Save this tip for a rainy day

There are two kinds of people in the world: people who love the rain and people who hate it. I'm still on the hunt for someone who has an opinion about rain that is in between those two extremes. 

Whichever kind of person you are, rainy days do not have to be an excuse to sacrifice your sense of style when you get dressed in the morning. Raindrops hitting your windshield like bullets or gray blankets of clouds are not excuses to get lazy! 

One thing we probably all have in common is that at one point or another (especially for New Englanders), rain has been so severe we may have needed rain boots. And anyone who owns a pair of rain boots knows that regardless of what style, color, brand or height of boot, that rain boots are not the most fashionable pair of shoes ever walked in by man. This is where Good, Better, Dressed comes in to save the day.

Although not trendy, rain boots are practical, so people afraid of getting their feet wet wear them, simple as that. But rain boots don't come attached to a hoodie and jeans or sweatpants because it's cold and wet outside. Contrary to popular belief, they can be salvaged as a portion of your fashion equation. 

Lindsay Somerville helps me show you how cheesy rain boots can look chic while doing their job quite easily.

Leg warmers are always a quick solution to the rainy day boot blues. They allow for a more sophisticated presentation of the boots and help separate any colors or patterns you may want independent of each other between pants and boots.

sweater: say what @ marshall's

pants: jennyfer

leg warmers: wet seal

boots: chico's

necklace: buffalo exchange

And here are a few more options 

sweater: say what @ marshall's

necklace: forever xxi

bracelets: claire's

skirt: forever xxi

tights: marshall's

leg warmers: target

sweater: weathervane

scarf: pashmina

earrings: forever xxi

bracelet: flea market

ring: buffalo exchange

tights: target

Designers are doing a great job at masking the less-than-beautiful design of the rain boot:

ebay.com

etsy.com

Ilse Jacobsen

Hunter @ topshop.com

aliexpress.com

obaz.com

NO MORE EXCUSES on rainy days starting today. Find yourself a great pair and get ready to look good the next time it rains

- nali xo

  

"I am what I am" - Doc Marten 2002/03

According to just about every 'greatest of the 90's' list, Doc Martens were one of the most worn trends between 1989 and 2000. I was never older than 7 in that timespan, so I can't vouch for it personally, but looking at old photographs of celebrities and everyday trailblazers it seems to be the case. 

Back in the day, Doc Martens were known to be worn by people in a 'grunge' or 'punk mod' fashion. But before that, they were one of the first kind of boot with sole cushioning inside, making them durable and reliable for postmen, police officers and factory workers. So they're a fashion statement for the rebellious teenager in all of us while also being substantial enough to support any kind of hard treading done in them. Originally Docs were only made in a variety of solid colors, but they now print patterns and have an assortment of different styles as well. You can see why I'd be excited when my new pair of gems, seam-packed full of history and potential was finally dropped on my front porch.

shirt: piazzitalia

leggings: burlington coat factory

necklace: new york & co

hat: h&m

top: forever xxi

cardigan: abercrombie

pants: target

belt: wet seal

shirt (view of back): forever xxi

scarf: kohl's

pants: target

These boots can give a grungy look to any outfit and depending on what color you get, can also give you the option to stand out completely. Who else do you know with floral or neon colored shoes? Use them to accent or base an entire outfit around them. Go out and make even more history in these bad boys.

- nali xo

Green With Envy

Let's make sure colored shoes become a huge thing this fall, so much of a thing that wearing black or brown shoes will be scarce. There's nothing quite like preparing a whole outfit around a pair of kickass shoes and it's much easier to do when the shoes are making a statement through color. Simply find a color that matches or contrasts with the shoes and build your outfit from the ground up. Here are this week's #shoesdaytuesday pick.

Winter is quickly approaching, especially with these rapidly dropping temperatures and when I say winter, I mean boot season. Boots and booties go together with winter better than your favorite TV couple. These Free Lance booties are like chameleons, easily blending with any style outfit you feel describes you that day. Check out what Monica was feeling like being

shirt: marshall's

army button down: pac sun

leggings: burlington coat factory

headband: forever xxi

Casual outfit + awesome pair of bootie heels = tres magnifique! Subtle yet sophisticated; perfect mixture.

Colored heels doesn't mean you have to match colors of your outfit exactly to them. Be creative and as always, don't be afraid to mix patterns.

shirt: delia's

cardigan: audrey & grace

pants: tinsletown @ marshall's

necklace: buffalo exchange

headwrap: urban outfitters

Dressy heels with dressy clothes is, of course, always an option as well. An unstructured blazer with striped skinny jeans is sophisticated and comfortable.

pants: target

blazer: olive & oak

shirt: old navy

necklace: flea market find

Grab yourself some olive shoes today and you're sure to find everyone around you green with envy (;

- nali xo

Atreto-laptop: A Short Story by Me Part 2

Atreto- : lacking an opening to ((I looked this up on a doctor terminology website I'm probably using it in the wrong way)) 

As I continue to struggle through this terrible time of not having a laptop I thank all of you who are standing by me. I know this time will eventually pass but as I'm sure some of you unfortunately know, there is nothing that can take the place of a beloved laptop. However I am extremely lucky that I discovered a way to change the format of my photographs in camera so you lucky ducks will be able to see my ootd pictures via my Y2K desktop computer.

It's Tuesday!! For my shoesday pick of the week I chose my cherished Free Lance over-the-knee riding boots. And what better way to welcome in the fall and boot weather but to go riding in my riding boots? My family and I traveled to Bobby's Ranch in Acton over the weekend and were lucky enough to make some adorable (and very furry) new friends.

 All the farm animals were so friendly that most of them weren't even kept in a stable or pen. The whole farm was full of free roosters, ducks, goats and kittens. All beautiful animals I might add.

\

This was the very well-mannered horse I had the honor of riding. He was quite modestly named Booger.

  This little guy's name is Honey

And here are the stars of the show.

In the spirit of farming and horseback riding and such, I had to be sure to be comfortable. But you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for comfort. I paired these vintage Express high rise jeans with a basic Marshall's deep blue knit sweater for a poppy and somewhat earthy color scheme. 

Here are ways to wear riding boots when comfort isn't a first concern.

dress: marshall's
tights: forever xxi
earrings: claire's

headwrap: claire's

lipstick:  rimmel london moisture renew #560: as you want victoria

leg warmers: target

skirt: forever xxi

button-down: american eagle

scarf: target

bracelet: ralph lauren @ buffalo exchange

Welcome October right and treat yourself to a new pair of boots. Visit www.freelance.fr if you like the style of my boots and want to see more.

- nali xo

American (discount) Apparel

For those of you who keep clear of thrift stores because you're into wearing name brand designers, you clearly haven't been to the right places.  I'm lucky enough to say that my thrift find of this week is an article of clothing originally sold at American Apparel. Not only was it much cheaper than it would've been had I purchased it directly from the international retailer, but it was also one of the most original things I've ever seen sold from the normally casual store. 

 For anyone who doesn't know about my love affair with high waisted pants/shorts, I LOVE them. They're comfortable, look dressy without trying too hard, and make it much easier to wear crop tops without showing too much unnecessary skin. My lovely sister Monica models the right way to wear the OR scrub-style teal AA high waisted pants.

Another thing I love: elbow patches. Anything that was originally created for men to wear that has made its way to ladies' wardrobes makes me drool because of the slight masculine touch given to a very feminine ensemble.  

top: noble u @ buffalo exchange

cardigan: dex @ t.j.maxx

shoes: no name

pants: american apparel @ buffalo exchange

I've found the best way to wear loose pants like these is to pair them with a fitted top and something that hangs over like a cardigan or jacket. The best choice is a crop or shortened top so the shirt and pants barely meet. Any other loose/high-waisted pants like these look fabulous with heels because they help to visually elongate your legs along with the higher waist.

top: forever xxi

sweater vest: forever xxi

shoes: michael shannon @ payless

necklace: claire's

shirt: american rag die @ marshall's

shoes: no name

Go out and find your own brand-name bargain today! Happy thrifting!

- nali xo

I Get By With a Little Help From Polyvore

I'm happy to announce that for my second weekly #shoesdaytuesday I'll be centering a blog post entirely on shoes that I don't have.

Didn't see that coming did you? 

Combat boots are the easiest, most comfortable way to look stylish with almost any kind of fall outfit. Last fall/winter season they were the "thing" that everyone needed while they were still in the basic black/brown/solid color phase. This year everywhere I turn, there is a new, creative style of combat boot that makes it hard to want to wear any other kind of shoe. I found five pairs of combat boots that I instantly fell in love with on Pinterest and social media hopped over to Polyvore to create fashion-combat worthy outfits by using shoes that don't belong to me and the best clothes I never had.


STYLE #1: the platform combat

 YRU Raze black @ tiltedsole.com

 Nothing says 'grunge' quite like a platform shoe so I went for a more updated, girly-grunge look by pairing different patterns, a sassy beanie and gold/yellow jewelry.

STYLE #2: The maroon boot

forever xxi

Maroon is this year's black and I intend on taking full advantage of this season's generous use of one of my favorite colors. Any solid colored boot that isn't black or brown gives even the simplest outfit a sophisticated look and allows for a pop of color in the most subtle way.

STYLE #3: The jelly combat

chicwish.com

At the crossroads of combat boot, rain boot and 90's jelly shoe comes this eccentric shoe made only for the most daring feet. I love the style and idea but still wonder if it's necessary for them to be worn with tights because of the transparent rubber material? Either way I love them and this is how I would wear them.

STYLE #4: The floral combat

doc marten @ nordstrom

If you're still trying to decide what pattern is for you this fall, choose floral. It's flattering on everyone, can be worn with with an array of different styles and trends and looks good with so many different colors. Doc Marten did it right when they looked down and realized flowers grew from the ground and should continue to be used down there. Feel free to be expressive with floral print and go all out, or make an understated outfit more wild like I did.

STYLE #5: the cutout combat

We're all familiar with ripped jeans, cutoff shorts and fringed or shred sweaters, but not many people (excluding sandal experts) ever think what would happen if our shoes didn't provide full coverage. I personally love the idea and think cutout combat boots give for great edge while still being sophisticated and not trashy. Well done, Nasty Gal.

Nasty Gal

If I'm going to wear shoes with a slit in them, you better believe I am going to show that slit off. Colorful leg warmers or tights would do wonders with these babies because they show just enough to give a pop of skin or sock. Patterns could be fun too.

For links to all these wonderful items of clothing visit my Polyvore at http://annalisapetrucci.polyvore.com and make some sets of your own!

- nali xo