SHOPPING SPLURGES

My star buy of the week is my new Kate Spade, La Casita Sammie, bag originally $295 but marked down to $137 at Von Maur! It’s a great handbag cos it allows my hands free to carry lots of shopping bags, which is always a good thing. And in this gold leather it’s oh so stylish.


At Macy’s I bought the highly regarded Secret Camouflage ($28) perfect for covering minor imperfections and discolorations. Plus the loose setting powder to help create a ‘soft-focus’ appearance both by Laura Mercier ($34).

WISH LIST

I LOVE this ‘emerald crocodile suede Bayswater clutch’ by Mulberry!! I’m gutted that I didn’t buy it when I had the chance. Now I can’t find it anywhere not even on eBay.

I originally saw Fearne Cotton carry it when she was interviewing Mischa Barton on her show. I thought that’s a fantastic bag and I desperately WANTED it but it was sold out!

Funny enough the following week I went with a friend to Bicester Village and I couldn’t believe my luck it was there!! However I was trying to be really good and not spend too much as there was another Mulberry clutch that I’ve wanted for a while. I simply couldn’t justify buying TWO MULBERRY bags. However I really regretted not getting it, so much so that a couple of days later I phoned the store to see if they still had the bag. Unfortunately they didn’t so I’m still on the look out for one. Let me know if anyone, including you Fearne Cotton, wants to sell yours because I’ll buy it.

Addiction thirty-three: THE SNOOD

For me the key accessory this winter is the knit snood. In case you don’t know the snood is a joined scarf. And Gap ($24.95) have a fantastic one that's very thick and so warm. I got two in my favorite colors grey & navy but if you prefer they also come in classic cream and black. What I love about this snood is it’s versatility, it can be worn with a casual or smart look. I highly recommend getting one this season.

Now if you saw last week’s blog on winter boots and wondered which pair I went for in the end. I’ll tell you I didn’t go for any of them! While I was browsing online I came across a pair by the British brand Burberry and I fell in LOVE! I had to get them instantly. They weren’t the cheapest but they were on sale at
Saks Fifth Avenue.

Also I found a pair of UGG boots that I really like, I know I was surprised too. The Delaine has a converse like sole that make this UGG boot much cooler looking than all the others.

Addiction thirty-two: WINTER BOOTS

Baby it’s cold outside!

With my move from London to Chicago I knew that my wardrobe would have to change. Why? Well for starters the WEATHER is a little different here. They say the British always talk about the weather and it’s true because it’s usually grey and miserable. In Chicago they get all four seasons with bitterly cold winters and scorching hot summers.

As it’s already December I need to start buying some warm cuddly winter clothes and waterproof accessories ASAP. The key for me is to find items that aren’t just cool and stylish but also practical and warm. I don’t want to freeze to death no matter how good I look! However this can be tricky especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune.

My winter check list:
1. Winter Boots
2. Winter Accessories
3. Chunky knitwear
4. Long underwear

This week I want to focus on boots. With there being so many options out there, I’m keen on getting two pairs; one that is waterproof for wet weather and the other that is cosy for when it’s incredibly cold but dry.

Several years ago one of my fav designers Marc Jacobs did a moon boot and I’m gutted that he hasn’t done one for this season. So the hunt is on to try and find something just as cool. A great alternative is the original and retro looking ‘MoonBoot’ by Tecnica. This iconic winter footwear, inspired by landing on the moon, are available in many different styles and colors but I LOVE the navy ($85).

The other option I’m considering is another classic, the ‘duck’ boot. However Sporto has revamped them in fashionable plaid (tartan) fabrics with a fur lining. A great twist on the classic boot ($69).

Another way to go is down the galoshes (wellington) route. The British brand, Hunters, famously worn by Kate Moss is always a great choice. However I’ve fallen in love with the Swedish brand Tretorn. I like how they aren’t too tall and especially love these fun colors ($60-$65).

Now for my cosy boots, the obvious option is the boot but I have to say I’ve never been a fan. I’m not keen on their look however they do seem incredibly warm and for that I’m slightly tempted. My first choice would be the ‘Classic Tall’ in grey ($180).

I’ve been trying to find an alternative sheepskin boot that is stylish. I’ve never been an Eddie Bauer fan either as they’re much more about practicality than fashion but I have fallen for these shearling boots ($179).

NEXT WEEK number two on my winter check list: winter accessories.... WARNING may contain snood images.