SBL2.0: Outdoor Shakespeare and an Off-Message Top

Growing up, one of my all time favorite musicals was Kiss Me, Kate. This was partly because my babysitter was in a production of it at his high school so we watched it every Saturday night, but also because Cole Porter is a musical genius and I love almost everything he touches.

I am being Shakespearean.

Then, in high school, 10 Things I Hate About You came out. If you don't know, the connection between Kiss Me, Kate and 10 Things I Hate About You is that they are both based on The Taming of the Shrew. I am also pretty sure I have read the play before, but after watching it, I am less sure about that fact...

Because man, is The Taming of the Shrew disturbing. Apart from the overt misogyny, which is really nothing new in Shakespeare, you basically are watching a father sell his daughter into a terrible marriage, and then watching the man who bought her abuse her until she behaves "properly." And this we call a comedy?

I am sorry to say, this is the first time I remember not liking a Shakespeare in the Park production. It's partly that the play is so disturbing, but I found the decision to make it a trailer trash version to also be difficult, as it felt like there were uncomfortable comments on class being made as well. (I.e., only poor people would treat their wives this way. Which is clearly untrue.) Something about it also felt amateur-ish to me, but that might have been partly because it was only the second day of the show so they were still ironing out the kinks. I don't know, the New York Times loved it but a lot of the comments on the review agreed with my group, so do with that what you will.

The experience was still fun, as Shakespeare in the Park always is, and it certainly generated more conversation and food for thought than usual. When going to Shakespeare in the Park, it is important to cover up, as the theater is right next to a lake and so the mosquitos can get bad. I decided to wear a lightweight tunic, though, because it was hot, and then realized when I looked at the pictures that I basically look pregnant. (I'm not, just to be clear.) Oops. Will I wear it again? Probably, because the flowers are so pretty. Will I get offered a seat on the bus? Not impossible. Sometimes that's how things go.

The whole gang, before the play started and we all became extremely disturbed:

If you want to see Taming of the Shrew, you have one more week, so go get in line now! Otherwise, Troilus and Cressida is coming next month.

What I'm wearing: random tunic via Macy's (similar here), LOFT jeans, Downeast Basics cami, Bare Traps sandals (similar here)

Let's Talk About... Winter Boots

Happy Snowpocalypse, friends! If you are not on the east coast, you are missing lots of fun sledding, having snowball fights, and making snowmen and snow angels. And, lucky for you and sadly for me, the opportunity to spend at least the next week wading through giant slush puddles on every corner. Charming.

So I thought I would take this as an opportunity to talk about some different types of snow boots. Somehow, over the years, I have accumulated three types. There are obviously many others out there, but for those of you who have not made the plunge yet, these are three different genres that might help get you started. Also, even though it just snowed for the first time, snow boots are actually on sale everywhere right now because it's the end of the fashion season, so if you've been waiting to buy, now is your moment!

Option #1: The Semi-Work Appropriate Hardcore Snow Boot

These snow boots, by Pajar, are pretty intense. I bought them three years ago in the middle of a series of storms and they have served me super well since then. They both zip up and lace up, and both closures are sealed completely so no snow and slush can get in. They're also lined with fleece, so they're super warm. They're from Canada, and it does seem that they know what they're doing in terms of winter up there.
Pluses: Mine are leather and wool (red, white and black plaid!), so I could wear them to work and therefore did not need a change of shoes. They have great tread. They're not too heavy. They go more than halfway up the calf, so they can stand up to even the grossest of huge slush puddles.
Minuses: They are a bit of a production to get on and off because of the zipper/ laces combo. Also, they didn't come in half sizes and so I was forced to choose between slightly too tight or really too big. I went with the small choice, which is usually fine but occasionally uncomfortable. Luckily they're warm enough that I can wear them with tights but no socks.
Where to find them: I've actually never seen others like mine, but Pajar has a lot of other good options in a similar, if not wool plaid, style. I have seen them on sale at DSW, Marshall's, Fox's and my local shoe store.

Option #2: The Rain Boot

I've had these Coronado rain boots, by Keen's, for five years now, which is a very impressive stretch. Before, I used to buy cheap ones, but they would split and then leak every few months. These have held up amazingly. They're also roomy enough for my slightly wider-than-average calves.
Pluses: They're obviously waterproof, so there's no need to fear puddles. They also have decent tread. They have a thin fleece lining which means they don't rub uncomfortable, and an actual arch support, which is very rare in rain boots. They're versatile because they work for both rain and snow.They are also very easy to get on and off, which means that they're ideal if I only have to walk 10ish blocks and then take them off before I go into someone's apartment.
Minuses: These are meant for rain, not snow. That means they're not the warmest. Even with thick socks, I wouldn't wear them to go out for a long period of time. Also, like most rain boots, they're heavy. Not great for all day wear.
Where to find them: They seem to be out of stock everywhere at the moment :( But they come back around, so if you're committed, keep googling and I'm sure they'll be back soon.

Option #3: The Shearling and Wool Boot

These Emus are the one pair of boots I did not wear yesterday, hence the lack of a parallel picture. Mostly because of the height-- I was worry about meltage getting into my shoes. I learned my lesson the hard way about shearling boots with my Uggs a number of years ago, when they got totally soaked in slush. Uggs are not waterproof, people! But Emus are. I was skeptical before I ordered these because of my Ugg experience, but reviews swore by them and a local shoe store had a display with them sitting in a tank of water, so I went for it. And it worked!
Pluses: They're super comfortable! By far the most lightweight of the bunch. They also pass as normal looking even more so than the Pajars. The tongue is stitched in, so they don't leak through the front. I also got them on major sale from Zulily.
Minuses: They're not so tall, so they cause slush puddle anxiety.
Where to find them: Here from Amazon and here from Online Shoes (although both are MUCH pricier than what I paid. You can also search Zulily to see if any are left in stock.)

Enjoy and stay warm! And here are some pictures of general cuteness from our snow adventures (first time sledding for the new east coasters), because this is my blog and I can do what I want :)