Boots Without the Fur

I have been on a mad hunt for a pair of black riding boots over the past month and a half. The pair in my closet had seen better days and served me well over the past 4 seasons. So when my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday, boots were at the top of my list. After looking online, stopping at Lord & Taylor, Macy's, TJ MAXX and Marshall's (just to name a few stores) and a few returns later, I finally found THE ONE. As always, Marshall's came through. I love that the boot is part leather and part stretch, giving it a polished look and a snug fit. The hardware looks like tiny screws but are actually T's for Tahari. Very subtle, which I like. Excited to have finally found my boots, I was itching to wear them. So the next day, I worked my office outfit around the boots. It was a very crisp Fall morning, so I gravitated towards my wool blazer (also another #fabfound item from Marshall's) to go over my black dress. Tights were a necessity and so was the hot pink patent belt to add a much needed pop of color.  The peter pan collar cut-outs created an interesting neckline, making a necklace unnecessary, but added a tad of sparkle to my wrist.  Once the boots were zipped up, I shipped out!

Outfit Details:

Dress: BCBGeneration from Rue La La, $18.90. Can you believe the price? It came with a retail tag of $118. Absurd! Here are a few LBD's with great necklines worth considering: (1) Piperlime: BB Dakota Mai Faux Leather Detail Dress, $79 and (2) Piperlime: MM Couture Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress, $44.97.

Wool Open Front Blazer: Marshall's, $cant remember. My mom gave this to me a few years ago. Such a classic and I am still rocking it. A few open front blazers for your perusal: (1) asos: Blazer in Ponte w/ Notch Lapel, $37.38; (2) asos: Aryn K Open Front Cropped Blazer w/ Knitted Sleeves, $66.74; and (3) asos: Blazer In Textured Boucle w/ Fluro Binding, $62.29.

Hot Pink Skinny Belt: The Limited, $10-ish. I have had this belt for a number of years and got it on the clearance rack. If you are in the market for a hot pink belt, here are some similar ones: (1) Nordstrom: Updated Skinny Patent Belt, $18.76; (2) Land's End: Girls' Shiny Skinny Belt, $6.97; and (3) Piperlime: 7 Hills Skinny Plaque, $16.99.

Mini Mesh Dot Tights: The Limited, $7.46. Lucky for me, I had a bday coupon and got these tights for super cheap. However, they are currently on sale for $13.96, normally $19.95.

Knee-High Boots: Tahari (brady) from Marshall's, $99. The closest in-season pair I found are from Macy's, also by Tahari: Karen Tall Riding Boots, $169.99. Don't forget to use your Macy's coupons for additional savings.

Bracelets: 1) Metallic silver band with gold hardware, The Fashion Truck, $28. There are limited items online available for sale. For only a dollar more, the silver trio wrap is available at Jewel Be Mine; (2) Stretch Rhinestone Bracelets: These are so old. They were a gift from my aunt when I was in high school. Can't believe I still have them! Here is one with a bit of an updated look: Forever21, $4.80.

Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples (braverman 55), $125 (retail $420). On a recent trip to NYC, I stopped by the sample sale at the Oliver Peoples store on E.68th and Madison. As an alternative at a much lower price point, I recommend the Greenwich in revolver black from my favorite sunglasses company, Warby Parker, $95.

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