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The Best Boots For This Winter’s “Polar Coaster”

09.16.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Boots will be an essential part of your wardrobe this Winter. However, if you think you can get by with your chunky heeled stretch suede ones with the leather soles think again.

Most of us love the first winter storm. Fresh snow softly littering sidewalks and yards can inspire romantic fireside evenings or a night alone in a warm bath accented by a dozen votive candles. But the truth is after the first few storms we are over them. The romantic fireside evenings quickly turn into expletive enhanced commentaries on how horrible the traffic was on our way home. And a bath is out of the question because it will only draw-out whatever moisture is left after a days in freezing weather.

This is the detail to look for when shopping for a freezing winter boot

Don’t let the forecast of a frigid, freezing, and frosty winter dampen your otherwise stylish sensibilities because there is good news! The good news is that heavy boots with chunky Vibram soles are quite fashionable which means you have so many choices. If you don’t already have a pair of boots suitable for this year’s “Polar Coaster” now is a good time to have a look at boots that will get you through a storm in the most stylish way. Here are few of my favorites.

Moncler Berenice Stivale Fur-Lined Hiking Boots $995

La Canadienne Sonnet Waterproof Combat Boots $498

Ilse Jacobson Fleece Lined Waterproof Rain Boot $218

Aquatalia Leoda Waterproof Patent Boot $450

Rag & Bone Shiloh High Gored Bootie $595

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

You’re The Boss—The Rise Of The Pantsuit And What Happens Next For Women

09.06.2019 by Catherine Jane //

When you think of an exquisitely tailored pantsuit you probably visualize any number of 007’s drinking martinis. However, if secret agents aren’t your type perhaps the quintessential crackerjack defense attorney ready to do word battle in court is the image that comes to mind. Every image is one who embodies a broad shoulder, nipped in waist and tailored pants with just the right amount of inseam. Who we don’t think about when we think of a well-tailored pantsuit is a woman—for good reason too. The pantsuit has been the territory of men for centuries.

The elaborate royal coat dress of the 17th century was certainly more flamboyant than the suits of today. Nevertheless men have relied on the well-tailored suit to exude a sense of power and even prestige. In the 19th century the British dandy Beau Brummell is credited for giving men’s suits the modern touch we still see today. His take on pantsuits took away the garish accents of the earlier royal courts. He offered a new vision for men’s styling using fabrics with softer neutral tones and adding a knotted ties.

Even with the relaxed trends of fashion today a well-tailored pantsuit is still a staple for men wanting to be taken seriously. The formula is easy—tailored pants, matching jacket, button-down shirt, and loafers or oxfords. The tie is optional. A well-tailored suit effectively has given men entree into an exclusive world which commands attention, opens doors to well-connected relationships, and sometimes it even gets them an upgrade while flying. Wearing a baseball cap, teeshirt, and shorts will never yield the same results.

The pantsuit for women first became prominent in 1966 when Yves St. Laurent designed the Le Smoking Tuxedo. It first debuted to mostly negative reviews. But after the old guards of fashion stopped clutching their pearls Yves pantsuit was seen as a modern approach to women’s fashion. Unfortunately, the world was not quite ready for the masculinization of women.

In 1968 socialite and couture collector Nan Kemper was unceremoniously thrown out of Le Côte Basque in New York for wearing one. But true to Nan’s style she removed the trousers and was left with only the jacket which she passed off as a tight-fitting mini dress. In her mini dress she was allowed back in.

As unenlightened and crazy as it seems pants were forbidden for women to wear on the Senate floor as early as 1993 (let that sink in for a minute). The pantsuit for women is significant not only because it challenges gender norms but because it speaks to the problem of inequality in terms of social and economic issues.

Pantsuits have come and gone out of fashion for quite some time but their popularity has been significant since 2016. Organizations like Pantsuit Nation have taken the image of leaders of communities wearing pantsuits to signify women’s desire for a more equal society and designers are listening.

Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Bottega Veneta and others have been embracing a more masculine vibe for their collections. By no means are these designers undermining femininity. Instead what they are doing is offering us clothing so that we can move in the world as prominently as men.

The broad shoulder, nipped in waist, tailored pants with just the right amount of inseam are now aspirational markers for everyone.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Your Fall Shopping List–All The Basics You Need For A Stylish Season

08.30.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Don’t wait until the weather gets cold to make a date to do your Fall shopping.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac this winter is going to be “freezing, frigid, and frosty”. In fact it is going to be so cold that they have christened it the Polar Coaster which already has me looking for my long-lost flannel sheets.

Don’t wait until the first blast of cold air to get your Fall wardrobe in order. Now is the time to send your coats to the cleaners and your boots to your local shoe repair shop for a tune-up.

If you don’t currently have your cold weather wardrobe ready for the months ahead this would be a good time to begin shopping. Your must haves for every Fall season are a few good sweaters, a heavy coat, a pair of boots and a scarf. And unless you live in an area which boasts a moderate climate these items should be functional in colder weather. They should also be pieces that will stand the test of time. Here is a look at a few possibilities that will keep you warm and looking chic through the chillier months of Fall.

Sweaters

More than any other single item I find myself gravitating toward a plush and oversized sweater for this time of year. Since this type of sweater is usually more expensive I stick with neutral colors. Here are some of my favorites this season.

Klark T-Neck by Rag & Bone
available in charcoal $450

Another great style to invest in this Fall is a hoodie. It’s that extra piece of clothing that will add a layer of warmth when the weather gets chilly.

Wool & Cashmere Thermal Hoodie by Vince
available in 2 colors $445

If you are looking for a classic cashmere sweater available in exquisite colors then look no further than this crewneck.

The Cashmere Crew by Everlane
available in 20 colors $100

Coats

Since I live on the West Coast I cannot justify investing in a coldgear coat. What I would invest in is a coats that can be easily layered for a colder climate. However, I must confess that during the polar vortex of 2017 I could have used a long down coat, heavy gloves, and hat with earmuffs–it was that cold!

This wool blend coat will not protect you during the next polar vortex but it is suitable for Fall and even Spring. The reversible style gives you more bang for your buck and the neutral colors of cream and tan will easily pair with your wardrobe.

Rach Coat by Rag & Bone
available in tan $795

If you are in the market for a novelty coat have a look at this one in faux leather.

If something a little more tailored with a quilted pattern is more your style then this coat with a double-zippered front and pocket warmers will be your go-to this Fall.

Shoes

Boots have been a wardrobe staple for all seasons but not for me. I still can’t wrap my head around wearing them when the weather is warm. But since this blog is featuring cool weather style then I am all in when it comes to boots.

If you are looking for function and stye these boots are waterproof.

Marilisa Snake Print Bootie by Aquatalia $575

One of the best trends in fashion to behold is the comfort shoe trend. Its genesis spawned from years of wearing incredibly painful, albeit sexy looking shoes. I, for one, am a big fan. However, what followed was the ugly shoe trend of which I am not a fan. There is no need to follow in the footsteps (no pun intended) of influencers who promote shoes which are comfortable but painful to look at when there are shoes which are both comfortable and good-lookin’.

I recently purchased a pair of these flats by Rothy’s. This is what you need to know–they are made from recycled plastic, they are insanely comfortable, and incredibly affordable!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Fall!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!