Must Have Fall/Winter Item: Boots

One of the items needed during the winter season, that cannot be denied or ignored, is boots. Although I live a state where it’s winter longer than any other season and the season is, to many people’s surprise, my favorite, boots are an item I didn’t warm up to for quite sometime. In retrospect I see that my feet were often unnecessarily cold due to my stubbornness to take boots seriously as a winter wardrobe necessity. After I finally accepted that winter = boots I was more inclined to boots that really didn’t serve a purpose outside of style (I don’t know why this was such a difficult subject for me), much like the D&G’s above. I have had a new pair of knee-high boots, with at least a  4 in. heel, usually black , nearly every year since sometime in high school. I of course have had different styles and variations, but it was and has remained my must have item.

While these boots are clearly one my favorite fall/winter items, what really bothers me is the fact that they aren’t enough diverse styles of them. Where are the innovative designs and colors? I have been looking for a navy blue pair for an eternity. I found a pair one year for a ridiculous price and now that I can’t find any at all I wish I had just bought them. Sad thing is, if they had been Jordan’s I probably would’ve.

There are also riding boots, which I didn’t really pay much attention to when I first discovered boots. I now own a pair and these look great with fitted jeans and casual pants….

yet, they can also be dressed up if  need be.

These are not just for women of course, men can rock them just as well.

Then there the real, meant to keep your feet warm and dry in below 30 degree weather, winter boots. I have not owned many pairs of these for the reasons mentioned earlier in this post and this year I’m looking for the perfect combination of style, quality practicality, and durability. Finding this in a pair of boots is no easy task, but I will not rest until this mission is accomplished…….Well maybe I will rest, but I am going to find a pair.

I have come across every style and variation of the infamous UGG boot. I’ve seen boots in which their price and quality ranges from both economically conscious to splurge worthy and luxurious. While I admit there have been some styles that have managed to leverage themselves, as having somewhat of a unique spin on the oh-so-common design, I still cannot bring myself to actually dish out the cash for a boot that has been done to death.

I was definitely trying to lean in the direction of the design style of the Ronnie Fieg designed, Polo Ralph Lauren Ranger; A.K.A. “cookie boots”. This boot gives just enough style, class and prep to, what could’ve been, a bulky and awkward concept, creating the perfect combination. The trouble is the same as it always is, they don’t come in my size. I also considered the boots in the post after seeing them on the Street Etiquette blog.

Since what I really want  seems to be impossible for me to find, these Timberland: Asphalt Trail Earthkeepers Chukka, have shown themselves to be a great alternative and for a much better price since I wear kids sizes. I also love the dark brown burnished color, giving them the rugged appearance of broken in and polished leather. I might change the strings to something a little more stand out though.

Ralph Lauren: A Lo-Life Style

Joshua Kissi from Street Etiquette put me up on this video, while having a discussion on what people from the “hood” used to wear back in the 90′s: Nautica, Polo, Perry Ellis, Timberland, Eddie Bauer and Tommy Hilfiger. I remember Wallabee’s and when Helly Hanson came on the scene, which seemed to be short lived. I can’t help but to think that the executives of Ralph Lauren, as well as the other mentioned brands, had to know about the subcultures created buy their brands. It’s pretty much their job to know these things, yet it is something that is almost never mentioned or acknowledged. Aside from Tommy Hilfiger, is seems that brands felt and still feel that embracing this particular demographic (inner city or urban youth) would diminish the prestige of their brand image. This isn’t a totally false concept, as Tommy Hilfiger had to revamp their brand image in the new millenium to pull themselves away from being considered a fad brand of pop culture’s urban scene. This video is about a whole underground culture that was built around the Polo brand, which is refered to as ‘Lo’ throughout the video. It’s very interesting and thought provoking to know that a brand that doesn’t acknowledge your existence can become your existence.

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Check out the story here.

White Project: Ex-O-Fit Hi’s (and some other stuff)

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So, I found a pair of Ex-O-Fit Hi’s on sale on the Reebok site. Now usually, I’m a sensible person and I think all of my purchases through. However, I got really excited when I saw that they had went on sale and I literally had no other thought process except, ON SALE = BUY THEM. I didn’t even know they came in all white until I was checking on a pair after I posted about them (one you get things in your head, they start to grow on you). Since the whole White Project concept came out of the fact I absolutely love clean, all white kicks, it’s no surprise that I thought this all white colorway was absolutely fabulous and had to have them.

I also decided to include white accessories because, if your shoes are going to be white, you should have complimenting accessories. We all know that accessories can often make or break a fit right? So I bought the all white studded belt. I know this belt has become a little cliche these days, but for some reason I forget to buy belts, so I saw white and bought it. Maybe I’ll work on something a little more original and stylish later.

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These are my $5, Forever 21, Ray Ban knock of shades. Dope right? I actually have trouble wearing them now. Someone once called them “Soulja Boy shades” and I haven’t been comfortable with them since. (Check out the worn out button on my keyboard).

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Not an accessory, but who doesn’t need an all white Polo, by…well Polo (Ralph Lauren)? The “Create Your Own Collection” option didn’t exist when I bought mine, but I sure would’ve taken advantage if it had. That’s a navy blue tee underneath to match the pony. It’s always to good to compliment with out over crowding the white.

Next: The Watch (coming soon…..)

White Project: Ex-O-Fit Hi's (and some other stuff)

IMG_3085

So, I found a pair of Ex-O-Fit Hi’s on sale on the Reebok site. Now usually, I’m a sensible person and I think all of my purchases through. However, I got really excited when I saw that they had went on sale and I literally had no other thought process except, ON SALE = BUY THEM. I didn’t even know they came in all white until I was checking on a pair after I posted about them (one you get things in your head, they start to grow on you). Since the whole White Project concept came out of the fact I absolutely love clean, all white kicks, it’s no surprise that I thought this all white colorway was absolutely fabulous and had to have them.

I also decided to include white accessories because, if your shoes are going to be white, you should have complimenting accessories. We all know that accessories can often make or break a fit right? So I bought the all white studded belt. I know this belt has become a little cliche these days, but for some reason I forget to buy belts, so I saw white and bought it. Maybe I’ll work on something a little more original and stylish later.

IMG_3095

These are my $5, Forever 21, Ray Ban knock of shades. Dope right? I actually have trouble wearing them now. Someone once called them “Soulja Boy shades” and I haven’t been comfortable with them since. (Check out the worn out button on my keyboard).

IMG_3100

Not an accessory, but who doesn’t need an all white Polo, by…well Polo (Ralph Lauren)? The “Create Your Own Collection” option didn’t exist when I bought mine, but I sure would’ve taken advantage if it had. That’s a navy blue tee underneath to match the pony. It’s always to good to compliment with out over crowding the white.

Next: The Watch (coming soon…..)