June 13, 2012

Lookbook: Hunter Rain Boots Review

Hunter Rain Boots
J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan
J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan; J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe; Banana Republic Scarf; William Rast "Jerri" Stardust Ultra Skinny Leg Jeans; Hunter Tall Rubber Rain Boots; J.Crew Earrings; H&M Bracelet 
J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe
J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan

It was a rainy day today so I broke out my rain boots and thought I'd do a review. But first, here’s my rain boot history starting from when I was a freshman in college:

Freshman Year – I didn't have rain boots. My socks always got soaked when walking to class in the rain. It was miserable.

Sophomore Year – I bought some crazy polkadot rain boots from Target. They looked something like this, but had white dots and were hot pink inside. I think my college roommate bought the same pair. Clearly I was on a college budget, but I desperately needed something to keep my socks dry.

Junior Year – My crazy polkadot rain boots died. I tried another pair of Target specials.

Senior Year – My second pair of Target rain boots died. I suffered the rest of the year.

Year After College – I bought some horrible green and blue Chinese Laundry rain boots. They were cute in concept, but were way too short on me. Not only were they impractical (i.e. I couldn’t stomp through puddles without getting my pants wet), but they also did nothing for my proportions. I definitely got some weird looks commuting to work on the subway.

Present-Day – I finally splurged on a pair of Hunter rain boots! I needed something practical and stylish and was ready to spend the big bucks. Are they perfect? No. But they are pretty close. Here’s my review:
  • Color: I'm not really sure why I went with this color. It's a little drab, especially to wear on a rainy day. I wish I had opted for a brighter color, like a green or even a yellow. 
  • Style: I like these boots because they feel more mature and sleek than my previous pairs. Although, don’t get me wrong – I did love my crazy polkadot rain boots from Target!
  • Height: These rain boots could stand to be a good two inches longer. The shaft height is only 14", which may reach the knees of a petite girl, but not on me.
  • Circumference: The fit is a bit tight. They fit over tights no problem, but sometimes it’s tough to pull them over a pair of skinny jeans. I find that tucking your jeans into long socks helps with the bunching. At the widest point, my calf has a 15.5" circumference. Hunter rain boots claim to have a 14.5" calf circumference. You can see how snug they are on my calf in the photo above. Hunter rain boots do come in wide calf, which means a 16.5" calf circumference.
  • Functionality: These rain boots are extremely practical. The longer shaft height combined with the tight fit prevents me from getting wet. And if you're wondering if I splashed around in the puddles today...the answer is YES!

June 11, 2012

Lookbook: Banana Republic Tall Shorts

Banana Republic Pleated Short in Tall
Banana Republic Pleated Short in TallJ.Crew Factory Thandie Sweater; J.Crew Scarf; H&M and J.Crew Bracelets
Banana Republic Pleated Short in Tall
Banana Republic Pleated Short in Tall

I just discovered that some retailers sell shorts in tall sizes and I think the whole concept is kind of strange! Why do they sell tall shorts when they can simply sell shorts in different inseam increments? Maybe it's a marketing thingit certainly worked on me!

I had to try a pair, so I ordered some tall shorts from Banana Republic. According to the website, the difference between a regular and tall size for these shorts is an inch. In reality, these shorts still feel (and look) really short on me, but having an inch less of fabric would look even more ridiculous.

I'm not much of a shorts person anyway. I much prefer skirts and dresses in the summertime.

Have you tried tall shorts before and had success?

June 6, 2012

Victoria's BEST Secret: Long Yoga Pants

Victoria's Secret Long Yoga Pants

I always bought capri-length yoga pants because I could never find any that were long enough for me. UNTIL NOW. I recently discovered that Victoria's Secret carries long sizes for yoga pants. The best part? The yoga pants shown above come in up to 5 different inseams!

  1. Most-Loved Yoga Pant
  2. Yoga Foldover Pant
  3. Classic Pant
  4. Yoga Legging

I've already tried the Yoga Foldover Pant in both the 34" and 36" inseams. The 34" pair was perfect for running—long enough, but not so long that I'd trip. The 36" pair was way too long for me. Great for hanging out around the house, but not practical.

I'm about to order the Most-Loved Yoga Pant in the 34" inseam. At $25 a pair, you can't beat it. I'll let you know how they fit once I get them!

Now, if only I could motivate myself to take some more yoga classes...