The Boots

In high school, and through most of college, I only bought boots that hit me mid-calf. Clunky and awkward. Aging me quickly. Most of them are still here in my mother's house, collecting dust among my old toys and books. Sometimes I look at them and think about what might have possessed me to get them. But this is a sentiment I have when it comes to many of my clothing from those days.

By the winter of 2005, I had been looking for a pair of knee-high leather boots for months without much success. It wasn't until I found myself on an outing with a family friend that I finally found one. Black leather. Zippers on the inner part of the leg for easy entry. Sturdy wedges. I wore them all of the time. With skirts and dresses. With my first pair of skinny jeans. I wore them so much that I busted through one of the heels. I continued to wear them even after that until finally giving them over to a trusty cobbler.


My best friend calls them my Power Ranger boots, especially when I tuck my pants into them. As if putting them on suddenly endows me with super strength or speed or brains.

They garner unwanted attention from random men. As if putting them on suddenly makes me easy.

I have a tendency to strut in them. Over cobblestone and concrete. Through puddles of slush. Especially when my iPod lands on the raucous pop music that I only listen to when not around others.

They and The Sneakers are my two oldest pairs of shoes, but I've never forgotten these. Even for a moment.

Favorite of the Day: Tommy Hilfiger

It's rather fitting that my last favorite of this New York Fashion Week was the last show ever to be presented at the tents in Bryant Park.

At least one show a season causes my New England roots to reveal themselves. In New York, that show was Tommy Hilfiger.

Also, can I order one of these? Thanks.

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Favorite of the Day: Christian Cota

In the midst of all of the beautiful neutrals, one needs a splash of colorful prints.

Christian Cota provides the solution.


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Favorite of the Day: Chris Benz

This morning I set out on a bit of internet research to find out if and where Chris Benz is sold in Massachusetts. I was not exactly surprised when that answer was nowhere. Not because the clothes aren't beautiful but because the youthful, fun vibe that emanates from his clothing isn't really a New England thing.

But it should be.


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Favorite of the Day: Victoria Beckham

I thought my days of taking style cues from a Spice Girl were long gone.

Victoria Beckham has proven me wrong.


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Favorite of the Day: Helmut Lang

Black is boring. Black is slimming. Black is classic. Black is the new Black.

These are statements heard again and again in reference to that color. And yes, all black can be boring. But so can all purple or all yellow or all teal if done incorrectly. A solid block of color rarely looks exciting on anyone. It's the mixing and matching of fabrics, the embroidery and textures, that give that color life. When a female celebrity wears black to an event, you can guarantee that one of the main critiques will be It would be so pretty if only the camera could pick up all the detailing. Yes, on camera the differences often fade away, but most of us do not live our lives on camera. We live it in front of others who can appreciate the subtlety of such an outfit if they take the time.

At Helmut Lang, layering was as present as it was in the Missoni pre-Fall collection that I loved so much. But this time it featured the color that we all love to love and love to hate.

And the prints for those so inclined.


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Favorite of the Day: Cynthia Steffe

At the end of New York fashion week last season, I stated that the 90s would be back. And they are.

But at Cynthia Steffe, it was a world populated by Cher Horowitzes as opposed to Kurt Cobains.


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