THE PERFECT PUMPS WITH SARAH FLINT

I rarely subscribe to the idea of hitting certain milestones by certain ages, but I do feel fairly strongly about the fact that by the time you’re in your 30s you should have a few specific items in your closet that are fail proof. A really nice blazer. A pair of jeans you feel great in. And the perfect black pumps that don’t hurt your feet.

My closet was, until now, lacking the latter. When NYC-brand Sarah Flint asked me to sign on to be a brand ambassador I jumped at the chance. I’m long admired the female founder’s mission of wanting to create high quality, timeless shoes that are *actually* comfortable. All of the shoes are handmade in Italy and has a legion of devoted fans that include Cindy Crawford, Meghan Markle and Amal Clooney.

I chose the ‘Perfect Pump 85’ in black suede because I knew they’d go with anything and everything and stay in my closet for years to come. And the comfort factor? Truly next level. I feel like it absorbed the shock of the concrete sidewalks and actually had arch support that nestled all the way up to my high arches – which has never once happened in a pair of heels for me.

Right now – you can use code SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE to get $50 off 1 pair, $100 off 2 pairs, $150 off 3 pairs or $200 off 4 pairs during their Black Friday sale. And even after that passes, my code will get first time shoppers $50 off a pair. The perfect pairs are waiting.

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MY 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT WISHLIST

Perhaps, quite selfishly, one of my favorite posts to write each year is this round-up of the thing that are on my own personal holiday gift wishlist. Do I *need* any of this? Mostly not. But if I decide to gift myself something or if someone reading this is looking to gift me something, here are plenty of things I want. And if you’re having trouble thinking of things to put on your own wishlist – maybe one of these will be a fit!
  1. Silky Pajamas – I’m very into the idea of these luxe looking pajamas with a celestial print.
  2. British Designers At Home – I rarely buy coffee table books (because in full transparency we don’t have a coffee table) but I’d find space for this one about the real homes of British Designers. I love that lived-in, quirky English style.
  3. Oversized Hair Bow – Wouldn’t be mad at accompanying tickets to Paris while we’re at it.
  4. Red (Taylor’s Version) on Vinyl – I think this one goes without saying.
  5. Harney & Sons Holiday Tea Set – I love specialty teas in winter and this duo (Hot Cinnamon Spice and Holiday) sounds so festive.
  6. Statement Earrings – I’ll likely be cashing in on my employee discount for these beauties.
  7. Plaid Bag – Adds such a fun, festive touch to an otherwise simple outfit.
  8. Silver Party Heels – These would be so cute with sparkly socks and jeans or tights and a party dress. Code: Steele15 will get you 15% off if you’re similarly swooning.
  9. Tickets to Moulin Rouge on Broadway – I really want to get back to a Broadway show after over a year of not having that option. Moulin Rouge feels like it would be such a fun one!
  10. Holiday City Mugs – These festive mugs come in New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles versions and I’m very tempted to collect the full set.
  11. 1990 Sweatshirt – Adam is a 1990 baby and I love this vintage looking red sweatshirt as a nod to him.
  12. Taper Candle Holders – I like that these feel organic and seasonless. They’d be so pretty with a colored taper candle.
  13. Light Tortoiseshell Glasses – I finally made it to the Eye Dr. since pre-pandemic and my prescription changed slightly. A perfect excuse for a new pair of glasses.
  14. Work Horse by Kim Reed – I’m fascinated by the underbelly of the New York restaurant scene. I love that this memoir takes you inside the world from a woman’s perspective.

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WINTER OUTERWEAR WITH TALBOTS

I’m notorious for waiting too long into a season to think about winter coats. But with a little bit of pre-planning, I’m fully stocked this year thanks to Talbots, who consistently make outerwear that I truly love.

I find it nice to have a few options on hand each season that can hold up to a variety of weather, from crisp fall days to truly chilly winter ones. Plus ones that work whether I’m headed for a walk in the park, a day at the office or out on a date.

Exhibit A is this black and white wool coat. It’s a really nice, thick weight and I love that I can wear it with a simple sweater and boots for walking around the city – but I could also put it on over a dress and feel super chic for a night out.

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Next up is this ivory puffer coat. I like that it’s hip length so that it doesn’t totally overwhelm my frame (I’m 5’4″ for reference) and the big portrait collar makes it feel modern. Bonus points for fleece-lined pockets. Toss it on over your favorite fair isle sweater and you’re out to door for running holiday errands, ice-skating in the park or hot chocolate dates.

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Last – but certainly not least – is this veryyy luxe looking green velvet blazer. It’s also a really nice weight meaning it works for days that are cool but not cold. I can’t wait to wear this to work to feel festive or dressed up with a silky slip skirt and heels. Now who wants to meet me for a glass of champagne so I can have a reason to wear this blazer again?

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*Thank you to Talbots for sponsoring this post and to you all, as always.

BEST OF: FALL AND WINTER BOOTS

It’s officially the season for boots. A no brainer with a pair of jeans and just as easy with a dress – I love the versatility of a great pair of boots this time of year. I’ve been wearing the two black pairs in row 2 (lug sole and patent pointy toe) for several years now and I just got the middle pair in the top row and am SO excited to break them out.

While some of these are a bigger investment – I really believe in putting a bit of money into a great pair of boots or two that you know you’ll wear constantly and will hold up for years to come. I own about half of the pairs shown here and can personally vouch for the quality and comfort – and the others are all from brands that I really trust and love.

Row 1, Boot 3: Code: Steele15 gets you 15% off your first order with Inez.

Row 3, Boot 2: Code: SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE gets you $50 off your first order with Sarah Flint.

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PRINTED DRESSES FOR FALL

I’ll take solid color coats and sweaters, skirts and shirts.. but when it comes to dresses – I like ’em printed. While they may seem statement making to some, I always felt like they’re the easiest way to get dressed. Grab a printed dress, throw on a few accessories that tie into the key print colors – and you’re out the door.

A lot of the dresses on the market this season tend to be too ‘Little House on the Prairie’ for me – a look that looks so cute on plenty of people but on me, looks as if I’m volunteering for a Civil War reenactment. To problem solve this shopping dilemma – I’ve been having good luck with designer discount site The Outnet (not sponsored, I’m just genuinely excited about my recent finds), where I happened upon this cute geometric shirt dress style from French brand Maje that’s better suited to my style. A nice reminder that trends come and go, but finding silhouettes that you feel good in will work forever.

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