Where to go when it’s not over yet By Catherine Berlin Although eager to head to the interior design shops this month, we thought that most of us needed a fresh perspective on the now-tedious winter theme, especially considering winter started in October. Rather than get frustrated over the cold, embrace our reality with something new to keep warm. The Black and Tan Reversible. Black and Tan Kidskin Cashmere Reversible Coat. When a lady is cold, it seems to be the first thing a man does. Offer his coat, that is. It’s a powerful gesture (right up there with flat tire rescue). So here is a chance to show some appreciation in kind. This coat is a can’t-miss, with strong clean lines, a gentle cashmere other half, and a name that’ll make him think of a six pack of Yuengling. It’s a great add if he could use a car coat or something new to wear out with his favorite jeans. Modern Classics, 504 Elmwood. About $400. New Frontier Shearling. The opportunity to hand that coat over to your girl presents itself when she puts this on to go out with you. OK, OK, maybe a crop shearling is not the warmest thing to wear to the next blizzard, but sometimes we need a coat that we can keep on at our destination, something less bulky than a hooded parka and sexier than a pea coat or ski jacket. Sure it works with jeans, but twist it up. For example, try extended outdoor use by matching the coat with ivory pants of the ski shell, après ski fleece, or corduroy variety, over full body thermals. You might not need to borrow his coat after all. Also at Modern Classics. 504 Elmwood. $625. Valenki Boots. Valenki Boots. This 300-year-old Russian wool boot, despite or because of its edgier essence, is bound to replace the ubiquitous Ugg. Give it about 3 years to surface. The Valenki is the wool part of the boot, and by itself can be worn in the snow. Because slush and salt are not kind to the wool, however, the company fit it into a removable black rubber galoshi and a personality was born. The duality also allows the boot to go from a sidewalk shoveling boot to a house slipper with the simple removal of the galoshi, an especially inviting idea on those days when it seems that nothing can keep the wood and tile floors warm. The wool comes in different neutrals, and can be cut lower in height with a matte knife. It is a loose fit that seems a bit stiff at first but then softens and molds to the foot. Available for men, women, and children (stock fluctuates) at valenkisrus.com, DDC Lab in NYC and LA. About $80. Anthropologie Foldovers. Anthropologie Foldover Boot. Sick of tall, pointy, black, and salt-stained? Then look for something that reminds you of art, such as these foldovers from Anthropologie. When I first got its catalogue, I thought that this must be an eclectic company out of California, fusing LA, Scandinavian, Eastern Europe and Asian style. Why else would there be a few crocheted koi fish on the cover? Turns out I was wrong about the little start-up shop part. ’Pologie is a subsidiary of Urban Outfitters, Inc., marketing to the over-thirty, disposable income set. My style sense was a little closer to the bullseye, though. Employees travel around the world, find designs in Europe, Asia, and India, and then come home and reproduce them. (Industrial espionage or cultural sharing, your call.) For something sharp and expensive, order a catalogue. Oh, and as for the age-range, I tossed the catalogue at my teen and asked what she thought. She did not say, “Mom clothes.” She said, “Cool.” Guess that means I just got the corporate go-ahead to dress embarrassingly young. Cool. Chocolate leather with teal trim boots, about $350. A Vintage Betty dress. Masai Barefoot Technology “Anti-Cellulite” Boots. I have a confession to make. See the dirt on the edges of that boot? That dirt and that boot belong to me. I have been testing the most ridiculously marketed boot for two years now, and this is the boot for walking in winter. Promoted by its Swiss manufacturer/developer as well as spa queen Bliss as an “anti-cellulite” shoe, the companies seemed focused on making money on spurious claims. Eager to do my part to debunk, I bought a pair. Let’s just say that six months later, I bought long, lightweight gym pants so I could more discretely wear these bad boy Frankenstein shoes during the summer, too. I can’t imagine walking Delaware Park in anything else. They are big and ugly, but I feel like Tigger. Others who cross train in them swear it’s like always being on a BOSU, working muscles harder and deeper. I’m not sure my ankles are up for that, but maybe eventually. As for the cellulite? These boots didn’t take anything away, really. The boots give instead. They give me an energy lift and the knowledge that the goofy curved and super-springy center sole softens the blows to my knees and shins. Between the boots and my iPod, it’s more like dancing and less like exercise. They come in less bulky styles than the hiking boot, but with prices ranging from $235 to $500, I don’t look. I’ll just keep my long pants. To see more styles than are available on the blissworld.com site, visit swissmasai.ca, the Canadian counterpart. Vintage Betty. This little dress has nothing to do with boots or coats. It’s fashion sorbet. Bella on Hertel carries the VB line of sheer dresses and blouses. I spotted the delicate gray dress with the substantial deep aubergine belt, appreciated the contrast in weights, and decided this vintage inspired but updated look needed some body to make it come alive. Vintage Betty owner/designer Abigail Mickelthwate is a Parsons School of Design grad who worked for Nautica and Ralph Lauren, and is currently designing her VB label on the left coast. That’s just some of the talent hanging here. Bella, 1451 Hertel and Eastern Hills Mall. Dress about $195. Catherine Berlin is an attorney living in Buffalo. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top