A New Year, a new me... maybe?

It is such a wonderful feeling, the start of a new year!  Armed with a plethora of resolutions and the excitement of a new beginning, I feel like I could conquer the world!  Let's see... I would like to start eating healthy, exercise regularly, be more organized, figure out a schedule that actually works, and, most importantly, I would like to do a better job of wearing everything that is already in my closet instead of always feeling like I have to buy something new!

Hmmm... I am sure that I can do it, but as part of my job, I am shopping continously.  It might be for a client, for my blog or just to see what is new, but it is all of the time!  Then, I thought to myself, all of the clothes right now are resort.  I am not going anywhere this Spring (unfortunately), so why do I need clothes for warm weather.  Seriously, we are in for at least two months of cold, gray, snowy, slushy, wet weather.  Most of the clothes that I would buy right now, I would sit and stare at for the next two months and then everything will go on sale!

However, that is not to say that there aren't going to be great finds... the perfect wear now, wear later piece... who can resist that.  A scarf or a piece of jewelry to brighten up your outfit, or my favorite right now... floral dresses.  Perfect for summer, but also great right now with tights, chunky knits or faux fur... I love!  As an example, I received this fabulous floral Anthropologie dress for Christmas.  On top of that, I scored an even more fabulous faux fur infinity scarf in a white elephant style gift exchange on Christmas eve (I had to steal it from my brother in law!).  Technically, I didn't buy anything but with my two new gifts there are so many possibities.  These are the type of purchases that are really worthwhile... pieces that can be worn over and over again in many different looks.

If you are interested, Anthropologie has a great selection of floral/watercolor dresses, blouses and sweaters - I might be a bit obsessed!  And, there are many faux fur infinity scarves out there, and many are on sale! The one pictured above is a Ccc scarf.  Maybe these aren't quite your style, but either way, make sure that the purchases you do make will go the distance.  Otherwise, it may be better to hold off, especially at this time of the year.

         - Allison

* photos courtesy of anthropologie.com & lorisshoes.com

Inspired...

As I drove my daughter to preschool this morning, I was trying to decide what to wear... you must understand that I am not a morning person, and the most I can manage before school are my "comfy clothes" (otherwise known as dressed up jammies).  Why is my decision is so hard today... it is definitely the weather.  It is 40 degrees, gray, windy and spitting half frozen rain.  It is that time of the year where there are more leaves on the ground than on the trees, but I am actually a bit excited because you know the holiday season is just around the corner!

Then, suddenly, as I was mesmerized by the colors of what was left of the Fall foliage... a lightbulb went on!  I have got it!  I want to wear a beautiful floral dress, layered with a tissue t-neck or a gray chunky knit sweater belted over it and, of course, my Frye boots.  Now, I don't own this fabulous dress, but a Ralph Lauren gown came to mind as did many other beautiful designer florals.  It just seemed like a perfect day to wear something that is pretty, feminine and cozy while adding that element of ruggedness. I think that this will be my perfect November outfit... we can all dream, right?!

After all of this daydreaming, I have come to the conclusion that we must all have a Fall floral dress in our closets.  It will be our "go to" on days when we feel a bit down or just need to feel pretty.  Plus, you could dress it up with faux fur and heels for an evening out, or winterize it a bit more and wear it out to dinner after a long day of skiing.  The options are endless.  Most importantly, you can probably find a great dress at Forever 21!  Really you have no excuses, go get your dress!  Me, I think I will be adding one to my Christmas list!

                         - Allison

*photos courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com & neimanmarcus.com