these boots are made for walkin'

My sister has been on the hunt for the perfect flat boot, and I think I've found it for her. Classically styled, in a rich, beautiful brown and for an oh-so-reasonable $180. After enduring four years of Chicago winters, I could espouse the practical and fashionable wonders of the riding boot forever. They're perfect with sweater dresses and tights, sophisticated with tucked-in skinny jeans, and above all else, exactly what you need to look pulled together in a foot of snow. My own Franco Sartos are over three years old and they're still gettin' the job done.

happy birthday!

Gift-giving is a tricky art. Not only are there a million variables to consider (your relationship to the person, their personal tastes, what they got you for your last birthday/holiday); you've also gotta work on a budget. And as much as I like receiving gift cards, I couldn't feel like more of a cop-out giving one. All things considered, this is going to be a tough one. She's been one of my best friends since kindergarten (yikes!), and the last two gifts she got me were a lovely bracelet from Paris and a framed print of one of her original designs (double yikes). So here's what I'm pondering:


Etsy is a wonderful little market of handmade treasures and trinkets, world wide web style. Jeanskipper creates some wonderful jewelry, including this handstamped pendant necklace. They can also be made to order; I'm thinking of getting one engraved with some silly inside joke from our elementary school days. It's just the sort of quirky, sentimental token she'd enjoy - and I'd love to give.

topshop usa

The Topshop US online store opens today! A few of my favorites:

Skinny Ankle Trousers

The season's ubiquitous legging and equestrian trend, all grown up in gray.








Fringe Tiered Tunic

Just do a little shimmy.








Snoopy Hoody

The cheek balances out the schlep factor, and I can already hear "Linus and Lucy" playing in my head.





IMAGE CREDIT: TOPSHOP

time after time

Ever since the menswear trend emerged, I've been hunting for the perfect watch: something luxe and elegantly bold. After all, doesn't a subtle flick of the wrist beat digging through a Mary Poppins bag for your cell? Everything I've come across so far has missed the mark somewhere, but with the Macy's sale and a gift card on my side, it may be just the right time to strike.

tgif: blog-roll

Fashionista

• Hits Fashion Week
• Nastia Liukin + Serena, Blair, Chuck and Dan = Our Idea of Must-See TV

Shopgirl

• Hits Fashion Week
• Because We're All Tired of Dry-Cleaning ...

The Moment

• In Case You Were Wondering How To Roll Up Your Sleeves
  

penguins, equestrians and butlers, unite!

As the quest for the perfect black blazer continues, the options only grow. Urban Outfitters offers seven quirky, modern takes on the classic jacket, including this crested, schoolgirl-esque version and this cute, tomboyish option from the retailer's popular "Urban Renewal" line. Shopbop came through in typical fashion, with at least two cruelly tantalizing options well out of my price range. I loved the length and austere aesthetics of this equestrian-inspired Elizabeth and James jacket, and have to admit this Rag and Bone number is cropped perfection. Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Anthropologie offered some other great options, but none seemed to channel the perfect paradox of careless, louche sophistication and glamour. This blazer had to drape perfectly (no heavy wools need apply), and look-like-you-borrowed-it-from-your-boyfriend, while still reminding the world that you are, in fact, a female. Undaunted, I foraged through all these retailers (and many more) to stumble upon this nearly-perfect find, in a most unlikely place. Ordered a size up, I'm convinced this one'll have the perfect slouch I'm after. Critics and naysayers be damned: if Patrick Robinson (the brand's current Head Designer) can keep this up, my wallet will be ready and waiting. Now, just pray the reality will live up to the dream when my package arrives next week.

it's pronounced targée

Nylon magazine has a first look at the new Jonathan Saunders collection for Target. Following Richard Chai's stab at fashion for the masses, Saunders' capsule collection remains faithful to the vivid color palette and waist-defining silhouettes of his recent resort '09 collection. While the designer's liberal use of prints is a bit heavy-handed for my own personal taste, I'm loving the collection's ribbon-like, obi-inspired belts: such a simple, elegant means of creating contrast and a beautiful, feminine silhouette.

For those of you questioning the quality of Target's capsule collection, I own an awesome floral chiffon dress designed by the in-house GO International team. I always get a million compliments whenever I wear it, and no one's the wiser. But, with high-end fashion at these prices, there's bound to be some losers among the winners, so choose carefully. The collection will debut online and in Target stores in October.

IMAGE CREDIT: NYLON MAGAZINE