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I may be a Florida girl now, but that does not mean that I don't love a beautiful wool coat, especially when paired with a dress, tights and boots. I would trade in the mild weather year-round just to have use for the other half of my wardrobe that isn't shorts and tank tops. Perpetual summer is not all it is cracked up to be. I even told myself that once the high is 50, I'm breaking out the boots and the coats and scarves no matter what strange looks I get from others on the street. The first cold snap of the season is on its way this weekend and I am like a kid counting down until Christmas.

For those of you who don't live in the land of endless sunshine, would you trade your polar vortexes? And if so, perhaps you would be interested in a house swap for a few months?

shirt | dress | bracelet | green skirt | scarf | pinot skirt | sunglasses | earrings

Have I mentioned how much I love shopping from the comfort of my bed? There are no pesky salespeople following you around pressuring you to make impulse purchases; instead I can throw every possible item I love into my cart and then slowly weed out the so-so items before taking a step back and reevaluating the purchase before hitting "buy now." There is actually less buyer's remorse with online shopping. Plus, I get the anticipation of waiting for packages to arrive. 

So when J Crew Factory had their 50% off sale this weekend, I went a little crazy. And by crazy I mean making an investment in my wardrobe. Did anyone else spend a good chunk of their paycheck along with me?

Warby Parker Preston in Gimlet Tortoise | Sweater | Jeans | Oxfords | Tote

After reading this post on Little Lessons in a Big City, I knew I had to do something similar. I absolutely love my Warby Parker glasses (currently wearing Wilkie in Sugar Maple) and at $95 for frames and lenses, it's easy for me to justify buying multiple pairs. And to complete the look based on my new favorite frames, a cable knit sweater and the most perfect metallic oxfords. I like to call this my studious look.

Besides the price and home try-on program, Warby Parker also has a "buy one, give one" program. For every pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone who doesn't have access to corrective eyewear. As someone who has worn glasses since third grade, I know the feeling of seeing the world through new eyes for the first time after putting glasses on. As your eyesight gradually gets worse you get used to seeing the world with blurry lines. After putting glasses on and seeing every single leaf on a tree, or being able to actually read what the teacher is writing on the board is amazing. 

Do you have Warby Parker frames? Which ones are you favorite?

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Looking to diversify your winter wardrobe? Tired of wearing long sleeved function T-shirts and jeans every day? Investing in a few key items will carry your wardrobe through the first thaw. The overarching trend for both him and her is layers, layers, layers.

For her, think ankle boots, structured coats, stripes, utility jackets and leather skinny pants.

Riding boots may not put anyone on the worst-dressed list, but 2014 will be year of the ankle boot. Worn with a dress and tights or skinny jeans and an oversized sweater, ankle boots can be dressed up or dressed down and transition seamlessly from day to night. Do heels intimidate you? Don’t worry, this trend also comes in flat and wedge options. 

The one item that should be in every closet is a structured wool coat. First impressions are important, and in the winter, your coat is the first thing everyone sees. If your style is classic and timeless, look for a traditional pea coat in navy or charcoal. However, if you want to make a statement, go for winter white, powder blue or orange with faux fur trim. Mid-length coats pair perfectly with both pants and dresses and are the most versatile. 

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The striped sweaters and long-sleeved T-shirts can be spared the trip to Goodwill another season. Pair them with an olive green utility jacket and dark skinny jeans or dress them up with a tulle ballerina-style skirt for a night out.

Don’t be afraid of monochromatic black ensembles. They are no longer reserved for angsty teenagers looking to rebel against their parents. Make sure to vary the textures; dress up black leather leggings with a silk black top and fitted black blazer. 

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When in doubt, layer up. Sweaters look great over plaid button downs paired with this summer’s maxi skirt. And for those unseasonably warm days, opt for a quilted puffy vest over a thermal shirt.

The only must-follow rule is to purge all of the chevron print from your closet. That ship has sailed and won’t make an appearance until the next fashion cycle in 15-20 years.

Some of the same winter trends also apply to men’s fashion. Structured pea coats and crew neck sweaters worn over button downs are classic and a step up from jeans and T-shirts. Also, do not be afraid to embrace scarves on the coldest days and invest in quality socks. Whatever you do, do not wear socks with Chacos. 

sweater: j crew | jacket: target | pants | scarf: nordstrom | shoes: steve madden

Nothing says "It's the weekend" like a sweater that says "Cheers" in four languages. Whether you are picking up coffee and pastries, enjoying the final weeks of the farmer's market, or running Saturday errands and being adult-like, this outfit can carry you through all weekend activities before the temperature take a sharp nosedive into winter. I love the mix of neutrals and patterns. It has a "You'll never know if I put this outfit together because I haven't had a chance to do laundry or if I made a conscious fashion decision" look about it.

Do you have any exciting plans? Most of my time will be consumed with preparing my senior seminar speech for Tuesday. It's hard to think that in six weeks I'll be a college graduate. Anyways, I hope that your free time will be more exciting than mine because I hope to live vicariously through your shenanigans. Keep me posted. 

Perhaps you thought of me this week as your Anthropologie catalogue arrived in your mailbox. Does it get any better than beautiful photos of sequined skirts against a Parisian backdrop? Well maybe getting an actual plane ticket to Paris would be better, and would cost only a little more than those fall dresses and coats that I have fallen in love with.

While my bank account may only allow me to splurge on one item (from the sale rack) this season, the Anthro catalogue has put me in the fall shopping mindset. On my radar: a new peacoat, preferably orange or cream with a fur collar, jewel tones, brocade skirts, bedazzled everything (in a classy way, obviously), and winter dresses.

Think Gatsby set in Paris. Of course, I couldn't wear all of this laying on my couch watching TV or scrolling through BuzzFeed. No, this wardrobe deserves the best backdrop possible. Perhaps I would do Europe take two, sans hiking backpack because I'm almost positive that all of Antho's clothes are dry clean only and if not, should never be washed in a bathroom sink.

Yes, I think to splurge on their fall collection, it would be a shame not to splurge on a Parisian getaway as well. It's only fair.

Alas, I will continue wearing my Nike shorts well into October because the thermometer has no intention of going down any time soon and I will admire the beautiful clothes from the store windows like usual. Perhaps I will buy another Antho coffee mug to ease the longing.

I have never had the patience to wear heels

and I was always the first person to pack a change of shoes

for fancy occasions. And most of the time 

I had changed even before we were done taking pictures. 

Whatever...standing in one spot for what seems like eternity 

is killer on your ankles. Sorry I'm not sorry. 

Any way...

I was so glad years ago when flats 

came back into style. Sky-high heels will outlive all 

of our strained joints, but maybe my

faithful relationship with flats will postpone 

the inevitable day that I must switch to orthopedics.  

And who couldn't resist these cat and mouse flats? 

Whatever your footwear selection, 

make sure to put your best foot forward. 

So to start off, I promise that the selfies and mirror pictures are going to be stopping. 

I know society frowns on it when you're over the age of 15. 

However, I just thought this news was too good to wait 

for a proper photo to share. 

My 5'3 self finally found a maxi dress that was the perfect length

without wearing wedges or being altered! {For those of you who are graced with height, 

this is kind of a big deal. And no, I did not have to shop in the children's section to find it.}

So if you're living in Valdosta, I found this gem at Envy.

It just arrived this week and, as of Wednesday, there were still several left.

If like me, you are vertically challenged, you should jump on this opportunity.

Because these are a rare find. 

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

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I ran across Pantone's list for Spring 2013 colors

a while ago. And let me tell you, 

I'm excited. There are no more neons. 

{praise! they do horrible things for my skin tone}

Instead, think muted brights. 

My favorites?

Monaco Blue, Tidal Foam and Nectarine for sure. 

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And according to people's pinterest boards lately, Emerald 
is the next big thing. I'm not complaining.

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I can't wait to go shopping for clothes this spring!

And I'm sure these colors will get worked 

into upcoming design project multiple times.

Which color are you most excited for?

-Jess

The 1990s was not the best decade in fashion. 

Track suits, leggings & over-sized shirts, scrunchies and backward baseball caps 

made up the bulk of my wardrobe as a child.

Let's be honest, I was style icon. 

For this Fashion Friday, I thought I would share a few photos 

of my amazing fashion sense as a child. 

You're welcome. 

Talk about the epitome of street style: windbreaker pants, credit union t-shirt and lots of bling.

After a long day of chasing pigeons around the park, a girl needs her beauty rest.

I think I had a track suit for every day of the week. They made hide and seek difficult because you could hear me running from a mile away.

Because wearing your hat backwards is a lot cooler. And I look like I just 

came back from a Fresh Prince casting call.

I think I was angry about my comb over.

Samantha and Emily did not escape the style of the decade either.

Samantha likes to think that the Spice Girls and Kathie Lee Gifford were

her fashion influences growing up.

And this is why we're friends.

Don't you wish you had known us as a child? 

We were pretty hilarious. 

-Jess

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

I wish i could give you a story about how i dressed up as something exciting,

and strutted my stuff looking for free candy wherever i could get it...

but alas that is not how my halloween will go down.

In fact i've been studying all week and haven't even been able to enjoy the festivities...boo :(

This is my vocab list for Entrepreneurial Management....

it's over 120 terms....blehh

I just finished taking the test and there was probably....

6 terms from this list on the test.....annoying!

Apart from the studying i was able to decorate some pumpkins last week....

by decorate i mean i bedazzled and painted them...

I did not dig into them, no no that's not my thing!!!

Aren't they cute?? :) 

So since i have nothing exciting to share for halloween 
i decided to share one of my new favorite online shops that i'm currently addicted to.

I hope you find it beneficial, and i hope you don't go into debt now that you know about this dreamland of a clothing store ;) 

So while perusing through Pinterest i found a new store, a store that has stolen a lot of my money...

and by stolen i mean i gave it to them freely....

I'm addicted....

The store can be found here www.spool72.com 

I feel like they are very vintage inspired, which i love, which is why i throw my money at them!!

They have everything you could want except for pants....

which is ok because i'm not a big pants buyer...

I mean....i wear pants....ALWAYS....but i'd rather buy a fun dress or boots...you know???

So if you're just sitting here browsing away on the inter-webs then check this store out. 

You won't regret it.....unless you buy way too much and use all of your savings.

Which is called....drum roll please.....cognitive dissonance...AKA Buyers remorse

I just used one of my vocab words ;) 

I'm a genius!

But really look at how cute all of this is, i can't even handle the bag in the bottom right corner

so so cute!!!!

And that sweater and THOSE BOOTS....i'm reaching for my credit card as we speak....

Did i mention it is all relatively cheap...yea, now your reaching for your credit card too....

You're welcome :)

We love finding new stores so if you know of any please share 
so we can continue to be fashion forward & broke ;)

-Emily