Boots are probably my favorite type of footwear so I was really excited to receive a new pair of leather "Keliane" motorcycle inspired boots, part of the new Nine West Vintage America collection, courtesy of Nine West.




The boots feature an antiqued grommet front, self stitch, rubber sole and low flat heel. Available in either brown or black (which to me is more of a brown-black), these versatile shoes sell for $178 at NineWest.com. Definitely out of my price range for a style that I wouldn't necessarily call my own (to me, they look more Western-inspired than moto), but I'm glad I got to see them up close and I'm ready to put them to the test.




My first impression is that the shaft is kinda flimsy, but I think that was an intentional decision by the designers. The faux copper studs with faux copper-oxide (green paint) is kinda hokey up close, but from a distance, the look is kinda growing on me. At least it's something different from my usual solid black riding boots (also from Nine West, which I love). I'll keep you posted on how these babies hold up!

UPDATE 4/5/2010: Been wearing these for nicer occasions all winter (I don't take them out in the snow/slush, don't want to ruin them) and they have been holding up really well. They didn't even require a breaking in period. Very comfy, good for walking, and I feel like they match everything in my closet surprisingly well!

Has anyone seen the Vintage America collection by Nine West in stores? What did you think?

The Fiona Paxton Coco ZigZag Necklace (also featured in this post) is a favorite of celebrities like Drew Barrymore and costs $325 at Pink Mascara.


I just noticed that Arden B. now has a mock-off version of this necklace for $28. Scoop it up before it's gone! For even more great inspired-by versions of this necklace, be sure to check out The Look 4 Less, too!

Today one of my favorite coupon sites, Retailmenot.com, launched a new site design aimed at improving usability and search speed. The new look also includes a snazzy new logo and fresh new user interface.

Why is Retailmenot.com one of my favorite coupon sites (if not THE number one favorite), you may ask? Because any time I search for a store name plus the words "coupon code" in Google, Retailmenot.com comes up as one of the top 3 search result spots. When I click through, I get no-fuss promo codes in a flash. Codes that actually work!

Now to be honest, I was a little nervous when I heard about this redesign (why ruin a good thing, right?) but I am relieved that the site looks pretty much the same! Simple, clean layout, big ol' search box at the top, plus convenient tabs for printable coupons, grocery, and community. Phew! What can I say, I've always loved the ease of use and effectiveness of Retailmenot.com, so I'm glad that not much has changed on the surface. Behind-the-scenes, the company says things should be running even smoother and faster than ever. Sweet.

To celebrate the new site, I'm giving away five $25 gift certificates to Threadless.com, courtesy of Retailmenot.com. For your chance to win, visit Retailmenot.com then share your thoughts about the new look in the comments section below. Your feedback matters, ladies!

**UPDATE! Forgot to post some very important deets: Please post your comment by 12 noon tomorrow, Friday, September 4th, to be eligible to win one of 5 gift certificates to Threadless.com. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Thanks!**

**UPDATE 9/4: We have our winners! Congratulations to #41, 53, 44, 48 and 24! Please check your email for prize info. I'll leave the comments open for anyone else who has feedback to share about Retailmenot.com. **

I am a young twenty-something mother of 2 young children and also a teacher's aide at my son's preschool. I was just wondering what would be some work appropriate outfits for my job? The dress code is casual attire all the time. —Danielle

To help me answer your question, I turned to a good friend who works at a leading provider of child day care and education (don't want to name names). While her Masters degree in education and extensive experience makes her a great teacher, it's her personal style—both on and off the job—that makes her truly qualified to respond to this question! Here's what she had to say:

Mix affordable pieces from Old Navy with comfy flats for a cute, kid-friendly look that's professional, too.

Flutter Sleeve Top, $10; Cardigan, $20; Khakis, $15; Belt, $12.50; Crocs Prima Ballet Flats, $17.95; Earrings, $5

"Dresses and skirts are hard to wear because they are impractical for kneeling and sitting on the ground (I also know a teacher who had a bad experience with a curious child). Khaki pants or dark wash jeans are great because they are comfortable, but still can look professional/put together. Any shirt is fine, unless it has something dangly for the kids to pull on or is low-cut. Old Navy and Target have a lot of pretty shirts made from t-shirt material that can still look professional. Fun ballet flats are a great way to be comfortable and stylish while still being in compliance with most dress codes. They even make Croc ballet flats."

Regarding the Crocs, my friend also mentioned that waterproof shoes are a godsend when dealing with tots (just rinse clean when the inevitable mess happens!).

Calling all teachers: How do YOU stay stylish on the job (especially if you're dealing with small children)?

The Lanvin Oxford Ankle Bootie is a gorgeous shoe for fall featuring gray flannel, black patent leather and lace-up closure. It sells for $1,195 at Bergdorf Goodman.


While the quality of these "Newbury" lace-up Oxford pumps by Alloy probably pales in comparison to the Lanvins, they're a great way to get in on this trend for less. Wear these sophisticated, menswear-inspired heels for day or night with wide leg pants or with opaque tights and a beautiful dress. The price: Just $29.90.