I‘ve never featured grown-up clothing here. But this was just too fun not to post.

For about a year now, I’ve been coveting these knee high boots by Stuart Weitzman:

Stuart Weitzman – 50/50 (Black Nappa) – Footwear

They are GORGEOUS – AND, AND, AND! They are leather up the front and stretchy down the entire back of the boot. Which? Is perfect for girls with ample calves. Like me.

Here’s the catch: $595. Ouch. No boots for me. Or so I thought.

Enter a shoe-savvy friend who looked at the Weitzman boots and said, “Oh, there’s a reeeeeally good knock-off of that boot.” And she told me exactly where to find it.

It’s by Vaneli:

Vaneli – Rankin (Black Nappa w/Black Stretch) – Footwear

And it’s $202. Still pricey, for sure – but not 600 bucks! Anyway, I bought these. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. They go on easily (not a normal feat for me) and are so comfortable. I wear them constantly – and get lots of compliments. I highly recommend them.

Zappos has a few other very similar options you might want to take a look at as well:

• MICHAEL Michael Kors – Bromley Flat Boot (Black Nappa Leather / Stretch Nylon) – Footwear – $198




• ALDO – Recinos (Black Leather) – Footwear – on sale for $112 now

The first snowfall occurred yesterday in these parts. And it’s already melting. And getting messy. These little darlins would be perfect on a day like today…

From Hunter Kids in Pumpkin. Available in TONS of delicious colors, Zappos, $59.

Or these, with neoprene lining! Again from Hunter Kids, available in navy and green. Zappos, $64.

My almost-six-year-old daughter has a pair of brown boots from Gap Kids from last season. They have become the “go to” shoe on non-P.E. days at our house. In fact, she even put them on with sweat pants the other morning on our way out to the fitness center. It was early. I was tired. She actually made it out of the house that way. (She was also wearing her big brother’s hand-me-down Notre Dame Football t-shirt. Lovely.)

Anyway, the boots. They’re getting a littler harder to put on and zip up by the day. So, I’ve been looking for new boots. I found a few great options from Umi.

First up, a pair of hot RED boots!

The Mikado in ruby patent at Umi for $78. The Mikado is currently (as of 12/8/08) on sale at Zappos for $64.80.

Red boots not your thing? Then check out these darling appliqued boots in brown.

The Intaglio boot in chocolate has appliqued flowers up the tall (11.5 in.) shaft and also comes in raspberry. The Umi site may be sold out. Check Zappos for the Intaglio boot, $79.

I‘m getting ready to order some PF Flyers (Center Lo’s in natural) for myself and decided to check on the current offerings for kids. These classic sneakers are trendy and nostalgic at the same time. They’re just so stinkin’ cute – I may have to order them for all four of my kids…

PF Flyers Kids – Center Lo Hook Loop (Red)
(Zappos.com, $51)

PF Flyers Kids – Center Lo Hook Loop (Navy)
(Zappos.com, $51)

I was in my seven year old son’s closet this evening and realized that he is still a bit thin on winter-weight tops. He has definitely reached the hoodie and jeans or cargos stage. So, I wondered, can I at least find some cute hoodies instead of the run-of-the-mill sports, school or skateboard logos?

Here’s what I came up with:

Bright colors, totally cute ($50)

Subtle rock vibe, very cool ($72)

Awesome orange, classic and vintage-feeling ($50)

Cool pattern, not your typical snowboarding hoodie ($69)

Stripes, skull & bones, verrrrry cool ($83)

All hoodies are available at Zappos.

Classics are classic for a reason. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dress for your daughter to wear in your Christmas card pictures this year, don’t miss Ralph Lauren’s tartan dresses. Same tartan, different designs for little girls (2-6x) and bigger girls (7-16). Click the link to see the style of the larger dress – it’s darling. Pair them with some black patent ballet flats and you’ve got a scrumptious and timeless outfit. Ralph Lauren, $85 and $90.

If plaid is WAAAAY too traditional for you, think about these two dresses. The first, from Tea Collection ($79), is a very traditional cut in a less traditional fabric and color combination. The black, white and fuschia palette is fun and quirky for the holidays. The second, a corduroy jumper from kit & lili($83), is more traditional in holiday colors and even in cut but the applique on the front is pure retro-heaven. Add some fun tights and leggings and even those same black patent ballet flats we talked about above – and you’ve got a fun holiday outfit for your favorite girl!

And here’s those ballet flats! Zappos, $48.