Wishlist - The Perfect Boots

I have looked for the perfect black flat heel dress boots most of my adult life.  It's even harder when you're short and petite like me, since most candidates I have found are clearly intended for Amazonian women over 6 feet: they are always too tall and make me look like I should have a fly fishing rod in hand.  

My search is over.  During an especially rainy winter in San Francisco I realized I spent so much time in rain boots that I decided I wanted nice rain boots. It occurred to me that I've always liked riding boots, so after some searching online, found a website called Equestrian Collections that sells all manner of horse riding wear.  While browsing for rain boots, I found these. These are fantastic for short folks like me since the shaft is 2 inches shorter than most other dress boots, not to mention a design that is pure and simple, with no gratuitous buckles, frills, or frippery.  The other great thing about these boots? They come in wide calf widths, which is great for me since I have well-developed (ahem) calves from years of running. I suppose heredity has something to do with that too but that's probably a separate post....

Ovation Finalist Royale Dress Boot, $145.00 at equestriancollections.com

And they have great rain boots as well. I purchased a pair on the site two years ago and they are fantastic.  The same style is no longer available, but this style:

Aigle Ecuyer Tall Ladies Boot, from $125.30 at equestriancollections.com

is just lovely.  

Wishlist - Eugenia Kim Leopard Beret

I usually hate animal prints.  No matter how much an animal print item costs they always look tacky to me--like Tammy Faye Baker tacky.  But this hat is different.  Maybe it's the mod/60s shape, maybe the subdued animal print on a camel background.  This would be great with a brown corduroy jacket or camel coat!

Eugenia Kim Leopard Felt Beret: Barneys $265.00

My Favorite Things - Prada Logo Frame Bag

I first saw this bag in a Vogue editorial and just had to have it.  In the article they used the smaller camel version, which I never did see in stores.  My personal shopper, Brian Callahan (who has since retired--sniff sniff) at the Prada store in San Francisco, put me on the waitlist for the camel large bag.  After a month or so he called to tell me they had received a black bag, and would I be interested in seeing it? Would I?!? I beelined it to the store the first chance I had, and I had to get the black bag. It's a classic shape, but the larger scale of the bag (approx. 11 inches tall by 11 inches wide and 5 inches deep at the bottom) and the oversized logo make it really special.  And what is the dangling thing covering the logo?  It is a fob in matching leather enclosing keys to the clasp. And yes, the lock really does work. On top of all that, the bag is lined in red leather! Runway bags typically have a lining that is more special than the logo jacquard that is used on the regular line of bags. This bag even has a small envelope-closure side pocket, and two gusseted pockets on the opposite side--perfect for my phone. And of course, feet. I am a stickler for feet on bags to protect the bottoms. After a grey version of this bag appeared in the opening scenes of The Devil Wears Prada on the arms of Meryl Streep as she exits her car, everyone wanted one.  I can certainly see why.

Design - New Fiats are here!

Just saw a commercial for the new Fiat 500.  These are the cutest cars to come to the US since the Mini!

Photo: Yahoo! Autos

Fiats are very popular in Europe and for whatever reason were not so popular in the US--probably because the entire country has been in love with minivans first then giant SUVs.

When my husband and I were in Europe over the holidays in 2009, we saw these cute little cars everywhere.  I love the convertible version too--makes you want to take a drive through backroads of Napa...

Style - Great Bags!

I found these Klein canvas tool bags while browsing on Amazon.  They were in the Tools and Home Improvement category, but I am completely taken by their utility, graphic simplicity, and rugged but elegant shapes.  Who knew tools could have such cute housing?

This is my favorite:

Amazon.com, $49.94

but these small canvas zip bags would be great for organizing the small things rattling around in everyone's bags:

Amazon.com, $17.40

Wishlist - Celine Box Bag

I fell in love with this bag when it first appeared a few years ago, and I still love it.  It's so pure and simple.  Celine continues to produce new colors and textures (calf hair!) each season but the one pictured and the red may be my favorites.  This version of the bag in leather is $3,400--a lumpy sum for any bag.  But the quality of the leather, workmanship, the brawniness of the brass clasp and its timeless quality would justify the money spent.

Photo: Elle 

Style - Favorite Clothing Designers

Clothes are emotional.  Some items evoke an intensely emotional response--comfort, pride, inspiration, security, courage.  Anyone who does not have an item of clothing or accessory in their wardrobes that evokes an emotional response needs to go shopping!

My favorite designers of all time, in no particular order, some with caveats:

• Marc Jacobs - arguably the most famous and scrutinized designer in the world. He is on this list although I have not liked much of any season since Spring 2008 with the exception of a few pieces from Fall 2010.  I am hoping that he will finally ditch his 70s obsession and make beautiful wearable  clothes again. I forgive him for his 1992 grunge line during his short-lived stint at Perry Ellis. 
• Prada - quirky, intellectual,  luxurious absentminded professor. I will not admit to the number of Prada bags I have :)  Skip the sportswear line and instead pick a few of the less season-identifiable pieces from the runway collections instead. 
• Barneys  - Designed by Martin Grant, the line contains deceptively simple clothes with impeccable tailoring, materials and quality.  The clothes are made to last, in classic styles that will stand the test of trends and time. Their cashmere sweaters are a staple in my closet. 
• The Row - not that the Olsen twins need any more money, but I love this line.  The fabrics, clean lines, and quality of this line make their items work horses in any wardrobe.  Pricey but worth the investment. 
• Celine - with Phoebe Philo.  The thinking woman's designer with many wearable silhouettes, unusual color combinations, and great leathers. 
• Dries Van Noten - no one mixes patterns, colors and proportions like Dries. Beautiful quality and workmanship.  It is no surprise that even with no marketing or advertising, he has built a cult-like following. 
• Jil Sander - The Queen of Minimalism. Jil no longer designs for her namesake line but Raf Simons has taken the label to the next level.  The colors and patterns of the last few seasons are just breathtaking.  
• Reed Krakoff - critics and editors have had mixed reviews for Reed, but I love the severity and strict ideology of his clothes and bags. I hope his line survives the naysayers. 
• Bottega Veneta - quiet luxury.  Their old ad campaign slogan "when your own initials are enough" is certainly fitting.  I am not a fan of the woven leather bags, but the beautiful clothes designed by Tomas Maier make me swoon. They do not show particularly well in photographs or even on hangers; they must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.  I am fortunate enough to have some pieces in my wardrobe and they are among my favorites.