Fall Coats!

The best part of fall shopping for me is coat shopping! I typically stalk a couple coats each fall and strategize one or two purchases a year based on need or price point.

Here’s what I’m stalking so far:

I need a new trench coat. I currently have a black, zip, short trench that I’ve had for about seven years. I really love it and I wear it a lot in the spring and fall, but it started fading and fraying at a few seams a couple years ago, and I think I could use a fresh one! I want to stick with the zipper and the shorter length because it makes it so much more functional for me. This is what I have my eye on right now:

Michael Kors Trench

It’s a MICHAEL Michael Kors trench for $275. I’m going to keep my eyes open for a sale, but I might cave on this and buy it full price because I will probably where it for a good seven years.

I also need a weekend fall/winter coat. Last year I either wore my standard black fleece, or one of my nicer wool coats. So I need something a little warmer than a fleece, but not as fancy as a wool coat that I wear to work. I think this is the answer:

llbeanjacket

This LLBean coat is the “Quilted Riding Jacket” for$139. It comes in a few colors, but I think I’m leaning towards the “dark ivy” because olive is the “new neutral.” I think it’s the perfect combination of polished and sporty.

Speaking of olive, I think I also need this wool jacket. Why? I have black, red, and navy coats, so olive and camel are next on my list (and maybe grey).

Nordstromcoat2

This is a Trina Turk coat on sale for $259 at Nordstrom. I dare you to come up with one negative thing to say about this coat.

What coats do you have your eye on this year?

Fall Work Clothes

When is comes to fashion, fall is the most wonderful time of the year! I’ll be honest, I don’t necessarily consider everything I where to work “fashionable” due to dress code and price tag restrictions, but let’s just pretend! Over the summer I shopped primarily at JCrew Factory and Gap, but now it looks like I’m back on the Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, and Nordstrom wagon. Don’t forget, all of these places (except Nordstrom) will put almost everything on 40% off at some point, so don’t buy anything full price! If you can’t tell, I’ve been trying to refresh my pant selection, and get some good basics to mix and match for years to come. Next time I’ll have to focus on some statement blouses and sweaters!

Banana Republic:

I think I need all of their Sloan pants. They are polished but stretchy, so very comfortable. I don’t love dragging around a wide trouser and getting salt and snow all over my pants, so I think these will an be easier year round pant to wear with heels or flats. (sorry I said the “s” word!)

Bananapants1

This version is high waist, black, side zip. Say no more! (zippers at the ankles!)

bananapants2

I am also on the lookout for a new bright white blouse. I wear white blouses at least twice a week but I’ve noticed most of my options are more ivory than white, and sometimes you need an optic white. Plain, I know, but I will wear the hell out of it.

bananablouse1

Ann Taylor:

I recently ordered this tweed blazer when the “new arrivals” were on sale. I think it will be a nice year round jacket to wear over dresses and with slacks and a blouse. Plus the tweed makes it very fall.

tweed jacket

This skirt intrigues me. I love leather, and I think it’s cool to have faux leather in color!

AnnSkirt

Loft:

I bought these pants in two colors. A similar concept to the Sloan pants from Banana but a machine washable fabric! Count me in!

Loftpants

Nordstrom:

I got a Karen Kane faux wrap dress last year, and I love it. I love wearing dresses to work because it’s a one piece outfit, and that’s 100% true with a Karen Kane dress because the print and the sleeves mean you can go with out without a cardigan/blazer, and you still look put together. On top of that, it’s a really flattering silhouette and I always get compliments. Since it’s a cotton dress, it does wear out a little over time, so I think I need a new Karen Kane to add to the rotation. Some of her prints are a little questionable, but I like this one this season.

Nordstromdress

 

I’m sure these stores have a few more batches of “new arrivals” to come this fall, so I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What are you looking to get for work this season?

Suns Out Guns Out

Even though I hit the gym year-round, there’s something about the spring that makes me think, it’s time for a gym wardrobe refresh! Here are a couple things I’ve grabbed over the last couple months and a couple things I have my eye on.

Gym Shoes:

NewBalancesneaks

I got these a couple months ago and I love them! They are super cute, comfortable, supportive, but very lightweight. Basically the best of all worlds. I was dabbling with Nike shoes for a while, but now I’m happy to be back with New Balance! (and they’re on sale right now at Athleta!)

UA Tank:

UAtank

Even though I’m not usually a logo girl, I love a placement print, and if there’s anywhere I will wear a logo, it’s definitely the gym. This top is easy breezy cotton. It’s perfect for those days when you’re not looking for a super skimpy, skin tight top (which is most days for me).

Coordinating Cropped “Joggers”:

UAjoggers

Again with the placement print. These aren’t necessary for my workouts, but it’s the perfect lounge solution. Comfortable, easy to wear, but not oversized and ratty like those college sweats. (I have them in grey)

Carrie Underwood Seamless Capris:

CUcapris

Have you seen Carrie’s new line of workout gear at Dicks Sporting Goods? There are some really cute things! Also, I did some comparison shopping and while her prices are not necessarily bargain basement, they are consistently lower than the big names in fitness apparel, and the quality seems very comparable. It seems like everyone sells a seamless capri these days, but these have some serious shaping properties (almost to the point of muffin top, so be careful about sizing). They are very comfortable!

On my wish list:

Nike Epic Run Shorts:

Epic

During the warmer months I like to run outside in 5 inch Nike Pro shorts. The only downside is that they’re very basic so they lack a couple features like a zip pocket for keys. These Epic Run Lux shorts are pricier than my typical shorts, but they’re designed specifically for running and the zip pocket might be worth it!

Nike Gradient Top:

NIKE-GRADIENT-TANK-646634_518_A_PREM

I like that this top has some interest but isn’t too obnoxious, and these also have a zip pocket for keys! It takes some effort to find the right kind of sports bra, or capris that stay put, but tanks are easy so I always forget about them. This would be great for my weekly summer runs, or just the gym.