A Shopaholic's Wishlist: Shoes & Accessories

A girl can't live without shoes, jewelry, scarves and perfume, right? Here's part 1 of this year's Christmas wishlist with all the accessories I'm loving. Hopefully it will inspire those of you procrastinators who have yet to finish shopping for the fashionista in your life!


What's on your wishlist?

OOTD: [Fall] in Love



Orange off-shoulder sweatshirt (HCo., from sister); owl pendant (AE, fall 2011); brown twill shorts (A&F, fall 2011); brown opaque tights (winter 2010)




"Love" two-finger ring (Forever 21, summer 2011)




Emma 10" Sheepskin Boots in chocolate (Bearpaw, Christmas 2009)





"It Starts With Me" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, bronzy-pink); "Give Me the 1st Dance" nail polish (Nicole by OPI, silver)



Fall is finally here, I can feel it in the air and see it in the 10-day weather forecast! Today was the first day in quite awhile that it was below 70 degrees and it felt perfect!

I was able to wear my brown tights for the first time since spring...and also my neglected Bearpaw boots. Once you start wearing those, you know it's fall. I kept my outfit mostly neutral (brown) but added in a pop of color with my slouchy sweatshirt and beloved owl pendant. I love spice shades in autumn, and pairing them with neutrals (especially shades of brown) always looks put together.


What is one thing that always says "fall" to you?

Save $$, Stay Stylish!

It's one of the worst feelings in the world: finding a piece you absolutely can't live without and then looking at the price tag and...realizing you probably can't afford it. It can be really sad having to put that handbag back on the shelf or the sweater back on the rack because it's out of your price range. But you can get the same look...for less!

First off, the Ugg Coquette slipper. At first glance, it's cute--high quality sheepskin and a stylish plush collar, not to mention how warm and cozy they are. But they're $100. For almost half the price ($54), you can get the Bearpaw Loki slipper, which is just as (if not more) cute. The hickory suede color is my personal fave--the shade is just so rich-looking. These are also lined with sheepskin, and while they lack the Ugg name, they look nearly identical and hold up just as well. Why not spend that $46 dollars on something else?

Abercrombie &Fitch is one of my favorite stores. I would buy more things there if I could...but I can't, because they are too expensive for a college student like me (even when my parents chip in!) So I mostly have a few cheaper A&F items or ones that were clearanced. But Hollister, while expensive to some, is a much better option for me. Take the Hailey sweater ($150) from A&F. I don't think I would ever spend that much on a sweater until I'm an adult with a full-time job. Sure, it's pretty and it's 100% cashmere, but I can't afford to shell that much cash out for one piece. But HCo.'s El Morro sweater ($39.50) is much cheaper, and looks almost identical. It's a cotton/viscose/angora blend but I appreciate the price tag. I could spend that $110 on so much more!
I also appreciate how much Hollister saves me on coats and totes. The Classic Cali Tote ($19.50) in olive is practically the same as the Vintage Tote ($48) in green, except the difference in logos. Why would I pay $28 more for a tote that says 'Abercrombie'? I certainly wouldn't, when I could buy a cute top for that price difference! Hollister's Harbor Cove belted puffer jacket ($140) is a steal compared to A&F's Larissa belted puffer jacket ($200). Both coats are made of the exact same material; any smart shopper would know to go with the cheaper option. And it's not like Hollister's clothes are poorer quality, they're also a pretty well-respected brand. There are so many things you can get with that $60. And finally, the Fletcher Cove puffy vest ($59.89) is a better deal than the Addison puffy vest ($98). Similar colors, same look, better price. Save that $38 for a rainy day.
Now go out and be a savvy shopper!

Getting Ready For Winter

I love October--it's like the gateway month into the holiday season, which I am anticipating more than ever this year. On top of that, the temperatures are starting to cool down and the smell of fall is in the air. But it's not too early to get your wardrobe ready for winter. Here are a few must-haves to add to your shopping list--bonus: they're all available in stores now, so by the time the cold weather starts to kick in, they'll be on clearance! Or you can stock up now and store them for later.



With outfits like these, you're sure to stay warm this winter!



SWEATERS: Who doesn't love a great, cozy sweater? They're so versatile and great for layering over just about anything. The only downside is that there are so many different styles this season to choose from! For an unexpected twist, try a short-sleeve sweater (AE Chunky Knit Short Sleeve Sweater, $39.50) over a basic long-sleeved tee (AE Long Sleeve V-Neck T, $19.50) for added warmth. Another option is the classic button-down cardigan (Hollister 1000 Steps Beach, $59.50, Epic only). This one in particular is great for the holidays--the cream version has little red hearts and it looks like the classic Christmas sweater, only cuter. Cardis work best over knit tanks (A&F's Tessa tank, $30--the tiered peplum hem detail makes it even better) and under jackets (try HCo.'s Lake Hodges denim jacket, $89.50, for a cozy look).



JACKETS: Speaking of jackets, you'll probably need one this winter. Where I live (in Colorado), it snows a lot but is still usually sunny, so jackets are still a must in the morning at least. Don't settle for a boring one, though, since you'll be wearing it all winter! I'd suggest buying at least two, if you can afford it, so you can switch it up depending on the outfit or your mood or the weather. For a lightweight jacket perfect for fall days, try a hoodless cotton jacket (like A&F's Gwyneth coat, $59.89). The khaki color on this one looks great over just about anything and it's durable enough to keep the wind out. On colder, snowier days, look for a coat that's a little more heavy-duty (Hollister's Ormond Beach puffer jacket, $79.89). Puffy coats are still stylish and this one comes in a wide array of colors--you may have a hard time choosing!



BOOTS: I really love my Bearpaw boots. I got them last year in chocolate and now I want the same pair in chestnut or gray. I also like some of the boots that American Eagle is offering this year, like the AE Button Warm & Fuzzy Boot ($39.50). They just look so cozy I can't resist. I always wear my boots with tights and a miniskirt, but they also work with skinny jeans. And I still want to get the Bearpaw Loki (a suede and sheepskin mule) in chestnut. I know they're not technically boots, but I still would love to have them.


What are you wanting this winter?