DUCK BOOTS

I would love it if you would click here, and head over to Broadway + Thresher to see my post on duck boots!  

I, myself, am trying to decide which pair to get.  I've narrowed it down to three pair of bean boots (L.L. Bean). 

(image via Garance Dore)

THE PERFECT PUMP

Check out these suede peep toe slingback heels from American Apparel!  

I love all of the colors, and they're the perfect not-too-high heel height (3-1/2 inches).

What color is your favorite?

LOAFERS FOR BROADWAY + THRESHER

Hello, friends!  

Today I'm blogging over at Broadway + Thresher.  

Below is a little sneak peek, but click on over there to see the rest {and get the links}!

You know you want to... go on - go!

BOOT WEEKEND: DAY THREE

Hey there, hi there.  I hope you all had a great weekend, and are having a cozy Sunday evening.  Stay safe in this crazy weather!
Final day of boot weekend is about current trends...

Tapestry
Animal print
Studded
Color blocked / boots with straps a different color / multi-colored boots... I think you get it.
+
Clog boots

I actually sort of love the tapestry boots.  What do you think?  And #10 - the cognac and black... be still my heart.  If you're thinking #5 looks familiar, it's the Sam Adelman "Petty" boot again... the boot I also want in taupe from day one of Boot Weekend {I say "also" because I really want this leopard pair, too!}.  Sigh... we can't have everything we want, right?  Case in point - #8... Chloe recently re-released this 2008 "Susan" ankle boot, but at around $1,345 {choke} I think #9 from Zara is a great option for those of you that like this trend!

Last, but certainly not least - clog boots.  You know I love clogs, so combining boots + clogs is a marriage of two of my favorite things.  And actually, the first few pairs {13 + 15} are color blocked, too!  Two trends in one.  If anyone knows of a more wallet friendly option than the ones below, please pass it along!

1. Rag & Bone $495 // 2. Matiko $159.95 // 3. Topshop $140 // 4. Madewell $398 // 5. Sam Edelman $160 

6. Matt Bernson $320 // 7. Modern Vice "Jett" // 8. Chloe $1,345 // 9. Zara $189 // 10. Samantha Pleet $525 

11. Rag & Bone $525 // 12. Dolce Vita $129 // 13. Matt Bernson $248 // 14. Iglu - Free People $348  

15. Loeffler Randall $375 // 16. Swedish Hasbeens $334 // 17.  No. 6 Store $370 // 18. Lotta from Stockholm

BOOT WEEKEND: DAY TWO

Happy Saturday!  

I'm going to start day two of boot weekend talking about the one thing I am constantly on the hunt for, but have yet to find - vintage boots.  I absolutely love vintage boots, but it's virtually impossible to find them in my size {yes, whining again}.  You see, vintage shoes typically run smaller.  A size 10 back then is smaller than a size 10 now, so I basically need to find 11's... which they just didn't make much of.  Jealousy definitely rears its ugly head when I see gals rocking vintage boots.  But I hold out hope!

Weekend wear {my version}... I'll start with biker boots.  I have # 7 below, and love them.  The Mr. also gifted me this pair of Frye Harness boots about five years ago, and while I love them AND asked for them, I don't find myself wearing them often because they're so heavy and clunky {sorry, honey!}.  I think this Frye pair below {# 8} look soft. They also have a back zip so, unlike mine, I'd imagine it isn't a workout just to get them on {I literally have to stomp my way into mine}.  I sound so ungrateful, don't I?  I promise I'm not!  

You know the boots you throw on Sunday morning to grab brunch when you can't force yourself into anything that comes close to having a heel.  Comfy boots.  For me... you know I'm a big fan - it's always my Minnetonkas {# 12 - 14} because they have soft soles, and I feel like I'm still wearing my slippers.  I also think # 10 + 11 look like great options.  Just pull them on and go.  

1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10. // 11. // 12. - 14. 

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN'

Boots. One of my absolute favorite things in the world.  In fact, I'm going to dedicate multiple days to this topic.  I mean... there literally was no way to fit all I wanted to talk about in one post.  I tried.  It's going to be like Shark Week, only Boot Week, but actually just Boot Weekend.  So, look for posts Saturday + Sunday! 

Alright, so let's talk boots.  If you read L+R, you know I have size issues with shoes.  Last year I ordered four pairs of black boots before ending up with the pair below - Dolce Vita "Jax."  Dolce Vita has two lines: Dolce Vita & DV by Dolce Vita.  The DV line is less expensive.  I tried the DV version of this boot {DV "Jamison"} but they didn't fit, so I bit the bullet and tried the more expensive pair... and I am so glad I did.  It was the happiest day when I held my breath, put them on, and they actually fit!  I think at that point I would have paid twice what I did {but thankfully didn't have to}.  The taupe pair was only slightly easier to find {they're Report "Marks"}.  I wore these two pairs almost every day last winter.  You might still be able to find both, but I also know you could find new versions this year.  

This year I would love to add a cognac pair to the mix {like #3}.  My current pair of cognac boots are also Dolce Vita, and I love them, but they've just about had it.  I also need want a flat taupe pair {like #4}.  And then don't you think I need them in wine / oxblood AND taupe with fringe?  Fringe makes everything better.  I adore this finge Sam Edelman pair in all the colors available.

What do I actually need?  I've realized ALL of my boots are suede {well, almost all}.  I need a leather pair to kick around in.  A pair I won't mind getting a little wet if it's raining.  I would love for them to have a little of a heel, but not too much that I won't want to wear them on a Sunday to run around {like #7 or 8}.  I love the wedge on #9, but they're probably a little high?  Which also might be the issue with #10, but I wanted to show them to you because I think they're a great version of the classic chelsea boot.  Maybe a lower chelsea boot is what I need... Oh, the big decisions in life.

Happy Friday!  I'm excited for the weekend.  The Mr. and I haven't gotten to spend much time together this week {work, work} so I'm looking forward to some quality time with my hubby.  We decided to be low key, so we're planning to head to dinner one night and maybe a movie the next.  THEN my Mom is coming down Sunday to work on the Etsy store. Yay!  I have to teach her how to edit pictures and add new items to the shop.  So... in the coming weeks, look for household items to start making their way to L+R Vintage.

Have a lovely weekend, friends! 

1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10.

**For all you locals, Rowe Boutique (in the Short North) has #3, the cognac suede booties.  And they always carry Dolce Vita, among my other favorite brands!

THESE THINGS // THIS WEEK {NO. 9}

Happy Friday, folks.  Have a wonderful weekend!

These are the things I am loving this week.

I heart this sweater from She Inside.  In fact, most of the sweaters I am loving are from She Inside.  

Have any of you ever ordered from them?  I'm a little nervous to do so... 

I also adore this sweater from Vince, that I found via blissful blog.  I just wish it wasn't so darn expensive.

I saw this pillow on sale at Target, but decided to wait. 

Now I'm kicking myself, because when I went back for it - it was sold out.

It would be amazing to stumble upon a find like this cabinet at a flea market or antique store...

My favorite style pin on Pinterest this week.  I would wear a version of this every day if I could. 

I don't typically buy colored shoes, but these green suede boots would work as a neutral.  

I might need them in my life.  

I wish I was eating this pumpkin breakfast sandwich right now.

How cool is this hoodie with leather sleeves.  I'm coveting it big time.  

I have to be able to DIY this, right?!

This flask is all sorts of fabulous. And it's on sale right now at Urban!

I have a bit of a lipgloss addiction.  There is a strong possibility I have a leather pouch in my bag {packed so full I almost can't zip it shut} filled with just lipsticks and glosses.  This set has a $79 value, with $25 price tag!  What a perfect gift.  {hint, hint... Mr. Martin}  

And I leave you with this.  Because, well... it's adorable and I love cats.

ON THE HUNT: LEOPARD LUST

Last night we went to see Mumford & Sons.

They are my favorite {along with the Black Keys}.

I spent the night jumping up & down, and singing at the top of my lungs.

They just make me happy.

And now let's talk about sandals...

Nice transition, eh?

I REALLY want a pair of flat leopard sandals.

I've seen this sold out Zara pair sell on Ebay for $125.  

I sort of hate all you ladies who were lucky enough to nab these when they first came out {ok, I don't really "hate" you}.

And I think this pair by Steve Madden {the Bethesda} are an enigma.  

I stumbled across them on Pinterest, but can't find a trace of them anywhere.  

It's a mystery.

After hours of searching online, yes - hours, the only leopard sandals I can actually find are the two pictured above.  

The pair on the left are from Topshop, and the pair on the right are by Matt Bernson {on sale right now at Bluefly}.  

They're both great, but more than I want to spend, and I just don't love them as much as I do the top two pairs.  

Beggars can't be choosers, right?  Which pair is your favorite?

I LOVE MY...

... Minnetonka Moccasins. 

I purchased my first pair of Minnetonkas about eight years ago. A pair of fringe boots with interchangeable accents that you could snap on {the "3-in-1 calf high boot"}. My second purchase was a pair of classic suede moccasins, followed by my 

favorite - a pair of Thunderbird boat sole moccasins.

My love for my first pair of Minnetonka boots has faded {fickle love}, and they now have a pretty permanent place in my closet - rarely making their way out. So... this fall my first order of business is to replace them with the Tramper boot {below}. Other future plans include: black fringe boots, and a second pair of Thunderbirds {in cognac}.

All those years ago when I bought those first boots, the Minnetonka website was pretty old-school and basic. As time has passed, I've found it somewhat odd that their website was never updated. When Minnetonka fringe boots became increasingly popular with celebrities and fashion bloggers... still the old website. When Minnetonka started showing up at Urban Outfitters, Free People, American Eagle, etc... still the old website. Needless to say I was very excited when I checked their website yesterday to plot my next purchase and... New Website!!!  I'm not sure when all of this happened, but... Yay, Minnetonka! The new site is amazing. You can now follow them on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, too!  I did all of the above immediately. 

Oh Minnetonka, I am your biggest fan.

YAY OR NAY

I am not a tennis shoe girl.

I typically choose my Minnetonka moccasins over my Converse {unless it's raining}... 

but there is something about these wedge sneakers that I like. I thought they were sort of awful at first, but they're growing on me. The craze all started with the Isabel Marant version shown below. And in my humble opinion Kate Bosworth does no wrong, so if she's wearing them...

More affordable brands like Steve Madden, Ash, and Jeffrey Campbell have come up with their own versions, for us average folks. I figure if they're inexpensive enough, I could give this trend a try.  I'm thinking about this Steve Madden pair in black or taupe. What do you think? Do you love them or hate them? Yay or nay?

WHY MUST YOU TEMPT ME SO

Why do Zara shoes have to be so darn cute and tempting?
I wish each of these would just magically appear in my closet.
Zara can really do no wrong in my eyes.

CURRENTLY COVETING {No. 11}

Happy Friday, friends! For me, this weekend brings a visit from two of my favorite ladies in the world... I am looking forward to seeing my sister-in-law and niece on Sunday!

I hope the weekend has wonderful things in store for you as well! 

1. really wanting an ivory or tan linen blazer & especially loving this one from Anthro / 2. wishing for a summer bag like this nude ikat bag from Cynthia Vincent / 3. been thinking about trying to DIY a woven plant hanger, but am drawn to this modern version with wood beads, via Etsy / 4. this tee is just something a little different than my standard American Apparel grey v-neck / 5. searching for a new scent & always love spicy perfumes like this one - plus I can throw it in my bag / 6. always need more tribal-inspired big necklaces, like this "Shira Pendant" / 7. these Sam Edelman shoes are on my wishlist... just. so. good. 

LOTTA FROM STOCKHOLM

I have been lusting after a pair of sandal clogs. This mini obsession started with Swedish Hasbeens - the cult swedish clog that has made quite the resurgence in the last few years; however, Swedish Hasbeens are a few notches above my price range. There is also lovely Nina Z {out of NYC} who I found via Pinterest, and whose prices are more wallet friendly than the former. But then in my searching I stumbled across Lotta from Stockholm... and I knew I had found my clogs.

Lotta and Jonny are a husband and wife team out of England. Their clogs are made by four different manufacturers: Sanita, Torpatoffeln, Moheda + Tizzla {the majority based in Sweden}... and now Lotta from Stockholm exclusives. All of the clogs are handmade and orthopedic {which is wonderful for me since I'm on my feet all day}!

I contacted Lotta from Stockholm and received an email back from Lotta herself. We had a lovely exchange via email and my tan braided clogs were on their way. They arrived Saturday, and I was very nervous they wouldn't fit {rambled about my shoe issues here}... drumroll please... they fit and I adore them! Yay! I see myself wearing these all the time. So much that I might need to order another style soon.

Thank you, Lotta!

{I didn't take a picture of my actual clogs or the clogs on my feet because they are simply not as cute in a size 10. No arguing the facts.}

WHAT I WORE {A NOVEL ABOUT MY SHOE SIZE}

Isn't this weather just crazy? I'm certainly not complaining, but I'm not ready for summer weather! Spring is my favorite season and we seem to have skipped it! Ok... I guess I am complaining a bit. I have this thing about dressing season appropriate. It's sort of funny, really. I see girls in tank tops and shorts and just way to say - it's not summer {I would say it in the nicest way possible}. I don't believe in wearing sandals until at least May...maybe June. And this weather is messing with my self-imposed rule big time. My sandals are still in a tub in the top of my closet...I'm just not ready for them. 

This time of year {when it's too hot for boots, but not quite sandal time either} I have a really hard time getting dressed due to my lack of "spring" shoes! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but... I have big feet. There, I said it. 

I wear a size 10-1/2, and here is wear the problem lies: hardly any brands make a 10-1/2 and some stop at size 10. In the winter I can just buy size 11 boots and wear heavy socks or put a pad in them... and in the summer I'm good because 10s work in anything with an open toe. But spring... spring is hard because flats have to fit perfectly; you can't just buy them big because you walk out of them. The best is when I find a brand that just runs a little big and the 10s fit. It's always a happy day for me when that happens. Shopping for shoes is sort of traumatic experience for me because of this. Not easy at all. I order most of my shoes online and often go through 5 - 6 pairs before I find one that works. I love shoes so, but they just don't love me. Wouldn't you like to know who decided to stop making half sizes at 9-1/2? I sure would. 

Now that I've forced you to read a novel about my shoe size... here are a few spring outfits I've managed over the last two weeks. Thank you for all of your sweet feedback about my first post like this. I truly appreciate it, and I'll try to be better about sharing personal style photos.

The Mr. and I are headed home this weekend because his sister, her hubby, and our adorable niece will be in town from NC! We can't wait to see them. I can't wait to give my niece, Zoey, a big squeeze. We love her so.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.