Monthly Archives: October 2010

Farm-girl glamour

Clearly, Ms. S&C is looking to glamourize farm life. (Or, maybe it is time for her to embrace her farm-girl roots?) First, she fell in love with this farm-girl chic look over on The Sartorialist. Then, she ran across these boots at Nine West (from the aptly named “Vintage American Collection”).

No, they are not authentic. They are not perfectly weathered from removing brush by the pond or hauling bales of hay. But, they are awesome, and she wants them. (Now, off to find the perfect utility coat to match!)

posted by Ms. S&C

Three (farm-related) things

Three quick things. All farm-related (sort-of).

(photo from The Sartorialist)

(1) Farmer’s Market Chic

Ms. S&C loves this farmer’s-market-chic-look. Perfect blue eyes (that match the shirt, that match the apron). Perfect use of the tie. Perfect hat. Perfect coat. Perfect rugged pants. Perfect weathered boots.

(photo from little brown pen)

(2) Applejack

Hello, fall produce. Ms. S&C is glad you’re here. Ms. S&C is also glad she recently came across Applejack (apple brandy) in her bookclub book “The Group.” Now, she must use it in a punch, in an Old-Fashioned, in something! (Especially if that something includes apple cider, fresh sliced apples, and maybe a dash of maple syrup?)

(3) Country-rock

The Flying Burrito Brothers: the Gram Parsons’ band that made country music cool — the band that made 70’s rock laid back — is in heavy rotation in the S&C household. Ms. S&C thinks you should listen to the “Hot Burritos” anthology album, particularly songs: Dark End of The Street, Hot Burrito #1, The Train Song, Image of Me, and their cover of Wild Horses.

The three things blog posts give Ms. S&C an opportunity to share a combination of shoe and cocktail-related finds, along with something else. That something else usually includes music or yoga.

posted by Ms. S&C

Back to (Black) Basics

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what many would argue is the penultimate staple of a girl’s wardrobe: the basic black pump. It’s a shoe that can dress up a pair of jeans and add the perfect polish to any work outfit. It can be difficult to find that perfect pair though – one that melds comfort, fashion and versatility. That’s why I think that a few different versions of the black pump are a wardrobe-must.

My personal preference is a round- or almond-shaped toe – I think it’s utterly feminine and flattering. That’s not to say that I turn up my nose at a pointy toe – I certainly have a couple of pairs in my closet – but I feel like the round toe has a certain classic longevity.

Here’s a quick look at my three favorite round-toe pumps.

This pair of Steve Madden Mary Janes is one that I turn to time and time again, and in fact have had to re-heel several times due to far too frequent wear and tear.

This pair by Rocket Dog has a slightly retro look thanks to the knot on top and the curve of the shoe. I’ve worn these to weddings and work – love the versatility factor!

The elevated platform and laser cut-outs elevate my latest acquisition, a Calvin Klein pair, from classic to super-special. I also love the heft in the 4.5-inch heels. This shoe is sure to quickly work its way into regular wardrobe rotation.

Miss Mojito wants to know: Am I the only one with a black pump obsession? Tell us about your personal faves!

Talk me down

Can someone talk me out of these, please?

This J. Crew silk and wool dress isn’t perfect for fall, right? It probably wouldn’t look good with (black or brown) opaque tights and boots. It isn’t the grown-up glamour I talked about for my fall wardrobe. And, I’m sure it wouldn’t look good with my black booties, my new oxfords, or these Tory Burch riding boots.

I don’t need these quilted boots, do I? I mean, who wants this mixture of nylon and leather textures? And, who cares if they would look good with my skinny jeans and the plaid flannel shirt I just bought at Target? Plus, they wouldn’t go well with my brown corduroy mini… Oh, good grief.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you need her to talk you out of?

posted by Ms. S&C

Miss Mojito Meets Fall

Miss Mojito is finally at a stage where she can embrace fall in all its brisk glory. I’m ready to meet the season full of cheer, and for good reason. Fall is prime shopping time in the Mojito household, and this season in particular brings the perfect storm of colors, pieces and patterns that are calling my name. Those cold-weather staples that mark the start of a cool new season are some of my favorite shopping indulgences – and the reason that my checking account has taken a significant dip as of late. Here’s why.

Coats and Jackets
Cropped leather moto-jackets and luxe faux-leopard coats are haunting my dreams these days. I couldn’t resist a black pleather bomber-style jacket with an oversized shearling collar from H&M – and for $30, there was no need to resist! This Burberry Prorsum jacket is the original inspiration.

Sweaters
I’m stocking up on thin layering v-necks and cardigans, and am pining for some chunkier, sweater-coat style knits.

Hosiery
When the cold weather sets in, you’ll find me wearing tights six out of seven days a week! This season, I plan to invest in several patterned pairs in neutral shades. But I plan to take things up a notch by layering tights and delicate printed socks – a sheer, polka-dot pair is my favorite hosiery purchase so far, and they look lovely when peeking out of the top of. . .

Boots!
Here at S&C, it’s no surprise that I’m something of a boot addict. Fall always finds me lusting after boots galore. Lace-ups with chunky heels, like this pair by Deena & Ozzy from Urban Outfitters, hold a spot of honor on my wish list.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, sartorially speaking.

Miss Mojito wants to know: What’s on your fall fashion forecast?

Posted by Miss Mojito.

Three quick things: rain boots, beer, magazines

Three quick things.

(1) Hunter Rain Boots
A friend emailed saying she was on the lookout for a pair in orange or green. (And after all this rain, DC, aren’t we all?) PS: I kinda like the red ones for myself.

(2)  Punkin Ale
Our suitcases are hardly unpacked, and we still don’t have much food in the fridge, but you can find Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale in the house. With its hints of pumpkin and brown sugar, I say: Hello, Fall.

(3) S&C Reading Material: The New Yorker
I just finished the September 20, 2010, issue of The New Yorker, and it is jam-packed with awesomeness. There’s an article about Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg (did you know he’s a huge fan of The West Wing?). The article on Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, is pretty interesting (I love and hate that he uses an intercom). There’s a feature on a very cool fourteen year-old fashion (and very successful) blogger, Tavi Gevinson. And finally, there’s a short, funny segment on Pavement tickets (funny because, I, too, bought Pavement tickets many, many months ago, but smartly opted for Will Call).

posted by Ms. S&C