Holiday Gift Guide: All-Weather Boots and Bag

It's winter. The weather in Boston on Wednesday was horrific, and although I would love to say it's really early for the snow/slush/ice/rain situation that's happening, I know as a New Englander that just isn't so.  Instead, I'm accepting our reality, and offering up two gift ideas to combat the nasty weather in style.

After years of buying inexpensive rain boots and being annoyed and soaked every time a seam ripped (which was pretty often), I finally coughed up the dough for the original -- Hunter Wellies.  Get them with removable fleece inserts and you've got a rain boot and a cozy snow boot, all for a little over $100.   Best thing is you can get these for everyone on your list -- men, women and kiddos

 

 

When it comes to handbags, I never go pleather.  Something about the stiff, squeaky material that reeks of plastic just isn't my thing.  But after a recent trip to Old Navy (yes, the same visit when I found the sparkly piggy), I've decided to let go of my outdated fabric stereotyping, and embrace the pleather of today.  This bag is just as cute cross-body as it is a top handle or shoulder bag.  Kind of like the Foley + Corinna that I lust after, but with a much smaller price tag.  Get it for your sister, girlfriend or any chic and practical woman in your life...my Aunt Liz loved my teal version.

Image credits: Hunter High Gloss Wellies, $115, Nordstrom; Faux-Leather Crossbody Tote Bag, $32.50, Old Navy

Longing for Orla

3073_orla_kiely_classic_med_tote_hatch_multi_front_853_generalNo decorating tips today, so just go ahead and file this post under "things you might find inside the mudroom"  -- it's the latest bag I'm coveting.  This Orla Kiely tote is functional, bright and seasonless -- just the kind of bag I love.  Works for the office when I'm toting around research reports, or on the weekend when I'm toting water bottles and bags of goldfish for the boys.  And the best part?  Right now it's 35% off the original price at Orla Kiely.com. Seems like the perfect way to celebrate being officially diaper bag-free now, don't you think?

Image credit: Orla Kiely Multi Cross Hatch Stem Medium Tote, Muse Ten

French Bull Picnic Set

French Bull PicnicOver the weekend I heard a depressing statistic...here in Boston and the surrounding area, we've had a grand total of three days of sun in June.  Since we don't, in fact, live in Seattle, I think enduring the ongoing deluge deserves some sort of medal, or at least this sassy and summery picnic set from French Bull.  The heavy duty insulated backpack is filled with non-breakable service for four, cutting board, salt & pepper shakers, corkscrew, bottle opener and an oversize blanket -- ready for the moment that the sun comes out.  Tomorrow? French Bull Blanket Picnic Set, $150

Image credit: French Bull

Mudroom Shoe Rack

Boot RackI had been planning on waiting until next Fall to re-think the "mudspace" at my back entry, but with all this ridiculous rain flooding us in New England, I think I might need to figure out a better system for our family of wellies before October.  This simple, utilitarian, yet handsome boot rack from Winsome Wood should do the trick.  With three shelves for shoes, a slot for umbrellas and removable metal tray for wet footwear, this looks likes a perfect fit for small spaces. Winsome Wood Shoe Rack, $82.99

Image credit: organize.com