These are a Few of My Favourite Things

As I browse the fashion magazines and websites the past few weeks, there are a few things that have jumped out at me. Here are some of garments and accessories that spark my lust for the fall/winter season.

Riding Boots
I love a good tall boot. They go with everything - pants, skirts, dresses - everything. This season the tall boot is everywhere, in every incarnation; flat, wedge, over the knee, stiletto, fringed, slouchy, etc. My pick of the bunch is the riding boot. I love the quaint English, upper crust ambiance of this leather charmer. My only issue is with fit. I have been blessed with athletic calves, which make finding a comfortable boot difficult. Even if I'm lucky enough to force up the zipper, my legs often feel like they are being strangled. So, I'm on the hunt (ironically enough) for a pair of fab riding boots. I just ordered a pair of Naturalizer Hunter boots in brown leather. I'm hoping the elastic and the buckle at the back will allow me to wear them.

ETA: I received the boots today and unfortunately they do not zip up over my calves. For reference, my calves measure 15" at the widest point. So, back to the store they go and back on the hunt I go.


Booties
When fashion bloggers first started wearing booties with skirts and tights, I was definitely not sold on the look. As time has passed however, I have become quite smitten with the look and now I actually want to emulate it. So, while I was shopping at Naturalizer I picked up a couple of cute booties: Corso and Dublin, both in brown leather. I adore the leather/suede combo, along with the sweet stitching accents on the Corso. The multi-colours and textures, combined with the menswear inspired laces on the Dublin are also drool worthy. I picture wearing both of these with some cozy textured tights (see below). These shoes, as well as the boots above come in wide widths, which makes me ridiculously happy.

ETA: I received the booties today and they are fairly comfortable. I think the lace up booties will require a bit of breaking in, but the other pair seems fine right out of the box.


Tights
If I could wear skirts (or dresses) everyday, I would. But, come winter, it gets a tad too nippy to be sporting uncovered legs in my neck of the woods. The reintroduction of tights into the fashion world the last few years has helped to remedy this chilly situation. So, I headed over to We Love Colors and bought up some microfibre tights in a variety of colours (rust, gold, maroon, teal and olive green - I already own some in brown, black and grey), as well as a pair of Croche Fishnets in brown. I just hope they fit well - us short folks often have leg length issues, resulting in elephant knees and crotch droop. I'll report back on my findings. I am also on the look out for some textured wool tights that don't bag out at the knees.


Cardigans
I must own upwards of 40 cardigans - some with the matching shell, some without. Being a lover of 50s style, it stands to reason that I am smitten with the ubiquitous twin set and the sweater girl look. So easy to wear and perfect for those days that deciding on an outfit seems difficult. Toss on a twin set over a great pair of pants, accessorize with a strand or three of pearls (or a vintage brooch) and you're good to go. Right now, I am lusting after several cashmere lovelies, in particular this one from Land's End. I am drawn to the simple lines, the 3/4 raglan sleeves and of course, the luscious park green colour - it would fit seamlessly into my existing wardrobe.

ETA: I succumbed to the siren call of cashmere. I now have the cardi winging it's way to Canada as I write. I'll report on the quality when I receive it.


So, dear reader, what are you lusting after for this fall/winter season?