Black Boot Mama

The best closets contain basic essentials that when paired with anything else bring the outfit together. What do I consider essential? Well of course you need your perfect pair of dark wash skinny jeans (my current favorite are these from Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply), the perfect drapey white blouse, a well cut denim jacket, millions of soft crew or v-neck T's, and finally, a great black boot. Note: Obviously my essentials list goes on much further than this, but I am trying to look minimalistic, okay?

Black boots are classic in many senses and for me conjure up images of bikers, cowboys, gothic-Victorian ladies, and edgy fashionistas. And lets face it, we all want to look like a Victorian-biker-cowboy who is seriously fashion forward.

So here are my three favorite pairs of black boots at the moment.

These rough and tumble little ladies are my Jeffrey Campbell Rum Moto boots. As the name implies, they are inspired by the traditional motorcycle boot, except these have a sturdy high heel to lend some feminine flair to your biker-look. While not the worlds most comfortable shoe, I feel prepared for anything in these boots. Sidewalk cracks don't scare me when I am donning these babies!

These combat boots are a recent re-discovery for me. I'll admit that the resurgence of the combat boot sparked my interest in the trend, and just when I was this close to purchasing the Steve Madden "Troopa" boots that everyone and their mother has, I remembered purchasing these Nine West American Vintage boots for practically nothing during a massive Macy's shoe sale in the dead of summer. These boots are pretty straightforward, with the exception of the brass rivet at the top of the boot—which I love!

The newest addition to my black boot collection are these Report Ackley boots. I am attracted to all the features of these boots: gold hardware, comfortable cowboy-esque heel, side cutouts for air circulation, and matte-ish leather (looks better with wear!). I think these will be great in the spring and summer just as they have been this winter. I can see them with a pair of shorts or a sweet sun dress now...

My parting words on this subject is to remember that black boots are as versatile as your favorite jeans. Spring through winter, day or night, black boots fit the bill. So put them on and start living like the biker-cowboy you are!

Til next time.

What I Bought

Do you like my cheesy spiderwebs? 

Sorry for the lack of posts...there is no excuse.

I have never been a fan of the term "haul." It sounds greedy and and unpleasant, so instead I will be terming shopping posts "What I Bought." Now that we're clear about that, let me show you some new things!

With Fall being officially here—although you wouldn't know it from the insane heat we've been having in California—I decided to buy some outfit basics. These items can act as the base for any outfit, and can be mixed and matched accordingly. 

The common thread (get it? Ha...) to these clothing items is that they were mostly on the cheap.

Hello Forever21, Target, and Macy's!

I am a jeans/pants girl through and through. Occasionally during the fall I will wear a dress or a skirt with a pair of opaque tights, but the majority of my time is spent in jeans or pants. So I decided to add to my collection by buying two pairs (you may see three...post to follow on those trousers) at Forever21.

Hunter Green Skinny Trouser and Distressed Skinny Jeans

Both of these pairs are by a brand within F21 called "Life in Progress." I tried on several pairs by this brand and really liked all of them. They fit well, are extremely comfortable, and true to F21 style, quite cheap—$27.80 for each. 

Of course, the F21 website does not have either pair up for purchase, but I will do an OOTD with both of these soon. 

Woven Blouse in Cocoa

I can never have too many sheer, relaxed fit blouses. They can be casual or dressed up, and they always look more sophisticated than a simple t-shirt. This blouse was $17.80, and I believe it came in several colors in addition to the taupe. Not much else to say other than it is comfortable and goes with everything. It will definitely be making an appearance in a future blog post.

Woven High-Low Blouse in Black

This blouse is slightly more interesting than the previous one. The buttons are gold, which is great for fall and adds an elegant detail. The high-low style is great for legging style pants. 

One of my favorite details to this blouse is that the back hem is split, almost like the tails on a tux. For $19.80, I consider this blouse a solid investment, as it is a unique interpretation of a staple piece. 

Mossimo Camis

So boring...but these camis are cheap—$8 a piece—and very comfortable. The built in "shelf" bra as it is called is not too supportive; a plus in my eyes as I always wear a bra with camis anyway. They are thin enough to be breathable, thick enough to do the job...I dig 'em. 

Born Arletta Oxfords

I have long coveted the look of oxfords. Taylor Swift and SF hipsters wear them so darn well! I have also longed for comfortable shoes, but that never seems to be a priority when I shoe-shop. 

I came across these several weeks ago when I was passing through Macy's. Trying them on, my feet felt like they had died and gone to heaven. The price, even with my countless coupons and the fact that they were already on sale, was slightly discouraging. I was leaning toward giving them up when this woman approached me and asked where I got my shoes in an excited and frantic tone. I knew then that I had to have them. Flattery gets me every time. 

I believe they came to about $70 after the coupons (yes, they are expensive) but they are oh-so comfortable and perfect for the season. Did I mention the laces are velvet ribbon? I die. 

That about does this blog post. Far too long. I need to curtail the rambling. 

I intend... I will be doing a post using these pieces. I will also be doing a post with more fall-ish things, as I can already think of two items that were left out of this post... oh well!

Til next time.