OOTD: Business Casual

Blue pinstriped button-down (Gilly Hicks, NEW); navy culottes (A&F, summer 2011); navy sparkle tights (AE, winter 2010)

Silver bead necklace (AE, NEW)

I haven't done an OOTD (outfit of the day post) in awhile, and what better time to start up again than the start of school? I'm back for my fourth semester in college, and while I'm thinking it's going to be a stressful one, I hope I learn a lot! 

Silver sequin sparkly flats (AE, winter 2010)

Jeweled snake ring (AE, NEW)

I ordered this button-down shirt right after Christmas, thanks to some great sales at Gilly Hicks. It looks pretty 'business-y' and professional, so I decided to make it look more playful by pairing it with my favorite bottoms--culottes--and sparkly tights and shoes. I added in some shiny jewelry and I was all set for a day of classes!

Do you like to dress business casual?

Mission Impossible? (Ankle Booties)

Since earlier this fall, I have been lusting after ankle booties. Maybe it's because I hardly have any really cute shoes for fall and winter. Sure, I can wear my Bearpaw boots every once in awhile, but it would be nice to have a dressier option.

I had a lot of trouble deciding what exact pair I wanted to invest in. I didn't want it to break the bank, so I was steering towards a price range between $30-$60. I wanted it to have a low wedge heel, preferably around 2-3 inches, so I can (attempt) to wear it to my classes and on errands. And it must be in a neutral color, most likely brown, taupe or grey.

I also had problems figuring out which style would be most flattering. I am pretty petite, and I know that ankle booties can be hard to pull off for smaller women. Originally, I wanted a pair that I could wear bare-legged in early fall with dresses and miniskirts, but I'm thinking that I should stick with wearing them with skinny jeans and tights or leggings. I'm also considering wearing them with cuffed boyfriend jeans.

The one pair I found that I really loved were the ALDO Pirnie booties. They have a hidden wedge heel (wedge is always easier to walk in) and a chic corduroy construction with a leather wrap-around buckle in a contrasting shade. I fell in love with their quirky but cute look, but I wasn't quite willing to drop over $60 for them. I almost forgot about these booties. But then I was graciously gifted with an Amazon gift card...and the wheels started turning. I looked them up on Amazon's website and lo and behold, there they were, in grey (my preferred shade) and for only $27.99! What a steal, right? I wasted no time and snapped them right up. 


I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived just a few days later and I was eager to try them on. When I finally got home for Christmas break, I got the opportunity to test them out--and I gotta say I love them even more in person! I ordered a size up from my usual 6 and they fit perfectly, with just a little slippage that can be fixed with some socks. The instep is ruched, which adds a cute touch, and I love the flared top part. They look a little weird, because the opening is too wide for my ankles, but I still like them a lot. I can't wait to wear them with grey tights and even possibly jeggings/skinny jeans. Overall, I think the booties were a very smart buy!

Do you like ankle booties?

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!

 



The Perfect Gift for the College Student

This will be my first Christmas as a college co-ed and I'm excited for finals week to be over (not to mention the stressful cramming weekend before) so I can go home and start celebrating the holidays. I've been so busy finishing up classes, filling out professor surveys and studying (of course!) that I haven't had much time to think about Christmas. And it's in two weeks! I'm sure it will be a relaxing month, though, which is probably the best gift a college student can ask for.
Besides some time for R&R, here are a few gift ideas for the college student in your life.

• Gift cards: You can't go wrong with a gift card  (or money). Make sure you ask them beforehand where they like to shop so you'll know they'll actually use the card. Oh, and a gift card to a restaurants is always great, too--college students usually live pretty cheaply and a night out is always appreciated.
• Practical (but cute) shoes: College campuses are usually pretty big and most people have to trek across it to get to classes, the library, etc. Invest in a nice pair of boots (preferably waterproof, or sprayed with waterproofer) that are stylish, too, such as Bearpaws. They look similar to Uggs, but are a fraction of the price and hold up just as well!
• Underwear (and other essentials): Who doesn't procrastinate on laundry every once in a while? It's nice to have plenty of stuff to go around so you're not a slave to the washing machine every weekend. Gilly Hicks has a great selection, with all kinds of colors and styles so you can't go wrong.
• A day at the spa: Back to the relaxation thing. Any stressed-out student could definitely use a massage or a mani/pedi to brighten up their day. Look for a day spa that's gotten good reviews but isn't too pricey.
• Winter accessories: So not every student lives where it's snowy and cold, but if you know someone who does, chances are they could use a scarf, hat and gloves. Buy them a cute set that'll go with anything (or match it specifically to a certain coat, if you know what they have) and keep them warm on the way to class.

Of course, these are just a few ideas for the college student in your life (whether it's you, a friend or your child)...just make sure the gift comes from the heart and they'll love it!

Thanksgiving Surprises

Sorry I haven't posted in a while--I was enjoying spending time with my family over the nine days I had off for Thanksgiving break. Now that I'm back alone in my dorm and school resumes tomorrow for the last three weeks of my first semester of college (!), I thought I'd get back to blogging.

I actually got quite a few wearable gifts over the break, which was a nice surprise. The Friday my mom and sister picked me up, we went to the Park Meadows mall on the way home. I bought the Seascape cardigan from Hollister in dark pink ($39.50). It's a simple style, but I love sweater and it's such a bright color. The little jewel in the center of each button and the ruffle detailing on the pockets are cute touches, too.

A few days later, my mom went shopping on her own (for my sister's upcoming birthday and Christmas, of course) and brought me back two things: the AE Striped Trapper Hat (multi, $29.50) and a pair of light grey sweater tights from Target. I've been needing grey tights for quite a while, not to mention another winter hat to match all my coats, so I was really thankful!
Since we're moving to a new house in a couple of weeks, we've been boxing up everything and selling or tossing everything we don't need anymore. My sister was getting rid of a navy blue puffer jacket she'd gotten from Aeropostale a few years ago, so I snapped it up. You can always use another jacket, right?
On Black Friday, I didn't do any shopping per se, besides going with my dad on a few errands including a Whole Foods stop. It's definitely my favorite grocery store, so I didn't mind going to other stores, as long as I could pick out a few WF treats and grab a free sample or two. My dad also took me to Starbucks, which was great, too.
Yesterday I spent most of the day out with my mom. We stopped by our new house to take some measurements, then went to Lowe's and Sears to check out the fridges. My mom had a hair appointment, but we had some time left over, so we grabbed some delicious gelato. Then I read through Vogue at the salon while she got her hair done and afterwards we stopped at Kohl's. I needed some gloves to go with my new hat, so I got a pair of cream-colored knit mittens that were super-warm. My mom also bought me a pair of grey bootie slippers, since my old slippers had fallen apart. After our day out, we drove home and then back out again to have dinner with the whole family at Pei Wei. Back at home, I surprised my sister with an early birthday gift: a Hollister holiday t-shirt. My mom got me one too (Promenade Park in green, $15.50). It was a great day!
Even though I'm back at school now, with Christmas break a little less than 3 weeks away, I'm hoping the weeks will fly by and I'll get to see my family and my new house (and actually spend a month there!). In the meantime, I'll enjoy my little presents and play all my Christmas music. Happy holidays, everyone!

Tights with Everything: Part 1

I am obsessed with tights! To me, they are perfect for fall and winter days under miniskirts (denim and knit), dresses, long sweaters and even shorts. They come in so many colors, patterns and textures that you'll never get bored--try pairing them with something unexpected! Here are a few ideas for how to wear your tights.

PARTY: So you were invited to a holiday party, and you're not sure what to wear. You want to stand out from the rest of the crowd in their festive dresses, so why not try a pair of tights with some sparkly shorts? The sparkle definitely makes the outfit party-appropriate and the tights add a hint of elegance. Throw on a bright red cardigan, a printed tank and some red-hot shoes and you'll be ready to party! Try: AE Solid Tights (black, $12.50), AE Sequin Party Shorts (online only, $49.50), AE Classic Cardigan (mulberry, $39.50), AE Printed Tank ($24.50) and AE Suede Ballet Flat (mauve glow, $24.95).

CLASS: Just another boring day at school...liven it up with a simply cute outfit! A long, cable-knit sweater looks perfect over a pair of sparkly tights and some boots really wrap up the ensemble. Add in some cute accessories and everyone will be asking where you get your clothes! Try: AE Cable Knit Long Sweater (light stone heather, $59.50), AE Metallic Mesh Tights (navy, $15.50), AE Warm & Fuzzy Boot (grey, $39.50), AE Rhinestone Bracelet ($15.50) and AE Rhinestone Heart Necklace ($15.50).

Check back for even more tights ideas!

Fall/Winter Lusts

Check out my slideshow of all the things I like in stores right now!

Let it Snow!

Today was the first snow of the season, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The first snow always feels so uplifting--the brisk cold air and beauty of the snow just make me feel so happy and alive. I know I'll get tired of it come February, but snow just feels so right this time of year. Sticking with that theme, I started scouring my favorite stores, looking for snow-inspired pieces. Here's what I found:

AMERICAN EAGLE: Fair Isle is a dead giveaway that the sweater or accessory will be wintery. AE has a lot of Fair Isle stuff this season, but my favorites are the AE Light & Lofty Fair Isle Long Sweater--perfect for the holidays ($59.50), the AE Fair Isle Clog--who would think to put this classic print on a clog ($34.50) and the AE Fair Isle Crew Socks--simple but warm ($6.50). For other snowy picks, I love the AE Snowbunny Trapper Hat--it just looks so fun and the faux fur is a nice touch ($34.50) and the AE Snowflake Toggle Sweater--check out the back for a wintery print ($79.50).

HOLLISTER: Hollister doesn't have as many things that scream winter as AE does, but I LOVE two of their sweaters: Abalone Cove--classic cardigan style with snowflake and heart patterns ($44.50) and Ramona--who can resist handknit ($130). Even though the Ramona sweater is kinda expensive, I'm definitely putting it on my Christmas wishlist (or maybe hunting it down once it goes on clearance after the holidays).

ABERCROMBIE KIDS: The Pamela sweater ($44.50) is just too cute to pass up, with its moose embroidery. Definitely get this sweater if you still fit in kids sizes (especially if you want to avoid paying $54 more for a similar sweater at A&F).

Winter is upon us...bring on the winter-inspired clothing!

A Perfect Pair

If you miss the days when it was warm enough to wear dresses, you're not alone! In Colorado, it really has started to feel like winter! Before this week, we hadn't really had fall-like weather or the typical Halloween snow so everything felt a little weird. I'm definitely enjoying the cooler temps and possible snow but I still miss my sundresses.

That's why I'm wanting to invest in a sweaterdress or two to pair with tights and boots. I've never owned a sweaterdress before but since they seem to be so popular now, I feel like it's definitely time to buy one.
Hollister's Laguna Niguel dress ($59.50) is a new arrival, replacing the previous Balboa Island dress ($29.90) which is still in the clearance section. However, I like the newer one better, because it isn't striped and seems to have a looser knit, which is more flattering. I would pair the dark heather grey version with a pair of brightly-colored leggings, such as the AE Thermal Leggings in red. If I wear a neutral color, especially a darker one, I like to pair it with bold accessories and colors so I don't look blah.
Abercrombie & Fitch's Michelle dress ($68) is striped, but I still like it a lot, especially in burgundy. With a patterned dress, stick to solid tights, such as the AE Metallic Mesh Tights in navy ($15.50). These will add a hint of sparkle to your look, which is very chic.
I prefer dresses that aren't really flared, or wide, at the bottom, so Abercrombie Kids' Caroline dress ($59.50) won me over with its more fitted shape. The cream color would look totally cute belted with a brown woven leather belt and a pair of brown tights...which I can't seem to find anywhere! Luckily, I still have a pair from Target that I got last year so hopefully those don't wear out.
What tights/leggings are you wearing with your sweaterdress?

Early Christmas Presents: Part 4

Hollister is the place to go year-round to get surf-inspired, SoCal clothing. Unlike Abercrombie & Fitch (nothing against you, A&F!), Hollister is a little more laid-back and the prices definitely reflect that; most things are $20-$70 cheaper at HCo. That's not to say that the quality is worse, though, Hollister is just drawing in a younger demographic that usually has less money to spend.

Looking for a unique sweater that'll keep you warm on Christmas and beyond? The Ramona sweater ($130) may be just what you're looking for! It has all-over knit vintage patterns, fits a little looser than most of their sweaters (that's why it's called Sexy Ease Fit) and is actually handknit which is why it's a little pricey. But it's still a great buy.
If you're totally over your old, ratty pjs, try Hollister's! Their Rockpile shorts ($15.50) won't break the bank and come in 5 super-cute patterns perfect for the holidays.
Add some shine to your accessories with a Vintage Cali Belt ($29.50). This one has a silvery strand weaving through the brown, so you'll definitely stand out whether you pair this belt with jeans or a dress.
Want a funny holiday-inspired graphic tee to wear to school? The Promenade Park tee ($15.50) has you covered, with 6 different colors each with a very different, comical and cute Christmas graphic. You'll really get into the holiday spirit with this shirt because a dollar from each purchase goes to preserve beaches. So you'll be giving, and getting!
Love plaid shirts? So do I! The hardest part for me is picking the color that I want, and with the Arch Bay shirt ($30), there are even more options! My favorites are the green plaid, the navy plaid and the light navy plaid, but feel free to choose whichever color you love best!
A simple sweater with a stand-out detail...that's the Scripps Pier sweater ($59.50) for ya! It comes in dark pink, navy and dark grey and each one features a large knit seagull in a pop color. And it's a classic scoopneck style that will go with almost anything, so you'll get a lot of wear out of this!
I've always loved the look of trapper hats, but never found one that was cute enough for me. The Vintage SoCal Knit Cap in red ($29.50) is very stylish though with its knit heart and logo embellishments. And you've gotta love the pom-poms!
If you want to extend the life of your miniskirts by wearing them into winter, you'll need a good pair of leggings. The Awesome Butt Jersey Leggings ($12) are simple but warm, and come in navy and three shades of grey to match just about anything you have.
Shop at Hollister this holiday season and you won't be disappointed! Look for free shipping and other discounts throughout the season and happy Cali Christmas!

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Fall

Some of my favorites just in time for the cooler weather!

This is such a strange thing for me to be saying that I hardly believe it myself, but it's finally starting to feel like fall in Colorado! If any of you out there are from CO or know anything about the state, you'll know that it's pretty bipolar, weather-wise. Summer is usually pretty warm and dry, winter is generally snowy and cold but there are some very nice, sunny days. Spring and fall, though, are a toss-up. It can snow one day, and be 75 degrees the next. This fall in particular has felt much more like summer, with a few cooler days mixed in. But I've really been longing for colder days so I can finally transition completely to my fall and winter wardrobe.

This week definitely marks a change to cool weather. This weekend is unseasonably warm, with temps in the mid-70s, but after it's over, things start to cool down. Which is great, because I can finally count on being able to wear sweaters, jeans, hoodies, clogs, tights and boots on a regular basis.

With the cool-down, it'll also start to feel much more like the holiday season. Most Halloweens here are either very cold, very snowy, or both. This year, only the mountains have gotten snow so far! I'm really anxious for Thanksgiving, New Year's, and of course Christmas, so having colder weather and possibly snow will help it feel more like the holidays rather than summer.

I'll also be able to wear outerwear again, which I love. A coat or a scarf can really make an outfit. I love Hollister's PC Highway jacket ($150)--the plaid is very rugged-chic. For a more fun look, I'd try the Ormond Beach jacket ($60)--it comes in so many bright colors that I'd have a hard time picking just one! For accessories, I've just gotta have the Classic Winter Scarf from HCo. ($34.50)--my favorite is the infinity-style bear and Fair Isle print in navy. The Vintage SoCal Knit Cap in red ($24.50

) is a simply cute style.
I'm ready to move on from the fun and sun of summer and enjoy the gifts that fall and winter have to bring!

Early Christmas Presents: Part 3

Gilly Hicks used to be a store better known for their cute bras and undies. All that has changed within the past year, as they added clothing to their lineup of lingerie. Since they are a "little sister" brand under Abercrombie & Fitch (just like Hollister), their clothes and their website have a similar feel, with a Down Under edge to it.

Are hoodies your go-to piece on cloudy, cold days? GH has a great selection of them, from hoodless sweatshirts, to button-down hoodies, to pullover ones and even styles with faux-sherpa or faux-fur. My personal favorite is the Collaroy zip-up ($59.50) in red. It's got a faux-sherpa-lined body and a faux-fur-trimmed hood, making it super-cozy for even the chilliest of days.
Like A&F's jeggings but don't want to shell out big bucks for them? Gilly has a great variety, from super-dark to vintage to grey washes, and they're all $30! What a deal!
If you live in a warmer climate, or like to pair your skirts with tights, try the Sorlie plaid skirt ($39.50). The colors are toned down enough for the season, but are still playful.
If you're anything like me, you love it when your accessories match. This store's got you covered: hats and scarves that totally go together! I like the Knit Winter Hat in pink stripe ($24.50) paired with the Preppy Winter Scarf in pink ($34.50).
They've got all kinds of plaid shirts, from tunic-style to classic button-down. Try the Kingsgrove shirt ($39.50)--it comes in 5 seasonal shades, has a waist-tie and a ruffly placket.
Looking for a cute tee with a wintery graphic? You've come to the right place. The Golden Grove tee ($16) features Cedric (their adorable koala logo) in all kinds of poses, from skiing to ice-skating.
Don't forget pjs...Gilly Hicks has them, too! Their Bare Island sleep pants ($29.50) are perfect for cuddling up next to the fireplace or wearing on Christmas morning.

Every Monday, they have a Secret Sale, where one type of item (tees, sweaters, accessories, undies, etc.) is on clearance for one day only online. Make sure to sign up for their emails so you can get in on this. Oh, and GH only has 16 stores across the U.S. so if none of them are near you, don't sweat it--you can always order their adorable stuff online. Happy shopping!

Dresses...In Winter?




Two very different (but both cute) dress looks!

Given my affinity for tights, boots and miniskirts, it's no wonder I'm lusting after the perfect winter dress. I'm such a girly-girl, and I really dreaded putting my summer dresses in storage a few weeks back. Luckily, I've still got plenty of skirts to wear throughout these next few months. But still no dress. Here are a few I'd love to get!

The AE Sequin T-Shirt Dress ($49.95, online only) is a simple cut with cute sequin detailing. It's a great dress for the holiday season because of it's sparkle, and it looks great over bright-colored tights (like the AE Thermal Leggings in purple, $24.50). And the open back adds a flirty touch.

For a more elegant look, try the AE Sweetheart Party Dress ($39.95, online only). I like it best in the deep bordeaux color because it's so holiday-like. Dress it up with gold heels, a leopard-print wrap (like the AE Faux Fur Leopard Coat, $89.95) and a clutch for a holiday party or dress it down with cream-colored tights and simple flats (like the AE Suede Ballet Flat in mauve glow, $24.95).

Abercrombie Kids' Elsie Sweater Dress ($49.50) in light brown would look amazing with my stripe brown leggings I bought from AE a few yea

rs ago and my dark brown Bearpaw boots. I've really been having a hard time finding a sweaterdress that isn't striped so this one is perfect.

If you're looking for the perfect dress for that special holiday event, or just to look cute on a chilly day, these stores have you covered!

Early Christmas Presents: Part 2

American Eagle is a great place to go to stock up on basics, like sweaters and jeans, for pretty low prices. I also really love their jewelry and large selection of footwear. Check out their website for a list of their top 15 gifts and make Christmas shopping easy this year!

Cable knit sweaters are a classic, and great for cold days under a jacket. But AE updated this look with their Cable Knit Hooded Sweater ($49.50). It comes in 6 colors, including a festive red, and is perfect for layering.

For those extra-chilly days, try the AE Puffer Coat ($119.50). It features a faux fur-lined hood and durable nylon that can stand up to wind and snow.
Leather is great for handbags, but not so great when it rains or snows. Luckily, the AE Mini Messenger Bag ($24.50) has the look of leather without actually being leather, and is much cheaper. It comes in 5 colors, and since it's so inexpensive, you may be able to treat yourself to more than one!
I really love the boots that American Eagle is offering this year, especially the AE Button Warm & Fuzzy Boots ($39.50). The chestnut color is my fave, but it also comes in khaki, rich chocolate and olive so it'll easily match your wardrobe. They pair well with tights and a mini or a pair of skinnies or even cropped boyfriend pants.
Hoodies are great for days when you don't have much time to get ready or you just want a more simple look. The AE Shawl Collar Graphic Hoodie ($24.95) has really cute graphics, comes in 6 colors and looks great over jeans.
Flannel shirts are a winter update to the classic oxford shirt and usually come in bright plaid patterns. The AE Lightweight Plaid Flannel Shirt ($39.50) is thick enough so you stay warm but thin enough that you can layer it over a tank or tee.
The AE Polar Fleece Jacket ($34.95) does double-duty as a zip-up hoodie and a lightweight jacket. A choice of 8 colors means you'll easily be able to find one you love.
Looking for a looser-fitting casual sweater? You've come to the right place--try the AE Light & Lofty Dolman Sweater ($39.95) for a hand-knit look that's very unique.

Start shopping now and take advantage of their free shipping offers and other discounts. Happy holidays!

Petite Pick of November

Sweater, cami and skirt

Happy Halloween, everyone! While I'm not doing anything particularly fun this Halloween evening (unless you count studying for an exam, which I don't), my weekend has certainly been jam-packed. I got to come home this weekend because my little sister was getting confirmed at our church, so Saturday evening and Sunday morning were booked. Friday evening was nice because my mom, sister and I got to check out a new restaurant (new for us) called Mad Greens--it's like a gourmet salad place, and it's really good. After the 2 1/2 hour drive home, we carved pumpkins! Last night, I also got to watch some classic Disney Halloween videos with my parents and today for lunch/dinner we went to P.F. Chang's to celebrate my sister's Confirmation. So it was a good weekend.

But anyways, the point of this post is to showcase one of the outfits I wore this weekend, one that I think is great for petites. It was what I wore on Saturday to the Confirmation banquet.

I love short-sleeved, easy-fitting sweaters. I own four from Hollister, and they're perfect for a petite frame. They show off your small arms and drape loosely, but not too loosely, creating curves while highlighting your body. This one was a navy blue one I bought from Hollister a few months ago, with a deep V-neck and cute pink and navy side ties. Underneath is a basic white lacy cami from Aeropostale. On bottom is a burgundy and navy floral skirt from Hollister. The great part about it is it's thinly knit but not see-through and the dark pattern looks great for all seasons. The skirt is also the perfect length for petites. I paired it with a pair of cream-colored pointelle tights from American Eagle--tights are great for when you want to wear a cute mini but it's a little too chilly outside--and a pair of tan boots. For jewelry, I stuck with a simple sparkly necklace, a set of silver and white bangles and a silver sparkly ring, all from AE. I wore my hair in relaxed curls (I had curled my hair the previous morning, slept on it overnight and just brushed them out a little the next day) and had neutral makeup.

The best part is, I actually took a picture of my outfit for the first time in a while so you can actually see somewhat how the outfit looks. I think it's great for any petites who want a simple but nice outfit for special events during the chillier months.
Hopefully I will get back in the habit of taking pictures of my outfit and including them in my posts--after all, a picture's worth a thousand words.

Have a great Halloween, and get ready for November! 

My boots (sorry about the clutter!)

Skirt and tights

Early Christmas Presents: Part 1

Who doesn't love to treat themselves to a little shopping spree after a long, hard week? I know I do, and while I rarely have enough money to do it, it's still a lot of fun.

It's not even Halloween yet, but stores are already introducing their Christmas collections. This just has me super-excited for the holiday season--I can't wait to start playing Christmas songs and seeing the first snow. Today's post is about the new arrivals at Abercrombie & Fitch...check out later posts in days to come featuring American Eagle, Gilly Hicks and Hollister.

I love anything that's lined with sherpa--it's just so cozy-warm! A&F's Pamela jacket ($88) combines the typical logo zip-up hoodie with faux-sherpa to create a very cute layer for the upcoming cold months.
Plaid shirts aren't just for lumberjacks--they're a good contrasting layer under a bomber jacket or cardigan. The Natasha shirt ($58) is a great tunic style with a waist drawstring, plunging V-neck and ruffle trim that comes in 5 festive shades that look good yearlong.

Even though it's starting to get cooler in Colorado (though we've had some days close to 80 degrees lately, which is almost unheard of!), I still like wearing skirts. The Carley skirt ($58) has a classic floral pattern complemented by a giant ribbon tie around the waist. The colors and pattern don't scream summer either, which is great. I could see myself wearing it with a pair of white tights and some boots or ballet flats.

Boxer shorts and bedtime are a classic combination. What's even better--boxer shorts that are a perfect gift for the holidays! The Kali boxers ($28) feature either an adorable moose with Christmas lights wrapped around its antlers or a simple plaid pattern.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of sweatshirts that are hoodless and zipperless. Instead, they have a high mock neck collar and buttons. This is a great update to the classic hoodie. Try the Victoria sweatshirt ($70).

Fair Isle is the perfect print for winter. The Taryn cardi ($58) has winter patterns and is great for layering.

What's winter without a great jacket? Take advantage of A&F's price break on their stylish belted puffer coat (Harley, now $150). It comes in 6 neutral shades so you can wear it over anything.

Of course, you always need a few basic layers to go under everything. But they can still be adorable--like the Kaylin tee ($30). Each color has its onw unique holiday-themed graphic, from a moose wearing a winter hat to an assortment of cold-weather drinks.

Start your holiday shopping now to get a head-start on all the great things in stores. And pick up a thing or two for yourself while you're at it :)

Have You Made Your Wishlist Yet?

Shopping sprees are great, but you know what's even better? A shopping spree that you don't have to pay for! Of course, I'm not advocating shoplifting here, I'm talking about winning a store gift card...in this case, American Eagle's Wish for Winter Sweeps. You can win a $1000 AE or Aerie gift card just by creating or updating your holiday wishlist on their website. 8 others will win $500 gift cards.
All you have to do is sign in with your email address and AE password (or sign up for emails and discounts on their website) and start shopping! You don't have to actually buy anything, just look around and add things to your wishlist. You can even prioritize the list and add comments.
I've started my AE wishlist, and while it currently only has 3 items in it, I'll definitely be adding more...and wishing to win the gift card!

Epic Clothes

Some of my Epic Only faves!

If you're as much of a fan of Hollister as I am, you'll know that a little over a year ago, they opened their first flagship store in NYC, called the Epic store. With 4 floors of Hollister clothing, it's a dream come true from HCo. lovers. Besides the items you'll find online and at your local store, the Epic flagship also offers some pieces that are exclusive to that location...or are they?

You can actually find and buy these Epic Only clothes on the Hollister website, which is great for those of us who aren't able to go to New York anytime soon. The Epic stuff always looks a little bit different than the rest, with some sort of special detailing, such as sequins or a unique color, that sets it apart.

Sometimes, I'm all psyched when I see a very cute sweater or hoodie or skirt, only to realize that it's Epic Only, so I'd have to buy it online. However, shipping isn't too bad--$8 for items under $50--so if you really like an item that's Epic Only, it's not too painful to pay for S&H.
One of my favorite Epic Only items this season is the Dixon Lake sweater ($79.50) in burgundy. I love sweaters with short, loose sleeves and I like how this one has HCo.'s Sexy Ease Fit, which means that it fits a little looser than usual. This is definitely going on my Christmas wishlist :)
I also like the Little Harbor pullover hoodie ($39.50) in yellow or dark green. This hoodie comes in 16 colors, 4 of them Epic Only, which is unfortunate, because in my opinion, the Epic Only colors are the cutest.
The Oceanside crop pants ($39.50) are super-cute too, in grey or navy. But online, the sizes are limited, so you may not be able to find your size anymore.
The Manhattan Beach coat ($160) in navy plaid is the perfect jacket for cold winters. Get it while you can, though--many of the sizes are already backordered!
Check out the Hollister website for these and even more cute Epic Only items. And make sure you take advantage of their occasional free shipping over $75 deals!

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.