Here’s a selection of winners for those who are setting aside their sneakers and slippers for casual and smart casual boots, and their Athleisure jackets for very soft and cosy toppers. Some of the items are going for a song on sale.
1. Sam Edelman Daysi Kitten Block Heel Booties
These are one way to go if you like a refined and on-trend square toe. The colours and patterns are interesting and a little different from the norm. Both snake prints are unusual and maximal. The block heel is manageable and chic. Lovely on the foot. They are fairly comfortable, although a little stiff at first. The footbeds are not super soft unless you add a cushioning insole. Not a wide boot. Personally, I found them too wide for my narrow ankles, but I am sensitive to the “stem-in-a-flower-pot” effect. You might not be. Some of the colours are going for $53 and $64.
2. Nic & Zoe Toppers
Nic & Zoe toppers are frequently soft, knitted, texture-rich, and semi-structured. For that reason they are very comfortable, and tend to mould to the contour of your figure and work on a range of body types. They are often available in extended sizes – thank you – and are easy to layer. If structured, stiff, and sharp woven toppers are not your thing, check out this brand.
3. Boden Clarendon Knitted Jacket
This navy darling earned a place in my wardrobe because it’s super cute in a Modern Retro way. Click the link to get a better sense of the style because this photo does not do it justice. I LOVE the casual glam vibe, the drama of the faux fur collar, and the gold trim. The lantern sleeves are pretty, and the fit is fluid. Very comfortable, and my version of a cardigan that I can also wear at home. The fur collar is high so it’s best on a longer neck, but it can be removed. I hope it does not pill soon.
4. Bernado Ecoplume Lust Packable Icon Jacket
I haven’t seen this in person yet, but the fit and colour look delicious and unique. Bernardo makes great outerwear so I do trust the brand. Ecoplume is a recycled-polyester insulation that is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, so eco-friendly too. Soft, semi-structured, sleek, modern, fun and goes up to 3XL.
5. Miz Mooz Louise Slightly Slouchy Bootie
This bootie is for Team Stompy Steampunk Lite. Miz Mooz is an Israeli brand that is head-quartered in NYC. We met the team in Manhattan ten years ago and it was a lot of fun. The brand makes very comfortable and good-quality casual footwear in fun colours with a polished dystopian edge. The footwear wears well and is robust. The leather is very soft and moulds to the foot. I have found that their sizes run short in the toe box for my long toes, and sizing up does not always work. But it’s worth taking it style by style.
