Vintage Burberry and J. Crew Furry Hooded Jacket!

Over break in Ohio, I had the best night with my high school bffs (and one of my college besties, Courtney, and her sweet husband, Mark, drove in from Pittsburgh!). We are now living all over the Midwest, but we have been friends for (literally) decades.   The girls and their significant others came over to my mom and step dad's house, and we chatted the night away. (We really missed Amanda and Darren, though!).  Before we knew it, it was 1:15 am! If you know me, you know I like to start reading in bed by 8 pm. I wish I was exaggerating! hahaha! My poor husband (in my defense, 5 am is an early wake up!!).


For the get together,  I threw on my go-to tartan dress (it's from Lands End's Canvas line-- seriously from 2011 or before! But it's PERFECT for Christmastime!).

Burberry scarf: here.

My multi-strand pearl necklace: here-- currently $26!

I am totally obsessed with this red J. Crew Factory coat. 

It is currently $107, which is a huge steal. I must warn you, though, it runs laughably large! I usually wear a 6 in J. Crew coats, and this is a 2. LOL. 

But, it is the WARMEST coat ever! 

^^ my fave part-- the fur hood! 

This pic makes me laugh: major RBF. haha

#IswearImnotmean

Then, my favorite attribute of the outfit: this vintage Burberry silk scarf.

This was given to my mom when my Aunt Marge passed away. It is purely gorgeous-- and so sentimental-- it means so much to carry on her fashion legacy. I was so excited to show our cousin Susie that I was wearing her mom's scarf with pride. Again, Burberry will never go out of style. It is timeless, classic, universal beauty! This one is from about 40 years ago, and it looks brand new! 

These Frye boots are my go-to brown boot. I bought them during the 2013 half yearly Nordies sale, and the condition still remains excellent! I highly recommend purchasing a pair of Frye boots, as they will last for years and years. 

God bless my hubs! He put on all the clothes I would take off for pics. He is a saint!

Kate Spade green bag-- 2013. 

Similar: here on sale! It's an extra 30% off with code: SPRINKLES

My main squeeeeeze!

He's the best :)

My high schools besties-- just missing Amanda!

Oh, and you're not seeing double-- those are my twinnies on the right! Lauren and Brittany!

We all love Court!!! 

Finn's first Christmas gift in Ohio! After traveling 6+ hours in the car from Chicago!

Uncertain... hahaha!

I love him sooooo much! 

More tartan dress options:

More fur-hooded coats:

Admittedly, a lot of what I posted above is pretty expensive, but-- hear me out! These are items that are high quality and will become heirlooms. :)
Do you have any fashion heirlooms?
And... Happy New Year! How are you celebrating?
xxoo
Mary

Boots de Resistance

Having lived in Youngstown, Ohio growing up, and off to college in South Bend, Indiana, only to graduate and move to the next state westward, I have become well-versed in dressing (my feet) for Midwestern winters.


Let me tell you about my boot-spertise.
Below: Frye similar, here, green Hunters here, aubergine Hunters similar, here (and on sale!), Sorels similar, here.

Hunter Boots:

My favorite pair: pictured above with Mr. Fremeau's Sperrys :-)

Hunter Boots sans boot socks are perfect for warmer weather with rain.
Below: my friends Lauren and Maria with me in the middle. Rainy springtime calls for Hunters without the boot socks!

I will say, however, you must wear boot socks when it is cold. The rubber is not warm nor insulated; however, the height of the Hunters are extremely necessary when Chicagoland gets feet (yes, multiple!) of snow.  The boot socks are fleece-lined and fabulous. Find fun boot socks, here and here (both on sale!).  You can get matte Hunters or glossy ones. Hunters are available in different heights, too, but I have always stuck to the tallest (our snow gets deep out here!). Additionally, there are extra wide calf-widths for my runner friends!

Pictured below: wintertime Hunters with my bestie, Mandy. Mine are matte; Mandy's are glossy.

I suggest to stay away from the foldable/packable Hunters. They're nice and structured when you buy the originals.  Here is a staple pair  to begin your collection.  Nordstroms and Von Maur have been my go-to for on-sale boots. I have NEVER paid full price for a pair!


Frye Boots (leather):

Disclaimer: do not pay full price for your Fryes. They are an investment, and a boot you will wear for years to come. But, they are not a $450 investment! Wait until the Nordstrom's annual sale-- I purchased mine for half price at that time. Sign up for Nordie's emails or download the app to stay in the know; the annual sale is typically around the end of summer.  The Frye company has been in business for over 150 years. My horsey-pals know Fryes are the best for riding boots, too. The history speaks for itself!

Above: the hubs and I at the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker last year. In the picture, I am wearing old Banana Republic boot socks (similar here, from Urban Outfitters).  

Above: Fryes with on-sale Target knee socks. My advice to you when looking for boot socks for your Fryes is to check the sale section of socks at Target. The colors can be impractical, but at some time you might be inclined to wear coral knee socks, and for $2.49, you really can't go wrong. 

Above: fall in Youngstown with my man. Fryes over skinny jeans work perfectly! With a full boot-length zipper, you can tuck away pants without a struggle. 

Camel colored, here.

Classic black, distressed here (click for the black view).

Sorels:

The warmest boots you'll ever own!

These are, by far, the best winter boots I have ever purchased. I wore Uggs around the Saint Mary's College campus for four years, but the salt ate them mercilessly each season. No amount of "Ugg" spray could protect those suede monsters from their untimely disintegration.

Mandy and I have matching Sorels. :-) 

Similar, here.

My try-ons at Von Maur, AKA my happy place. 

Sorels are perfect winter footwear. Tuck them into your skinnies or crops for protected and warm ankles and feet! 

Whether you're a Hunters-type of gal, a Sorel-boot wearer or someone who rocks a Frye, what are your go-to winter boots? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

xxoo
Mary