The Good Girl Gone Blog

A few weeks ago,  Timberland contacted me about the opening of their new store on Newbury St.  As part of the opening, Timberland will award a $2,500 “Earth Day” grant this April to a local community organization dedicated to environmental stewardship, which is pretty cool.

They also offered me the chance to review one of three pairs of shoes available in the Newbury Store. All three feature Bionic canvas for extra durability and ion-mask technology by P2i for ultra water repellency, but the choice wasn't difficult. I fell hard for the Earthkeepers Cabot L/F Tall Zip Boot.

Though I never really considered Timberlands fashionable, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw these boots. Not only were they super cute, they were waterproof and perfect for April in Boston.

Some specifics about the boots:

• Tall Zip:  Inside zipper for easy entry
• Premium leather and strong Bionic^® canvas upper for long-lasting wear
• Bionic^® canvas contains yarns made with a 50% organic cotton outer wrap, 38% recycled PET core and 12% HT polyester to provide increased strength, abrasion resistance and decreased dry time
• Hydrophobic breathable materials combined with ion-mask™ technology by P2i shed water easily
• 100% recycled PET lining for climate control and breathability
• Leather-covered footbed for optimal comfort
• Lightweight, flexible, undercut rubber outsole for maximum traction and durability is made with 15% recycled rubber

Now, it's very hard for me to write negative reviews on my blog, and in fact, I think this may be a first. Though the boots are super cute, they're IMPOSSIBLE to put on. Literally, I had to jam my foot into them to get them on. Maybe it's because the actual foot part is shallow, or because the zipper doesn't go down low enough (which is weird, because it goes pretty far), but it shouldn't take 5 minutes to put on a pair of boots.

Sure, maybe they'll stretch with wear, but I'm not sure I'm ready to risk it- they're just so stiff! Plus, my feet ended up covered in blisters. (Granted, the first time I wore them I was wearing ankle socks, but still.) When I tried to give them a second chance, it still took forever to put them on, and the rubbing against the irritated blisters did not help.

When I talked to Timberland's very responsive social team on Twitter and asked if they'd seen other unsatisfied customers, they remarked that the boot runs a half size small. As much as I want to believe a size 6.5 would fit better, there was still a ton of room in the front of the size 6.

Though these boots are cute, they're definitely not cute enough to be uncomfortable. I found myself walking on my toes in order to avoid rubbing my heels on the back of the boots, and struggling to tuck my jeans into them because they lacked any stretch.

Maybe it was just me, and maybe I need to give them another chance, but I think I'll pass. At $170, I think you should too.

Thanks for thinking of me, Timberland. I loved the style of the boots, but the comfort factor just didn't cut it.

Photo c/o Timberland.

MyTagalongs is a cool site that offers cute travel and purse sized products for the stylish lady. From disposable underwear to purse organizers to an Everyday Emergency Tin, MyTagalongs items are fun, unique and affordable.

From the site:

"Designed for work, travel and every day life, MYTAGALONGS accessories help women to be prepared for anything that life might throw at them. Presented as individual items, mini-kits and kits, these accessories can tackle most situations from an unraveled hem and a crushed tampon, to packing strategically."

Though many of the products, disposable underwear, for instance, seem unnecessary to me, I love the idea of  mini "emergency kits."

I was lucky enough to receive the Emergency Fashion Tin (how fitting, right?) and though I think it would be more appropriately called the "Fashion Emergency Tin" and don't love its butterfly case, I could definitely see myself toting it around in my purse. It would be perfect to take on a work trip or a last minute vacation.

"The perfect item for any fashionista! This tin has all your fashion tools to save you from any emergency. Complete with cleavage cover, double sided fashion tape, a mini sewing kit, bra clip and foot cushion sole, you'll never miss a beat."

Eric, who has been fascinated by "fashion tape" ever since he recently learned of its existence, was also particularly intrigued by the cleavage cover. The CC is a small piece of fabric (Eric thinks it looks like underwear) that hooks onto your bra and peaks out of your shirt, imitating the look of a camisole. It's great for dressing conservatively at work and then easy to remove for a sexier nighttime look, no clothing change necessary!

I love that the kit includes foot cushions, because at the end of the night, they're definitely something I'd reach for.

MyTagalongs items would make a great graduation gift or party favor. Prices are reasonable, packaging is cute and most items are really useful.

* MyTagalongs providing the item reviewed in this post, but the opinions are entirely mine.

Last Sunday, I was extremely pleased to receive a DM from Mimi Boutique saying I'd won a $50 gift card to their store. Honestly, I was a little shocked- I didn't remember ever entering a contest, but apparently they randomly chose a winner when they reached 750 followers on Twitter, and I was that follower.

I ended up choosing an intricate necklace with gorgeous flower detailing. The necklace only cost $28, but unfortunately the credit could only be used on 1 item. Still, it was the item I liked the most and I was happy with my decisioin.

I was happily surprised to see that the necklace came with matching earrings. I'm not much of an earrings girl, mainly because my ears have become super sensitive with old age (ha!), but I'll definitely make an effort to wear these.

The jewelery also came with a very sweet, handwritten note, which really added a nice touch to the package. Unfortunately, because the necklace is so delicate, one of the chains arrived broken. As soon as I mentioned this on twitter, Mimi Boutique sent me a direct message, as well as an email, asking what they could do to help and even offering a replacement coupon code because the necklace was out of stock.

I wasn't worried though, because my dad can fix everything except Polly Pocket clothing. In his effort to fix this necklace, he accidentally broke off the chain in question, and warned me to be extra gentle when handling the necklace. Fortunately, you can't even tell!

I can't wait to add this necklace to a not so exciting outfit. I already have a dress in mind. Stay tuned, looks like an outfit post is looming in our future!

Thanks again to Mimi Boutique for a great contest. Make sure you follow Mimi Boutique on Twitter, more contests are definitely coming up!