Winter 2014 Must- Haves

Winter 2014 Must- Haves by strawberryfields791 featuring a wide brim hat

1. Blanket Scarf: These have been all over the place for months and, as I've said many times before, I stand firmly behind any fashion item that doubles as a blanket. These come in all kinds of varieties but I'm particularly drawn to the plaid and or chunky knit ones like the above one from Urban Outfitters.

2. Glitter Eyeliner: Ok, maybe calling this a must-have is a bit of a stretch but nothing says winter to me quite like metallic golden hues. Also, I'm really looking for an excuse to buy this little pretty and what better way to celebrate the new year than with a glittery cat eye? Just go with me here, guys. This eyeliner is fabulous and as far as I'm concerned glitter eye makeup is a must all year round.

3. Chunky Sweater: Whether you like them cropped or oversized, cream or black, a big chunky sweater is a necessity to survive the winter chills. A great sweater goes with everything, jeans and ankle booties, layered over a dress with tall riding boots. I wear my sweaters to death and this little ditty from Choies would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

4. Headwraps: I don't know if this is a trend lately or just an obsession of mine but I can't get enough of pretty headwraps like the one above from Amazon. Seriously, join me on this bandwagon, you won't regret it. These are perfect to cover up a bad (or, lets be honest, dirty) hair day and, as an added bonus, they keep your ears super warm.

5. Capes: These have been gaining popularity since early fall and a cozy wool version is perfect for those chilly winter days. There are so many variations of this trend out there right now, I just loved the cool moto detail on the H&M one above.

6. Wide-Brim Fedora: I'll admit it, I wear these about year round but there's just something about this hat that screams winter. I'm imagining the way this lovely topper would look on a snowy day with a chunky knit sweater and a big wool coat. There are a lot of options out there for hats like this but this one from Forever 21 is definitely a wallet-friendly choice.

7. Riding Boots: Confession time, I actually splurged and bought these boots for myself with some Christmas money I got. I'd been looking to replace my super beat up Steve Madden boots for a while and when someone returned these beauties to my store, I decided it was fate. And, honestly, I think it was a great purchase. These are beautifully made, super comfy, and the leather feels like absolute butter. I'm looking forward to rocking these for years to come. (They're the Sam Edelman Penny Riding Boot in Whiskey-I got mine from Anthro because of my discount, but I think they're on sale at Nordstrom).

Whew! This season's must-haves were definitely the hardest for me to come up with. Winter is not my favorite season and it's difficult for me to come up with things I'm excited to wear when the weather is less than sunny. If you too suffer from the curse of the chilly closet, I hope you'll find this little guide helpful and maybe a bit inspiring, I know making it made me feel less dreary about dressing for the upcoming months. Stay warm out there, friends!

Jeans and a T-shirt

Please excuse the super pasty sick face I'm rocking in these pictures. My immune system decided to get knocked down by a cold and it took the rest of me down with it. I've basically spent the past few days wallowing around in leggings, so I was pretty pleased with this little comfy-cozy ensemble. Maybe it's not the most "blog worthy" thing in the world but it's certainly true to life. I wore it, I liked it, I posted it. Sometimes I feel pressured to make my life seem more together or more glamorous for this blog, but I want this to be an honest space. I want my little slice of the internet to feel like a real depiction of my life and I think posts like this help with that. I'm not perfect (not that I ever pretend to be), I don't have it all together (which I do pretend, frequently), and some days I just want to wear jeans and a t-shirt. 

Tee: Luke's

Jacket: Tabitha, Anthropologie

Jeans: Kohl's

Booties: Rocketdog, thrifted

Headband: Anthropologie

Rings: Charming Charlie, Sisters on Tate, Urban Outfitters

Leafy Views

I really love the way these pictures turned out. Gorgeous natural light and pretty leaves on the ground, who could ask for more? I guess a bit of snow couldn't hurt, but white Christmases are few and far between in these parts, so I'll just make do with these fantastic leafy views until winter weather drops in. Speaking of Christmas, I can't believe there are only six days to go, where has the time gone? Last year, I was so much more prepared, I had all my gifts ready to go and my apartment fully decked out by this point. But, this year looks like it'll be a "scrambling until the last possible second to get everything done" kind of Christmas. 

Sweater: Forever 21, Thrifted

Shorts: Eloise, Anthropologie

Boots: Dolce Vita, Urban Outfitters

Tights: H&M

Necklace: Anthropologie

Watch: Fossil

Bracelet: Charming Charlie

Rings: Antique (gift), Sisters on Tate, Urban Outfitters

Thrifty Tidbits

This coat makes me want to take back all the mean things I said about coats in my last post. I love this coat! I'm crazy about the whole shag trend that's happening right now. Coats, vests, cardigans, I'm all over it. It just lends such a cool texture to an outfit that I can't get enough of. I always enjoy it when I realize that an outfit is almost entirely thrifted. I'm a big proponent of the idea that you don't have to spend a fortune to look good and I love when I choose an ensemble that reinforces that. Also, I can't believe I've never shown this purse on the blog before, it's probably my best thrift find ever. I only paid $5 for this gorgeous vintage Coach bag. I love the berry color and I actually kind of like that it's a little distressed. I think I would worry too much about messing it up if it were in perfect condition. 

Dress: Velvet, Thrifted
Coat: Forever 21, Thrifted
Booties: Old Navy
Belt: TJ Maxx? (not sure, I think it came with a dress I bought there)
Purse: Coach, Thrifted
Necklace: Forever 21
Watch: Fossil

Bootied Feet and Coat Free

There's this really great little diner here in Greensboro that Luke and I like to hit up when we can. It's called Herbie's and they have about the best breakfast deal ever. This is what I wore out to brunch there last week. It was a warmish day, so I decided to embrace going jacket free while I still could. Unfortunately, when this time of year rolls around, my days of non-bulky layers are numbered. There are few things I dislike more than covering up a cute outfit with a big coat. Oh well, I suppose I'll come to embrace outerwear once the temperatures take a dive. But, for now, I'm all about light layers and cozy details.

Top: Forever 21, Thrifted

Jeans: Kohl's

Vest: Saturday Sunday, Anthropologie

Booties: Route 66

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Watch: Fossil

Rings: Sisters on Tate, Urban Outfitters

Wonder Woman, Sort of

Tee: Gap, Thrifted
Skirt: Greylin, Anthropologie
Jacket: Abercrombie, Thrifted
Sandals: Pacsun
Necklace: Anthropologie
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet: Charming Charlie
Rings: Charming Charlie and Urban Outfitters

While wearing this outfit, a toddler in a Wonder Woman shirt complimented my shoes, lipstick, and hair. And, as far as I'm concerned that equals a successful outfit. This was a fairly simple combo but I felt good in it (so good I ended up wearing it two days in a row, oops). I love it when an ensemble just falls together like this one did. Unfortunately, it rarely works out that way for me. Most days I spend my getting ready time burrowing through the clothes mountain on my bedroom floor trying to find something that resembles an outfit. I'd love to present myself as one of those hyper-organized women with a color coordinated closet and a never ending supply of inspiration and energy. But, in reality, I'm kind of a mess. I barrel through my apartment every day leaving a trail of debris in my wake. I guess everyone has their faults, this one of mine just leads to more tripping hazards than others. 

Fall 2014 Must- Haves

Fall 2014 Must- Haves by popberry727

1. Blanket Cardigan: Like I mentioned in my last post, I'm crazy about big cozy cardigans like this one from blackfive.com. Any clothing item that doubles as bedding is a-ok in my book. Also, the geometric print on this cardi is to die for. It would look great paired with leather leggings and ankle booties.

2. Vampy Lipstick: Without fail, I crave dark lips every fall. Something about the crisp weather and the spooky Halloween vibe in the air makes me want to cover my mouth in dark plum and cranberry hues. This particular lipstick from NARS is a bit out of my price range but the shade was just too perfect not to include it here. I'm sure I can find a dupe for this color at a lower price point, I'll let you guys know.

3. Floppy Hat: I have a minor (read: major) hat fixation and this little ditty from warehouse.co.uk is autumn ready. I just finished watching American Horror Story: Coven and their hat game was on point. That whole season had me craving floppy hats and maxi skirts, all in black of course.

4. Poncho: Capes and ponchos have been all over the place this season. We have several items of this style at Anthropologie right now and I expect I'll give in any day now and purchase one. You just can't beat a soft, oversized pullover like the H&M one above for those chilly fall mornings.

5. Flannel: I know, I know, this is so cliche but flannel and fall just go together so perfectly. I've been combing the thrift stores lately trying to find a perfectly worn in flannel shirt to add to my fall wardrobe. This one from H&M is a great option but flannel is one of those things I'm determined to thrift.

6. Vest: Fall is all about the layers and a vest is one of the most versatile layering ones you can own. I'd recommend something with a touch of shearling or fur for an autumn ready look that can't be beat. The fallfor.com one above would be perfect with dark denim and block heeled ankle boots.

7. Satchel: Even though I'm not going back to school this year, I can't help but crave structured, book ready bags. This pretty one from Modcloth would work in the office as well as the classroom.

8. Ankle Booties: This list of mine just wouldn't be complete without an ode to my favorite footwear of the moment. I just can't get enough of them! These lovely beige ones from Missguided are too cool to resist. They'd be great with a little floral dress or jeans and a cozy sweater. If you can only get one item for fall, I would wholeheartedly recommend buying a pair of ankle boots. They go with absolutely everything and are perfect to help transition summerier pieces to cooler weather.