Colored Boots for Fall and Winter

As I'm sure you are all well aware, I love color. There's nothing I find more sartorially depressing than a closet full of black or gray. One of the things that I love about Autumn is that it opens up so many more options for layering colors.

The keys to remember here are 1) keep the rest of your wardrobe neutral, 2) go monochromatic for an "easier" and more subtle look, 3) use complimentary colors to create more drama.

Steve Madden "Troopa" in Wine

Wear with:

Merlot Tights

Anne Klein "Caelina" in Navy

Wear with:

Dark Purple Tights

Tsubo "Tayla" in Charcoal

Wear with:

Espresso Tights

Elizabeth and James "April" in Forest

Wear with:

Mustard Tights

Steve Madden "Milaan" in Burgundy

Wear with:

Charcoal Tights

All tights courtesy of SockDreams. Shoes via Zappos.

My New Favorite Accessory

Though it's not quite chilly enough here in Austin for cuddly woolens, I can't help but indulge in my recent obsession: thigh-high socks. I wear mine layered over tights and peeking out of my boots. It's a nice way to create a tonal look or to introduce a splash of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

I have run into one slight problem, however. Namely, that many socks that are labeled "over-the-knee" or "thigh-high" end up being too short on my long and curvy legs. Or worse, the top band cuts uncomfortably into my knees. And the only thing worse than a muffin top is a muffin top on your legs (stem muffins? leg loaves?). The solution? A
plus size sock from Sock Dreams. They are thin enough that there is no bunching in my boots, but substantial enough to add warmth. My favorite part is the band. There's a soft and stretchy piece of elastic circling the cuff that keeps them in place without causing discomfort.

Here they are. The Extraordinary Thigh High:

Extraordinary Thigh Highs

Granted, I did not choose this color but my laptop is on its last legs and this is the only image it would let me upload. I purchased the Charcoal and will also be adding Black, Navy, and Burgundy.

Some of my other favorites: 



Wavy Top Over The Knee




Crochet Lover Over The Knees





Button Ribbed OTK



Extraordinarily Longer Thigh High

All photos courtesy of Sock Dreams.

Bare Legs in Winter? Emily Post Would Faint.

I just really can't get behind this whole 'bare legs in winter' fad that's going around.

There are a few things I can count on during fall and winter: the air getting colder, bundling up in cozy sweaters and blankets, drinking a delicious hot beverage that truly warms from the inside out, wearing an array of fun tights, not having to shave my legs every other day, and giving my pedicure a break.

It's like we're adding to our workload here, ladies. Are you telling me you want to go back to shaving/waxing and pedicuring every week? Please!

A bit warmer than normal? Go for a light wool gabardine and cotton t shirt under an open-knit sweater. And for goodness sakes put on a pair of tights.

There are a fantastic array of sheer hosiery options that will not cause you to overheat while still keeping you seasonably appropriate (and giving you coverage if you have scars, blemishes, or spider veins).

First of all we have a great secret weapon: nude-colored fishnets. Beyonce and Lady Gaga wear them while performing as they add a fuzzy, airbrushed quality to legs. Cellulite is less noticeable and so is uneven skintone.

J.Crew's Nude Fishnets

Fishnets are actually really comfortable.

Try tights with open weaves. They are much stretchier and therefore less binding. They also breathe nicely and you can wear them through spring.

And don't forget that Duchess Catherine made the stodgy old nude pantyhose look modern and pretty. Go for a denier of less than 15 for ultimate sheerness.

Her legs look smooth and covered, not old and crotchety.

Things That Shouldn't Work But Do: Boots Edition

Everything goes with black. I used to think that, if most of my basic pieces were black, that my shoes and purses had to be, too.

Man, is that wrong.

Don't misunderstand me, I love black. I just don't always love it head-to-toe. Especially on a Pale person, all black can look a bit goth, which is fine if that's your aim. I just feel that, for the most part, black boots are rather Hard Rock.

You can wear brown boots with a black outfit. It is actually very attractive as the brown helps to break up and soften the harshness that black can impart. Check it out:

She's wearing 3 neutrals: black, gray, and brown. The scarf adds softness in the form of a silver gray knit. The boots are a slightly slouchy suede that contrasts with the stark monochromatic aspect of her tights, dress, and gloves.

Pippa Middleton wearing a coat that I suspect is Burberry and a satchel I believe is Mulberry

Here, Pippa Middleton shows the same principle. She has used a silk scarf and suede boots to soften the structure of her coat and bag. She looks both glamorous and like the girl next door.

Pippa Middleton and Kate, pre- Duchess of Cambridge

Goddess Kate here wears structured riding boots with a cinch belt and softens the outfit with a flowy top and velvet blazer.


Half the battle when it comes to fashion is BALANCE. When you understand how to balance the clothes on our body, you can get away with a multitude of 'sins' (like mixing black and brown par example).

Rachel Bilson

Anne Hathaway

Me

By Request: Winter Hats

Winter is a great time for hats. Apart from doing quite a bit to keep your entire body warm, hats are an under-used fashion tool.

It's important to understand the different types of hats, how and where to wear them, and some general hat etiquette. I will tackle the first issue in this post.


I will start with a classic. The Beret.

Lauren Bacall in "The Big Sleep"

Traditionally made out of felted wool, they can also be woven, knitted or crocheted. Berets can be worn in a number of ways.

Pretty much Beret 101.

I like the look of a felted beret on top of the head and pushed slightly to the side. It's jaunty and has attitude. Be careful, this can look costume-y so be sure you wear it with Confidence.

Adorable with long, loose curls

Personally, I wear my berets in a style similar to the photo above. I pull it straight down onto my head and then push the fabric backwards and slightly to the side. This way, it functions as keeping ma tete warm, while adding style.

Next, is the cloche.

Clara Bow doing it Right

In French, cloche means 'bell', and the shape of this hat should tell you why. Cloches are a structured hat that are usually made out of felted wool or other sturdy materials.

There are a few ways to wear a cloche, but the most traditional is pulled all the way down and covering the ears. See Miss Bow above.

Tao Okamoto

This cloche still retains its bell-shaped crown, but she has pulled it down in front over her forehead, leaving her ears bare.

Continuing on, we have the fedora.

Kate Moss mixing cranberry and grey

Again, these are typically made of felted wool, but can come in a variety of materials, including straw. Fedoras have wide brims, a crease at the crown and is often pinched in the front. What we typically see worn today (ad nauseum), is actually called a trilby.

Note the difference in brim size between Emma Watson's trilby and Kate's fedora.

Trilbies have smaller brims. Note that all trilbies are fedoras, but not all fedoras are trilbies. Got it?

Zara Phillips wearing a classic fedora. Note the wide brim and pinches.

While we're at it, can I please just send out an S.O.S. to stop wearing these:

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

They are over. They have been run into the ground and there is now no unique or ironic way to wear them. Pick different colors and go with a wider brim. Please? Just for a while.

Oooh look, these are fun: Trapper hats

Marge Gunderson works it in Fargo

Originally used by hunters and well, trappers, these hats are usually made of canvas, flannel, or a water-repellent material and lined with fur. Note the distinctive flaps over the ears. These can be tied under the chin or tied on top of the head.

Faux-fur lined trapper

These hats are ideal if you live in cold climates. And I mean cold. Please don't wear these if you live in temperate or sub-tropic regions. You'll look like this:

Ashley Tisdale

A Fool. Does she need the hat to keep her arm while she drinks that iced coffee??

Next up is the beanie!

Taylor Swift and her sunny yellow beanie

Beanie hats have typically been very tight to the head and worn by skiers and the like. Now, they come in slouchy varieties and guys are using them to cover up their bad hair days. Excellent!

I really love a beanie. They are perfect for winter in more temperate climes.

Sandra Bullock keeps warm

Just be careful that you don't end up looking like a bum in this hat as it's slouchy nature can look a little unkempt.

My personal winter hat inspiration?

Freda Gustavsson

Buy yourself some winter hats here:

urban outfitters
john lewis
asos
modcloth
village hat shop

Aubergine Dream and A Well-Tailored Coat

 Often, women go overboard with holiday-themed sweaters a la Mark Darcy

Green, gold and cherry red are all lovely colors but can come off as a bit too 'on-the-nose' and wind up looking simply comical.

But Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge earns top marks for her gorgeous Christmas morning ensemble.

Color correct: Her coat is aubergine and her hat is cranberry.

She looks festive (what's more festive than cranberries?), regal, comfortable, demure, and (most importantly) warm.

I love that the hat and coat do not match. They coordinate. They are the same tones of two similar colors. The hat is a warm hue made in a soft velvet, bot of which serve to warm and soften her complexion. And she wears matching gloves. *swoon*

Her coat is perfectly tailored. Note the shoulders: draw an imaginary straight line from the widest part of her upper arm. If the shoulder seam falls on that line, the shoulders fit. If the seam hangs over, it's too big. If the shoulder sticks out from under the seam, it's too small. Remember: shoulder pads are your friend.

I really don't love her heavy eyeliner. I know I've said it before, but it ages her and I don't feel she needs it. Having said that, it's clear that she likes it and clearly so does Will. That's good enough for me.




P.S. I will love forever the person that finds me a picture of the back of this hat.


EDIT: the lovely jeanettic found some more great profile shots of the hat and coat, as well as Kate's lovely pair of Mascaro suede shoes.

 By the way, this hat is a modified trilby (essentially a fedora without the pinches).

Coats for The Pale: Anything But Black

I love this time of year. Chilly weather gives me a valid excuse to snuggle in my blanket and drink tea. i also have a soft spot for winter coats. A good coat lifts the winter blues and makes you want to prance around downtown.

But you know what's not-so-good? Boring black coats. Sure, they "go with everything", but that's really not the point. A coat doesn't need to go with everything. It wants to stand out. It yearns to say, "put me on and feel festive!" And are you really telling me that a red pea coat is going to clash with your enormous denim collection? No, it won't and you know it.

So, here are my picks for anything-but-boring winter coats in colors that are perfect for The Pale:

A Burberry-esque (or "Furberry" [Faux Burberry], if you will) pea coat is unexpected and smart. Avoid large patterns if you are petite.

Gorgeous Periwinkle evokes bluebirds and spring. Just the ticket to get you through the Winter Blues. Waistband gives a covetous hourglass figure. Avoid large hip pockets if you are pear-shaped.

Military styling adds wit to this grape-hued pea coat.

Olive drab gives the ladylike buttons and puffed shoulders a bit of an edge. Avoid shoulder details when yours are broad.

Perfect over comfy cords or an LBD, this skirted red number is feminine and a little retro. Think: Grace Kelly.

A modern pea coat with wide-set buttons and a stunning emerald shade is perfect for just about anyone.

A funnel-neck is a great way to combat the cold, especially if you can't stand wearing scarves. Short neck? Avoid.

Faux fur and a ridiculously cute flared skirt make this coat perfect for nights on the town. Marilyn would've done it.

Vertical ruffles elongate and the belt cinches. Perfect for large frames and plus-sizes.

Nautical-inspired toggles add interest to a casual red coat. Minimal pockets and lack of cuffs make this a great option for tomboys and girls who are more straight up-and-down.

Military buttons and pockets, edgy funnel neck and shoulders, feminine color. For the girl who wants everything.

It's no secret that I love menswear. Make a classic men's overcoat look less like you borrowed it off a bum and more like you did it on purpose by choosing one in a bold color.

Simple, English Country Elegance. Works for everyone.