thursday boots

A Day in My Shoes: Thursday Uptown Boot Review

Published on March 13, 2018March 13, 2018 by PeculiarPorter2 Comments

If you’re not already aware, I’m an Instagram fanatic. I love the pictures, the advertisements, and mostly the Instastories. I can spend hours watching my favorite bloggers do mini haul videos, talk about their day, and videos of them traveling. (My favorite blogger’s Instastories are Emma from Emma’s Edition, Mallory from Mallory on the Moon, and Juliette from Juliettiful).

A few months ago when I was scrolling on my feed, I found an advertisement for Thursday Boot Co. and their amazing Instagram. These sleek shoes have a buttery leather texture, a smooth finish, and they have the cutest styles. I couldn’t love a boot more. I decided to flip through their website and I was quickly distraught because I love every single shoe. How could I pick just one? I ended up deciding to get the Uptown boot in black because my suede booties from J.Crew couldn’t handle this rainy-snowy, New England weather.

Order a size up in the Uptown Boot.

When they finally arrived, I was super excited and literally couldn’t wait to slide my foot inside the adorable boot. Sadly, the pair I ordered was just a smidge too small so I had to send them back. The process was incredibly easy. I simply printed out a packing slip and sent it back to the warehouse. They then sent me my new pair of boots (in a size up) a week later.

After looking at the reviews, I probably should have known to order a size up. I’m almost always a 7.5 shoe in everything and I never listen to reviews because my foot always ends up fitting. This was definitely the one exception so make sure you order a size up!

Thursday Boot Co cares about the people who are making the boots.

Thursday boots are made in New York City, Arkansas, and Lyon. Thursday Boots believe in fair labor and environmental conservation. Once a quarter, each manufacturing factory is visited in person to ensure that there is appropriate labor, operational maintenance, and that the waste management protocol is being followed. Since the leather industry is constantly bombarded with unfair labor and environmental practices, it is so refreshing to find a company that cares about the repercussions of working with leather.

What is the quality of the leather and boot?

I am pigeon toed which means I pretty much ruin all of the shoes I own. What it really means is that my big toes face one another and constantly rub against each other. This often makes the side of my shoes wear out. Instead of constantly trying to get around the fact that my feet are destructive little animals, I decided to opt for a shoe that I knew would withstand such torture. Thankfully, these durable leather boots are perfect for the job. The buttery leather is made of such a durable leather that has been able to withstand my awkward toes.

Not only are they durable enough to withstand my devilish toes, but Thursday owns up the process of making leather. Leather can be a very taxing material because it requires tons of chemicals and waters that often affect the areas surrounding. Thursday only works with tanneries that can provide traceable material records and receive high marks from the Leather Working Group for environmental practices and chemical management. By creating this promise they’re changing the standard for other companies.

Also, the boots are handmade! Each pair of boots goes through over 80 different steps before you get a pair. Talk about hard work and commitment to make the best shoe.

Would I buy another pair?

Oh, heck yes. I’ve already been eyeing the Duchess Chelsea Boot in black. This boot would be perfect for Sunday errands, touring big cities, and going pumpkin picking in the fall. I would also totally get this boot in the brown because I’ve actually never owned a brown boot! I could see myself rocking it in the spring with all my lighter colors.

Why the Uptown boot?

They literally go with everything! I could dress them up with a bold dress or style them down with jeans. I can wear these boots to anything! I personally love throwing on little socks and scrunching them down to create a really relaxed look. Here are just four ways I decided to style them:

New England Date Ideas During in the Winter

With socks at Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut

With a girly blazer at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

With a flirty dress at Terrain Garden Café in Weston, Connecticut

Lastly, with a bold dress that will be on the blog very soon…

So how would you style these adorable little booties? Have you ever heard of Thursday Boot co? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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(This was not sponsored by Thursday Boot Co… I’m just in love with their boots)

5 Reasons Why You Need a Baby Pink Blazer This Spring

Published on February 20, 2018February 22, 2018 by PeculiarPorter17 Comments

Do you ever just get sucked into another dimension when you walk into a Marshalls? Well, it happened to me last week when I went to get a pair of white jeans and ended up walking out with this entire outfit. Talk about a major fail. I didn’t even get a pair of white jeans. (Still on the hunt so if you have any ideas on where to get a great pair white jeans for a curvy girl let your girl know). I aimlessly rummaged through the different racks starting at one end and ending up in the aisle where they sell welcome mats (btw, I don’t even have my own house/apartment so who knows why I was looking at welcome mats). While on my quest to find white jeans (in the completely wrong aisle), I found this adorable pink blazer and knew I needed to have it. Back when I was interviewing for jobs I would always borrow my mom’s blazer because I didn’t think there was a need to buy a blazer. Well, times have changed and I’m head over heels for this baby pink gem.

Jeans | Shirt (very similar) | Boots

A blazer can instantly make a casual outfit look more polished.

The great thing about blazers is that they can easily pair with anything. A graphic t-shirt, ripped boyfriend jeans, heels, converse… you name it and it can be paired. I personally love pairing this one with casual t-shirts like this peplum or even a graphic t-shirt like the one I made here. If you want to add an interesting flair to your outfit this is the way to go. Band tees also look so cute because you’re pairing edgy with preppy for an interesting outfit.

If you love cardigans this will be your next best friend.

Personally, I’m a huuuuuuuge fan of cardigans. I think they can make you feel like you’re at home even when you’re doing overtime or at a weird sporting event. If you love cardigans and just want to look a little bit more polished, opt for a longer blazer. This will instantly make you feel just as cozy as your favorite cardigan. It is the perfect staple for an interview or professional event.

If you are about to graduate or have recently entered the adult world… it’s time you pick up a blazer. This is the perfect piece for when you want to nail a new job interview or have a work event. Plus, it instantly will make you feel more grown up. Just be careful that your blazer fits your personality and age. It’s a hard line to cross but I have the utmost faith in you that you’ll nail it. To nail it just opt for a fun color… you can’t go wrong.

Don’t feel like you have to stick to neutral colors like black, white, or navy. Step outside the box.

The best part about blazers is they come in a million and a half colors, patterns, and materials. So why go the safe route? Pick up that bright red one or rainbow pattern one. Or you can meet me half way and pick up an adorable blush pink blazer. It’s perfect for spring and will match all the white/light jeans you’re about to pull out from the depths of your closet.

Instant confidence boost.

I put on this blazer like I’m putting on a superhero cape. I don’t know what it is but when I’m wearing a blazer I feel invincible. Blazers have the same exact powers as a good pair of booties (will be talking about the ones I’m currently wearing asap), a good mascara, and even the same powers as your lucky t-shirt. So why limit your blazer to your interview or work day? Feel confident in what you’re wearing every single day.

Blazer 1 | Blazer 2 | Blazer 3 | Blazer 4 | Blazer 5

So there you have it… I give you permission to go ahead and buy that blazer and rock it like I know you can. Stay tuned to my next post where I’m going to let you know where the heck I am in these pictures. If you’re impatient like me you can always check out what state I’m visiting on my Instagram here.

What do you think about causally wearing blazers? Do you own any colored blazers? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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P.S. I updated my “About Me” section and I’m super proud of the way it came out. Check it out by clicking here.

10 New England Date Ideas for the Cold, Winter Months

Published on February 13, 2018February 13, 2018 by PeculiarPorter11 Comments

As some of you may know, my boyfriend and I have a long distance relationship… if you can even call it “long distance.” We live about two hours away from each other depending on if he is spending time in Long Island or New Jersey. It really isn’t that far in comparison to when we dated while I studied abroad in Italy. Over the years, we’ve come up with some interesting things to do. For example, this past weekend when we randomly decided to go to the Norwalk Aquarium and eat ice cream at Milkcraft (something I’ve always wanted to try). If you’re an avid Pinterest lover like me, you come up with some fun date ideas for when you do see each other. Here are some of the ones we’ve come up with for the cold, winter months.

Dress (Urban Outfitters, Sold out) | Necklace (Similar) | Boots (I’m obsessed)

Visit an aquarium or zoo.

The Norwalk Aquarium Robert and I visited this past weekend was a confusing mix of aquarium meets wildlife… and it was ahh-maz-ing. There were lizards, meerkats, otters, seals, sharks, sea turtles, and everything that makes the small child in my soul happy. If you want to see your date oooo and ahh over amazing creatures this is definitely a great date idea for you. Plus, some of the aquariums have giant Imax theaters so you get to see a movie and little critters all in one.

Try a cuisine you’ve never had before.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to travel far away without really traveling that far… welcome to study abroad via el’ stomach. Look up authentic restaurants near you and look up the menus online. If you don’t know what some of the food is on one of the menus, pick that restaurant. You’ll have fun trying out different things. If you want to try a bunch of items at once try a tapas restaurant. For example, Barcelona Wine Bar in New Haven is a great pick.

Take a hike after a light snowfall.

For New Year’s Eve, Robert and I visited Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania (okay, not New England but same idea). For someone who doesn’t go outside in the snow very often, it was one of my favorite trips I’ve been on. It snowed every night so we woke up to a winter wonderland. The trees were icy and we were bundled up like stuffed burritos. A date where you’re moving and grooving is always a great idea.

Visit a random town you both have never visited.

Since Robert and I live two hours away from each other, we find towns that are half way in-between us to visit. For example, this summer we explored Mystic, CT because it is closer to the Long Island ferry and this past weekend we visited Norwalk because it is equal distance from the both of us. This actually allows us to meet up in different towns that we wouldn’t normally and explore like pesky tourists. Hey, you need to find the fun in the little things.

Go to a demolition derby.

I find it hilarious that I included this while I wear this innocent, feminine dress. But every sweet dress has its tough side. Demolition derbies are very common in rural towns in New England. Most occur during the fall season but if you’re lucky some places have indoor performances. You might want to bring earplugs!

Go to a local museum you’ve never been to.

Most states have tons and tons of museums and some of them are even free! Connecticut is such a small state so if there are tons of museums here there must be quadruple museums in your state! Museums are a fun way to open your mind to different perspectives and maybe even learn a thing or to. I recently went to one of the Yale Art Museums with one of my friends and it was a blast.

Go see a magic show, comedy show, or a concert you normally would go see.

My boss is awesome and offered me two free tickets to see a Chriss’ Angel show. Robert and I watched Chriss’ in amazement as he made people vanish in midair, swallow razor blades, and even detangle himself from a straightjacket. My mind is still blown. Most casinos and large venues have fun, out of this world shows that you can see like that one.

Bundle up and go to a parade, Winterfest, or ice sculpting show.

If you follow me on Instagram or saw this post from 2016, you know the Siena College community means business when it comes to Saratoga Springs’ Chowderfest. We all get bundled up in countless layers just so we can trench through chowder lines. This year, I proudly consumed seven chowders. Most towns have festivals like this during the cold winter months. I think it’s some weird attempt to get people outside of the house. Hey, it works for me.

Go to a random antique or thrift store.

Wild Bill’s Nostalgia is a time capsule that is ready to be opened. This wild thrift store is stuffed to the max with collectible baseball cards, vintage clothes, retro signs, and so much more. You can spend hours just looking through things in this tiny store. Although this is an odd date idea, it’s definitely a great way to find some weird things together and create unique memories.

Scroll on Instagram through GEOtags and find a gem like Milkcraft.

I’m an Instagram fanatic and have “boards” in my library just like I have “boards” on Pinterest. I follow accounts like “ctfoodlovers”, “cteatsout”, “getseenct”, and “ctbloggerbabes” to see if there are some new and fun things to do in Connecticut. Most states have many accounts that are dedicated to finding gems like Milkcraft, Mystic Seaport, and so much more. Search random tags and you’ll find a few gems in no time.

What are some of your favorite dates for the winter? Are you doing anything special for Valentine’s day? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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P.S. A big shout out to my Instagram followers for convincing me to buy this dress. I’m in love with it.