Alex and Ani

I first heard about Alex and Ani when visiting one of my very good friends in Boston. She was wearing these really pretty bracelets and I asked her what they were. She was shocked that living in Chicago,I had never heard of them. The first chance we got, we went to their store on Newberry St. and explored. They had a huge selection of bracelets with many different charms and stones. See their stuff  here  Alex and Ani 

Started on the East Coast their mantra is:

Enlighten • Enchant • Empower

Beautiful pieces for every occasion that are truly personal and made with positive energy.

Each bracelet is handmade in the U. S. And each charm means something. I have since bought many "stacks" ( 3 or more bangles) and I love wearing them. My favorite are the charms and their meanings. 

Here are a few selections of how I usually wear mine.

If you are local to Chicago you can purchase them here at Nordstrom or here at Bloomingdales. 

What do you think?? Do you have you a favorite? 

XO,

GG

Winter Fashionable Footwear

So now that it is officially freezing cold here in Chicago and we have had our first polar snow storm I thought I would model some of my favorite winter footwear.  These 4 are my favorite go-to's every winter.

1.  Uggs
The old staple.  I've had this particular pair since 2003 and they're still going strong! I recommend the "Ultimate" since they have lasted way longer than any other Ugg boot I have owned.

2. Bogs
Found these through the kids that I teach.  I noticed that a lot of them had these funky looking boots, and none of their toes were cold after recess.  Win! So I checked out the brand name and bought myself a pair!   I love them, they're sort of stylish and keep me warm and waterproof in up to -18 degrees!

3. Sorel's
As if I needed another pair...I could justify these because we were going to CO and the Bears game.  Good excuse right? These Joan of Arctic boots are really cute.  Everyone I saw in Breckinridge had a pair and I think they're the grown up version of snow boots.  I love the fur,  they keep you warm and they're wide enough for your thickest socks.

4. Duck Boots
These are throwbacks to an old classic.  This link is to a boot with a bit of a different style than I have, probably because mine are older, but you get the idea.  They are toasty in the winter, but I like wearing them in the rain too.  Perfect for that slushy Spring day when it's still cold enough to need boots.

Which are your favorite? What do you like to wear when its cold out? 

                                                   XO,

                                                   GG