn and loved and hopefully you can find a pair for your shopping list.



Target's Mieko Comfort Flats

Available in black and dark brown, Target's Meiko flats are a steal. I own these in brown and find myself wearing them with dark brown tights often for a new spin on the black flats/black tights look. They aren't leather, which is good for vegans, and the benefit of this is you don't have to waterproof them if you don't want. I haven't had to break these in at all, pure comfort right out of the box. The sole feels like memory foam with moderate arch support. The soles are also nice and thick, so no worries about feeling uneven sidewalk through your hoofers. My tip, you might want to size down half a size.



Born's Adele Flats

A little more luxe than Target, Born uses high-quality leather on their shoes and you can feel the difference. They might feel a bit tight at first (they are true-to-size), but after a few wears the leather really molds to your foot and they are the perfect size. They have some light padding and great arch support. Make sure you waterproof these, as they are leather. The price tag reflects the quality - they retail for $90 new, but I've gotten this style in silver, cognac, and black from Nordstrom Rack and online retailers in the $50-60 range so do a little Google sleuthing. Born also has some other cute styles of flats, they all seem to fit the same based on what I've tried on:






Naturalizer's Maude Flats

Okay I'm cheating a little here. I have not owned these EXACT shoes, but Target made a knock-off design a year ago and they were extremely comfortable. In fact, they were the gateway to Born's for me. These are made of leather and have a really sleek, yet subtle, design on the front.



And If Nothing Else...Insoles!

Sometimes if I want a wacky color or unique design I can't always get it in a comfort brand. However, if the toe box doesn't squeeze, the heel doesn't rub, and they are inexpensive I can use some of the money I saved on some insoles. Dr. Scholl's makes a wonderful line; memory foam, cushioned, or gel; for the whole foot, just the heel or just arch supports. It's an excellent way to bring your cheap flats into "baby duck" territory.

Longest Jacket Review Ever

I love a good leather jacket. I've been able to appreciate the style since I was 13. I was with my mom at Marshall Fields and it had been a few months after she had been diagnosed with cancer. She found a leather jacket she liked that fit her well and was flattering. She bought it, saying she was treating herself. I think it ended up being her last treat to herself but she wore it until she couldn't leave the house anymore.

After she died I wore the coat for a few years, including a few very memorable events, but have stopped wearing it since it was a bit long for me since I favor cropped styles. My dad gave the coat to his girlfriend last year and she wears it now. I like how my mom's last treat has been worn by two women close to her after she passed.

But I digress. Since I was looking for a cropped style I was fortunate enough to come upon a cropped vintage leather jacket while thrifting...for a mere $3! There were some flaws that I never repaired (because if you're going to wear something beat up it should be a leather jacket, right?). In the past couple years though it's been showing its age in a less favorable way and I figured it was time to look once more for an outwear staple.



I was hesitant about getting a faux-leather jacket but once I tried this one on in the store I was sold. It's from Old Navy, believe it or not (though I like solid pieces and more and more of my wardrobe seems to be coming from there). If you're vegan or not sure you want to invest a couple hundred in a leather jacket (though I would if it fit me as nicely as this one without tailoring) this is a good buy. I like the stretchy waist, and trust me, after wearing a few different kinds of leather jackets this one feels pretty nice for faux leather (not garbage bag-ish like some jackets). The only thing I wish it had, because I live in Chicago and want this for all of my coats, is a zip-out liner. However, this has kept me dry in the rain and warm in the wind and that's good enough for me.

There's something about wearing a leather jacket...it's luxe but still adds a touch of "badass," kind of like wearing some killer boots. I like it with jeans and tall shoes; makes me feel like I own the world. I like a leather jacket with a dress, it tones down my usually over-feminine ensembles.

I'm also just kind of obsessed with outwear. Being warm is important for me, and I'm little but busty so finding a good jacket can be really hard. Needless to say I am also ogling another of Old Navy's new coats, as a toggle coat is missing from my collection...