Favorites From My Lightly-Packed Suitcase

Do you perscribe to the as-much-as-you can or as-light-as-you-can packing approach?  I used to be quite the overpacker and have been making an effort to travel more lightly.  Careful editing and thinking through what items can be most versatile is, of course, a huge help with this goal.  But I found add comfort as a top priority to be most helpful.

Take shoes for example. One could easily pack a small suitcase of just shoes for a 1+ week trip.  But if think about finding a pair that is extremely comfortable and cute then you can drastically cut that down.  I took three pairs of shoes with me to France for a 9 day trip.  A pair of the most comfortable flats, a pair of heels, and my running shoes.   Those unbelievably comfortable flats would not have even shown up in my normal, everyday shoe buying search... But holy cow where they a great buy!  They allowed me to escape the tennis shoe option but still be able to spend entire days walking around cliff-side medieval towns without the slightest hint of tired tootsies.

In addition to the most-comfortable flats- the most-comfortable straight leg jeans, an inexpensive, easy-going cardigan and a light scarf rounded out the favorites in my lightly-packed suitcase. 

Cardigans by Old Navy
Flats by Børn

Keeping it simple and comfortable and not having to schlep around a heavy bag just might have me permanently converted to the as-light-as-you-can packing methodology.

Surviving Winter Boots

Waterproof, thinsulate lining, grippy soles, insulation, padded footbed...  Winter weather has officially found us.  It is a balmy 5 degrees with the "feels like" temp of -11 degrees.  If you live in any part of the country that gets snow, subzero temps, and salty slush that you get the pleasure of commuting or walking your dog in it is time to invest in a pair of winter snow boots. 

{image via toriginal on flickr}

When I first moved to Chicago after undergrad I was convinced that I did not need to part with the little discretionary income that I had for snow boots!  Oh the horror of having to spend my money on and have to wear such not cute attire!  I have since grown up considerable and have learned that freezing toes are not a fun way to start the day. 

I have also learned that while some wintery type of boots are cute one shouldn't be sold on comfy shearling lining alone.  The icy salty slush can permeate those boots leaving you with cold toes after you thought you were being so smart by breaking down to buy said wintery type of boots.

Practical wins in the winter boot category, cute simply isn't enough.  So to learn from my mistakes... I have just scrolled through hundreds of boots to find a select few that are waterproof/resistant, warm enough for even the subzero days, and (dare I say it) almost resembling a cute factor.  I myself am leaning towards a new pair of winter boots that are tall enough to tuck my pants in to avoid having salt stains on yet another pair of black pants.  Even if it doesn't always stain, the salt is pretty hard on fabric and it is inevitable that it will be kicked up onto the cuff. 

I found that North Face, Sorel, Merrill, and even a small set of Ugg boots were meeting the criteria of being able to actually keep you toasty and dry...

These will certainly get one to work with dry and warm toes.  And lucky us that big bags are still fashionable as those heels can make it to work with you without being subjected to the elements. 

{Brand and store sources on affilliate site ShopStyle}

Shoes for Celebrating

I love picking out shoes for a night out celebrating!  Putting on a pair of pretty heals is almost an instance pick me up.  And there are just so many delightful options for a winter fete.

For the under $150 price point these caught my eye...

And for the above $300 price point these are quite fetching...

Don't you just want to just put on a pretty frock, a pair of these shoes, and then head out for a night of dancing?

 {Click the photos above to head to ShopStyle for the brands & stores details; ShopStyle is an affiliate link so I might make a few pennies if you buy them!}

What Shoe Are You?

Shoes are so telling of one's style, aren't they?  And usually elicit a very innate style barometer... Some accessories or clothing I will dwell on as I try to picture it in different ensembles but with shoes it is instant love, indifference, or dislike.

So, lovelies, what shoe are you?  Select the shoe that is you on Elle to find out your corresponding style.

Me? I am apparently a New Prep.  A bit unexpected but now that I think about it- it just might make sense...

Enjoy your weekend!

Cool Weather Staple: Pretty Pumps

Once the leaves begin to change colors and the weather turns brisk I find myself turning towards pumps.  I personally am not quite ready for boots and lately it has been too cold for open toes so pumps are the practical option.  And I think they might be my favorite type of shoe.

While doing a little window shopping I found a few favorites...

{click the image for the brands and stores}