March 21, 2011: Back From Beyond

No, you're not seeing a mirage, I am the real Iris. Sorry for my absenteeism; life, work, and catching a wicked cold have really messed with my outfit posting rhythm. I'm trying to get back in the groove and in an effort not to get even more behind think it's best to just jump right back in with today's outfit. I know we are missing almost a week and a half of outfits but, I promise I took pictures each and everyday and I will get those up ASAP.

It feels like spring has sprung here and I could not be happier. I will take the proverbial April showers over snow any day! That being said there is still a chill in the air so we're not quite at the point where outfits like this are appropriate yet but, I know it's coming and that makes me happy. What types of warm weather clothes are you most excited to wear?

• Top: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: dark gray Hudson Wide Leg Pant, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; gray headband, scunci via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

January 26/28, 2011: Catching Up

So as you all know last weekend was pretty lousy for me. Thankfully the week to follow was filled with some seriously good things despite all the other junk. More to come on that later...

Wednesday was cold, kind of like the day before that and the day before that. Now let me tell you how I really feel... this cold is never going to end. I'm ready for you now spring, I really am! I am trying not to fall into the cozy style faux pas of skinnies tucked into snow boots every day but, it's SO hard. Do you have any advice on how to fight this? I welcome suggestions...

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, and here.

Thursday I was hip deep in snow when I left my apartment so... I stayed home. Thankfully so did BF and we dug out the car for my Friday trek to work. I had a job fair scheduled so I really wanted to make it into the office and off to the fair. The outfit was a little on the casual side for job fairs but, had a mentioned it was cold? Also, it was Friday and I hate to give up my denim. I sit behind a table anyway so no one really sees my legs anyway. Although, when I walked in someone mistook me for a student, awkward... I wouldn't wear this ensemble to a job fair! 

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP; orange tank top underneath, New York and Company 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

January 25, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Loves Stripes

Breton Stripes to be more specific! Here's a little history on that if you are unfamiliar. And here's a little history on stripes and myself: I love stripes but, was always told that more voluptuous ladies (like myself) should avoid them like the plague, "They will make you look broader, more masculine, wider, fatter, etc..." I get it but, I still love them. Lesson over...

If you are nervous about those well known pitfalls a small, thin stripe works better than a bold, wide one. Also adding accessories, like a chunky necklace or fun scarf, can break up the line that the stripes create. Lastly they don't always have to be black or navy. You could wear a brighter color (yellow, red, etc.) and since the contrast is not as stark the horizontal line is less noticeable. How do you like to wear your stripes?

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesy of Cougar; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; silver coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns
  

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

 

January 21, 2011: For A Minute... Finally

Sorry for the hiatus, you know... life happens. Posting might be a little sporadic because I have lost my laptop. Either way, I am trying my best to avoid that... life goes on. What? Yeah, you read right, the brand new one that I got just less than a year ago, I'm a jerk. I accidentally left it at a weekend recruiting event at Lehman College and when I called security to ask if anyone had turned it in they said no. Totally my fault but, if you're the person who found it AKA an HP in the Music Hall with this website as a homepage please email me and I will gladly retrieve it from you.

Moving along... there was snow on Friday by here, for a few hours which almost feels like the blink of an eye when you are indoors. There was not a ridiculous amount of snow but, enough to force me into boots again. Is anyone else tired of the snow or is it just me? Hmmm I see you hiding with your snowball, it must just be me.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

January 19, 2011: She Paints Me Blue

I have a confession to make, I didn't get to work yesterday. The rain/ice/snow/sleet that was falling out of the sky encased my car in a sheet of weather stuff. I should have taken a picture it probably looked pretty but, I digress... I spent forever cracking the ice with my trusty scraper and cleaning it off only to start slipping and sliding and I tried to drive to work. I made it about two blocks and decided it would be better to head home. All while wearing my leopard print flats... Crazy? Definitely! I couldn't feel my feet. I guess that outfit can be saved for another day since I didn't actually wear it to work; one when it's not "weathering". After checking the forecast I am sad to say it is a week of boots, except for maybe tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny with snow again on Friday. Yes, style blogger and meteorologist.... eat your heart out Bill Evans.

Can we just talk about this skirt for a minute? I had spotted it in the GAP while shopping at full price ($46.50) and instantly fell in love. I am a sucker for anything ombre. For a bunch of reasons (my poorness, it's expensiveness, acheiving another month of no purchases) it didn't come home with me that day. But, many weeks later while actually Christmas shopping  I found one left in my size on sale for $13.00. BF told me to throw it on the pile of Christmas goodies for everyone else... love him! How else would you style this fab skirt?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP outlet; white polka dot button down, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue and gray ombre skirt, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not orginally pictured); black tights, Just My Size via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, and here:

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December 29, 2010: Need Commuter Shoe

As a person living in NYC I have seen many a commuter shoe and I have never been a fan. If your fancy high heeled sandal doesn't work in tsunami like conditions maybe you should consider coming up with an outfit that looks cute with rain boots. Not rocket science but, yesterday I must have forgotten my reality; I guess I blocked out being snowed in, ignored what I saw out the window, or maybe I was overly excited to show off these fantastic tights... either way I tried to leave my apartment building in these lovely (and grossly unrealistic) shoes. What was I thinking? I could barely walk and as I slid back up the driveway to change into a more practical shoe I instantly gained a greater appreciation for the commuter shoe. It doesn't have to be a ratty gym sneaker, it could be an awesome pair of boots or flats. Also, 2+2=4... what revelations!

• Top: gray shirt dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath, for the modesty; black long cardigan, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; black belt, New York and Company; teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Your Opinion: Cougar Boots

Photo Credit: http://spoonstudio.blogspot.com/

I'm sure everyone remembers the review I did for those fabulous Cougar boots. If not please check it out because they are pretty awesome!! Everyone on their end was happy to hear what I had to say but, now they want to know what you think. Please take a few minutes of your time (seriously it's only four or five questions) and fill out their quick online survey. For every survey completed they will donate $2 to the Red Cross. Now let's recap: read about fabulous boots (if you haven't already), fill out super short survey, help the Red Cross. I think this is a win, win, win all around!

Review: Cougar Boots

When I was asked to do a review of Cougar boots I was thrilled! Well, actually first I was confused... I had never heard of them before and while the thought of receiving an item to review was exciting I wasn't sure that these shoes/boots were even my style. So, I checked out their website and was thrilled to see that most of the boots were right up my alley. After which I sent back an enthusiastic, YES!

I got to pick one pair of rain boots and one pair of snow boots to review. They gave me some options and I got to pick my tops and they would send me what they could based on my size and their availability. And I patiently waited to receive my package in the mail...

When it finally came I couldn't wait to see what boots I had gotten. The selection of snow boots was pretty good so I think I would have been fine with whatever they sent me but, I had my heart set on a specific set of rain boots. When I opened the box I was greeted with a nice letter from the president of the company (kudos to them for that nice detail) and a whole lot of goodies!

Not only do I get boots but, they included an awesome mug, some hot cocoa, and a warm hoodie! All of which will be quite handy and fully utilized as the temperatures continue to drop. And I love their message, "For the world you walk on. Love what you wear." I can totally get behind that! Now, it was time to get down to business and see what I ended up with, drumroll please... the exact boots I wanted!!! And even though I ordered them in a 9 (I am generally a 9.5) they fit perfectly!

First of all let's talk about the rain boots, because I actually got to wear them for a whole day at work and to run some errands after. As I mentioned before they were a good fit and absolutely waterproof. I jumped in a puddle leftover from the days before's rain (yes, like a small child) and I was honestly hoping that it would start up again... it didn't but, I think I got to experience the dryness perfectly. Plus, I love the style. How unbelievably bad ass are these boots with their motorcycle vibe? My only complaint is that I wish they were a little higher and wider in the calf. I have very muscular calves and where these boots stopped on me they ended up being a little tight by the end of the day. Also, I love the look of taller wellies that you could wear with equally tall socks and if they had been the case I probably wouldn't have had the calf problem. Overall though, big thumbs up for style and comfort!

On to the snow boots (pictured in detail here)... I only got to wear these around the house because there has not been (and had better not be) any snow yet. They are so comfortable, I love them! They are also warm, waterproof, and very lightweight. Considering how the tags claim a wearer will stay warm in, as low as, 5° weather I am very impressed, I would have expected them to be heavier and bulkier. The faux fur is not 100% me but, I am getting used to it and it is so trendy for fall/winter that you can't go wrong with these. I think they are my favorite out of the two pairs and I almost can't wait (figuratively speaking) for snow!

Overall, I have found a new favorite boot brand! And while I was searching for other styles online I found that these are really not that expensive at all; Definitely cheaper than (or on par with) Hunter or Uggs, just as warm, and even more stylish. Which Cougar boots/shoes are your favorite?