Monday Shopping for the Late Week Blues!

I've always found that Mondays are the easiest day of the week to get dressed. You've done the laundry and picked up the dry cleaning over the weekend so everything is clean and ready to go! You have your pick of your wardrobe on Monday morning.

It's by the time that Thursday comes around when you stare at your closet and think....I have nothing to wear...even though you are staring at a closet full of clothes. Oh, I know the feeling.

So maybe you just need a little pick me up this morning. Take your Monday morning high (the "I can tackle it all and multi-task like crazy" feeling) and put it to good use.... do a little shopping for that Thursday that you know you'll be dreading getting dressed.

A couple of ideas for this Monday shopping trip... which can be completed entirely online at no extra charge, thanks to free shipping on any amount from J.Crew today!

J.Crew Tippi Sweater with Polka Dots:

Have you seen this one? The comfort & easy of the classic Tippi sweater in a polka dot print. Love this one. Oh, and if you're not already familiar with the classic Tippi sweater, it is a classic crewneck sweater that goes with everything. It is also on sale in select colors.

J.Crew Faux Leather Pocket Shift Dress:

Flattering black shift dress with large faux leather pockets for a little extra detail. The faux leather is keeping this shift dress right on trend. This one is great because it can very easily be dressed up or down for a day to night look. Add jewelry, and a pop of color bag and you're good to go. Would look great with knee highs or pumps in almost any color or print! This is definitely a very versatile piece.

J.Crew Cap Sleeve Silk Crepe De Chine Top:

Quite simply, this type of sleeveless/cap sleeve blouse is a must have for your wardrobe. It's a flattering style and can be worn with jeans, trousers, pencil or midi skirt. This top goes a long way in your closet. If you're thinking it's too cold for this, it's time to start thinking layers. This looks great as a starting piece under a blazer, cardigan, moto jacket...ect. You want versatility in your closet, it makes Thursdays easier!

Oh and by the way, all final sale at J.Crew is an additional 40% off today!

Just a few Fall Shoe Choices to Consider!

Shoes are another piece that we struggle with when Fall set in. I have a really hard time letting go of my flip flops and open toe shoes. I go through this every year. And from what I have noticed around me, I'm not alone. I go out and see girls in riding boots, ankle booties, flats and flip flops all in the same afternoon. We are slow to let go of Summer and/or quick to embrace Fall.

I'm not quite ready to put on my UGGs as I know I'll be living in them for months to come. So what other options do I have in the footwear department? Read on!

Toms Canvas Women's Classic Shoe

Toms: These classic shoes are comfortable flats. If you are not familiar with the brand, you should absolutely check them out. The classic style comes in a number of colors and patterns. They are a great casual shoe. The brand now produces a large variety of shoes, including booties and fashionable flats.



Ann Taylor Sonya Fringe Suede Booties

Booties: These come in a variety of style and colors. You can find these in low heels, high heels, stilettos or wedges. These shoes can work well for both casual and dressed up occasions.

Frye Melissa Tab Riding Boot

Knee High Boots: In a flat version, these are called riding boots and work great with jeans or leggings. They are both functional and stylish.  In a high heel, these can be great with a skirt or a dress. These shoes have been in style for years now and have become something of a classic.

Stuart Weitzman The Highland Boot

Thigh High Boots (Over the Knee Boots): These boots are gaining traction. They have been seen all over the runway lately and slowly making a bigger impact on street style. I think that some women may feel as though this type of boot can come off as trashy and therefore steer clear of it. I've seen this boot worn with jeans or leggings and it can come off incredibly stylish. If you're looking to push the envelope a little or try something a little edgy, this can be a great option!

Ann Taylor Tessa D'Orsay Suede Pump

Pumps: These are the classic high heel that come in all kinds of fabrics, colors and heel height. The suede pump is especially popular right now in a D'Orsay style.  These shoes can give an otherwise casual outfit a little extra sophistication.

Cole Haan Amalia Cap Toe Skimmer

Flats: These shoes come a number of styles. There is the classic ballet flat which is both flattering and very comfortable. Then there is the trendy D'Orsay flat which you find almost anywhere right now. This flat can be dressed up easily. Another popular type of flat is the loafer or driving moccasin which is more casual that the previous two I mentioned. These types of shoes are not super warm for your feet but can be great for the office or outdoors in slightly warmer weather. Leopard print flats are especially on trend right now!

Banana Republic Krissy Slip On

Slip On Sneakers: These sneakers have recently gained more popularity. They are great for transitioning out of flip flops and into something with a closed toe for fall. These shoes work well with jeans and cropped pants for a comfy casual look.

I hope this helps to give you some great ideas for fall footwear!

Fall Outerwear Options

This New England weather has been all over the place! We've gone from 80 degrees down to 50 and back up to 70... What???!! To say that this poses a wardrobe challenge is an understatement! What's a girl to do!

I notice that no one seems to know how to dress. I see some people still wearing sandals while others are in boots. I see scarves and jackets on some, while others dress with no outerwear in sight. We seems to have a handle on Summer and Winter, it's the in between that we are not sure how to handle. To make matters worse, the mornings can start of below 50 degrees and warm up to 70 by noon.  If you are not sure how to dress for these questionable fall days... keep reading!

I think that the answer lies in outwear and shoes. I struggle with what shoes to wear and what jacket to take with me. In this post I'm going to focus on your options when it comes to outwear for the Fall.

Vests: The J. Crew Excursion Quilted Down Vest is a popular favorite. This item offers a nice layer of additional warmth when there is that slight Fall chill in the air. It also works well indoors if your office space is just a little too cold for that lightweight t-shirt or sweater that you're wearing.

Quilted Jacket: This jacket has become popular over the last couple of year and provides additional warmth without being super bulky or heavy. It tends to be lightweight and comfy. The quilted jacket is great for colder temps before we really get into winter. This is a more casual jacket meant to be worn with pants or jeans.One great example is the J. Crew Factory Quilted Jacket. Another well known designer example is the Burberry Quilted Coat.

Trench: This coat can come a variety of degrees of warmth. For example, a simple trench coat might come in a cotton fabric that is great for a warmer Fall day. However, there are other options that come with a warmer interior lining that provide better protection against the elements. The trench can provide shelter from wet climates as well. This classic style is available in a variety of colors and fabrics at almost any retailer. The classic version can be seen here as the Factory Trench Coat. The brand that may have made the trench coat famous, London Fog, is still at it with the Heritage Trench Coat.

Peacoat: This popular wool coat comes in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to satisfy your Fall into Winter needs. The classic short Peacoat can be found in a variety of retail stores in almost any color imaginable. The Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Peacoat is a perfect example of this stylish option. This coat is usually paired best with pants. It is versatile enough to be dressed up or down for a number of occasions.

Cape: The Cape is making a big comeback this Fall. I've seen it in several fashion magazines and showcased in stores. It usually comes in Wool or a Wool blend. This option is great in good weather conditions. It's very stylish and tends to make a statement. It can be a very warm option for your midsection. One of my favorites is the Ann Taylor City Cape.

Moto Jacket: For those who might be unfamiliar with this style, the moto jacket is a short/cropped leather jacket. These jackets are on trend at the moment and more stylish than functional. They do provide some warmth but obviously only useful in good weather conditions. Banana Republic is currently selling a Fringe Leather Moto Jacket that is right on trend. Fringe is big this Fall and if you want to combine these two hot looks into one, this is your chance!