The Key To Chic: January 2023

January 19, 2023

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Braid Platform Boots Review

If you missed out on the immensely best selling UGG Classic Ultra Mini boots, then the latest style from UGG may offer some consolation. They just released a new embroidered style called the UGG Classic Ultra Mini braid platform. The braided style comes in three colorways: burnt olive, chestnut, and black. They retail for $170, which is $20 more than the Classic Ultra mini platform boots. The black style has gorgeous blue/red stitching, while the olive ones pair pale pink with vibrant yellow, and the chestnut incorporates red with yellow for a look that calls to mind Native American artisanal design.

As a platform devotee, I grabbed a chestnut pair for myself without hesitation, and I'll be sharing my thoughts on fit and quality in this review.

August 27, 2024 update - Shop the Fall 2024 UGG lineup:

The boots are part of UGG's Heritage Collection, which celebrates the brand's 45 years of iconic design. They are currently an UGG Rewards member exclusive, which means you need to have an UGG Rewards account and be logged in in order to buy them.

Instead of a pull tab in the back, this style incorporates UGG's decorative braid design on the sides, which also function as pull tabs. While I think they are more decorative than functional, I still love the pop of color and the bright UGG braid details. Plus, the two rows of stitching on the heel counter gives them an elevated, retro feel. They'll look equally cute with relaxed slouchy denim as with more dressy, embellished looks as spring approaches. In terms of ease, I'd like them much more if they added a pull tab in the back, since this style is tricky to put on. (More on that below.)

ugg classic ultra mini braid platform boots chestnut

Fit and Sizing

I recommend getting your true size in the UGG Classic Ultra mini boots. If you are a half size, then go up. This style is especially hard to pull on because the foot opening is small and the pull tabs are not tall enough to loop over your fingers. I personally do not follow my own advice, simply because my true size gives me the appearance of big feet. With wear, these boots will mold and stretch a small amount as the lining flattens. I wear mine comfortably with socks and without, but getting them on requires a great deal of effort because I sized down. My true size is much easier to put on, but I like the look of the smaller size on my petite frame.

So...get your true size if in doubt.

August 27, 2024 update - Shop the latest from UGG:

September 2, 2023 update - Shop new UGG arrivals for Fall 2023:

Quality and Appearance

These outsole of these boots are made with UGG's renewable sugarcane SugarSole, making them extremely light and pleasant to walk in. The lining is a blend of eco-conscious upcycled materials, not the traditional UGG twinface sheepskin from years past. It's effective in keeping feet warm, but not as thick or as plush as the lining of older Classic UGG boots.

They also come in the UGG Classic Mini silhouette, which has a lace-up detail and a five inch shaft height.

For more UGG style and info, see my UGG Classic Mini platform boots review here.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

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January 11, 2023

New Balance 327 Sneakers Review

With the arrival of the new year comes a new color obsession. While I've harbored a lifelong adoration of bright colors and pretty floral prints, this winter's grey days have inspired a newfound appreciation for all things neutral. I'm thoroughly inspired by all of the camel, chestnut, beige, heather grey, and ivory tones that fill my social media feed. I can't get enough of the #beigeaesthetic.

After seeing an abundance of New Balance 327 sneakers on both cool girls around town and Instagram street style stars, I got a pair in the Timberwolf/Aluminum colorway. This is actually my second pair, and my obsession with this retro sporty sneaker continues to grow. They retail for $100, and I must confess that I'm considering buying a third pair.

January 26, 2024 update - Shop New Balance 327 sneakers:

Shop the New Balance 327:

he popular New Balance 327 sneaker is such a simple silhouette, albeit elevated with retro textural details, a bold logo, and a lightweight upper. It makes a strong style statement while looking effortless and chic. For winter, I'll be pairing them with activewear looks, marled socks, and sherpa everything. When spring arrives, I'll wear them with cropped denim, handmade day dresses, leggings, and slouchy cargo pants.

The mix of neutrals in the Timberwolf/Aluminum colorway is exactly what I wanted for all of my neutral looks. The only thing I don't love is that the N logo is a flat overlay instead of a stitched pattern piece, giving a somewhat more low-end look.

In my experience, the New Balance 327 runs true to size. Mine fit well both barefoot and with thick socks. The insole is removable, which is a nice feature. They're comfortable right out of the box with no breaking-in period. The arch support and cushioning are light, making them perfect for low impact activities. I love that they did not give me blisters when I wore them without socks.

While I wouldn't wear them for my HIIT and bodybuilding workouts (I'm loyal to Hoka sneakers for that), the New Balance 327 is ideal for walking and hiking. They also serve as the perfect on-the-go sneakers for casual daytime looks. I confess that I love mine too much to get them dusty or muddy on hikes, so I'll confine mine to paved surfaces.

April 10, 2024 update - See my New Balance 9060 sneakers review with tips on sizing and comfort.

March 6, 2024 update - Pair your sneakers with:

January 26, 2024 update - Pair your New Balance sneakers 327 with:

This post contains sponsored content and affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Love New Balance? See my New Balance 574+ sneakers review.

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Shop cozy winter footwear and accessories:

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