scarves & boots

From the moment I realized a belt can transform an otherwise baggy and unshapely piece(s) of material, I was in search of a shirt dress that I could wear year after year without going out of style. Of course certain criteria must apply: Is it durable? Qaulity fabric? Will I go back to it after wearing it five times? Does it have a timeless appeal to it? And most importantly, can a 20-30-year-old afford it?

And yes, I found this dress. It’s the oxford cloth shirt dress from L.L. Bean Signature. Here I am, but keep in mind the dress just came out of the packaging so it’s still a bit wrinkled.

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Since I’ve always had an infatuation with scarves and tall boots – as do many girls my age – I will soon be posting descriptions and photos of my favorites. Sounds fun, right?

(photo courtesy of gentscaninesociety.com)

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Boots #1

Winter is great. I can recycle those pair of jeans or cords that shrunk in the wash over the last few years. Those jeans that are too short, and therefore too goofy, cannot be worn with flip flops or sneakers since they end up giving you a case of High Water Syndrome. But luckily in the cold months, I grab a pair of tall socks and pair my high waters with a pair of tall boots. A good pair of tall genuine leather boots can last years. When I say years, I mean years. Take my vintage pair purchased last year at a consignment store in downtown Murray, Ky. The pair (not pictured below) is at least circa 1960s, and despite a few acceptable rain stains, still meets my hip, preppy, equestrian style. Oh, yeah. Now it’s time to get out my J.Crew card. Love these! Before I continue, I would personally like to offer myself as a real life model for J.Crew. I will happily wear your clothing, accessories, and foot attire for free. I know, I’m that good of a person.

(jcrew.com, Nottingham tall leather fall boot, $298)

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Boots #2

Five simple rules to effectively sport cowboy boots:

1. Wear them at a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse/cow farm in Kentucky, Montana, or Texas

2. Wear them attending a state fair and/or a eating a fried Snickers bar, Elephant ear, or North Carolina Barbecue

2. But deviations from previous rules are allowed in the following circumstances:

-you are at a square dance

-you are dressing up as Woody from Toy Story I or II for Halloween

-you are at a rodeo

-you are mucking a stall

-you are carrying a large pile of lumber

2. Please do not wear them with a skirt (including denim), dress, or any article of clothing that deserves to be paired with more refined footwear

3. They are typically not to be worn with evening wear of ANY kind, and should only be worn in restaurants in settings listed in 1. and 2.

4. But you CAN wear them whenever you want and however you want if you are the following people:

-Taylor Swift

-George W. Bush

5. Most importantly, ONLY wear them tucked under jeans. Get over it. These aren’t your English riding boots.

One for the road … When it comes to CB boots, leggings AREN’T and never will be an option.

(photo courtesy of anythinggauche.com)

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Boots #3

Gosh darn Aweful! Dear Ugly boots, why would  you ever attack someone’s innocent foot?

… photos to follow …