The Sweater Dress

Sweaterdresses are another great way to mix up your wardrobe this winter.  They come in many styles and colors (v-neck, turtleneck, cowlneck, long sleeve, short sleeve, ribbed, belted, etc.).  I highly recommend wearing a sweaterdress in a solid color with patterned tights and boots or alternatively pair with leggings and an embellished flat.  Choose an offsetting tone for the tights/leggings and shoes.  For a more flattering fit try adding a thick belt.  Avoid chunky knits and boxy styles unless you are stick thin.  I found the following great looking sweaterdresses online.  Happy shopping!   
Kensie Soft Cotton Sweaterdress - $58

Victoria's Secret Deep Cowlneck Sweaterdress - $59

DKNY Lurex Cowl Sweater Dress at Piperlime - $75

Victoria's Secret Cotton Rib Turtleneck Sweater Dress - $39

Tahari Sweater Dress - $148

Accessible Luxury

Mark your calendars, Jimmy Choo is hitting H&M stores on November 14th!  The shoe icon has designed a line of more affordable shoes, bags, clothing and accessories and I would bet they will not last long.  In fact, the H&M website is already warning about lines.  I believe they will only be available at the stores in large cities like NYC and LA but it may be worth a trip for the special occasion.
Red Strappy - $99

Gray Suede Booties - $149

Black Studded Gladiator - $69.95

 Black Leather Zipper Bag - $99

Zebra Flats - $69.95

The Perfect Trench

Lately rain has been following me everywhere.  The dampness coupled with colder temperatures has me rifling through my coat closet to find one of my beloved trench coats to help keep me dry.  A fitted trench is one of the best investments a woman can make.  I can promise you it will never go out of style (proof - Burberry has been selling them since the late 1800s).  To maximize your trench's longevity, I recommend choosing double-breasted with a belted waist in a classic tan, black or navy.

Old Navy Women's Belted Trench - $49.50

Dillard's London Fog Trench - $99

Land's End SunShower Trench - $89.50

J. Crew Icon Trench - $298



















Banana Republic Classic Trench - $198

Talbots Trench - $189 (comes in tan and black)

Of course, if you feel like splurging there is nothing like the original.  Unlike putting your savings in the stock market, I will guarantee a positive return on this investment.

Burberry Ivybridge - $995

Deals Update

I just wanted to send an update on some recent posts.

These Boots Were Made For Walking (update)
Place an order on Piperlime today (10/27) and get a $25 gift certificate on your next purchase!  So, I recommend buying those two pairs of boots/shoes separately (free shipping & free returns means there is no reason to buy in one transaction).

The Alternative to Denim (update)
J.Crew has reduced corduroys by $10 both online and in stores (they must have read my blog).  They also are offering free shipping on orders $100+ with TRICKORTREAT code through 10/28, or if you miss the deadline you can get free shipping on orders $150+ with KC-870 code through 11/1.  For those teachers and students (including grad students), at J.Crew you are always entitled to 15% off full-priced merchandise by showing your ID and giving them your school email address.  I know this works in stores and it used to work by placing an order over the phone but I haven't tried in a while, so they may have changed the phone policy.  It works at outlets too!  

These Boots Were Made For Walking

Nothing says Fall like a great pair of boots.  And no, I am talking about your go-to pair of UGGs, Hunter wellies, or L.L. Bean boots, but some fabulously fashionable and sometimes unpractical boots.  Today's boots are versatile, they can be worn with jeans, leggings or a dress.  Some of the hottest looks this year include suede, western-inspired and over-the-knee styles.  I dare you to make a statement with a new pair of boots and if you're feeling extra adventurous -- try a pair of booties.

Buying shoes online has never been easier, Zappos and Piperlime always offer free shipping and free returns so you can make your purchases risk free.  Until Monday, Nordstrom is even offering free shipping with the code SHOES.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Bardwalk - $99.50

Guess Rumala Over the Knee Boot - $199.95

Franco Sarto Ranger - $188.95

Jessica Simpson Rosanna - $89.50



















Report Britt - $124.95

DV by Dolce Vita "Willy" Bootie - $139.95

The Alternative to Denim

It is so easy to get sick of wearing jeans everyday when it is chilly outside.  I think corduroys are one of the best ways to mix up the casual wardrobe when you have worn-out your denim.  Just about every store has caught on to the cord trend with various styles and colors.  I think every woman should have a basic pair (think black, gray, navy, brown or white) and a bright colored pair for making a statement.  I have tried on many styles in search of the best fit and my findings are below.  Be careful when drying as cords shrink even more than denim!

Ann Taylor Loft - $39.50 (my personal favorite for both the price and fit)

Gap Real Straight Cords - $54.50

J.Crew Stretch Bootcut Cords - $79.50

For the "Pear" shaped readers, you may want to try Old Navy's Sweetheart Boot-cut Cords - $29.50

Baby, it's Cold Outside!

I think it's official, consistently warm sunny days are over for this year.  Today it is 50 degrees in Chapel Hill and I keep asking myself - - didn't I move here to get away from the cold?  What a good excuse to find a cute new coat to get me through the winter.  Some of my picks are below.  Check out Macys.com where there are many great choices and all are on sale.

Old Navy Wool-Blend Cadet Jacket - $69.50

BR Short Toggle Coat - $180

Esprit Wool Rayon Coat - $179.50

Marc Asymmetrical Short Down Coat at Macy's - $154

Nine West Wool Walker with Stand Collar - $116.99