Friday Favorites: Winter Essentials

It's double the fun on FSF today, two posts in one day! The world MUST be ending, right? Nope, probably not, I am just finally posting a bunch of things that have been in the works so I hope you enjoy!

A few months back I rounded up some of my seasonal favorites and did a post on all the things I couldn't live without last fall. Well, now that the polar vortex part dos is assuring us that winter is sticking around for awhile, I decided I might as well compile the products and pieces I am currently loving, and couldn't survive the season without. 

Essie Polish: No other time of the year says "sparkle" to me like winter. With the glistening snow and twinkle of the holidays, I can't help but want a little extra glitz for my tips. This winter I have been reaching for gold and silver metallics, with topcoats of glitter polish. No one does luxe like Essie, and this winter is no exception. Two of my favorite polishes right now are "Good as Gold" and their Luxeffects "Sparkle on Top." Both are perfect alone and even better together!

Fur Lined Suede Moccasins: Winter is pretty much the only time of year I don't wander my apartment barefoot. There is just something about being barefoot that is comfortable and liberating to me. I generally dislike slippers and even to a certain extent socks. However, I have hard wood floors in my apartment and even without the polar vortex, find them to be a little too cold during winter to walk around without a barrier between them and my skin. Enter moccasins: the perfect house shoe. I have a pair lined with fur and an unlined suede pair, they work with or without socks and don't slip off like traditional slippers. Which drives me nuts. I wear them all the time when just hanging out in my apartment.

Candy Cane Chapstick: Hello new favorite thing. I am obsessed with lip balm, my lips always seem to be dry and cracked, dry lips are my biggest pet peeve, I hate having them or even seeing them on other people. Gah! Nightmares! Anyways, I love that Chapstick released this slightly tingly, peppermint-y flavor for the holidays. Not only did I stock-up to last the rest of winter, but I gave them to everyone for Christmas to spread their awesomeness with others. =)

Winter Candy Apple Gel & Body Cream: So...this is actually a sad one for me. For years this has been my go-to scent for winter. Every year for like the past 5 years someone in my family knows that I love it, need it, have to have it, and buys it for me for my birthday or Christmas. This year, no such luck...and with the hustle and bustle of the season, I completely forgot to pick it up for myself. So, I missed out. BBW ran out in the local stores quickly and then the body cream sold out online too. Infinite sad face. So, I am currently rationing the last of my supply from last year and am about to run out, eek! Anyways, its a must have. Find it while you can! 

Plaid Peacoat: Living in a cold state where winter seems to last the better part of the year, I have always liked to have a variety of coats to choose from for when I leave the confines of my warm apartment. I think that outerwear is just as much a statement about your style and taste preferences as your normal clothes are. This probably explains why I love me a plaid winter coat (or 5). My philosophy is that if you like your coat(s) you will be more inclined to want to leave your apartment and not just hibernate all winter. To me, coats in unexpected prints, colors, shapes, and details are fabulous. I don't want to wear a boring black coat for 6 months out of the year (if you do, that's a-okay too), its just my personal preference. However, good outerwear, the type that actually keeps your warm and is cut to fit all your bulky layers without making you look like the kid from A Christmas Story, are not typically cheap. This is why I stalk sales and look for middle of the road priced pieces, knowing I won't wear the same coat every day, but that I want to be warm and comfortable too. I think that this peacoat by Old Navy is perfection. I love the red and navy pattern, the cute play on a peter pan collar (which is removeable), and the contrast between textures of the smooth wool and the sherpa collar. Just darling! I definitely snatched this up in December and have had it in rotation with my two other plaid dress coats this winter. At 50% off, there is not time like the present to add this piece to your closet too!

Cream Bow Gloves: This goes along with the coat philosophy: have lots of cute options and putting on your winter duds will seem like planning another outfit (yay!) versus transforming into the Michelin man to leave the house (boo!). I always destroy my gloves, I wear them to death which is why having a lot helps. when one unravels or gets lost, I have back-ups ready and my tiny fingers are never left to become popsicles. I particularly love the gloves with the mitten flap because I fine them the most practical for my everyday life. These cream ones match the sherpa in the coat above AND have sparkly bows, what more could you want? 

Tassel Necklace: I wear mine practically everyday. It is seriously the greatest piece ever; goes with basically every neckline, every color, pattern, cut, layer under a scarf, in a neck stack, etc. Seriously, the styling possibilities are endless. I got mine (featured in excess on instagram) from Mint Sugar Boutique, but there are so many options, like the one pictured from Bauble Bar which comes in a variety of colors/metals. You won't regret adding one to your collection. 

Alice & Olivia for Starbucks Travel Mug: Just look at it; adorable, ridiculous, fun. It's a mug wearing a tutu. Enough said.

Cable Knit Sweater: Fact: you cannot survive the polar vortex or any of its siblings without a healthy supply of sweaters to slip into and cozy up in. This happens to be my personal favorite, I love the color, the cable knit pattern and the material. Since I am allergic to wool, I especially love that this is wool-free, yet it is still super warm. It comes in a variety of colors and can be worn over a button-up, under a vest, or on its own with a scarf or jewelry. Definitely a winter staple. 

Candy Cane Lane Tea: It's simply delicious, the perfect hint of candy cane. Buy it, make it, become addicted.  

Fresh Picked Hard Working Hand Cream: I work in an office and handle a ton of paper. I live in a state that salts its paved surfaces in the winter. I exist in a world bent on sucking moisture from me. =( Hand cream is pretty much essential to not having my skin splitting open and bleeding everywhere. As a sensitive skinned and mentally unstable crazy person, I am incredibly picky about cream and lotion texture/consistency. Think of me as the Goldie Locks of lotions. This product line from BBW is a life safer, as its "just right." Not greasy or oily, light fragrance, coats but doesn't make your hands feel slick. I use it like 5 times a day and am still on my first tube, which I bought in the fall = extra happy camper.  

Statement Necklace: see rave review here. Buy it, rock it, love it. <3

Faux Fur Throw Blanket: I'm unashamedly an old lady trapped in a nearly 30 year old body. I am cold all.the.time. It's not even funny; shivering is like a natural state for my body. I wear sweaters in the summer, so you can image that amount of clothing I need to wear in the winter. So, when I went out in search of yet another throw blanket for my apartment and stumbled about this jem I was elated. This faux fur blanket is the best thing ever. Its like being hugged by a million polar bears. I am almost never without it at home (where no matter what the thermostat says, it always feels 10 degrees colder). It you are a cold blooded person like myself, which I am declaring a thing, you need this blanket, check your local Target stat people!

Knee High Socks: Obviously. I don't wear boots without these. You can wear them over leggings, tights, and jeans (or under depending on the cut). I am digging cute details, like the bows on this pair, but patterns, a variety of colors, and varying heights are all worth experimenting with. 

Plaid Snow Boots: as much as I would love and could totally justify investing in a good pair of snow boots, like Sorels, I cannot afford them at this time. BUT Target has some amazing options that are much more pleasing to my bank account. From their selection of casual boots, dress boots, ankles boots, rain boots, and snow boots, Target is definitely stepping up their game to offer designer inspired options at a lower price. I have the particular pair pictured and these boots are cute, warm, cozy, and with a rubber sole, are holding up well to Detroit's icy, snowy, freezing winter. I picked them up right after Christmas for 40% off, which made them a total steal!

Merry Cookie Candle: Every season has a blend of scents in my apartment because I am pretty much obsessed with candles, so one is never enough! For fall its pumpkin, spice, and apple inspired scents, for winter its vanilla, sugar cookies, and caramel. BBW has such yummy candle fragrances and they easily fill the air with a delightful aroma after a short time of burning. I am definitely a fan! I have also been known to pick up the jar candles from Michael's (the craft store) which have great scents at an unbeatable price (find them on sale for 2 for $8!). My only complaint is that they don't burn down as clean as the BBW ones or as soy candles. What are you favorite scents?

So that concludes my incredibly detailed review of all of the things getting me through the winter season. If you made it to the end I applaud you! I will work on my brevity for the next post, I promise. I hope you all have a wonderful and warm weekend!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Wednesday Wants & Wishes: Color Crush on Bordeaux

Happy Hump Day! Today I am swooning over just about everything and anything in the shade of bordeaux. Call it burgundy, wine, brick, oxblood, etc. I don't really care, all I know is that I am currently smitten over this deep shade of red. For the past few years I have been a fan of red lips, the bold, brighter, saturated, stop sign red. I wear it year round whenever I needed a lipstick rather than my typical (daily) lip gloss. This fall however, I have started collecting lip shades in a plethora of red shades, reddish purples, dark scarlets, even venturing into the rosy-taupe spectrum. During my wanderings into new lipstick territories, I tripped and fell hard for creamy, rich shades of bordeaux (seen here). From lips to finger tips, I cannot get enough of the color, so much so that I have been seriously stalking some clothing items to bring the color out of its current role as a supporting actress, to a leading lady in my outfits. Here are a few of the things that are just itching to find a new home in my closet!

Dot Sweater / Earrings / Purse / Dress / Essie / Lippy / Pants / Aztec Sweater / Satchel / Necklace / Shoes / Scarf

I am always on the look out for cozy sweaters as winter approaches and both of these sweaters would fit perfectly into my wardrobe. Can we talk about how these shoes are the perfect chic update to the classic Mary Jane, right? With the holidays approaching, adding subtle pops of this color to your outfits is a perfect way to introduce it to your wardrobe, ie through dark lips and nails, or in your accessories, like with the scarf, bag (love the color block one and the other is a perfect look for less of the RM Mini MAC), and jewelry (statement earrings and necklaces in this color right now are out of control gorgeous). Its a bold color, so it you are not comfortable donning these cute coated skinnies or this adorable dress (perfect with black tights and booties now, and gold bows and glitter pumps for the holidays), accessories is an easy and affordable way to ease into the color. What ever you choose to do, I hope you find the perfect piece in this gorgeous color for fall and the holiday season! 

Oh, I almost forgot, a look from last week is being featured over at Wednesday Style Connection, so be sure to check it out and link-up your favorite look to join in the fun! Also as a reminder, there are just two days left to enter the Zara blanket scarf giveaway, don't miss out, enter here today!

What are you crushing on this week?
Will you be adding bordeaux pieces to your wardrobe?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Fall Favorites

For me, there are just certain things that make each season "feel" different from the last. Transitioning from summer to fall and from fall to winter, there are things that I reach from more in fall than in either season its between. I decided to create a post honoring those things. These are items I am seriously obsessed with during fall; some are timeless favorites I look forward to every year, others are new items that will hold a special place in my memories associated with fall for years to come. 

So, on to the "feeling" of fall... There is just something about fall that reminds me of the feeling of coming home, and definitely the picturesque Hollywood rendition of coming home: you enter your parents house where there is a hot meal on the table, a fire in the hearth, family members in matching sweater sets laughing gleefully, dogs and cats napping together peacefully, sun setting over the trees, the warm and fuzzy version that you store away in your daydreams about how life should be. You know what I mean? Well, this is the type of genuine warmth and happiness that I feel pretty much all the time during fall (absent grad school induced mental meltdowns, of course). Between the colors, the scents, and the textures, this time of year just makes me feel warm, welcome, and content. 

Of course there are things that universally ring in the season (and don't just occur in my daydreams), especially here in Michigan; the changing leaves, the glossy apples, the plump pumpkins, the chill in the air. But other items too, pumpkin flavored everything hits the market (why hello PSL, I certainly have missed you), the kick-off of the season of baking (AKA the season of stretchy yoga pants), and the return of boots (good-bye pedicures, I shall use that money for extra PSL's and yoga pants). No matter where you experience fall, I hope you have the same feelings I do for it, because they are seriously the best. So, as I bask in the glowing hangover of summer known as fall, I will be using the following items pretty much non-stop. I would highly recommend you check them out!

Foxy Mug: Seriously, how cute is this little guy? One of my sisters works at Pier 1 and I am obsessed with all of their mugs. Every season, every mug. They have the best designs, cutest concepts, and you can never have too many mugs, right? ;-) So, as the weather starts to dip, grab an adorable mug from your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, I know I do!

Taupe Booties: Fall = boots, its pretty much a universally accepted fashion trend every year. This year the crops of amazing booties (the vertically challenged sibling of boots) has been insane! Because booties have been so popular this year, there have been so many great steals and deals, making it hard to say no to picking up a pair, or two! I love this pair from Old Navy because the heel is low and comfortable, the color is perfect, and price is right in my budget. I can't stop wearing them. For real, an intervention must be looming... 

Zara Plaid Scarf: Normally I would not spend this much money on a scarf, and I wear one everyday. Because of my attention disorder when it comes to accessories, I always hesitate to spend more than 10 to 15 bucks on one item. I am definitely a more is more type of girl when it comes to having a variety of scarves, bracelets, necklaces, shoes, etc. so low price is important to me. BUT...I couldn't help myself. I love plaid and know that if I were to invest in this piece I would use it frequently...and I have. Plus, it totally doubles as a blanket its so huge, so its ability to keep me warm in the epic cold that is Michigan's winter will be a bonus!

Colored Tights: These are the best brand. Seriously. This year Target has tights in every color (I wear black tights like they are going out of style, but these fab colored ones are giving basic black some serious competition!) and tons of sizes. I am not a skinny mini so I always get excited when on trend pieces are made in bigger sizes (read: no sausage legs). I wear tights all through the fall and into the winter, they are the cheapest way to extend your summer pieces into the cooler months so you get extra wear of out them. Plus, they keep your stems warm and add an extra punch of color and dimension to your outfit.

Pumpkin Cupcake Candle: I am obsessed with candles. I have tons in every room of my apartment. They make my apartment smell incredible AND they provide extra heat, which for a girl who is perpetually cold is a huge bonus. In the fall, I love pumpkin, caramel, and apple scents. When they are on sale I stock up on Bath and Body Works candles because they smell so, so good! Otherwise, I usually get the jar candles from Michael's craft store. 

Soft Lips in Vanilla: By far my favorite chap stick. I am a total chap stick addict and couldn't live without these, especially as it gets windier and drier indoors.

Leopard Heels: Leopard print heels, enough said right? They are fab. I have been incorporating more leopard print details into my outfits lately, I think, as I am sure you may too, that its the perfect neutral. Leopard is also great for print mixing and can seamlessly make a black, brown, or black and brown monochromatic outfit even more chic! These are cute, comfy, priced right, and a must for the fall.

Rich Hued Lipsticks: Fall is definitely the time of year I switch from nude lip glosses to richly pigmented lip sticks. As a poor grad student, I am on the hunt for lipsticks that fit the adage; champagne taste on a beer budget. This translates to drugstore brands. I have recently picked up a few Revlon brand lippies and I must say for $4.99 I am impressed. The color is long lasting, I only needed to reapply after meals, and the color was rich and pretty pigments for the price. Additionally, the formula was creamy and didn't dry out my lips which can be a problem for me. Definite win. 

Statement Necklace: I have been swooning over this necklace from JCrew Factory since it came out a few months ago. Unfortunately everyone else was too! It sold out quickly and I miss the boat. Single tear of sadness. Until....Jane.com offer a look-a-like at a fraction of the price. Sound the trumpets! So, I immediately snatched one up and upon its arrival a few weeks later, was pleasantly surprised at its quality and versatility, is absolutely goes with everything! 

Vermont Honey Apple Body Gel & Cream: One of my favorite fall scents, its fresh and clean, a very light fragrance; I often stock up as it is a seasonal scent. The body gel is thick and doesn't dry out my skin, which I tend to have an issue with in body washes. I also apply the cream twice daily to keep my skin hydrated and love the Bath and Body Works formulas in general. I have a few favorite scents and this is one of them. This year I also invested in the body mist, which is a nice touch-up mid day for the scent. They are a little pricey, but I watch for sales and think they are worth every penny!

Herringbone Puffer Vest: This has been an almost daily wear for me this fall, if you follow me on instagram you are probably tired of seeing it ;-) I am so glad I followed the IG frenzy over this vest and rushed to my nearest JCrew Factory store the day they hit the shelves to ensure I got one. It was totally worth it. I did get it on sale, however it cost a pretty penny. I have been wearing it so much, in part to get my monies worth, and also, in part, because it is awesome and goes with everything! Seriously, its the perfect print to mix with other prints, can be dressed up or down, and goes with every color under the sun. This vest also inspired me to pick up a few other more budget friendly options from Old Navy which I also love (here and here)! 

Cognac colored Satchel: Again, as if this needs an explanation. Its been all over my blog and my instagram feed. This bag is seriously everything. Best purchase by far of this season, hands down. Target truly did it again. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte Mixes: The return of the PSL to Starbucks is my favorite national holiday. Better than Christmas you say? YES! I would wholeheartedly reply =) As much as I would love to get a PSL every day, sometimes twice a day, during the fall, my wallet would not be happy if I did. That is why I love that Starbucks is selling PSL mixes that you can make at home, genius! A time and money saver wrapped up with a tasty little bow, what's not to love?

Essie in Fall Colors: I am not going to lie, I am new to Essie. I blame thank instagram for introducing me to what my pretty little finger nails have been missing. It was a quick courtship with her before falling madly in love. I was never a nail polish girl. My sisters all are, but I proudly wore naked nails, toes included, (gasp!) for years. I never really saw a point, I have always wanted to spend my limited free time doing other things, cough napping cough, and thought it was a waste of time to paint them only to have them chip and remove the polish in a week (or less). But then, I realized how pretty nail polish is, how much of an expression of the person it is. Its really an intimate thing, I think, seeing what color a girl chooses to paint her nails. So, now I try when I have time, to accessorize my tips with one of the many amazing colors from Essie. They have EVERY color ever, I am not even exaggerating. Its awesome. I am a picky girl, in addition to be a mani newbie, always looking for just the "right" color to commit to. This being said, I have accumulated quite a few "just right" colors from Essie these past few months. However, these two, After School Boy Blazer and Sole Mate are my fall faves. They are rich and dark and remind me of school uniform plaids, which I love, probably because I didn't have to wear a school uniform... Anyways, try them and see for your self!

Okay, well that completes my fall, can't live without them or I would probably die, favorites! Thanks for bearing with me and I promise I will be back with some outfit posts and even a fun collab this week =)

What can't you live without this fall?

Are you addicted to any of my favorites? 

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Wednesday Wants and Wishes: Mad for Plaid

Hello, my name is Ray and I'm a plaid-a-holic. I cannot help it! The print is everywhere this fall and I, for one, could not be more over the moon about it. I have owned a few soft flannel pieces in various plaids in the past, but this year it seems that plaid is on steroids; its everywhere! Everything and anything comes in plaid right now: dresses, plants, blazers, shoes, bags, you name it, there is a version of it in plaid (or several). My two favorite things about plaid are that it can be dressed up or down, and that it comes in so many colors and variations that there is a piece out there perfectly crafted for everyone. I think my love for Old Navy has been well documented, even in the short life of my blog, and they have a TON of great plaid patterns and colors in their collection this fall, all at affordable price points. I have also seen amazing plaid pieces popping up at Target, Forever 21, and J.Crew Factory. See? For everyone, at every price!

Although I am currently attempting a #noshoptilnovember which began the Monday after the Phillip Lim for Target craziness hit on September 15th, I have been crushing hard on some gorgeous plaid pieces and cannot wait to til I can add a few (cough...the Zara blanket scarf...cough) to my fall wardrobe. But seriously, how perfect is that scarf?? Whitley over at Simply Whit styled this scarf yesterday and I am swooning over it. Legitimately swooning, just ask my bf, he will inform you of how dramatic I can be ;-) The scarf is perfect; I am trying ever so hard not to cave and buy it immediately!  

So here are my plaid picks for fall and I don't think how mad I am for plaid will be going away anytime soon!

Dress / Red Cap / Essie / Red Plaid Shirt / Heels / Sweater / Essie / iPhone Case / Blue Plaid Shirt

Boots / Headband / Skirt / Scarf / Blue Plaid Cap / Satchel / Blue Scarf / Hair Bows

Are you mad for plaid this fall?
How would you style your favorite plaid piece?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!