Summer Sales: Your Best Bets Under $25

As I've trekked all over the state for back to school shopping (and I have more planned for tomorrow) I've also experienced the agony of seeing stuff on sale for me, but feeling guilty because I'm supposed to buying my kids' jeans. But guilt I will feel no more! Stores are clearing out their summer merch, so it's a killer time to stock up on stuff you'll use for the rest of the year.

Look for things that you can layer up and use past August to get the most bang for your buck. You'll add some fun stuff to your closet on the cheap and, if you're anything like me in Utah, summer will last a heck of a lot longer past the back to school season.

Maxi Dresses:

Look for 'em in non-summery colors: I love black and white because they're the easiest to layer with other colors. For now, wear to the pool or while running errands with flip flops, but when it starts to cool off, add an adorable cardigan or leather jacket and some boots. DONE.

Floaty Tanks:

Loose tanks are a staple for me when it comes to throwing something over my swimsuit before we hit the lake. But don't pass them over! They're on sale! When it's cool enough, they look great with something structured, like a shrunken blazer, skinnies and heels for date night.

Bermuda Shorts:

You can find killer deals on shorts right now. Bermudas are perfect for transitioning into fall. Of course you're probably wearing them with flip flops and T-shirts now, but  they're uber-cute with loafers and comfy sweaters in the fall, so buy 'em up! Keep an eye out for structure though: Structured shorts will look way better in the fall.

Wedges:

Skip the crazy colors, florals and cork bottoms: They'll scream summer. But if you can snag some neutral wedges with clean lines, do it. It'll stay warm for a few months yet and you can pull them off through the fall for a fate night shoe. I love wedges with a skinny cuffed jean and jacket. I especially like cognac-colored wedges with fall jewel tones.

Swimwear:

August is my sweet spot for buying swimwear because of two reasons: 1) I have a great tan by August and 2) Everything is on sale. I love department stores for a huge selection of cheap swimwear. I just barely bought a suit for $9, I kid you not. My fave is a Kenneth Cole two-piece I bought from Dillards for like, $19. And I got a free tote bag, so I win at life.

Now you know what I'm keeping an eye out for. Anything you're looking for that I can help find? Let's be honest though, I don't censor myself from shopping much. If I find a great boat shoe, summer scarf or jacket, I'm probably gonna go for it. Hooray for sales!

How to Wear Different Boot Heights

 ***Hey guys, this is totally a repost. We had some really sad stuff happen in our little community over the weekend (I'm not trying to be vague on purpose, it's just not up to me to divulge the details) and it would be wholly inappropriate to react by posting pictures of myself prancing around on the Internet. I know I'm always bummed when a blog has old or no content for a week, but it's a necessary evil at least until Monday. You guys still love me, right?**

As the coldest winter in the history of mankind trudges on, I've found that I literally have not worn anything but boots for like, a month. Yesterday, while I was organizing my closet -- yes, I occasionally do that -- I was pulling out boots left and right and mentally cataloging all of the boots I want to buy when they go on sale in like, March. Oh yes, they will be mine. Anyway, since I'm kind of sick of wearing boots in general, I thought it might help if I made some outfit ideas with different boot lengths. Because seriously, if I have to wear another boot/cardigan combo, I might throw up. Of course, that might have something to do with the flu but STILL.

Ankle Boots

People Tree jersey shirt, $43 / Mango slim jeans / Aéropostale studded shoes / Messenger bag / Black jewelry / Giani Bernini celtic jewelry, $13

Ankle boots are tricky for me because I have a generous backside which is a really nice way of saying huge butt. Little shoes + huge butt makes me look like Humpty Dumpty. Still, you can get away with it as long as you know your proportions and you keep your clothes slim-fitting. Wearing ankle boots with too much volume up top could make you look like you have teeny little pins for legs ESPECIALLY if you carry your weight in your belly. I like ankle boots with tons of hardware, since they look more substantial to stay balanced. Also notice that all the boots today are flat because hello, it's winter and I live in Utah and everything is covered in ice. The other day I was wearing like, the smallest 1" heels and I almost killed myself trying to get into our Jeep. I have learned my lesson.

Mid-Calf Boots

Roxy raglan sleeved t shirt / Military coat, $40 / Big Star boyfriend jeans / Charlotte Russe zipper boots / Zipper bag / Frye leather bracelet

Mid-calf boots can visually cut your leg in half, so I like to wear mine with a rolled cuff, That way, I'm controlling where the cutting happens and I can extend it a little. Luckily, I have longer legs and I can deal. This would not be great if you have short legs... it'll look like you have little knee stumps. Choose an ankle or knee boot instead. I love wearing my mid-calf boots with tomboy-ish stuff. I think they look better with looser, less prim clothes. I may have worn an exact replica of this outfit a few days ago, except that I also wore a hat. My hair was messy and I have roots. Don't judge.

Knee-High Boots

Boyfriend cardigan / Zalando cotton blazer, $24 / H&M leopard print skirt, $32 / Old Navy low heels / Mango patent leather tote / Yellow jewelry

These babies are the most flattering and where you should start if you're a total newb. You probably already know how to wear skinnies with knee high boots, but I also wear my flat boots with skirts, too. I like how it makes them look more sporty and less board room, so you can get away with wearing them casually. Tip: Wear tights, too. It's hard to go wrong with knee-high boots, they're super easy. I wear mine with colored skinnies, jeans, skirts and maxi dresses and skirts.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Button down shirt / Skinny fit jeans, $35 / Charlotte Russe kitten heels / Canvas satchel, $16 / Leather cuff bracelet, $40 / Juicy Couture jewelry / Topshop 

Alright, Pretty Woman. If you're looking for some over-the-knee boots, remember that they make your legs look really short. To balance it, belt your shirt at your skinniest part and it'll trick people into thinking that's where your legs start. That way, you get longer thighs before the boot cuts 'em off. Wow, that sounded really violent. Also, choose boots that go JUST over the knee. Anything higher and you're off to Hookerville, do you hear me? I like over-the-knee with more polished looks and jeans rather than skirts.

Surfing around and finding outfits has given me some awesome boot ideas and I really bad case of I-want-to-buy-everything-itis.

What's your go-to boot outfit? Seriously I am SO boot-bored and need ideas!

Reader Question: Frigid Fashion

Mari sent over this question and I thought it required a full blog as opposed to a quick answer. Let's all thank her and enjoy.

"I'm experiencing sub zero temps and wicked wind chill factors of -30 with the recent weather. I want to maintain my adorable look, but I'm worried I may have to sacrifice fashion for frumpy in order to be safe. Help!"

YOU GUYS on the East Coast/Canada, I'm feeling for you. I talk to my family members up there every day or two and after going without power over Christmas and now dealing with a POLAR VORTEX up there, I am kiiind of patting myself on the back for not living there anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love my hometown and Canadians are the nicest ever, but I don't miss the winters at all. They conjure images of trying to get to school my my nose hairs froze together. It wasn't pretty.

I still live in a pretty cold climate, but the difference is the sun. Utah gets tons of winter sun, so it's usually more mild and not so soul crushing. Still, you have to know how to dress warmly either way.

Can I just say how annoying it is to see a "winter" spread in a magazine or on a blog (this one made me lol) and their ideas are in no way realistic. It's like what people in California would imagine winter was like -- slightly nippy and swathed in pumpkin spice lattes. The rest of know that they're silly, so let's talk ways about staying warm without losing all sense of fashion.


 Use Color

Yes, you have to cover your cute clothes up with a ton of warm layers, but if your coat is a bright color, you can fight off some of the sads that come with crappy winter slushy snow. I love a bright red jacket -- I have a red wool pea jacket that always makes me happy when I pull it out.

Belt that Sucka

One of the worst parts about warm coats is the fact that they can be totally shapeless and then you're just this marshmallow of nylon making your way through the awful, awful month of February (oh how I dread it). Adding a belt -- or buying a jacket that comes with a belt -- can help remind everyone that there's actually a woman inside there. Also, this with some jeans and warm boots is instantly adorable.






Layer Like Crazy

Another issue with cold weather is the fact that you're usually going from outside to inside pretty quickly, so you'll need to be able to ditch a few layers. I love down vests for this purpose: I layer them over a tank and a hoodie and then wear a thinner jacket over top. I'm warm enough outside and then I can ditch the jacket and vest inside if I need to.I also love vests for wearing over workout gear because we all know that the only thing worse than exercising is being cold on the way to said exercise.
Either way, layering is your friend in the winter. Stock up on thinner hoodies, sweaters and long sleeved tees and then use them as base pieces for warmer layers.





Actual Warm Accessories

Now is the time to put away those lightweight scarves and bring out the big guns. I hoard wool scarves because they're awesome to wear with leather jackets on days when the sun comes out to play. You're also going to need some good gloves (I like leather, but I also keep a pair of wool mittens in my car for emergencies) and a hat. Looking for accessories with patterns and colors brings a little bit of light to your outfit while still being functional. And if it's not functional you can just get out right now.

You can also layer up accessories. Extra socks and gloves are par for the course around here.





Cute, Weatherproof Boots

Yeah, your run-of-the-mill boots might be cute, but if they're leather or patent, they're going to suck in the snow. You need to invest in a pair of weatherproof boots -- extra points if they would look adorable with skinnies and a bomber jacket, like these would. Yes, they'll cost more than the $30 pair you picked up at Target, but they'll also keep your feet dry and that's worth the extra money. Because wet feet make everyone angry. EVERYONE.






Go for Pockets

When picking winter coats, I always choose one with tons of pockets for a few reasons. The first is that I don't usually wear a purse with a huge jacket. It looks weird and it's a pain and a hazard if you slip and fall. Not that it ever happens to me. Anyway, I stash everything in my pockets and then add a couple of those Hot Hands packets. I buy a ton at the start of winter and we use them all by the time March rolls around.

If you do choose to wear a purse or bag, look for something you can wear crossbody so you can go hands free.


I know I'm the judgiest when it comes to well, everything. But if growing up in Canada taught me anything, it was:
a) That you hold the door open for others or you might as well surrender your citizenship card like, right now.
b) The winter is no joke.
Therefore, being safe trumps being fashionable when it's colder than the surface of Mars. Color and belts and pretty scarves are well and good, but you need to stay warm above all.

Mari, hopefully that helps out. And I hope that it thaws out a bit there. Until then, button up, wear some gloves and cover your dang ankles.

The 5 Jackets You Need for Fall/Winter

OK, so I'm having a love/hate relationship with the snow on my lawn right now. I hate that it came out of nowhere the minute after Halloween, but I love that my kids have spent every waking moment sledding on the hill behind our house while I stay inside and watch Love, Actually and cry.

Dat movie!

I also love layering, so that's one of the major pluses for colder weather. I love jackets and am always buying them, but it occurred to me that not everyone has an extensive jacket collection. And by "not everyone" I mean "no one."

Still, if you want to layer up during the colder weather without looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, it's a good idea to have different jackets for different purposes. I'll detail my must-haves, but know that I also have like, snowmobiling coats and whatnot that have no place here. They are for snowmobiling and that's it.

The rest though, you must.

Mossimo® Women's Faux Leather Moto Jacket -Black

a.n.a® Faux-Leather Jacket

MM Couture Moto Jacket

1. A Leather or Moto Jacket

These are by far my favorite type of jacket. I love how you can throw them over anything and there's an instant cool factor. I also love that they aren't a bajillion degrees so they're OK to wear shopping, even if they aren't super warm for like, a blizzard. I wear mine with skinnies and boots, but they're super cute over dresses and tights too.

I tend to splurge on classic colors, like brown, cream and black. Then I buy less-expensive colors, like red, maroon and yellow. The basic colors will always be in style and the brighter shades are just for funsies.

GUESS Jacket - Military Twill

American Rag Jacket, Hooded Military Cargo

Women's Zip-Front Military Jackets

2. A Military-Style Jacket

I wasn't all that sold on military jackets being a staple until my husband bought me one last year. Now it's in constant rotation because it goes with everrrrything I own. Look for a girly shape -- mine has cute drawstrings to cinch in the waist and I wear it with flats and skinnies. I also love wearing it with ankle boots and I try to keep 'em low. Too high and you'll actually look like you're in the military.

Calvin Klein Coat, Wool-Cashmere-Blend Pea Coat

BCBG Paris Coat, Double-Breasted Faux-Leather-Trim Pea Coat

D.E.P.T. Women's Classic Pea Coat

3. A Pea Coat

There's nothing worse than wearing a fancy dress and then covering it up with an ugly parka. OK FINE racism is worse. But not having a formal coat is like, a close second or third at least. Seriously though, there's a reason that pea coats have been in style for a century. They're classic. I have two in red and black and one of them was given to me -- I kid you not -- 11 years ago when I was a teenager living at home. Moral of the story: A good-quality wool pea coat looks amazing with dresses, skirts and boots and will last you forever.

Just take care when you choose the length. You want it to cinch in at your natural waist. If you have short legs, go for a shorter coat so it doesn't cut you off.

D.E.P.T. Women's Bomber Twill Parka

Buffalo by David Bitton Faux Fur Trim Camo Parka

Hilary Radley Faux Fur Collar & Tuxedo Trim Quilted Parka

4. A Warm Parka Type

I'm not dumb -- I live on a mountain. And while I value fashion, I also value warmth. So when it's freezing out, I pull out the big guns -- my parka. When you choose a parka, I think it's important to look for feminine details like a nice shape, faux fur -- whatever it takes so you don't look like the abominable snowman. I like a fur-trimmed parka with cuffs because driving my kid to preschool whilst cold is a nightmare. I also wear mittens because I'm 5.

Fox - Blockout Zip Jacket (Black) - Apparel

Columbia Double Plush Sporty Full-Zip Jacket

Obey - Varsity Lover Jacket (Burgandy) - Apparel

5. A Sporty Lightweight Jacket

I'm constantly running around town in workout clothes, either because I'm on my way to workout or because stretchy pants just sounded like a good idea that way. That's why I also look for a sporty jacket that I can wear with workout gear. I just bought a new one the weekend before last (the first one pictured -- only in red and black) and I'm wearing it now because I'm taking my spawn to the pool after lunch and I don't want to get dressed. Look for something lightweight enough that it'll take you from fall and then into spring again.

OK, all of these are just making me want to layer up and go crunch through some leaves with boots on like a child. Are there any jackets I'm forgetting?

Sneaky Ways to Transition Trendy Summer Pieces into Fall

Oh hey friends, long time no see. I'm still playing catch up -- I flew in yesterday afternoon and promptly fell asleep for two hours. My son slept for four hours straight and my daughter hung out and watched documentaries on Netflix because she's strange.

I had an awesome trip back home, with highlights including eating an entire Costco pumpkin pie, watching movies at 2 am with my brother while cutting out mustaches for a wedding shower and taking my kids to Niagara Falls and the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, which is where my husband and I had one of our first dates. There's a belly button lint collection, so it's pretty high brow stuff.

Fall in Canada was gooorgeous. I took my parents' dog out for walks and it was so warm and sunny and I overshared with polite Canadians. And then I came home to Utah, which is freezing right now. Seriously. There was frost on my windows. NOT COOL. But tomorrow is supposed to be warmer, which means I'm not dragging out the winter coats just yet.

When the weather is being more awkward than me apologizing to someone who stepped on my foot, it's time to work those transition pieces. You know, the ones you bought for summer but can't bear to put away? Flip flops need to head to the back of the closet, but there are some sneaky summer pieces you can keep around until it's time to bust out your winter boots.

The Maxi Skirt (Oh, come on you know I was going to say it.)

Mossimo biker jacket / Long fitted skirt / Dollhouse flat / Sephora Collection clutch / Giani onyx jewelry, $35 / Sole Society tube scarf

As an enthusiastic enthusiast of maxi skirts, I hate the way my wardrobe dwindles when I have to put them away. So I'm still wearing mind, just swapping out the flip flops and tees for leather jackets, flats and scarves. And the fair isle pattern to this skirt is just sooooo fall shopping and skipping through leaves.

The Bright Pants (Or statement piece)

Dorothy Perkins jersey knit blazer / Old Navy green jegging / Topshop lacy camisole / Ribbon ballet shoes / ASOS black top handle handbag / Forever 21 necklace / Miss Selfridge black belt

So bright colors and neon were ha-yuge all summer long, but don't ditch your bright skinnies now that it's all doom and gloom and pumpkin spice lattes. Instead, you can totally wear them -- just tone them down with neutrals like tan, black and navy. Super cute and totally fall apropros. Although I'll admit that I'll miss wearing my yellow skinnies with the most obnoxiously bright color combinations that I can think of.

The Chambray Shirt

Hollister Co. beach shirt / American Eagle Outfitters gray shirt / H&M black skinny leg jeans, $16 / Boots / Shoulder bag / La Mer analog wrist watch

Chambray is a summer fabric -- it's light and airy. I have some heavier chambray shirts that may veer into denim territory, but I still don't want to ditch my cute chambray altogether. In fact, using it as a layering piece has made it kind of a staple around these parts. I've been LIVING in a chambray, black jeans and boots combo for the past three weeks. Layer it up under a lighter sweater and it's super cute and not a bajillion degrees.

The Camo Skinny

Aéropostale relax shirt / ZCO camoflauge pants / Mossimo boots / Vintage satchel / Enamel flower jewelry

I searched and searched for my camo skinnies and finally found them when the summer was almost over. So what's a girl to do? I'm wearing mind with chunky sweaters and boots. A word to the wise though -- if you wear your camo skinnies with boots, I find that a more shapely boot looks best. Wearing my camo skinnies with my Fryes looks waaaay too much like I'm actually in the army. Swap it out for slouchy or taller boots and they look much better.

So save your money for better stuff, like when you shop for yourself on Black Friday... not that I do that or anything.

And probably don't eat an entire Costco pumpkin pie.

Transitioning into Fall and Winter

This a repost from last year. I started to write another post about transitioning summer wear and I was like wait, didn't I already do this? It's just been one of those days where I had like, three minutes to get dressed and out the door because I overdosed on NyQuil, then totally slept in and my family is in town visiting and I'm all over the place. Don't you love days like that? So when I sat down to blog I basically started writing this one again. My brain hurts.

So I'm reposting as a reminder! Keep your maxi dresses in rotation please!

********************************************************************************

We've discussed how much I enjoy colder weather because it means a few things to me: Holidays, cute boots and LAYERING. Oh how I love to layer. It creates interest and dimension to outfits that I just can't achieve with the t-shirts and flip flops of summer.

Of course, all summer long I expounded upon the importance of things like maxi dresses, casual dresses and skirts. If you were good followers, you listened and rushed out and invested in all things girly. But now it's getting cold, what the heck do you do with them?

Never fear! I have ideas for transitioning your wardrobe into winter and fall. I am NOT the kind of girl who puts away her summer clothes and rotates out her closet. Every piece is fair game around here, and if you're not a bazillionaire you probably just need to make it work with the clothing you already have.

Your Maxi Dress:

Oasis Feather Print Maxi Dress, Multicoloured, 15 GBP
AE Women's Denim Jacket (Authentic Medium Wash), $50
Miss Me Women's Monet-16A Studded Ankle Boot, $50
East West Messenger, $48
Java Marble Resin Bangle Set, 12 GBP

All summer long I wandered around in my maxi dress and flip flops or flats. I still love them all to death. But now that it's cold, it's time to make it look less summery and more serious. Adding a jacket up top instantly adds more credibility. I've worn my cropped jean jacket and my leather jacket with max dresses and it was so cute. I also love a pair of slouchy boots or moccasins. You can be a little flowery childish with a maxi dress. Add a winter bag and no one will even notice it's the same dress you wore to the beach.

Your Casual Skirt

Velvet Bow Pocket Cardi, 27 GBP
Old Navy Womens Ruffle-Hem Skirts, $25
Put On a Bow Tights, $14
Forever21.com - Shoes - Dressy - 2080953702, $25
Padlock Shoulder Bag, $48
Fancy Beaded Headband, $6.80

You can totally get away with wearing the cute skirt you wore with flats all summer for a more formal event if you dress it properly. Tights, tights, tights are a must to bring your skirts current. Patterns over colors, whatever. You cannot go wrong, unless they have weird patterns on them... like bats. Stay away from bats. Bows? Totally adorbs! Dress it up with a little sweater and you have an Emma Pillsbury way to dress up even casual fabrics and fit.

Your Skinny Jeans / Dare I Say It? JEGGINGS.

Old Navy Womens Fair Isle Tie-Belt Wrap Cardigans, $40
Women's Skinny Jean - American Eagle Outfitters, $40
Slouchy Mid-Calf Boots w/ Buckles, $40
Off White Round Handbag, $33
BKE Marbled Hoop Earring, $2.55
Lucky Brand Ojai Ring, $26

So I love a skinny jean with a t-shirt, flat and summer scarf, but come winter, it's going to look too summer casual. Luckily, awesome sweaters can help balance out your top half while keeping you warm and fashionable. Look for sweaters that accentuate the waist so you don't get lost in all that yarn. And slouchy boots are a must, especially if you're wearing the J-word. I don't want to see your ankles in the winter. They look cold and lonely.

Your Summer Dress

binding floral bandeau dress, 18 GBP
Let It Be Me Blazer, 140 AUD
Black Faux Suede Ruffled Lace Back Knee High Flat Boots @ Amiclubwear..., $26
Multi Ruffle Handbag 172949100 | handbags & wallets | Tillys.com, $22
Silver Flower Stud Earrings, $18
Black double wrap waist belt, 8 GBP

So if you have a dress that has a very summery pattern, you can tone it down by pairing it with plenty of black and heavier accessories. After a back blazer, boots and bag, the red and white of this dress becomes a pretty accent, rather than the main event. Plus the boots and jacket can help keep you warm while everyone else is shivering in last season's dresses. My, aren't we smug?
Don't worry about running out and buying new clothes, especially if you don't have the cash for them. Work with what you have and add pieces and accessories to make it look like they were made for fall. It's okay, I won't tell a soul.

Sweater Weather!

After a really weird month where we had summer like temps (I was wakeboarding the first weekend in October) it's finally cooled down here and I'm kind of in love with it. I walked down to a friend's house the other day and she asked if I was freezing because I was still in shorts. Please. My two year old made me carry him the three blocks home UPHILL and I was so hot I briefly considered becoming a nudist.

Of course, with cooler weather comes awesome sweaters and nothing in the world makes me quite so happy. I plan to build up my sweater collection this year, since I tend to stray toward blazers and my sweater collection is woefully underpopulated. So I decided to go online shopping and see what's big this fall for sweaters. Would you like to see what I found? OF COURSE YOU DO!

Stripes:

Hollister Co boyfriend shirt, $50
H M cotton knit sweater, £15
ANM knit sweater, $50
Almost Famous loose shirt, $22
Old Navy knit sweater, $27

Of course stripes and sweaters are pretty much synonymous, but stripes can be scary and tricky to wear. If you're in love with a cute nautical sweater style, remember to choose a pattern in proportion to your size and look for more abstract prints if you have problem areas. For instance, I am loving the more freeform Fair Isle stripes and they'll let you in on the trend AND be super flattering. Also, stripes on different structures. Don't always think that sweaters must be old school. I love a Dolman sleeve or poncho-like construction. Just not an actual poncho. Ew.

Ladylike:

Hollister Co scoop neck top, $50
Striped top
H m cardigan, £15
Hollister Co beach top, $36
Floral Waffle-Knit Cardigan, $13

I just cannot handle the level of cuteness here. Bows? Lace? Swoon! Ladylike details are awesome because the cardigan is kind of conservative as it is. The trick is to add balance. I would love a bow cardigan worn with uberhigh heels or a floral cardi and scuffy boots. The juxtaposition of sweetness and something more rebellious makes my heart warm inside.


Boyfriend:

Hollister Co cotton shirt, $35
Fox hoodie, $32
Soul Cal sweater, £30
Soul Cal ruched top, £20
Cardigan, $25

The boyfriend sweater is supposed to look like you stole a sweater out of your hubby's or boyfriend's closet. I just did a look with one and I'll show you on Monday, but for now you can check these out. Now, just because boyfriend sweaters are in doesn't mean you can just wear a man's sweater. Look for male-inspired details on sweaters cut to fit a woman's body, if you place. Wearing your hubby's Hanes sweatshirt isn't going to fly with me.

Structured:

Old Navy cable knit cardigan, $33
Brown cardigan, £25
Daytrip oversized blazer, $44
Denim jacket, £28

H m blazer, £25

Remember when I told you that I tend to stray toward blazers? Yeah, I love me some structure. It's magical for making your body look super put together. I especially love blazer construction on a sweater. It ALWAYS looks right. Pair any of these with a scarf, skinny jeans and knee-high boots and you're the cutest mom at the PTA Fall Festival, my friend.

Alright, so fess up... which one of these sweaters would you buy if you could? I'm heavily contemplating that Fair Isle loosey goosey shirt. What is it with me and hippy clothes lately?

Fall Sweaters on the Cheap

Hopefully the weather has turned crispy where you live. Here in the deserts of Utah, it's finally starting to cool off. I crave the days of fall and lately I've been thinking about Christmas WAY too much lately. Kinda hard when it's 80 out. BUT! The weatherman promises me 60s weather this week, so I am dreaming about and surfing around for sweaters.

I love to layer. Summer clothes don't do much for me, but oh how I love a drapey cardigan or a cute hoodie. They just seem warm and huggable. Although I will admit that I was sick on Monday and I took my kids to the library wearing camo thermal shirt, yoga pants and a hat jammed over my messy hair. So I scared people at the library and got germs all over the place, you're welcome. Luckily the library where I live is basically a glorified motor home and I don't think anyone minded.

But ah, yes. The sweater. I already bought two to kick off the season; a brown loose cable knit and a knit drape blazer with fabric flowers. And I've worn them both exactly once. Seriously, Utah, we get it. You're warm. Although I am excited that I won't have to stuff my kids in winter coats under their Halloween costumes. Not pointing any fingers, CANADA.

Here's a selection of sweaters to make you feel autumn-y, and as an added bonus, they're all under $50. Now go bake an apple pie and pick a pumpkin.

(Vanity - $20) If you're going to wear a hoodie, make sure it's a form-fitting one. Your husband's college sweatshirt need not apply. I love hoodies with non-hoodie patterns. Plaid? Yes please!


(Gap - $37) I am 100 percent on the lookout for a big furry sweater this year. I love this one in winter white. I rarely wear a real, live coat during the winter here because I am so used to the icy cold winters back home that sweaters and jackets are my lifesavers from December to February.


(John Lewis - $24) Orrrr I could just die of cuteness overload now. This with skinny jeans and flats and you are basically from France.


(Buckle - $34) I love the asymmetry of this cardigan. Hey, pear shaped girls! This would look awesome since it draws the eyes upward. Also, I love the masculine detail of the hunting plaid peeking through. With worn in jeans, this would be awesome for the pumpkin patch with the fam. Photo op!



(Buckle - $34) This is such a refreshing alternative to the drape cardi. I love that the color isn't traditionally fall, brown , red, mustard, yawn. Blue is awesome. The waffle knit means it won't be heavy. Imagine this with a crisp button up and wide leg jeans for a play date. I can almost smell the jealousy.



(American Eagle - $25) How cozy-looking is this. I love the longer length, which would be really cute with a white linen belt, or unzipped for warmth. I like that it's a basic hoodie, but the soft fabric and coloring makes it more elegant.


(American Eagle - $40) Short sleeved sweaters are my boyfriend. The colors on this are loverly. Wide stripes can be tricky, so wear this with something slim sitting on the bottom, like jeans tucked into boots. OR isolate the stripes by wearing with a blazer. LOVE! You might even be able to talk me into jeggings with this but don't push your luck.


(Old Navy - $30) Looking for something to wear to American Thanksgiving (yes, it is necessary for me to stipulate the nationality) Look no more. Or, if you're not weird like me and don't plan outfits up to a month in advance, wear this to lunch with your husband and look put together even if there's drool on your tank underneath.

Ahh, don't you feel comforted and fuzzy? Unfortunately, online window shopping always turns into online legitimate shopping for me, and then I feel rejected by my budget. I hate you, budget. I love you, fall sweaters.

What's your favorite thing about fall? (And OMG I had that Nick Jr song "I feel like I'm falling for fall" ALL DAY LONG TODAY.