Remember those slouchy suede boots I had shortened last month?

Imagine my giddy surprise to see the following in Isabel Marant’s Spring 2012 collection:

It’s an utter fluke when style coincidences like these come along, so I couldn’t resist sharing. I like to think it gives hope to the rest of us when someone who isn’t Alexa Chung (ahem…) gets a big ol’ high five from the fashion world, entirely by accident. And thank goodness, as I know I’d have been coveting these $580 babies something fierce. Now, if the craving strikes, you’ll know just how to get the look for a fraction of the cost.

{Editor’s Note: I’ve been thinking about it, and I spend all this time showing you my virtual shopping, but not a lot of time showing you what actually ends up in my closet. To clear things up, I’ve decided to start a little series called Off The Rack, where I’ll periodically show off a new goodie that’s made it, well, off the rack and into my closet. I’d love for this to become a group effort, so please – tell me all about your latest buys in the comments!}

If you follow me on Twitter or Pinterest (ahem!), you may have noticed that my itch for a great pair of penny loafers has gotten serious. I bought those Tods loafers I showed you a while back, but really…suede driving mocs in Portland are a bad choice. Back they went.

As soon as I laid eyes on these pretty pennies from Tory Burch, though, I knew I’d met my match (the extra 25% off sale didn’t hurt). I was convinced black was the way to go – classic, and all that. Thank goodness a dear friend assured me I really wanted the red. I awaited this package so very anxiously, I knew she’d made the right call. And in fact, they’ve scarcely been back in the box since they arrived. They’re the perfect shade of lipstick red, with details like that lovely pinked tongue and the gold logo on the vamp to make them look ultra luxe. I’m wearing them with everything – jeans, wintery wool skirts, and my favorite skinny trousers – and I can’t wait to pair them with shorts, come spring.

What’s new in your closet this week?

This is really crafting by delegation (which, one might argue, is the best kind of crafting), but I had to share my most recent “Well, aren’t you clever?” moment.

A couple of years ago (wow, make that three years ago!), I bought a pair of cheap tall suede boots. They were my first foray into the world of tall boots, actually – I’d never been a fan, being from California, where shoe-related warmth is utterly unnecessary. You can see the process unfold right over here if you’d like a stroll down memory lane.

As you’d expect from cheap boots with absolutely no internal structure, these turned from slouchy chic to saggy swashbuckler over the course of a couple of years. They showed all sorts of unpleasant watermarks and wear on the shaft, the color was fading, and – best of all – the stitching was coming out at the top. Clearly, something had to be done.

Meanwhile, I was wishing for a great pair of knock-around cognac ankle boots to give my beloved Rachel Comeys a break. It finally dawned on me, in a fit of genius, that I have an amazing cobbler and a fashion gambler’s heart (Ha! As if.). So, I took them to my beloved cobbler Dorian, who turned these:

…into these:

And I’ve been wearing them almost nonstop since. Brand new shoes for $35 – not bad!

My crafty hack would work best with a cheapie pair of boots (lining and zippers will definitely complicate things. But if you have a far-too-slouchy pair of boots in your closet that you just can’t salvage, this is a pretty fantastic solution. Just remember, a good cobbler is key to this crafty mission. If you don’t have one, you’re missing one of the great joys in life. If you don’t have one in your town, ask the most well-heeled girl you know who she trusts.

I couldn’t help noticing a trend in my after-Thanksgiving shopping binge, and I do so love a good theme.

Those after-Thanksgiving sales just slayed me, friends. What’s a girl to do when the Givenchy wallet you’ve been coveting for a year is suddenly 40% off? Buy, that’s what. Though now, it’s actually 60% off – sigh. Sometimes sale shopping is a big game of Chicken. And really, I blame Miss Kate for the driving mocs. I was living a blissful, loafer-less existence until she came along and showed me the light.

Anyway. Remember those red pants I just had to have this summer? They were fun, don’t get me wrong, but they’re just absolutely everywhere now, so it’s time for my pair to take a hiatus. My new love is this pretty pair in purple. At 70% off, it was an easy splurge, and they’re right at home in my closet. As it turns out, purple – especially a deep, rich purple like this – is considerably easier than red. It adds color and richness without screaming “Hey, you there!”, or straying too far from my beloved neutral palette. Neutrals are an easy pairing of course (I love this shade with navy, grey and camel), but purple also plays well with all sorts of patterns, which can get a little loud when paired with red.

If I’m honest, I’m still on the fence about those loafers, which usually means a return is imminent…but they’re awfully cute sitting in my closet.

What are you thinking about purple these days? Does it give you flashbacks from 3rd grade, or are you ready to give it another chance? And was anyone else as bad during those Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales as I was? Gluttony loves company!

Today’s guest post comes from a favorite blogger of mine, Kate of Anonymous Chic. She’s a first-class writer with serious style, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Oh, and she’s Canadian to boot (which means, among other things, that she gets to spell “colour” with a “U” – jealous!). With all that going for her, I knew she’d fit right in. So, I was thrilled she agreed to school us on a topic near and dear to my heart this time of year: fall footwear.

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Fall and winter are a time for indulgence in fabulous boots, but I refuse to lock myself into one footwear genre for two entire seasons…and I’m sure I’m not alone in that opinion. My go-to solution once the colder months roll around is a great pair of loafers. They are absolutely appropriate either barefoot or paired with socks (my inner preppy craves subtly coloured argyle or bold stripes). The great thing about loafers is the degree of creativity that they allow. No matter your taste, there’s a pair for everyone.

A key when considering them for colder months is their level of “weather appropriateness”. I live in that snowy place north of the 49^th parallel (…that’s Canada, for those of you who are geographically challenged), so I’ll always opt for something with a good structured sole and patent leather. The only time I break that rule is when I’m looking for a good excuse to change out of horridly practical winter boots, but into something that still accommodates comfort and warmth. Considering there’s a serious collegiate kick in a lot of Fall/Winter styles this year, loafers are the kind of nostalgic nod that could be a practical and fashionable addition to your footwear wardrobe.

At one end of the spectrum lies your “fits like a glove” driving loafers. These are the pairs I’d recommend if you’re looking for something stylish for a commute that isn’t slippery, or as something comfy to change into at the office. The defining pair from this category is clearly Tod’s, definitely an investment piece in any wardrobe, but I will testify, they are well worth saving up finding your favourite.

Tod’s Heaven Laccetto Driving Moc, $445

Tory Burch has recently done a couple of great metallic versions that definitely add a little subtle sparkle to the mix if you’re look for a petite bit of pizzazz for these bleak months.

Tory Burch Kendrick driver, $275

If you’re in the mood for something more weather-friendly or structured, head to the classic penny loafer. Bass or Sebago are classic preppy staples (the addition of a shiny new penny is absolutely optional). I’m thinking that this version in navy might be the next addition to my collection.

Bass Vanessa loafer in navy, $149

Another great option comes courtesy of Cole Haan. Great colours and contrast stitching, coupled with patent leather, equates to positively weather-friendly options. Two-tone options are also available if you’re up for being a touch more daring.

Cole Haan Air Sloane moc, $168

Need an in-between option? This patent leather version from Jeffrey Campbell will work for wet weather, and the driving loafer style means that you’ll feel as though you’re taking your daily stroll in custom-fit slippers all day.

Jeffrey Campbell Mocky Penny driving loafer, $83

Whatever you choose, here’s hoping that a great pair of loafers can be added to your fall and winter footwear fashions.

I’d also like to take an opportunity to thank Becki for two things: first for having an excellent blog, and second for having me on here. It’s always a treat to not only be reading one of your favourite blogs, but also to be contributing to its greatness makes it extra-special. –Anonymous Chic

**The love is mutual, Miss Kate! xox, Becki**

Good morning, friends! How are you loving the guest writers this week? Fantastic, right? I’m in the midst of holiday workshop madness over here, but had to pop in this morning when I saw this news, guaranteed to make your Thursday brighter.

You see, Loeffler Randall’s fall sale has begun! So, so many lovelies, but my personal favorite is still that pair of Blaise haircalf loafers – I wear them all the time. They’re down to $228, a serious steal! You can also nab their signature tall rain boots for just $98 – that’s cheaper than a pair of Hunters, friends.

Come on, do it. You know you’ve been dying for a pair of Loefflers this season!

Sure, I’m an enabler….but I’m also right.

{Good news – the collection launched! Grab your favorite Resort 2012 Loeffler Randalls right here!}

Once again, we enter the world of pre-season coveting with my all-time favorite, Loeffler Randall. Designer Jessie Randall has cooked up an unbelievable collection for Resort 2012…something tells me my own LR collection will be getting larger this season.

And then there’s the piéce de resistance…this beautiful Edith pump in King Snake:

Now that, my friends, is a shoe!

I can tell it’s an absolutely perfect resort collection, because I can already hear the samba music playing on the beach just looking at these beauties. Nab your favorites now!

I’ve had a crush on Frye’s Engineer 8R boots ($208) for years. That distressed leather, the buckles…it all creates a tough, take-no-prisoners, vastly-more-hip-than-I-appear style I long for every now and then. But I’ve never taken the plunge, mostly because I wasn’t quite sure what to do with these beautiful boots once I got them home. That downtown vibe is just what I’m after, but I wasn’t sure how to make it mesh with my eternally preppy style. Plus, the height throws me a bit. They’re too high to be “short boots,” and too low to be “tall boots,” giving me serious concerns about the boot height falling in the danger zone of making my calves look like sausages.

But despite all this, my crush persisted. So, when Frye offered to let me try out some styling ideas, I jumped at the chance to test out these bad boys. And I learned a few things.

{The Frye Engineer 8R in sand…so pretty, right?}

First, these are amazing with jeans of all shapes and sizes. You’ll see some wearing them with skinny jeans, and that’s all well and good.

{Left: Keira Knightly, Coolspotters; Right, BlueJeanBruises, whose head I removed in case she doesn’t want to be here!}

(Technically, those boots on the right are the Engineer 12R, but you get my drift.)

But my preferred method is to pair them with a straight-leg jean, cuffed at the bottom. The end result is the perfect balance of prep and rock…or so I told myself.

(Once again, my feet make a SMC cameo…I think all this celebrity is going to their toes.)

Good, right? They also work well with a boot-cut jean, though I think in that case, you have to be careful about keeping the rest of the look more young and fun, or they risk looking woefully out of place. Think moto jacket, not cardigan.

That said, of course, there’s another option for these beautiful boots, and it’s one I’ve always favored in theory but feared in reality. Pair these bad boys with your girliest, frilliest summer dress, and watch them instantly add that dose of edge you’ve been wanting (it also does a great job of translating the look to fall, especially when topped with that same moto jacket…or even a cardigan). Tights are optional – personally, I prefer a bare leg with this look. But in any case, this isn’t a look to attempt if you’re at all self-conscious about your calves – it does bring a bit more attention to that area, and you should never spend the day in an ensemble that stresses you out!

{Clockwise from top left: Evangeline Lilly, Coolspotters; Hailee Steinfeld, Apega/WENN;
Keira Knightly for Vogue, 2007, via habitually chic}

One last tip: if you’ve been trying to figure out how to pull off the maxi-skirt trend for fall, these are your ticket in. Again, go for floaty fabrics like chiffon or silk – paired with these rugged boots, it’s a match made in fashion heaven.

What do you think? Are you ready to give these downtown classics their due?

It could only be someone as hopelessly preppy as me that would see this photo of Emmanuelle Alt and her adorable daughter and instantly jones for….the five-year-old girl’s look. But you must admit, she’s a pretty stylish kid, no?

{Thanks, Reading in Heels, for helping me track this one down!}

Take, for example, that black ballet flat she’s wearing. Is there anything more classic, more luxe, more works-with-absolutely-anything, than a perfect black ballet flat? Like a perfect black pump, they can be the holy grail of footwear. There is an endless supply of imposters to impede your search, but it makes finding the real deal so much sweeter!

Well, friends, I’m one step closer to being as well-dressed as a fashion editor’s kid (attainable goals are key), because I’ve found my holy grail. The most absolutely perfect black ballet flat I could ask for.

{Yep, those are my very own feet, making a rare Shopping’s My Cardio cameo.}

It’s London Sole’s Henrietta flat, a classic they’ve just updated in a sweet, sophisticated glazed croc-embossed leather. Do you know about London Sole? It’s the shop of dreams for a ballet-flat addict like me. Walk in the door, and you’re faced with floor to ceiling options – every ballet flat a girl could want. The brand practically invented the ballet! While they offer a half dozen different fits and silhouettes, the Henrietta is my personal favorite – a trim fit and a modern silhouette keep this style especially young.

These shoes are a worthy splurge in every sense of the word – at $245, they’re not much more than those Tory Burch flats we all have in our closets, but these are infinitely more timeless. And there’s no better place to invest than on a classic shoe you’ll wear daily. These take any outfit from girl-next-door to Jackie O. in a heartbeat, and work with everything from cuffed boyfriend jeans to a cocktail dress. I can’t help but feel refined and chic when I wear them. It doesn’t hurt that they fit like a glove (size up a tad – they’re European, after all), or that the glazed finish makes them considerably more understanding of Portland’s perpetually wet weather. And don’t let these delicate beauties fool you – they’re much more durable than they let on. They’ll stand up to years of regular wear (I speak from experience), content with an occasional spa trip to your favorite cobbler to keep them looking their best.

Black is the obvious choice, of course, if you’re still in the market for your holy grail. But the Henrietta in croc comes in so many gorgeous hues, it was a struggle for me to stick to the classics. The Racing Green feels so perfect for the fall (and would be amazing for the holidays), but I especially love that beautiful blue Ginger, which I’ve been pairing with all sorts of neutral ensembles (black, camel and heather grey) for a perfect pop of color this season.

Have you found your perfect black flat?

Happy Friday, everyone…what a week it’s been! I’ve hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog, but that hasn’t stopped me from amassing quite a list of Friday Finds. Even when I’m swimming in things to do, I always manage to find time to covet.

First, I’ve found a new love: BeautyAddicts’ “Double Deception” concealer. The right half is lighter and creamier, so it’s perfect for under the eyes, and the left side works wonders for the rest of your face. It’s all very Alice in Wonderland/magic caterpillar mushroom, but the results are flawless.

I’m obsessing a little over wanting a new pair of ankle boots for the fall. While I’m terrified of light-colored suede for a number of reasons (rain in Portland + denim = blue stripes all over my boots. Not cool.), these are calling to me. And, at $120, I can actually afford to listen.

Have you seen the latest goodies at J.Crew? I’m obsessed with a couple of things: specifically, this tweed jacket and that sequined top. Truthfully, I dream of being able to pull off sequins for day, and I’m thinking if ever there was a reasonable candidate, it’s this one.

And speaking of glitz and glam, I am fascinated by this ring. I can’t exactly figure out how it would look on, but how wrong could it be? I’m smitten.

Even though I’m mad as hell at Target over my whole Missoni debacle, I have to show you this Sonia Kashuk brush set. The brushes are great, the metallic tweed clutch is adorable (and actually cute enough to be carried as a clutch), and the whole thing is $25. I’d have bought the clutch alone for that price, so consider the brushes a highly useful bonus.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. I’m hoping to spend a couple of hours with my husband and George Clooney…and I’ll see you back here next week!