My list of sale handbags was well received so I decided to do the same exercise for boots. I’ve seen most of the styles in person and fitted on several of them. The comfort levels range from doable to very comfy. Remember that my feet are fussy, so you’ll probably have a higher tolerance than I do. Check out all the colour options if the ones shown are not to your taste.

1. Cole Haan Braxton Tall Boot: Sleek, soft and very Euro. I almost bought the light pair but the calf circumference was too wide.
2. Michael Kors Harness Boot: These are too high for me, but the volume around the calf is different and quite flattering on a slender leg line.
3. Dr. Scholl’s Arch: Great price, good casual vibe and super comfy
4. Timberland Earthkeepers Granby Low Pull-On: Fab for après ski and snow days.
5. Frye Rory Scrunch Boot: I have these in chestnut and they are wardrobe workhouses. The chestnut isn’t available, but the other colours are nice too.
6. Rockport Lilly Welt Riding Boot: Classic, comfy, clean and elegant.
7. B. Makowsky Faith: You’ll like these if buckles are your thing.
8. Gentle Souls Popular Choice: Comfortable and superb for tall girls with an 18 inch shaft measurement.
9. Vince Camuto Coco: Sublime colour and ever so slightly bohemian.
10. Gwyneth Macie: A versatile style with a very walkable heel height.
11. Kate Spade New York Brit: Too high for me but pretty, pretty, pretty!
12. Gentle Souls Nice And Warm: Love these boots and they’re comfortable too. Edgy, rugged and well made.
13. BC Footwear Light Up The Room: Sweet name. Hope they light up your style.
14. BC Footwear In The Mood: Look at the teal!
15. Seychelles Secret: Perfect booties to wear with skirts and dresses.
16. Dirty Laundry Noted: A vegan option that’s good to your bank account.
17. Kenneth Cole Reaction Blue Ice: Adore the wedge and turn back detailing.
18. Belle by Sigerson Morrison BM6356: A little studded sparkle just for fun.

That’s it for now. I’ll post the second half of my list later today. Happy shopping!

Note that this post contains affiliate links.

I’m obviously in a shimmery holiday party mood because I’m still talking about sequins.

I can appreciate sequin separates since the fish scale shimmer is relatively contained on one part of the body – either on top or on the bottom. But I have never fancied sequin dresses because it’s sparkle overload. Then I saw these dresses and changed my mind. I absolutely love them. Just look at how they drape! The cuts are genius and the fabric sensational. Elegant yet comfortable, festive yet retro, covered yet alluring.

Perhaps I’m developing the magpie gene (magpies are attracted to shiny things), but these sequin frocks have changed my opinion on the item. Do you like sequin dresses and what do you think of the styles below?

A special welcome to top NY fashion stylist Kendall Farr! Kendall has dressed many celebrities and has also served as a design consultant for a number of fashion labels. She’s the author of The Pocket Stylist and Style Evolution. I had the pleasure of interviewing fabulous Kendall about ageless style, which was utterly delightful. It’s high time we brought back her style wisdom to YLF. If you’re not a frock gal you’re going to especially love this post.

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It’s no style secret that we are living in a very casual age. Looking effortlessly put together and individually stylish makes dressing up a tricky business. How much sparkle does one wear without going right over the top?

Here is a fashion truth: The best cocktail looks will always pair something za za with something decidedly lower key.  Enter The Little Black Pant (LBP). The perfect LBP is every bit as important to have in your wardrobe as the LBD because it is the kind of essential anchor piece that keeps a cocktail look from appearing labored over.

Cropped and pleated, tuxedo inspired (like this pair from Alexander Wang), dead classic with a flat front and a lean, stove-piped leg, truly cigarette-slim or wide-legged, your pant should be your cut. Talbots offers a range of styles priced and sized for reality.

Enhance the leg lengthening line with a pair of black evening pumps. Then think about the ease of dressing for the evening with your LBP (and pumps) in place and ready to take on different combinations such as:

A Trophy Jacket

While the tux jacket is always a chic option, it was the cropped and embellished statement jacket that made an impact on Fall runways. The look is very of-the-moment especially when layered over a sheer blouse. This look needn’t cost a fortune.  Fast fashion mecca H&M has statement-making jackets with gold embroidery on black velvet, rhinestones on black rayon, and a red number with a ruffled front all priced around $39.99.

Sequins

You can’t swing your purse in any store without hitting something covered in sequins. But when it comes to tailoring like jackets or pants cheap can be telling. Tees cut in all-over sequins work for casual cocktails or lower the sight line altogether with an affordable sequined clutch or a pair of pumps worn with a silk or sheer blouse and your LBP.

Dress Over Pants

If you are over 25 you have undoubtedly experienced the frisson of spotting a dress that looks promising only to discover that it is crotch length. If the cut is a simple A-line or tunic shape and embellished, cut in an evening fabric, sheer, or possessed of an interesting sleeve treatment then wear it over your pants.

The Daytime Sweater

Let’s not forget about the LBP cut in black brocade, shot with metallic thread or styled in sequins or shiny satin like this belted style from J. Crew. Time to temper the bottom flash with a bit of low key on top. One of my favorite pairings is a slouchy black V-neck sweater (don’t overlook the men’s department) paired with a glamorous pant and some serious jewelry. The key is to wear a V-neck that is low enough to elongate your neck. Pass on any V that sits above mid-chest. This is a great place to sling the Swarovski crystals. I like the combination of big cuffs at the wrists and a pair of drop earrings. And the forever appeal of the crisp white cotton shirt with French cuffs adds a classic juxtaposition to sequins, brocade or sheen. Again, if you are tall or voluptuous, the men’s department is the ticket for shirts with a tapered fit that offer just the right amount of oversized to look current.

And one more thought…unless you are a kid, leave the LBS (Little Black Shorts) in the store.

Be sure to visit Kendall’s blog for more stylish wisdom.

Where you side for this poll depends a lot on how you define the words “classic” and “trendy”. We are probably more or less on the same page with “classic”, since classic style is easily recognizable. The term “trendy” is more controversial and for some people has negative connotations.

I’m going with my simple definition: when you wear one or more of the current trends, you are trendy. It is an entirely positive style attribute in my book.

My personal style is fueled by trends and grounded with the classics. I cannot get excited about my style unless I’m sporting a couple of the biggest trends of the season. But my trendy items are always underpinned with classic and retro pieces in order to keep my look sophisticated, elegant, professional and age appropriate.

For me this is the hardest poll to date! Since I can’t bat for both Teams I’m on the bench sipping tea for this game. Over to you. Are you Team Classic or Team Trendy? Tell us why. Anyone else on the bench? There’s enough tea for all.