The Rainbow Connection [of Outerwear]

Why can't winter be colorful? Lately, a lot of retailers are offering shoppers an array of options when it comes to outerwear, especially when it comes to colors. Almost every color of the rainbow, in many shades and hues, can be found and easily worn. Wearing a bright orange or yellow jacket, for instance, might seem too scary and extreme, but both look great when paired with khaki pants or dark wash skinnies. Purple leather gloves can amp up a dreary cold day look. Scarves in royal blue and hot pink make adorable accessories that go with almost anything.

So this winter, don't let your accessories and outerwear be blah and colorless--stand out in a rainbow of shades!


What's your favorite bright color?

PIOTD: Sleds & Snow

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope your NYE went well--mine was very fun and eventful until I fell asleep at 2 am (I blame it on being out all afternoon).
Today I got the chance to go sledding after it snowed on Thursday night. It was a great way to spend New Years Day and the cold air and sunshine were quite refreshing. The best part was, I didn't have to drive anywhere to find a decent sledding hill--I have one right in my own backyard! We live on 5 acres of land covered in pine trees, and the back part of our property has some nice hills. The snow wasn't very deep or packed, but it was still fun.

My PIOTD relates to the snow and sledding. I took a picture of my bright orange sled on top of the hill and it inspired me to do a post about brightly-colored outerwear.

Check out American Eagle, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch for some great deals on all outerwear and winter accessories. Most of their winter stuff is on sale now to make room for spring arrivals so buy now while you still can and stay warm the rest of this winter and beyond!

 



Dress Your Body Right!

Seventeen is a magazine with great fashion tips for teen girls from high school to college. My favorite issue every year is The Body Issue, and its all about how to dress your particular body type right. I love it because it's so hard to find fashion tricks and ideas for petites like me, but Seventeen definitely nails it on the head. Here are a few tips for looking your very best when you're petite.

• Sweaterdresses look amazing on you! If you've always wished you could be a little curvier, stop dreaming and try on a sweaterdress. This new trend is great for smaller frames because it clings to the curves you do have, plus they're perfect for girls who like to wear dresses all year long, but can't because of the cold weather...but now you can!
• Try a flowy tank with a cropped jacket. Most cropped pieces look amazing on petites, because you don't want to overwhelm your frame. Now pair your favorite loose tank with a cropped jacket or sweater and you'll look even better!
• The shorter the better when it comes to skirts. Obviously, you know to stay away from maxi dresses and such, but make sure your skirts hit at least above your knee. Avoid the too-short minis though so you still look classy.
• Skinny + ripped = perfect! You can pull off baggier boyfriend styles, but the best jeans for you are skinnies or at least jeans that hug your curves. Add in a few rips and tears and maybe a lighter wash (it'll fill you out) and you'll instantly look taller, even without heels.
• Sparkles go a long way. Don't overwhelm your body with too much bling--try pairing a simple slouchy sweater with a standout pair of sparkly tailored shorts in a neutral color.

Do you have any petite style tips you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments!

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?



Not-So-Straight Jackets

Why not try some jackets like these this fall?

Who doesn't love a good jacket? It can amp up your look and keep you warm as the temperature cools. It's the ultimate accessory and a great layer to have around in case it gets a little chilly. But how can you take your jacket to the next level?

To add polish to a simple work outfit, throw on a blazer. The AE Boyfriend Blazer ($59.95) is a classic cut that works over an embellished tee and some dark-wash skinnies.

Leather jackets can scream "tough girl" but tone it down with a girly dress underneath. I like HCo.'s La Jolla jacket ($99.50) paired with the Santa Margarita dress ($14.95) in red floral for a flirty look.

Need a place to put all your stuff on a night out but don't want to lug around a huge handbag? Or just like the military style? Try Abercrombie's Adin jacket ($98) in khaki or grey and you'll be ready for a casual date.
Add sparkle to your every day wear with Hollister's Mission Beach denim jacket ($59.50). The floral brooch embellishment works as bling--no jewelry required. Wear it over a plaid button-down for a cute contrast.
If you prefer a sweater to a typical jacket, then you'll love the AE Embellished Boucle Jacket ($79.50). Sure, it's a little pricey for a 100% cotton sweater/jacket but the adorable details are worth it.
Of course, fall won't be here forever and soon enough, there'll be days cold enough that you might want to stay home. But with the Marlie puffer coat ($150) from A&F, you'll want to go out and show off your new jacket, which comes in 10 colors--from the basic brown to the stand-out orange.
What's your favorite jacket for fall?