Rainy Shopping - The Essentials

I'm taking some time off this week to visit my Mom and have time with my sister and my Honey.  I love after Christmas shopping but today it's raining and I think that takes a little strategy.  Hauling packages and running from store to store can be a bummer in the rain. With a little wardrobe planning you can brave the day, still look great and get in some power shopping!

Clockwise from top left: Chooka Serpentis Rain Boots, Goody Double Duty Hair Ties, KDNY Kelsi Dagger bag,
Chooka Preakness Rain Boots, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! by QVC Snake Print Jacket,
Forever 21 Houndstooth Stitch Cross Body Bag

I think that rainy day shopping calls for four essential items; a coat or jacket with a hood, stylish rain boots, a cross body bag (preferrably water resistant) and hair ties.

1. Rain Coat or Hacket with a Hood - When I hauling packages, I don't want to have to juggle an umbrella.  A hood keeps your "do" looking great and keeps your hands free. If you aren't a hat person or don't want to wear a hat all day, a hood is your go to. The Water Resistant Snake Print Jacket from ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! by QVC is a great option. It comes in four colors, has a hood, looks stylish and comes in all sizes for $77.34.
2. Stylish Rain Boots - These two pairs by Chooka are great. They don't scream rainboot, which I love. They can also double as a cold weather boot. The metallic print of the Serpentis boots are stylish and affordable at only $34.31.  The Preakness boots are a bit more expensive at $80 but they are so stylish you could get away with wearing them when there is nary a cloud in the sky.
3. Cross Body Bag - You need your hands free for a day of shopping but also for lugging your purchases to the car.  You don't want to worry about your bag and these are faux leather so they won't be ruined by the rain. The KDNY Kelsi Dagger bag is fun with the blue trim and chain strap for $75.  The Houndstooth Stitch bag in mustard is a bright color on a cloudy day and is very affordable at $22.81 from Forever 21.
4. Hair Ties - If you are like me your hair hates the rain.  I usually go for a pony tail on days like this one or I start out with my hair down and relent later in the day. These hair ties by Goody are genius. They look like bracelets but are the same dependable Goody hair ties you've used for years. They are called Double Duty for a reason. You get three ties for about $4.99.

Happy Rainy Day Shopping

Real Girls!

These Boots Were Made for Bikin'

Buying tall boots is always a difficult process for me.  You see, I'm calf challenged.  I have always had large calves. In high school I was subjected to the humiliation (not that there was only one) of paying the shoe repair shop to add elastic to the calf of my band boots. Usually, when I find a pair of great boots, the calf is too small.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take a little trip to DSW in search of some tall leather boots. I have a suede pair but they aren't the best for wet weather. I searched up and down the aisles looking for boots with a large calf. I pulled ten, count 'em 10 pairs of boots off the shelves to try.  Of those ten, two zipped up and looked good. Now you understand my plight. I liked those two but I wasn't in love. One more trip down the aisles and I spotted a pair that had straps and a biker look to them. The top of the boot folded in and the straps were adjustable. I was in love with the boots but would they fit?

YAAAY!! They fit.



Two Lips Jolt boots in black

 I love the biker look and the distressed leather. I'm sorry for the picture quality. These boots aren't available on the DSW website.  I got them at a store location for $89.  I've worn them six times already. I'm sure I'll get my money's worth. They are available online from Zappos, Endless, and 6pm for over $100.

Coming soon....my least expensive biker boot purchase to date. My $22, biker inspired rain boots from Forever21. I checked the measurements and measured my legs. They should fit and are on the way to me as I type.

I got a little bonus from work this month. With that excuse, plus my birthday, I splurged a little.