Seasonal Staples

I would not get through the cold Winter months without my trusty boots. Anyone who knows me will know I'm a boots girl during A/W and slip on the sandals as soon as I catch a glimpse of sun or some warmer weather. I live in them day in, day out, without fail, and they definitely get worn out. I just think boots are so easy to work with, you can wear them casually in the day with some skinnies and chunky knits, or just as easily work them into a more dressy look - I'm thinking rocking up a cute dress with some tights and boots for an edgy feel. This year I've invested in a long pair of boots which I hope will get their wears worth  for a few years and three (yes, three...eek) pairs of ankle boots which I will pair with my various Autumn/Winter wardrobe.

I've dedicated a post to the first pair of ankle boots already so I won't bore you by babbling on repeating my self but I love them so check them out :) 

Here are my investment boots. Named so because I'm really hoping they last me and are worth the investment. I usually buy a pair of long boots every year if not every other year and wear them so much that they almost fall apart so thought this year I would invest in a classic pair that should see me through for a while. This lovely pair is from Russell and Bromley and to my surprise due to their look, are entirely made from leather. They're sturdy and comfortable and because of the stretchy pleated soft leather, fit like a glove around my calf as well as having a great texture to admire!

I've blogged before about my well-loved Kurt Geiger boots but unfortunately they've finally given up on me (I told you I wear my boots to death!) and I've had to send them to the shoe mender in hope that they can be fixed up with some TLC. I know that I could wear them with almost any outfit though so decided another pair of little black ankle boots would be a welcomed new staple in my wardrobe. These ones from Next are much cheaper than the Geigers but are still leather and really good quality. I just love the cute little tassels, makes a change to having a boring old zip :)

My final pair of boots is also from Next (Next did good this year!) and are a pair of wedge boots. They're also available in black but I thought it would make a nice change to have a mink pair of boots as I tend to gravitate towards black at this time of year. The wedge is so comfortable and can look both casual and dressy but these are suede so will take more looking after thanks to the constant rain we get in the UK towards the end of the year!

Are you a boots girl like me or do you dedicated to your flats?

The Dressing Room

The Dressing Room is a local boutique in St. Albans, and while I'm sorry this post seems directed at UK readers, they do have a fabulous website to check out here! (10% off your first order!)

Every time I'm in St. Albans I always visit The Dressing Room. Without fail. Everything from their window displays to their presentation of stock and friendly, inviting staff is amazing. The modern interior is beautiful with a big shop floor and plenty of space to peruse the gorgeous rails of hand picked brands, ranging from Current/Elliot denim to Butter by Nadia evening dresses. Their changing rooms are also just as beautifully designed, with personal stylists to hand if you require so. I can guarantee that if you visit The Dressing Room you will find it near impossible to leave without being satisfied and buying something you really love.

One of the main reasons I pop in there is to feed my ChloBo addiction (more about ChloBo in my post here) and they have such a great range of the brand there, beautifully displayed, often even having Dressing Room exclusive bracelets - one of which my mum snapped up (she is also obsessed with ChloBo...must be hereditary?!). They also have seasonal events where you get a special discount, Dressing Room exclusives, goodie bags and cocktails provided by Mokoko (which are delicious by the way) - a fantastic way to relax and see what the latest trends are.

Deryane Tadd is the owner of the award-winning boutique and if she's not out discovering new and exciting brands to stock in The Dressing Room, she is usually on the shop floor and every time I've met her she's been lovely. All her staff are also just as friendly and make sure your shopping experience is enjoyable; I often end up chatting away about the latest brands or what I love in the shop. Pop in if you're ever in Herfordshire; St. Albans is a charming little town with plenty of other great shops and restaurants on offer, as well as quaint little pubs and bars in the evening and market days twice a week. The Dressing Room is easy to spot with it's cute topiary pots either side of the stunning window displays! Keep your eyes peeled and say hello to Deryane if you see her, if the greeting and service I always get is anything to go by, I can guarantee you'll be one happy shopper!