Ok so it’s been a minute, but hey– there’s been so much going on. And speaking of things going on, the midterms are less than 2 weeks away and hopefully everyone reading this is thinking about writing some postcards or making some calls or knocking on some doors to get our fellow Americans out to exercise the right that so many have died for: VOTE.

And while we’re out there talking to people and engaging our fellow citizens, we’ll probably be wearing lots of GOTV (Get Out The Vote) gear. Just in case you aren’t already kitted out, here are a few suggestions to get you going.

See you out in the streets!

Straight and to the point, this Save the Date T-shirt was created by artist Marlene McCarty for Downtown for Democracy, a progressive political action committee founded by creative people to transform cultural influence into political power. There are also buttons (see above), if you’re leaning in that direction.

It can get chilly, going door to door in late October and early November, so it’s important to dress warmly. This bright orange cashmere beanie from Bird will keep you toasty and highly visible. Plus 50% of all proceeds go to Everytown for Gun Safety, a cause we can all get behind.

While we’re on the practical side, you’re going to need a bag to hold your water, snacks and extra GOTV materials (not to mention your lip balm and phone chargers!) This VOTE tote from Women’s March is the perfect solution.

If you’re taking the time to hand write postcards to voters, why not go the extra mile and send beautiful ones? These Turn the Tide Vote Blue postcard sets were created by the Pen and Ink Brigade (a group of fierce female illustrators) to benefit VoteRiders, an org working against voter suppression by making sure folks have the info, ID’s and tools they need to vote.

Studies say that people are more motivated by the desire to be a part of a community than by a direct call to action. Which means motivating people to be voters or to join a group of voters is more effective than just telling them to vote. This enamel I Am A Voter pin (they also have hats, T’s and sweatshirts) does just that. And the money goes to helping folks get the info they need to be the voters we all want them to be.

There’s a little shop in San Fransisco called Heartfelt that managed to dig up some great vintage GOTV gear– these tiny VOTE barrettes will keep the hair out of your face whilst also reminding folks what to do on Nov 6.

Lingua Franca elevates the whole message-on-clothes thing by hand embroidering words of inspiration onto luxurious cashmere sweaters. Sustainably sourced, locally made (in NYC), and women owned, the proceeds from all sales go to a bevy of great causes. The sweaters are all made to order, but if you’re pressed for time, a line of hand stitched We The People sweatshirts are available RIGHT NOW at The Whitney Museum store. So run don’t walk. They’re going fast.

Sometimes self care = treating myself to a little burst of color in the form of one of these clasp bracelets by my friend Jill Platner. Sure I will survive without another bracelet, but if just seeing this on my wrist makes me happy and helps me get through the day, then it’s worth every penny.

Plus what’s not to love about supporting an amazing locally based woman-owned business?

The thing that makes Andrea Linett a true arbiter of style is not the fact that she has a star studded address book that gives her full access to all sorts of high end designers and trendsetters, but rather that she knows how to put together an outfit which lets her subject’s individual personality shine through. Sometimes that Alexander MacQueen jacket needs a worn in vintage t-shirt to tone it down a it, and Andrea is just the woman to make it happen.

And now she’s put together a book, with the help of her photographer husband Michael Waring, that helps all interested parties to steer themselves in the direction of effortless “cool” style. There are photos of Kim Gordon wearing leather pants (does it get cooler than that?) and of designer Maria Cornejo and her daughter Bibi rocking black and white jumpsuits. You’ve got Refinery 29′s Christene Barberich explaining how she layers dresses over skirts over pants and tops, and double page spreads explaining the anatomy of a perfect t-shirt or how to shake the mundane feeling out of classics by pairing them with something unexpected.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have known Andrea for years. I was excited and flattered when she asked me if I wanted to be a part of this book, but I had no idea how many incredible women she was gathering. Nevermind how much fun it was to go through the clothing racks with the icons listed above gossiping about what they brought and how they put things together… I almost exploded with excitement when I met Linda Dresner, whose legendary Park Avenue boutique was my introduction into the grown up world of avant-garde fashion back in the 80′s. Talk about style heroines…

But the thing that makes this book really stand out from most other fashion how-to tomes I’ve read is Andrea’s engaging, accessible and just plain funny voice throughout. It’s the perfect mix of personal anecdotes, sisterly advice and practical specifics. I actually found myself reading the book from cover to cover, laughing at the descriptions of ill-advised fantasy shopping, soaking up a few extra bits of advice on getting the perfect fit, and wondering if I could ever make socks and sandals look as cool as they do on Pascale Poma.

The most consistent message through the book, both from Andrea herself as well as all of the women profiled within, is that the most important thing is to remain true to yourself and to have a bit of fun in the bargain.

Which, if you ask me, is great advice for life in general.

The Cool Factor: A Guide to Achieving Effortless Style, with Secrets from the Women Who Have It by Andrea Linett with photographs by Michael Waring. Available now wherever books are sold (or just click the link!)

The weather has finally transformed from freezing to beautiful, the trees are all flowering, and I don’t know about you, but my thoughts are beginning to turn toward open toed shoes. Mind you, I’ll need to pay a visit to my local manicure spot before I go sporting any such footwear, but lets not get bogged down with details.

The shoe I most want right exactly now is this navy blue suede sandal/pump that the ever talented Rachel Comey has dreamed up for this season. Sure, suede isn’t the most practical of materials, but navy is a good color for hiding imperfections and the cream piping is a detail to die for.

I’m thinking anybody wearing these pumps is automatically well dressed. Plus all Comey shoes are meticulously constructed, so you can make it all day and into the night without having to switch into flip flops.

Which I consider a total victory.

So they may not be the most practical sneakers on the planet, but these Stan Smiths, designed by Pharell Williams and made out of tennis ball material, are my new sneakers of choice right about now.

I bought them at BK Wearhouse, a primarily dead stock (aka limited-edition, sort-of-like-vintage-but-never-worn) sneaker and accessories shop in central Williamsburg. It’s one of those tiny spots that you walk into and then gasp audibly while you gaze wide eyed at the idiosyncratic selection of kicks, tees, patches, backpacks, etc, that all speak directly to your inner record collector. If you find yourself over in this area, you need to check this place out. You will not be sorry.

Luckily I was in a rush, or I may have left with far more than one pair of shoes. But then again, 2016 is a new year and I live within walking distance…