The Winter Boot Search

You wouldn't think it'd be difficult to find a warm winter boot that is comfortable, good in cold weather, but nice enough to wear around town?  My feet stay cold in winter and I wanted something not for the barn but to wear to dinner with jeans, shopping, on cold winter days.  Linings, comfort, quality to last more than one or two seasons are key. I have to go with lace up boots (or they won't stay on my narrow feet) and I had to eliminate LL Bean anything because they are always too wide. 

These Kate Spade boots caught my eye. They come in black and gray but the gray ones are much prettier. 

These Sorel boots also caught my eye and they also appear to be warm. They also come in several colors. 

I also like these Sorel boots but I can't decide if they are so ugly that they are cute.  They are almost sold out though. I like the fact that they are lighter weight - felt and suede - so they may be more comfortable. See them here.

I tried these Merrill boots and really wanted them to work for me but they are just too wide (a constant problem).  They come in three colors and checked off the warm box for sure.  See them here.

These Columbia Maragol boots are cute but may look a bit more like a snow boot than I want. They come in several colors and have received good reviews.  See them here.

These Sorel boots are standard fare for winter boots but functional and reasonable. See them here.

I love these fur-lined boots but they are a bit pricey.  See them here.

And if you are a blue person then you'll also love these.  See them here.

The Gifted Fashionista

Most of us have been at the fashionista stage at some point in our life.  Whether you still fit the bill or not, it's fun to shop for the fashionista nonetheless. Here are the Horse Country Chic picks.....


1) Blue Coat from J McLaughlin
This lightweight coat will pair well with jeans, white pants, blue pants.  It's classic, stylish, and it's on sale. Screams lightweight Chanel to me.  Your fashionista will love it!

2) Vintage Jewelry
Your fashionista will know how to style this vintage art deco monogrammed brooch.  See it here.

Or this vintage necklace.  See it here.

3) High Heels Stationary

Your fashionista will love these note cards to write all of her Christmas thank you notes.  See them here.

4) Tory Burch Cosmetic Case

Your fashionista will adore this cosmetic case - to hold all those lipsticks. See it here.

5) Dior Book

What fashionista won't love this coffee table book?  See it here.

6) Givenchy for the Nails

No fashionista can resist red nails from Givenchy.  Buy it here.

 

7) Sex and the City -Complete Set

No need to explain why this will make a great gift.  See it here.

 

8) Sensored Make-Up Mirror

Your fashionista will love this make-up mirror.  See it here.

9) Handbag with Bamboo Handle 

Zara offers this well-priced bag that will go with everything this winter.  You can never own too many handbags as any good fashionista knows.  See it here.

10) Needlepoint Sleep Mask

Make your fashionista her own needlepoint sleep mask.  See it here.

Happy Tuesday!  Christmas is coming!

The Gifted Equestrian

It's easy to pick out gifts for the equestrian, the rider.........

1) Equestrian Stationary
Your equestrian will adore this engraved stationary from Dempsey & Carroll.  Even if he or she doesn't like to use snail mail, who can resist using these?

2) Custom Brushes
For the rider who has everything, he or she will love these custom brushes.  See them here.

Or these:

 

3) Custom Grooming Box

Any equestrian would love this custom grooming box, perfect for horse shows.  See it here.

4) Ariat Sweater

Your rider will love this Ariat sweater which comes in several colors and patterns.  You can't go wrong with Ariat.  See it here.

5) EIS Heated Shirt

I'm sure you have heard about icefil shirts but what about heated shirts?  These EIS shirts are the new winter trend that your rider will love.  See them here.

Or try this top from Ariat which is also super warm for winter riding.  

6) Ice-Fil Shirts

If your equestrian is headed to Florida this season to show, then she'll love this Tailored Sportsman ice-fil shirt and it comes in many colors.  Or she can save it for summer.  See it here.

7) Custom Bridleracks

Order your rider a custom bridlerack for her barn or to use at horse shows from this local vendor who makes wonderful things at very reasonable prices.  See her Facebook page here.

8)  Cotton Throw - Hunter/Jumper

Your rider will love this cotton throw to use around the house. See it here.

9) Gien Hunter-Jumper Plate

Add to your rider's collection of dinnerware with the fabulous Gien plate.  And it's on sale!  See it here.

10) Horse Loafers

For the rider who has everything these loafers will make the perfect gift. See them here.

The Search for the Elusive Winter Turtleneck

Finding good quality clothes in today's world is becoming increasingly difficult.  Whether Madison Avenue believes it or not, some of us do not want "fast fashion" but instead prefer well-made, quality clothes, in natural fibers, that will last more than one or two seasons.  And don't get me started on vanity sizing - I'll save that rant for another day.

Turtlenecks are my "go-to" gold standard in winter. I wear them with everything and love to own them in many colors. Ann Taylor, J Crew, Banana Republic and others all sold them in merino wool and cashmere in varying weights.  But now, finding this is like looking for the holy grail. They are no where to be found.  Check the fiber content on every piece today.  Finding all wool or cashmere is harder than it seems.

J Crew
My favorites were of course J Crew.  I have three primary weights - lightweight merino wool, heavier wool and cashmere.  My black one gets worn weekly.  J Crew no longer sells the lightweight wool ones other than at Factory (which I shy away from due to quality and fit).  They now make an everyday cashmere one that I am trying this week.   Their cashmere today is not like their cashmere of old and I still have a few of the old ones thank goodness. Here is their new everyday cashmere turtleneck in light blue.  The color is nice.  See it here.

They also make this one with side slits.  I don't like the fabric content though and I prefer mine to be more fitted. See this one here.

This one has received very good reviews and is almost sold out and it's pricey but this is the kind of clothing J Crew should be making all of the time - classic, well-made, great quality and style.  See it here.

I ordered this one two weeks ago but it has not arrived yet.  So the jury's still out on this one.  Stay tuned.

Banana Republic

I have not ordered any of these from BR but they do offer options.  Their older sweaters were great quality but I'm not so certain about the ones being sold today.

This is a wool/alpaca blend.  It also looks a bit oversized to me. See it here.

 

For the money this appears to be one of the better buys out there right now. This is a wool/cashmere blend.  Many sizes are sold out and the color selection is a bit limited.  See it here.

The washable merino wool turtleneck looks to be lightweight and some of the reviews state that you can see through this one, but again, likely a decent buy at the right price point for a lighter sweater.  The colors are pretty good too.  See this one here.

BR also makes a $198 cashmere turtleneck but it comes in only two colors.  I'd try Nordstrom or Lord & Taylor for their brand before I'd buy this one.  See it here.

Lord & Taylor

This is one of the best bargains I've seen yet.  If the quality of these is as good as the quality of the one I have (a gift about 10 years ago) then this is the real deal.  The colors are scrumptious too.  On sale now for $49.  See it here.

Brooks Brothers

This is the gold standard in my opinion for wool turtlenecks. I love the style, the fit, the wool.  Wish it came in more colors though.  See it here.

Pendleton

And then there is always the old stand-by, Pendleton.  It's not going to make a fashion statement, but for a tried-and-true brand and all wool, it's a safe bet.  See these here.

The shop for the elusive high quality turtleneck will continue.......  Happy December!

The Gifted Gardener

Do you have a gardener on your holiday shopping list?  If so, Santa is here to help...............

This book about Bunny Mellon's gardens recently came out and I am wanting to add to my own library.  She was the master gardener.

(Bunny Mellon Book)

As any active gardener knows, you can never have too many clay pots, ever......

(Clay Pots)

Gardening can be rough on the hands, and these very nice gloves will protect hers for years to come.

(Super Gardening Gloves)

Your gardener can always use a new sun hat.  You don't have to be a gardener to love this.

(Hat)

Paper Whites are my favorite holiday flower.  Send your gardener an arrangement in this nice crystal dish.

(Paper Whites)

Send your gardener this garden party nut cracker.  This is so adorable!  See it here.

This will make a great stocking stuffer for your gardener - a gardening journal.  He or she can write everything down!

(Gardener Journal)

Every gardener needs a beautiful new garden kneeler.  

(Garden Kneeler)

If you really love your gardener or if your gardener happens to stitch, then this is truly the perfect gift.  You can stitch this and turn it into a pillow, a door hanging, add it to a tote bag.

(Gardener Needlepoint Kit)

Or how about a personalized sign for her garden?

(Garden Sign)