Ask Hope Robertson

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope, Everyday from the TTC I have a 5-block walk to work. I'm looking for a pair of rubber boots I can wear to work for the rest of the winter, and spring as well. Any suggestions for something super stylish that I won't feel bad getting dirty?

I'm a huge fan of Hunter rubbers, but let's be real - Hunter wellingtons should NOT be worn between the months of May through September. My only exception to this rule is if your name is Kate Moss the month of June during Glastonbury, and possibly the month of September if your part of the country is experiencing heavy rains.

But I digress.

Check out the festival lace-up wellington. An instant fashion-fix for your daily commute, these lace-up rubbers are absolutely fantastic. They're super stylish and practical, and will run you 225 dollars. Sound expensive? You'll have this pair of Hunters for the rest of your life, so it's a good investment.

For 100 dollars less, you could pick up these KORS Michael Kors stormy engineer boots. More biker-inspired than classic wellington, MK's rubber boots have some attitude and feature ring and stud detailing at the ankles.

Hope this helps!

_{Hunter festival lace-up wellington boots, $225, Net-A-Porter}

_{KORS Michael Kors stormy engineer boots, $125, ShopBop}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope: I love the look of leggings on other people, but when it comes to myself I'm a bit self-conscious. Can you help?

Self-confidence is something that can only come from within. Leggings aren't a trend easily styled, whether you're stick thin or pear-shaped. So if you're brave enough to wear them, read on.

My advice, if you want to try the look, is to find a pair of high-quality tights in a fabric like merino wool or polyester that wear more like skinny pants. I love J.Crew's classic Pixie pants, and Mover's merino wool tights. While J.Crew's pants will certainly give you more for your dollar, Mover's tights are perfect for this frigid winter weather.

Leggings are perfect for layering; wear them under an extra-long sweater, tunic, or cardi. The layered look is not only super chic, it will provide you with some much-needed coverage.

Finish the look off with heeled boots (this will help add length to your legs), - and you're set!

_{J.Crew Pixie pants, $88, J.Crew}

_{Mover merino wool leggings, $130, Net-A-Porter}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

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Hope: I am in love with Mad Men and the styles the women are wearing. Where can I find designs like the women are wearing on the show?

The women of Mad Men are classic beauties. Each character channels a different 50s vibe. There's hottie housewife Betty Draper (January Jones), busty businesswoman Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), and geek-chic Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss). My personal favorite is Betty (LOVE her gloves), but there are definitely pieces that Joan and Peggy wear which I'd style my own.

To infuse your wardrobe with some Mad Men style, there are three key items you need:

1.  The shift dress. Whether jacquard, patterned silk, or stiff tweed, this go-to piece is something every woman should have in her closet. Paired with a great pair shoes - whether peep-toe mary janes or slingbacks - you've got instant 50s style.

_{Mad Men image source}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

I’m trying to finish my Christmas shopping, and can’t figure out what to get my sister. She says she doesn’t want any gifts. Any suggestions? I’d like to get her something special.

I’ve got suggestions coming out my ears, friend. First, your sister is fibbing to you if she says she doesn’t want anything. HA! Where have I heard that before?! Second, you should go with a classic pick for your sibling, like –


Cashmere!


So soft and so comfortable, cashmere is a necessity that I firmly believe no woman should be without. Upwards of $500 may seem like a lot for one item, but this cashmere travel set will go a looong way (literally and figuratively).


Vivre’s cashmere travel set would make a fabulous and thoughtful gift for any woman in your life (read: Wife, mother, girlfriend, sister, ME). The eye-mask, ballet slippers, and blanket/wrap are practical for both home and away. And, chances are, she’ll think of you whenever she uses them!


Vivre Cashmere Travel Set, $495, Vivre.com