rain boot / snow boot roundup

Like it or not, winter is coming. Apparently it's going to be as bad as last year. I don't mind, I love winter...but for the other 9,999,999 New Yorkers, it's a drag. Footwear becomes seriously compromised - Louboutins get replaced by flats, which get replaced by Hunter rain boots or Uggs. And while these are fine, they're everywhere. New Yorkers, I understand that neither wind nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night shall keep you from looking fashionable, and I respect you for that. But let's vary it up. Here's my definitive list of stylish rain and snow boots, to keep your feet happy:

 

Blue UGG // Red Lined Boot //  Buckle Boot // Studded Boot // Balenciaga Boot // Sorel Slipper // Rain Riding Boot // Orange Boot // Patterned Boot //  Short Tassel Rain Boot // Via Spaga Snow Boot // Dog Welly // Leather Lace Up // Tartan Rain Boot // Yellow Hunter // Perforated Rain Boot // Brown Printed Boot // Short Brown Boot // Waterproof Snow //

My recs for a rain boot are: mobility (one), warmth (two), and style (three). Yes, I place style last on this list. I don't like knee high options as much, even though they're adorable, because they're just harder to walk in. For years I've been wearing Sorel mid calf boots, and just this year purchased a pair of ankle rain boots (in black) to see how they fair. My sister in law swears by these, and who could argue with their classic look (my mom had a pair when I was a kid!)? Also, even though Uggs get such a bad rap, I love the above color, plus they're so warm! What say you, friends? Tell me your preference!

Oh, and don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!

xoxo,

FIVER: winter wonderland essentials

Snow My God.  There are very few things that could take the joy out of a good old fashioned snow storm for me. This weekend was no exception.

Days like Saturday make me want to escape to a little cabin in Vermont, where Charlie could run around the snowy yard at will, and Raven and I could hang by the wood-burning stove.

Alas, I did not escape, but I did venture out.  In New York, we need quite a few staples to survive the trekking and schlepping while dressed to the nines, without needing to bring a suitcase.

1. The greatest coat known to man: Really. A down or "puffy" coat can be found in every New Yorker's apartment.  Mine kept me warm last eve when I was essentially wearing a tissue paper dress.  Word to the wise- they ain't cheap, but you will be toas-tay.  Canada Goose coats come in colors and styles galore, are guaranteed for life, and I highly suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing.  Reasonably priced alternative here.  (Down is one of those things that, as a non-meat eater, I feel a little funny about wearing, so I would need to put in more research before purchasing a product like this again).

2. Do' protectors: I saw Court wearing earmuffs like these recently, and she looked like the sweetest little snow bunny.  Do protect that hairdo, friend.

3. Heel Holder: In the midst of a snow storm, one cannot be expected to walk from point A to point B in fancy shoes.  So goodbye clutch, hello bright, roomy bag in which I may store my booties.

4. Stem Insulators : Just because it is snowing, does not mean I have to hang up my frock.  Nor does it mean I must suffer with bare legs like an NYU freshman.  These?  They're basically just leggings with feet.

5. Travelin' Boots that Still Look Good with Your Freakum Dress: I searched high and low for these sparklers a couple years ago, but I could not find them in my size for the price that I wanted (Sorel has great sales!).  I did find a simple black pair, however, during one of these aforementioned sales.  Good in rain and snow alike!

What are your NYC winter essentials?

all images via Pinterest

when irish eyes are smiling

In two weeks, I will be here...

That's right, I'm going to IRELAND!  My mom and I are headed overseas to the land of our ancestors and we're seeing everything.  We fly in and out of Dublin, and then are spending a week on a guided tour of the country, stopping in Killarney, Kilkenny, and Galway (and many other sights along the way).  I'm really excited to spend some QT with my Mama, as well as learn more about my heritage.  Both my Mom and my Dad's sides of the family are Irish, and I'm just about as sentimental as you can get; needless to say I'm more than thrilled (and a little crazy eyes emotional) about the prospect of finding out about where I come from.

Getting organized for a trip simply delights me- mini toiletry bottles, chic airport outfits, yummy plane snacks.  I'm not a great flier, so this focuses my attention elsewhere (rather than on the fact that I'm sitting in a chair in the sky).

Here's what I'm planning to bring with me to the green, lush, rainy, lovely land of the leprechauns:

ireland by allisonboc featuring tall straight leg jeans

I wouldn't feel right going to the place of my ancestors without some green, so I got an LL Bean raincoat to keep me dry.  Pair that with some plaid, worn in denim, a J. Crew sweater (never buy these full price- they go on sale usually more than half off), Sorel rain/snow boots (again- wait for a sale), thick scarf (mine is knit by my incredibly crafty SIL), a good water bottle (don't make me justify hydration), and I think I've got a recipe for some comfy travelin' times ahead.

Here are some inspiration pics for the look I'm after:

A girl can dream, right?  I swear on St. Patrick, if I don't come back SWADDLED in tartan...

Any recommendations for what to do/buy/see/eat/drink, etc in Ireland?  Tips appreciated! 

images via Pinterest, The Sartorialist