After lemming the Rag & Bone Newbury and Harrow Booties for what felt like an eternity, this season, I caved on...both. First came the Newbury in burgundy suede, while I picked up the Harrow in classic black leather just a week or two ago at Barney's. And after wearing the Harrow more in the past two weeks than I've worn the Newbury in the past two months, I've been forced to concede to a favorite, and it's clearly the Harrow.
Given the similarities between the styles (they share the same toe shape and seaming, as well as the same comfortably high stacked heel), my preference comes down to two design details - first, the shaft (that's the height of the boot) on the Harrow is an inch shorter than the shaft on the Newbury, which makes the bootie easier to wear with skirts and dresses, particularly for those of us with shorter legs (I'm 5'2" for reference). Second, as opposed to the clean finish of the Newbury, the Harrow has a notched v that sits at the front of the leg, which is not only flattering, but also makes it easier to tuck in a skinny jean (there's more room to play with at the top of the boot, though the Newbury works perfectly with skinnies, as well). That said, if I had picked up the Newbury in a more obvious color, I might have found it more versatile? You can't win 'em all, I suppose. If you're in the market:
Shop Rag & Bone:
Harrow in leather, $495 or suede, $346.50
Newbury in leather, $495 or suede, $346.50
Head to Head: Rag & Bone's Newbury & Harrow Booties
Shop This: J.Crew Sample Sale
Who: J.Crew
What: Semi-Annual Sample Sale!
When: November 27 – December 2, Tue -Sat.: 10am-8pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm
Where: 260 Fifth Avenue, b/t 28 -29th Streets
Why: Savings of up to 60% off retail!
Weathering Winter: Dominion Sheepskin Boots
Peeps often find it surprising that I'm an unapologetic and shameless lover of all things UGG and, for that matter, all things sheepskin or shearling. But, I argue with those peeps, when temperatures drop, there's simply NOTHING like slipping on a sheepskin boot for UNBEATABLE warmth and comfort. In fact, if I could get a few quality moments with the design team at UGG, Emu or any other manufacturer of note, I'd ask demand to know why they've yet to make a knee-high SLIPPER. I mean, can you imagine? What could possibly be better than toasty warm sheepskin for lounging at home?
But I digress. Until a boot manufacturer comes through on that request, I've got these adorably TOASTY Dominion Godiva boots to tide me over. Crafted of genuine twin-faced sheepskin and made in New Zealand, the Godiva boot is super soft, deliciously comfortable and undeniably luxe. But it's not just function that drives me to sing their praises - no, I also love the ribbon lace up front, which is actually adjustable, making this boot wearable on gals with calves of all sizes, but also (MUCH MORE IMPORTANTLY) makes them CUTER than your average bear, boot, etc.
Snag Dominion's Godiva boot in gray or tan, now on sale for just $199 here, and check out my other suggestions for weathering winter's pesky hostility here, here, or here!
Holiday, To Give and To Receive: The DKNY Cozy
While I clearly love to receive gifts, there's one gift that I really have no desire to see under my tree - this year or any year. CLOTHING. Yes, I know it's surprising, but the reality is that style is so personal, and fit can be so fussy; clothing is close to impossible to give and receive.
The one imaginable exception in the free world is the DKNY Cozy. This miraculous sweater ACTUALLY does what most pieces of clothing only PURPORT to do - it suits any woman's style and can be dressed up (as seen here on the DKNY Facebook page...hit the "Like" button for my look while you're there!) or down (as seen above) in a snap. Head to toe, here's how I styled my Cozy on a recent Friday:
- Ray Ban Wayfarers
- Alexis Bittar earrings
- DKNY Cozy (gift)
- Hermes Medor watch
- Miraclebody Denim Leggings (gift)
- Rosegold Malo Bootie
If you've already got a DKNY Cozy, don't forget to download the iPhone app - it's chock full of magical styling tips!