Cable + Fringe

J.Crew factory chambray shirt, Anthropologie sweater c/o (almost sold out, similar)

AoS jeans (hemmed), Stuart Weitzman boots c/o, LOFT scarf (old), Prada bag (review)

This comfy sweater poncho has gotten its fair share of wear from me this season! I know a few of you have it as well, so I'd love to hear how you've been styling it. I usually do my basic striped tee underneath, but have been liking chambray too with the sleeves exposed and cuffed. My only complaint is I can't wear anything over this other than my cape coat (not pictured) due to the connected sleeves...but that's a poncho for ya, I guess!

Just a quick post today on this short but hectic week. We're excited to relax a bit tomorrow at a "post-holiday" holiday party (really the best kind of holiday party). Hope you all have a great weekend, and DC-area friends, hope you're getting ready to hunker down with lots of wine stocked up!

Soft winter shades // Stuart Weitzman Highland vs Lowland boots review (good for narrow calves)

Stuart Weitzman boots, Ann Taylor sweater (similar in blush pink)

J.Crew coat + skirt (similar), Saint Laurent wallet on chain, Old Navy hat (similar)

Some of you guys may remember this older linen sweater...the material is a loose weave more suited for warm weather, but I love the color and wanted to winterize it for now. A simple long-sleeved tee layered underneath filled in the little holes and added warmth. I think I have almost all the texture bases covered here with wool, cable knit, suede, leather, chain...and can't forget the faux fur pouf!

After I did a review of my Stuart Weitzman Lowland flat boots earlier this season, several of you had questions in this post on the heeled Highland version. A few readers requested a comparison of the two popular styles, so here goes!

Shaft fit: The shaft construction of both boots appear to be exactly the same, made of Stuart Weitzman's signature lycra-backed stretchy suede which is lined in a satiny material. Both boots have laces at the back opening, which I secure by tying in a bow twice then tucking the ends into the shaft. I've also found the shaft measurements and fit of both styles in the same style to be exactly the same. The fit is wonderful for narrow calves and thighs, and I've heard the suede stretches nicely to accommodate curvier legs as well.

Measurements of sz 5 (please note these will vary for different shoe sizes) for both Highland and Lowlands: 4" across the ankles, 5.75" across the calves, 6.75" across the thigh opening, and 21" shaft height excluding heel. Please account for some thickness for the lined suede material. Highland has a 3.5" heel, and Lowland has a 1" heel.

Foot fit: At the foot, the Highlands feel narrower throughout than the Lowlands, which you can kinda see in the sole comparison above. The front toe area of the Highlands taper in just a bit more. The Lowlands measure 1/4" wider at the sole, but in the picture below you can see that may also be due to the thin edging detail along the foot, which I rather like. I'm clumsy and often stub my toe, rubbing off the material on the very tip of beloved shoes. I feel like it'd be easier to discreetly patch up the coloring on the edging compared to on the whole toe.

I was told by sales associates that both styles run half size big compared to other brands. I typically wear 5 to 5.5 in most brands, and found size 5 to be the most comfortable in both styles. I still have wiggle room in the Lowlands for thick socks and inserts, but the Highlands in the same size are more fitted on my feet.

Look and comfort: In the picture above, I put the heels of both shoes against a straight edge to show the difference at a glance. Not surprising for heels, the Highland looks notably smaller and more dainty relative to its flat sister. But compared to other flat boots, I think the Lowland is definitely one of the sleeker options out there. I can walk miles around the city in the Lowland with my "orthopedic" heel inserts, and find the Highlands to be comfortable for the 3.5" heels that they are. The thicker blocked heel helps a lot if you're not vigilant about sidewalk cracks!

Overall I think they're hard to compare since the two styles serve different styling purposes. I like flats for walking around the city, but prefer heels for going out and dressier occasions where I'll be taking a car. For those who mentioned you're debating between the two, it really depends on what would get more use in your own lifestyle - living in Boston, I'd pick the flats first! The price tag is not for the faint of heart, but was worth it to me given my frustrations with finding high quality tall boots that actually fit (and it doesn't hurt that they're very warm).

I also got more questions on color choice - these boots come in quite the range from dark to light. Classic black would be my first choice if I didn't already have tall boots in that color. I feel black is the easiest to "color in" or patch if the suede wears down, and also most versatile for matching with same-colored tights, leggings, and jeans. I love both gray and taupe so ended up with colors that are a little mix of both. My Lowlands are in "Londra" which is a medium gray with just hints of taupe brown, and my Highlands are in "Praline" which is lighter and more taupe. Praline is only left in the flats version at Zappos, however the similar "Taupe / Topo" is still available at most retailers in heels.

Highland sold at: Zappos, Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Elyse Walker
Lowland sold at: Zappos, Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Elyse Walker
All with free ship & returns in the US; Shopbop w/ free ship to several other countries

Here's my Lowland review again for photos of that style, and a tip for pulling these babies on/off with minimal struggle!

Baublebar slim bar pendant necklace, Laura Mercier lip glac� in Orchid

Storage and care: I'm working on a longer post about shoe care, but in the meantime, I always store my boots with wadded up paper inserted in the ankle and lower calf area, even my rubber rainboots. Most tall boots arrive with cardboard inserts or these paper wads, which I like to shape to best mimic my leg size. Boot shapers that are too big might stretch leather out; too small ones won't keep the ankle area filled, which may result in ankle sags and creases. I keep my most frequently-worn pairs ones out and like to keep others lying horizontally in their boxes or dustbags. Here's the leather & suede protectant again that I like using on shoes before wearing - 1 can is enough for 2 thorough coats on a pair of OTK boots, and can cover two pairs of shoes with less material.

Instagram Lately // Festive Fringe + Christmas Tea at Taj Boston

LOFT coat (trying on xxsp), Prada bag, J.Crew striped turtleneck tee sz xxs

Stuart Weitzman Highland boots sz 5 (similar for less)

Happy Sunday! I wanted to do a quick recap and answer some of your questions on these posts from my Instagram. I kept trying on & debating over this LOFT coat but decided to return it in the end. The pretty soft taupe & gray color scheme was the primary draw for me - it fits right in with my most-worn hues and would be very easy to pair. Ultimately I already splurged on another coat this year so want to give that one all the wear it can get. On another note, I've been in love with my Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots (last posted here) which get wear aplenty - enough to compel me to get the Highland heeled rendition. The chunky heels are Nick-approved; they're stable and don't get stuck in sidewalk cracks, so I can better keep up with his pace!

Nautica PJ shirtdress XS (also sold here), BR fringe skirt xsp (review), AC pearls

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorite holiday traditions with my girlfriends - afternoon tea at the Taj! We usually spend well over three hours there, getting buzzed on caffeine and treats while exchanging gifts. I ended up getting this BR skirt during a recent sale and really like it for festive occasions. My usual size was sold out both online and in stores so I went a size up (it fits but I'd prefer a little more fitted/shorter for a fun piece), however I saw they just restocked xxsp! It goes with so many tops, even my pajama dress which I was wearing before getting ready, ha! I'd recommend this comfy shirtdress for lounging at home and possibly outside (I'm definitely guilty of donning PJs in public)...it's a cozy, soft cotton flannel which never fails to get me in a Christmasy mood!

Below, I'm so bummed that this shirt sold out of small sizes within a matter of days. I'm a sucker for drapey, wrap-style shirts, and this knit one was love at first wear. I have seen random sizes pop back in stock, so it doesn't hurt to bookmark & check back if you really wanted it.

Soprano shirt xs, Ann Taylor scarf, Goyard bag, Loft jeans 24p, Baublebar necklace

I only get to see my younger brothers once or twice a year so miss them dearly. Whenever together, we love to bake treats then gorge on them over Pixar movie marathons. The last time I went back to my parents' house, I left my clothes strewn about everywhere which apparently left quite the impression on my brothers! It inspired these sugar cookies of my outfits, which I almost couldn't bear to eat.

Last but not least, I've gotten more messages about the wrapping paper below...they're all by Sugar Paper brand from good ole' Target! Sugar Paper makes the cutest gift wrap & packaging, sure to be appreciated by your gift recipient (or at least will look pretty under the tree)!

Old Navy mens PJ pants sz S (shrunken in dryer & stolen from Nick)

San Francisco outfit layers & food travel diary

LOFT sweater (review; also worn here) xsp + jeans 24p, Burberry trench sz 2 (similar)

Clare Vivier bag (old), Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots sz 5 c/o (review; also here)

Hello hello ~ This is a little belated, but I wanted to share one last outfit post from San Francisco as well as some yummy highlights from my visit. You guys certainly knew the hot spots, since most of the places I called from your suggestions were booked or had hours-long waits. I only made it to a few, but now all the more reason to go back! My trench coat and flat boots came in handy for all the "hiking" up and down those steep hills, necessary for working off the good eats.

pretty painted ladies in Alamo Square

I'll start with my favorite meal of the trip - garlic noodles & peppercorn crab at PPQ Dungeneses Island, a must for fellow crab lovers. Please pardon the low-quality image taken from my Snapchat. Not the most compelling visually, but I'm practically drooling at the memory! I hate the fussiness of eating crab, but the shell was so soft we didn't even need cracker tools. Not recommended for those who don't like to get their fingers messy and probably not for first dates. I can't wait to go back and try their other items, as well as their crab-petitor restaurant Thanh Long for comparisons sake.

Oh, Mr. Holmes, how I wanted to love your famous cruffins! Like madwomen, my friend and I made a cruffin plan of action to ensure that we'd get some, and even went to bed early the night before. The filled muffin-croissant hybrids come out at 9AM each day, and apparently on weekends lines start as early as 8 (each person is limited to buy 2). They bake only 1 flavor each day so we had our fingers crossed for matcha green tea w/ strawberry filling, but were met with chocolate hazelnut. Nick enjoyed them back in Boston, but I likely wouldn't line up for them again. However, for fans of savory pastries, their pastrami + sauerkraut croissant was de-lish...we fought down to the crumbs for that one.

The frequently-Instagrammed Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, where I ended up a few too many times during my stay. Such a pretty place to meet over their fresh popovers and huge lobster clubs.

Dim sum at Yank Sing - I'm usually wary when my favorite familiar cheap eats are served in a more upscale setting (I mean just look at that teapot!), but it was pretty good here. And anywhere I can get a full range of dim sum, crispy roast duck buns, and juicy soup dumplings all in one place gets a thumbs up from me.
My first time trying okonomiyaki - had to Google it at the table as I couldn't decipher what it was made of. Apparently it's a popular Japanese savory pancake made commonly with a shredded cabbage base and a variety of mix-ins. Quite yummy with interesting textures! We had this at Namu Gaji, a farm-to-table type of restaurant.

And I'll leave you guys with this satisfying treat from Bi-Rite Creamery, just a few steps down the street from Namu Gaji. So many interesting and unique flavors available for packing into little ice cream sandwiches. I defaulted to my usual green tea, which did not disappoint!Thanks to my friends Ping for playing tour guide and Wendy for taking these photos!

Shades of Gray: J.Crew Wintress petite puffer coat

J.Crew Wintress Puffer coat xxsp (runs small; 40% off!), Madewell mini transport bag
 Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots in londra c/o also sold here (review; protector spray)

This is the year of a few fashion firsts for me, including my first puffer coat, snow boots, and who knows what else to come! I can't tell you guys how many questions I've gotten over the years on both of these items, but couldn't share recommendations based on personal experience. I never saw myself as a puffer girl as I love the look of tailored coats, but finally found one I love. The addition of a removable faux-fur hood to J.Crew's petite puffer made all the difference to me. The faux fur looks fluffy and of high quality (not to mention very warm), and the silhouette of the belted coat is actually pretty shapely and flattering!

Sizing is a little tricky as I've mentioned several times already...I found this coat in petite sizing to run small and shorter at the sleeve length. J.Crew sizing used to skew big for me, but this coat in my usual xxs petite is snug with just a sweater on.
One of the features I love is a knit material at the end of the sleeves with thumb holes (to keep wind/snow from going up your sleeves), which even on my short arms just reaches to where my thumbs are. Ladies who usually have trouble with petite sleeves being too short should probably check out the regular sizing instead. I had also tried on the xxxs petite (thinking J.Crew sizing still ran big) but I couldn't even get it on. This is great news for the really petite ladies out there who usually feel relegated to the kids department! I bought my usual size but after wearing a few times, wish I had tried on 1 size up. Here's how it looks on me fully zipped up:


I also love that the pockets are lined in a warm fuzzy fleece, but my personal peeve is top-down pockets instead of slanted ones for easier hand entry. Warmth-wise, I'm a puffer novice so I find this to be comparable to my wool coats, but am guessing it falls in the medium warmth range amongst all the puffer options out there. I don't think this would be warm enough for the harshest of winters without layering underneath. I've tried on both lighter and heavier ones, but few options were available in petite sizing without alterations needed. J.Crew's Nordic parka, described as their warmest coat, does come in extended petite sizing...it's lined in both Thinsulate and down-filled and looks to be more substantial.

A lower-priced women's alternative is their factory down coat (comes in regular and petite), which I also got to try on. It has fewer bells & whistles than the Wintress puffer including the removable faux fur accent which was key for me. However, the fit was more true to size with room to layer, and the coat sleeves were not as short as those on the Wintress.

Casual layers + Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots review

LOFT tee, BlankNYC jacket sz XS (my review), Sole Society scarf (similar print)

J.Brand Maria jeans sz 24, Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots sz 5 c/o (also sold here)

When I find an outfit I really love, I can't help but wear it on repeat (such was the case with the Kate Spade shirtdress from this post until a friend gently called me out on it ; ) I'm guilty of donning this three times already - it was perfect for running errands, meeting a friend for brunch + shopping, and casual date night with Nick. Living in the city I have to walk at least a mile now each day, so finding put-together but walkable and comfortable pairings are key. The foundation of this one is very basic with black jeans and a tee, but layering with different textures really help give it dimension.

I was so excited to see my favorite wool-blend scarf (also styled here) from last year re-stocked *update: this color just sold out : / * I love the darker-toned colors, and the smaller size for days that don't yet warrant a big blanket scarf. Speaking of past-year favorites, this faux-leather jacket (runs small) is still in stock in all sizes, and is one of my staples for layering both over tops and under my winter coats. I also wanted to do a detailed review of these Stuart Weitzman "Lowland" boots, which are really beautiful quality and fit well on narrow legs. They are slimming on short legs, warm, and make even the simplest of outfits more chic. I've shared a few similar boot options as well at the end of this post, at more budget-friendly price points.

Style and material: The Lowland are a pull-on style suede flat boot with leather ties at the upper back. The boot is made of stretchy, medium-weight suede that can comfortably accommodate a small range of calf/leg widths, and fully lined in a satiny material. Per the website, the suede is "backed with lycra to create the fit factor of a legging." The material feels really nice quality, so to protect it, I sprayed mined with two coats of Cadillac leather/suede shield spray which is supposed to help repel water and stains. I also got this little suede cleaning brush to remove dirt, but haven't had to use it yet.

The easiest way to get in and out of the boot on is to fold the shaft all the way down to the foot of the boot, stick your feet in/out, and then roll the shaft back up. The sales associate also suggested knee or thigh high nylon socks, which make it nice and smooth to slip boots on and off. As for the back string ties, I like to knot them twice into a bow then tuck the string ends into the boot shaft.

Colors: I tried on almost every single color and have to say my top favorites for versatility are londra (pictured on me), loden, praline, and the nero plonge stretch. There are subtle differences between the first three, with the londra having more gray tones, the loden having more olive, and the praline more taupe which I also really loved. The nero plonge stretch is new this year and is the first time I've seen SW make an OTK boot fully in a matte black leather. This one looked and felt really nice and sleek on, but is priced above the suede options.

Comfort: I've walked several miles in these already and found them to be comfortable with no breaking-in needed. The footbed is lined in leather and the soles have rubber traction. There is a built-in cushion at the heel of the insole, however the ball of foot area does not have much cushioning. I add inserts to many of my shoes (am currently experimenting with a few brands to find my favorite) to maximize comfort, and may do so with these as well.

Sizing: These start in a size 4, good news for ladies who have a tough time shopping for that size. I found them to run a little big in the foot area. I'm usually between a 5 and 5.5, and these boots in a size 5 have a little room to spare in the toe area even with socks on. 

Calf / shaft fit: I own Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots (like their signature 50/50s) which are designed to hit right above the knees, and in comparison these are a thigh-high boot. They also make a higher upper-thigh high "Alllegs" boot which I feel would be pushing the boundaries on petite legs. The Lowlands fit snugly around my calves and thighs, but can also be scrunched for a slouchier look.

Measurements of a size 5 boot: 4" across the ankles, 5.75" across the calves, 6.75" across the thigh opening, 1" heel height, 21.5" shaft height, excluding heel, when measured from the back. Keep in mind the suede material accounts for some thickness within these measurements.

Sold at: $798 at Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Saks, Shopbop, Zappos, and Forward by Elyse Walker (FYI, I like shopping designer items at this last store - they have free express worldwide shipping & free domestic returns, with no tax when shipping to most states outside of CA).

And here are a few other over-the-knee suede or "suede look" boots at different price points:

Under $45: F21 faux-suede boots, starts in sz 5.5 but no shaft width measurements avail
Under $150: Ivanka Trump Livi (use FRIENDS for 25% off) in faux-suede; read Zappos reviews
Under $250: Corso Como Laura with genuine suede front / stretch fabric backing