Fall Must-Haves



Grey knit duster cardi (A&F, winter 2011); burgundy plaid tunic (A&F Kids, hand-me-down); navy culotte shorts (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, Christmas 2010)


Duster cardigans. Capelet jackets. Moccasin booties. Tights. Loop scarves. Slouchy skinnies. Tall boots. What do these have in common? They're my fall must-haves!

This past weekend, I rediscovered the joy that is layering. I missed it over the summer, when temps were rarely cooler than 85. But Saturday was a nice relief from the heat, and made me crave fall. Though it felt a little weird at first to be wearing such a thick sweater when it's still technically summer, I love how cute and cozy it looked with my tunic, culottes and tights. And it inspired me to hunt down more duster cardis. I think they look really cute over skirts or shorts with tights.

Accessorizing is key for fall--that's where the scarves, jackets, tights and boots come in! I have a few pairs of tights (the sparkly navy ones above, light grey sweater tights, brown, brown striped leggings and cream pointelle ones) but a girl can always use a few more pairs, right? I love how they look with boots, which is why I'm lusting after a pair of tall, non-Ugg-style boots. They look totally polished but still casual. Scarves make me feel cozy, and they're a great alternative to necklaces. And capelet-type jackets are great for slightly chilly fall days.

 

What's on your fall must-have list?

Perfect Shoes for Small Feet

Moccasins can be the perfect shoes for small feet!

For most petite ladies out there, you probably have trouble from time to time finding shoes that fit. I know I do. I wear a size 6 in most shoes, and while most stores carry this size, they are usually all out or fit weird. My feet are very narrow, so it's very hard for me to find shoes (especially boots and moccasins) that don't slide right off my feet because they're too wide. Most of my flip-flops are also a little too big on me, making it harder to walk. And on the high-heels that I own, I had to make extra holes because the ankle strap was too big on me. So I know how hard it can be to find shoes that fit tiny feet.

But this past weekend, on an afternoon trip to American Eagle with my little sister and mom, I found the moccasins I've been lusting after (AE Suede Fringe Moc, $34.50, in honey tan). Not only that, but they were in my size! Eager to see if they would actually fit, I slipped them on and to my surprise, they fit perfectly, even without socks! These are very narrow shoes, so if your feet are a bit wider, you may have to go up a size, but they were perfect on my very narrow feet.
My mom convinced me to buy some socks to wear under it (only with jeans, of course) so I got the AE Marbled Crew Socks ($6.50, in navy). When I got home, I tried the mocs with the socks (hahaha I'm a poet and didn't know it) and they still fit great.
I was a little disappointed, because I was also wanting to buy the AE Warm & Fuzzy Boot ($39.50) in grey. Unfortunately, the smallest size they had was a 7, and my feet were swimming in those. I even asked one of the employees to check the back room, but they were all out of 6's. So I'll have to check out other American Eagle stores to find those beloved boots.
But I was happy about my purchase, especially since I had a 20% coupon. The socks, as it turned out, were $5 at that store, so I walked out of there with mocs and socks for under $35!
So check out your local American Eagle Outfitters store, or their website, for some great shoes for smaller feet.

Cozy Accessories

I love all the cold weather clothes--from coats to boots to tights to scarves. I really love days that are cool and cloudy because then I can get all cozy with my accessories! Here are a few of my faves:

• AE Suede Fringe Moc ($34.50)--Moccasins are so comfy and stylish, too. They add a boho touch to any look and these are great because they're lined with faux fur.
• AE Striped Trapper Hat ($29.50)--These are a classic style, but the stripes add a cute touch. Plus, the hat's versatile enough that you can even incorporate it into your outfit!
• AE Cable Knit Loop Scarf ($34.50)--What better way to keep warm in a snowstorm than with a scarf? This one also works as an accessory, so you don't have to take it off once you go inside.
• AE Cable Knit Convertible Gloves ($19.50)--These are perfect for when you want to be able to use your fingers (such as for texting) but still stay warm. You can flip the mitten part over and stay perfectly cozy.
• AE Solid Leggings ($15.50)--Leggings are great for layering under skirts, dresses and even jeans on really cold days. I love the variety of colors these come in, from vintage eggplant to heather grey.
• AE Cozy Cable Knit Tights ($12.50)--I love anything cable knit, and tights are my go-to on days that I want to wear my denim minis but it's cold outside. They look great paired with boots.
• AE Warm & Fuzzy Boot ($39.50)--These look almost identical to Uggs but are much, much cheaper. And they're be perfect with skinnies, jeggings, leggings and tights. You'll wear these all fall and winter!
• AE Fair Isle Clog ($34.50)--Fair Isle is a classic winter pattern, and what better way to wear it than on comfy clogs?

Stay warm this fall and winter with the cutest accessories!