It’s Boot Season – Here’s How to Keep Them Looking Fab

One of the best things about the change in seasons is pulling out my favorite pairs of boots (and purchasing a few news favs). I love boot season! What I don’t love is pulling last year’s boots out only to be disappointed by all their wear and tear. If you think of your favorite pair of boots as a statement piece in your wardrobe that won’t go out of style, then you need to take good care of them. Here are 6 things you can do to keep them looking fabulous year after year.

1. Making Cleaning Your Boots a Priority

When is the last time you cleaned your boots? They need to be cleaned regularly – especially if you wear them in places where they get dirty. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dust or debris on your boots. If you need to remove debris from a wintry mix (such as snow or salt), apply a salt stain remover to your boots and let them dry overnight. This will prevent staining.

 Note – If your boots are suede, use a suede brush to clean them.

2. Use a Barrier Spray

You can avoid a significant amount of wear and tear if you apply a protective treatment to your boots. Just like a protective barrier for your furniture protects it from stains, a protective boot spray can help repel liquids away from your boots and makes it much easier to wipe them clean.

3. Add a Protective Sole

If you want to keep these boots in your wardrobe forever, then consider adding a protective sole to the already existing sole. You’ll need to take your boots to a shoe repair shop to have this done, but it will make your boots last significantly longer.

4. Invest in Boot Shapers

Whatever you do, do not leave your boots standing upright without putting something inside them to hold their shape. If you don’t, your shapes will bend and become damaged or misshapen. I recommend investing in boot shapers, which are designed for this purpose. However, if you don’t want to wait until you can find some boot shapers, you can stuff your boots with something in your home.

5. Keep Your Shoeboxes

Storing your boots in the off-season is just as important. Ideally, you should keep your shoeboxes for easy storage. If you have gotten rid of your shoeboxes, then store them in a box with a loose lid (leather needs to breathe).

6. Remove Scuffs

Your boots are going to get scuffed at some point. Go ahead and purchase some leather crème in the right shade to have on hand for when this happens. For small scuffs, you can use a soft cloth, baking soda, and water to buff the boot. For bigger scuffs, you will need to use the leather crème.

Note – If your boots are suede, use a suede eraser to remove the shiny spots on the material.

Do you have a pair of boots that you adore? Tell me all about them (or better yet, post a pic).

How COVID Has Changed the Way We Dress

COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways. One of the most noticeable changes we may not have anticipated at the start of the outbreak is in how we dress. When we were told to work from home and then to shelter-in-place, we adopted a new dress code – what I affectionately call “comfortable fashion.” We said goodbye to our high heels and bras and hello to all things comfy. Lounge wear became the norm, sweatpants came back in style, and pajamas were worn night AND day.

Our everyday style radically changed. But will the fashion changes we made during the coronavirus quarantine be permanent, or will we go back to dressing up daily? Fashion historians have indicated four ways COVID will change the way we dress.

We Care Way More About Our Tops

As we entered the world of working remotely, we quickly embraced the “business mullet” - formal up top, party down below. We took care to wear a nice blouse and do our hair and make-up, but we were rocking leggings down below.

The Charlotte Observer reports, “Based on data from 80 of the top 100 retailers, Adobe Analytic found a 143% jump in pajama sales, a 13% drop in pants sales and a 12% decrease in the sale of bras this spring.” And Walmart reported a sharp increase in sales for tops with a decline in sales for bottoms.

In other words, our clothing shopping demonstrated our love of the business mullet. Now, it’s doubtful that we will wear this clothing back into our workplace, but we will likely still choose our tops and blouses with more care.

We Are Dressing Down for Work

Speaking of dressing for work, we are doing away with some of the gender-based clothing. For example, while we still find it important to look put together, we no longer feel the need to wear high heels, pencil skirts, or other uncomfortable female clothing.

As Allison Pfingst explains in InStyle, “While it is still advisable to look presentable from the chest up, no woman is putting on a thong or an underwire to attend a Zoom meeting. When we have to go back to the office, there’s a good chance it will no longer be in uncomfortable heels, or hard-to-tuck-in blouses. Expectations of impractical, uncomfortable work attire are floating away along with a feeling of obligation to appear ‘attractive’ at work in the MeToo era.”

We Are Buying More Secondhand Clothing

With most retail stores closed during statewide shelter-in-place orders, we started shopping online. Specifically, we started shopping at resale sites, like The Realreal, Poshmark, and ThredUp. And experts are expecting the resale market to explode! Get ready to embrace vintage fashions.

We Have A Renewed Desire to Dress Up for Special Occasions

Now before you try to resell all your high heels and designer dresses on one of these sites, you might want to think about how you want to dress when “all this” is over. Based on fashion history, we are likely to want to continue to dress up for special occasions. I don’t know about you, but I was thrilled to have an opportunity to wear shoes and high heels on our first family outing in three months. We might not dress up every day, but we will appreciate getting dressed up for the right occasion more than we ever did before.

The Best Accessories Sparkle

We all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But even if you can’t afford a jewelry box full of bling, you can still add some shimmer to your wardrobe. Going into the 2020s, sparkling accessories are everywhere, and I am here for it! If you are hesitating to buy that sparkly fashion accessory, it’s time to embrace all things shiny. Everyone else is!

Humans Love Shiny Things

First, humans love shiny things. It’s true! According to The New York Times, “Humans, even humans who don’t like glitter, like glitter. We are drawn to shiny things in the same wild way our ancestors were overcome by a compulsion to forage for honey.” It is natural to feel drawn to that sparkly purse and those gem-embellished shoes!

Sparkles Make Dark Days Better

Not only are we naturally drawn to sparkly things, but during difficult times, we seek out things that shine. Check out this quote from Fashionista:

“A heavy political climate […] brings the need for fashion as escapism. ‘Definitely, gloom means glitter,’ she notes. ‘Turbulent times across the globe always drive a surge in bright color, sequins and maximalist styling. The concurrent '80s trend brings with it a heavy dose of better-times nostalgia for designers, which goes hand-in-hand with excessive glitz, too.’”

With the world feeling out of sorts, we are seeking out fun fashion. Makes sense, right? What lifts your mood better than a sparkly pair of shoes?

Sparkle at Any Age

Another major reason we love accessories that sparkle is because you can “sparkle” at any age. Think about it. Young girls absolutely love sparkly clothing items and are drawn to glitter like moths to a flame. We tend to think it is childish, but if you look in the women’s department, sparkly clothing is taking over! Even older women rock outfits and accessories that are embellished and shimmery.

Sparkle Day or Night

Once upon a time, sparkly accessories were reserved for only the fanciest evening occasions. This is no longer the case! You can rock a sparkle day or night! We see everything from slippers to nightgowns that sparkle. Sequins adorn everything from evening gowns to t-shirts. Day or night, you can shine.

Sparkle from Head to Toe

The ability to add a little sparkle to any accessory is another reason why we love it. I currently own several pairs of sparkly shoes – even sparkly boots – and some purses that shimmer. You can literally find every accessory with some glittery or sparkly embellishment.

However, the key is to choose one statement sparkle piece rather than wearing sparkle everything at the same time. A little pop of sparkle is all you need to lift your mood and catch someone’s eye.

Shop Well – Not Cheap

It’s no secret that I love to shop. I love it so much that I recently became a personal shopper at Neiman Marcus – you can see all the fun I’m having with this new gig and all my favorite looks on my Insta @inrachelstyles. As I have grown older and wiser, I have learned the secret to shopping for shoes, purses, and clothing. Shop well- not cheap.

When you are young and living paycheck to paycheck, it is so easy to fall for fast-fashion and snap up everything for your closet from stores like Forever 21 and H&M. Now hear me out – you can find some good looks at stores that sell cheap clothing. But, the problem is these clothes do not last, and people can tell they are cheap.

Instead, it is much wiser to shop well rather than cheap. I’d much rather spend more money on clothing that is well-designed, well-made, and long-lasting.

Longer Lasting Clothing

When you shop cheap, you are simply looking at the price tag when you should be factoring in the number of times the item will be worn. Fashion experts refer to this as the cost per wear equation. As Glamour explains, “The simplest version of that math is dividing the price on the label by how many times you think you'll wear the item.” Glamour also has a cost per wear calculator on their site for easy use.

What you will likely discover is that you end up spending less money in the long run on higher cost clothing this way. For example, the cheap shirt you purchased may only be able to be worn a few times before it shows wear and tear, whereas the high-quality coat you purchased is worn for several years.

Higher Quality Materials

The reason the more expensive products typically last longer is that they are better made. Rather than being mass-produced at fast speeds (resulting in less than the best seams, embroidering, and such), these products are developed with better materials, such as natural fibers like silk and wool, in a less demanding amount of time.

Better Resale Value

Women change out their closets pretty regularly as fashions change. Therefore, it is important to consider the resale value of your clothing when you purchase it originally. For example, you will likely get pennies (if anything) for that shirt you purchased at Forever 21, but you can earn a nice chunk when you resell high-end designer goods.

Less is More

Finally, it is wise to embrace the notion that “less is more.” Wouldn’t you rather have a few, high-end, well-made, designer goods than a bunch of cheap items that fall apart easily before the next season? I know that matters to me. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of “more, more, more,” but if it gets in the way of looking good and feeling good, that’s a hard pass for me. Less is more, ladies, less is more.

Only Wearing White Between Memorial Day and Labor Day? Toss that Old Idea.

If you have lived in the US long enough, you have surely heard that the fashion rule that you should only wear white after Memorial Day and before Labor Day. Well, now that I am officially “allowed” to wear white, it has me thinking about whether or not I want to put all my white clothes, shoes, and bags away come Labor Day. I’m thinking that’ll be a NO.

Some of the Possible Reasons This Rule Existed in the First Place

Now, if this is a new idea to you or one you’ve bee taught your whole life, you probably don’t know why this fashion rule started in the first place. I didn’t! So, I did some digging and found some interesting tidbits I thought I’d share.

• According to Reader’s Digest, “Social acceptance for wealthy women was based very much on what you wore—and when you wore it. If you were “on-trend,” you only wore white during the warmer months, since you could probably afford to wear leisurely lightweight clothing—and afford to buy new clothes if you sweat through them.”

• Then, fashion magazines started promoting and reinforcing the rule in the 1950s.

• According to the Emily Post Institute, white signified summer resort wear, so there was a distinct shift in seasonal dress for work and play.

Basically, wearing white only during the summer became a way to show you were wealthier than your peers because you could afford to purchase different wardrobes for the seasons. Another fun fact for those of us who live in the Northern US, the rule actually shifts from Memorial Day to Easter in the Southern US.  

Why I Wear White All Year Long

Have you heard the saying, “Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake.”? Well, I think the same way when it comes to my fashion choices. Who wants to be told when they can and cannot wear something they love? Life is too short! Plus, white has proven to be classy and chic year-round. If that wasn’t true, then why are American wedding dresses white?

Why You Should Too

Not only am I encouraging you to wear white all year, but so are the fashion and etiquette experts! The Emily Post Institute says, “Of course you can wear white after Labor Day, and it makes perfect sense to do so in climates where September’s temperatures are hardly fall-like. It’s more about fabric choice today than color. Even in the dead of winter in northern New England the fashionable wear white wools, cashmeres, jeans, and down-filled parkas.” Plus, Coco Chanel famously wore white year-round.

But, There are Still Some Times When White Is Not Right

Now, I’m not saying to go crazy and show up wearing white to your BFF's wedding. That would definitely be the wrong fashion choice. When you choose to wear white after Labor Day, make sure the fabric choice is right (such as not wearing linen in winter) and an appropriate setting (preferably one where you won’t get dirty easily). And, if this is too rebellious for the rule-followers in the room, opt for off-white in the off-season.

Why Animal Print is Always on Trend

Open any fashion magazine, and you’ll find tons of animal prints. Everyone is all about animal prints today – but the truth is, we have always been crazy for spots and stripes! Since animal prints appeared in fashion, they have never left. However, this year we are seeing far more than usual making it the perfect time for ladies who have been hesitant before to give it a try. Now, ladies, here are some of the best reasons to embrace leopard, zebra, and snake prints.

Allows You to Subtly Show Off Your Wild Side

Wearing a pair of animal print heels is a perfect way to show your good fashion sense and sophisticated taste. But, it is also a way to let everyone in on a little secret – you know how to have fun.

The Guardian shares, “In his 1954 manual, The Little Dictionary of Fashion, Christian Dior famously wrote that ‘to wear leopard you must have a kind of femininity which is a little bit sophisticated. If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it.’ And so the connotations have always been that it’s sexy, a bit raunchy, a bit daring, a bit wild.”

Never Out of Style

Photo: CR Fashion Book

Once you add a quality animal print piece to your wardrobe, you can wear it for years to come. You can pass it on to your daughters. Why? Because worn the right way, animal prints are never out of style! Beginning in the 1920s, animal prints have made women feel powerful, and that is not going away anytime soon.

Versatile All Year Long

Another fantastic reason to add animal print to your wardrobe is that it is so versatile. These types of prints can be worn in the summer or winter. Not only can they be worn throughout the year, but they can also be worn in different ways. Fashion embraces animal print shoes, bags, coats, tights, shirts, dresses, skirts, and accessories.

A Way to Stand Out from the Crowd

As Dr. Seuss famously said, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” This is why women go to extraordinary lengths to find just the right purse, pair of shoes, or necklace. We understand that choosing the one right fashion piece can make us stand out from the crowd. When it comes to animal prints, this is especially true. Everyone notices the women in the office with the animal print shoes or coat.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Photo: Magda Fine Fashion

Last but certainly not least, the main reason to embrace animal prints is that they are so fun! Nothing says “I am woman; hear me roar” like an animal print! They feel frivolous and silly, but they are as far from boring as you can possibly get. They can make any outfit more fun. And, I’m all about having fun with fashion.

PS. No matter your age, you can always rock animal print. I plan to be one ferocious grandmother one day. What do you think?

These Boots are Made for Walking

Boots make me happy. As a shoe lover, I want my feet to look just as stylish in the winter as they do in the summer. Boots give my feet added warmth during the winter, but they also all chic and trendy. Paired with slim fit pants or a short skirt, boots take an outfit from cute to attention-grabbing. Plus, boots never go out of style.

Today, there are more styles than ever before giving you multiple options. They come in various heights and heel styles. Add in all the different fabric and color choices, and you can practically have a different pair of boots for every outfit.

Why Every Woman Needs a Few Pairs of Boots

Every woman should own at least one pair of boots, but truly, women need more than one pair. With their versatility, you really need boots of different styles. The right pair of boots can dramatically change the overall look of your outfit. Any excuse for more shoes is reason enough, am I right?

Some of My Favorite Winter Boot Styles

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite winter boot styles. They vary in style, designer, and cost. Browse through the pics and let me know in the comments which ones are your favorites.

Knit Grosgain Booties from Chanel

Winter White Boots by Gianvito Rossi

Gianvito Rossi Boots

Black Combat Boots by Chanel

Fendi Boots

Tory Burch Slouchy Boots

Christian Louboutin Animal Print Boots

Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots

Tory Burch Brooke Booties

How to Store Your Phenomenal Boot Collection

After browsing the above pics of fabulous boots, I bet you are thinking about how to make room for all the new boots you are getting ready to purchase. Naturally, boots take up more closet space than your strappy stilettos. But the space issue is worth it for the perfect pair of boots that will warm your toes and make your heart happy.

First things first, boots need to be stored in a position that ensures they stay straight and shaped. You can do this by stuffing your boots yourself or by purchasing boot shapers. If you cannot fit your boots in your closet shoe organizer, consider purchasing boot hangers. Boot hangers work as boot fillers, but they have a hanger so that the boots can be hung from your closet rod.

Finally, find ways to store your winter boots in the offseason. Purchase storage boxes designed for boots. For example, the Container Store sells a clear plastic boot box. These boxes are large enough for boots of all heights, and they have room to fit boots that have been filled so they won’t lose their shape while in storage.

How to Clean and Take Care of Light-Colored Shoes and Bags

Dior Saddle Bag

Ladies, why do we save up the money to purchase designer bags or shoes just to let them show wear and tear before the season is even over? If you are like me, you hate to see your most valued possessions lose their luster because of stains or scuff marks.

High-quality shoes and bags should be treated as investment pieces, but too often, we don’t take the steps we need to take care of them in the first place. I’m here today to help you out with some basic care and cleaning tips for light-colored shoes and bags.

Protect Your Valuables

First things first, you need to protect your valuable shoes and bags. You need to treat them with care! For instance, shoe horns and boot shapers were invented for a reason. These handy tools keep your precious shoes in great shape. The same concept applies to bags, too. If you are not using a bag, stuff it so that it maintains its shape in the offseason. Additionally, your designer bags come with dust bags for a reason – to protect the bags from dust. If you have a dust bag, then use it!

Take Prevention into Your Own Hands

If you have a pair of shoes or a bag that you absolutely love and hope will last for years, then you should invest in a protector spray. Protector sprays work to protect the material by creating a barrier against water and dirt. This is especially important for light-colored bags and shoes!

The Material Matters

I cannot emphasize this enough – the material matters! You will treat and clean leather very differently than you will suede. For example, you should avoid using water as the main cleaning agent for suede unless you want to damage your shoes or bag even more. Similarly, there are specific cleaning tools for different types of materials – i.e., suede protectors and leather protectors.

Read the Instructions

Next, after you have purchased care items, you should always read the labels and instructions. As I explained above, you should not use a suede cleaner on a leather item and vice versa. Additionally, some leather cleaners require water and others do not; therefore, it is important for you to read the instructions. If you want your shoes or bags to return to their original beauty, then follow the care instructions and cleaning product instructions.

Test a Small Area First

You should always test a small area first to be on the safe side. Some shoe polishes are designed to work with certain colors. Don’t make the mistake of applying a shoe polish designed for black shoes all over a light-colored pair of shoes. That would be a major shoe emergency!

Three Products I Recommend

You can google and find all sorts of home remedies for cleaning light colored shoes and bags. But, when it comes to my favorite possessions, I just don’t want to risk it. I’d rather not try to combine white vinegar and water and ruin my favorite pair of heels. Instead, I trust those in the shoe business to tell me how to clean and take care of my valuables. Below I am recommending three products for leather shoes which can also be used on leather purses. Even better – these products are designed to work on light-colored shoes and bags!

Apple Brand Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

The Apple Brand aims to preserve and restore leather – not to damage it. So, you can expect their products to be gentle. In addition to the cleaner, I love that the conditioner is easy to apply using a makeup sponge and works to moisturize and leave the leather feeling smooth.

Meltonian Boot and Shoe Cream Polish

As it is available in multiple colors, it is easy to find a polish that will match the item you love. The cream works to clean and make shoes return to their original glory. It goes on easily, and all you need to do is buff the shoes with a soft cloth.

Saphir Medaille D'or 1925 Pate De Luxe Neutral Wax Shoe Polish

Unlike dark shoe polishes, this one is wax-based, clear and designed to be used on neutral or odd-colored shoes. For those looking for a polish that does not have to match various colored shoes, this is an excellent choice.

See something you like? Shop My Style!

7 Fall 2018 Shoe Trends I Love

Gianvito Rossi Pumps

Labor Day is over, which for fashionistas across the New York and the rest of the country, means it is time to get a new fall wardrobe! As a major shoe lover, I am so excited to have an excuse to shop the latest trends and reinvent my fall shoe collection.

And, fall of 2018 promises to be an exciting year. While I am already ready to sip my pumpkin-spice latte and bury my face in a scarf, I am most excited about the trends that are showing up in fashion! This year’s trends have a dose of nostalgia and freshness. We’re bringing back some old favorites, but we’re updating them to reflect today’s styles. I love it!

To help you prepare to be one of the most stylish moms in NYC, I’ve highlighted what are sure to be the biggest shoe trends of 2018 as well as showcasing some of my personal favorites. Even better – you can shop my post to order your favorites with the just click of the mouse.

Slouchy Boots Pack a Statement

Fall means boots – and this year brings back the blocked heel boots that we all love. To add in a punch, slouchy boots are stylish and sophisticated – and they are anything but slouchy! This style is versatile and can go from day to night easily. My picks:

Marc Fisher LTD Unana Bootie

Tory Burch Brooke Slouchy Knee-High Boot

Western Boots are Not Going Out of Style

We all know that Western boots are never going to disappear, but they do come and go in the fashion scene. This year’s spin on western boots includes simple designs with lower heels. You should expect to find sleeker styles with less pointy toes. My picks:

Saint Laurent Western Leather Ankle Boots

Chloe Annika Split Shaft Western Boot

Dad Sneakers are Back

Yes – you read that right. Dad sneakers have hit the runways, so be on the lookout for this modern take on thick-soled sneakers. These retro designs are a fun throwback to the past, and like past dad sneakers, they are either colorful or plain. It’s the sole and silhouette that matters. PS. Moms can pull these off! My picks:

Balenciaga Triple S Retro Sneaker

Jeffrey Campbell WiFi Sneaker

Animal Prints are Fierce

Animal prints are back, and they are fierce! As most savvy fashionistas know, a great animal print shoe is a great way to pack a statement. Trust me – every mom needs a shoe that represents her wild side. My picks:

Linea Paolo Posh II Pointy Toe Pump 

Christian Louboutin Moulamax Genuine Calf Hair Bootie

Combat Boots are All the Rage

You don’t have to be a rock star to rock a pair of combat boots. This year’s styles are similar to the styles we remember from our younger years. But, now we know how to wear them in a trendy, stylish way. My picks:

Fiveseventyfive Stud-Embellished Leather Combat Boots

Valentino Garavani Lock Leather Combat Ankle Boots

Shoes that Sparkle

As a girl who loves to sparkle, I am thrilled with all the glitter and jeweled shoes hitting the scene in 2018! Everything from pumps to sneakers is getting the royal jeweled treatment. My picks:

​​​​​​​Walter De Silva Women's Raff Glitter Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Jewel Pump

Gucci Flashtrek Jewel Sneaker at Nordstrom

Brown is the New Black

This summer, we saw tons of women embraced more tans with boho fashion, and that trend will not end now that fall has arrived. Make sure you have a great pair of brown shoes in your fall wardrobe to balance out all the black.

Gianvito Rossi Martis Leather Combat Boots

Birkenstock Boston Suede & Shearling Clogs

A pair of Tee Sandals by Betsey Johnson X Macy's

In collaboration with Macy’s.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  #macysshoesTee Sandals by Blue x Betsey Johnson @ Macy's

Now the summer is finally here, and I’ve cleared some things in my closet during spring cleaning to make room for more… that special time of year has finally come where I can reinvent my summer shoe collection! What sense does it make to spend all this time cleaning is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow right?  During the summer it's important to have a pair of sandals for the evening so you can stand out and make a statement! It is such a diverse time of year where all these different events, weddings, and activities are always seeming to take place all in this one season.

It’s pretty common for me to have weddings or special dinner occasions that I have to attend so it’s crucial that I find that go-to pair of heels in the beginning of the summer just so I feel more prepared for whatever is to come.  That's why when I saw these dazzling Evening Sandals from Blue by Betsey Johnson, they were exactly what I was looking for. While being versatile and simple, they still pack a statement with the stunning champagne glitter.  I'm a girl who loves to sparkle so the glitter fabric in silver and champagne is the perfect combination. It looks playful, yet elegant and the signature blue sole looks wonderful and eye catching on the shoe.  Wearing it definitely makes me feel glamorous and elegant, working perfectly for all day activities at night, whether it's an extravagant wedding or a simple ceremony.

My go to place to get these evening sandals is definitely Macy’s. They have such a boundless selection with various different styles and all sizes.  It's easy to get these sandals either on their website or pick up at the store! Make sure these Blue Tee Evening Sandals by Betsey Johnson is part of your summer evening wardrobe!