Wednesday Wishlist: Muppet Chic

Here's a list of things that Floridians don't need:

1. Snow shovels
2. Volumizing hair products
3. Fur coats

Guess which one I'm obsessed with right now? To be clear, it's a faux fur I'm digging -- I don't need any critter to be harmed for the sake of my looking fabulous. I spotted a couple of good ones at Forever 21 this weekend, and now I'm dreaming up all sorts of reasons I need one.

Since they're relatively inexpensive, I think a cute faux fur is a pretty smart buy. There are times when fashion should just be fun, and draping yourself in a bit of ridiculousness seems like it could be a whole lot of fun. Let's take a look at the furriest options in stores right now...

clockwise from l to r:

Kristen Blake Spotted Faux Fur Jacket ($138) -- or, how to be very chic while being very lazy. So great.

Modcloth Gallery Glamour Coat ($90) -- sometimes it's fun to make people wonder, "is she wearing her bathrobe in public?" But also kind of fun to throw on over your a simple dress or an easy weekend look.

Zara Long Furry Waistcoast ($70) -- a cool way to get a little fur action without committing to a full jacket.

Forever 21 Collarless Fur Jacket ($53) -- one of the coats that sparked my obsession, a perfect topper for your holiday party looks and an easy way to add a little drama to your Saturday night.

MANGO Leopard Faux Fur Coat ($150) -- for some ladies, a big fur coat just doesn't make enough of a statement. You know who you are. This leopard print should do the trick in turning every single head in the room.

River Island Light Pink Premium Fur Coat ($170) -- this one actually does look a bit like a skinned Muppet, in the most rock and roll way possible.

Anthropologie Blushed Faux-Fur Coat ($178) -- probably the most wearable option. This little cropped jacket could almost work as a blazer, giving you a great way to add color and texture to lots of different looks.

Wishlist Wednesday: Winter Florals

Food and fashion are two of my favorite things, and here's a working theory of mine: fall is the brunch of seasons.

Spring is dawn, new beginnings; obviously, breakfast. Summer is light, bright, and carefree: lunch. Winter is meatier, more substantive, so definitely dinner. But fall is that happy time in between -- substantial but not heavy, tasty and satisfying. And my very favorite thing about brunch is that anything goes. It's breakfast, lunch, and everything in between. You want an omelet? Yes, definitely. Lobster? OK! French toast? Sure. How about some prime rib? Yum. Don't forget the champagne…it's cool, it's brunch.

Fall fashion is the same way. You have your tweeds, turtlenecks, plaid shirts and puffy vests -- classic fall pieces. But there's quite a lot of leeway. If you're not ready to put away that floaty dress you love, throw a chunky cardigan over it. Summer sandals work when you wear them with opaque tights. And if you love a pretty print, why not florals? Specifically, winter florals.

Winter florals bring color and energy into your wardrobe. The print adds sweetness; cool tones against a darker background set just the right mood:

clockwise l to r:

Loft Autumn Blossom Flutter Dress ($90) -- quite popular among bloggers this season, the bold print and rich color palette suggest a cool 70's vibe without being overly trendy or costume-y.

Zara Printed Leather Court Shoe ($119) -- an easy pick-me-up for so many different fall looks. A simple sweater and pants become a great outfit with the right shoes.

Thakoon for DesigNation Floral High-Low Hem Blouse ($37.50) -- this top is one of the more interesting pieces in Kohl's recent designer collaboration. The fabric is elegant but the cut is casual -- a very cool look.

Yumi Kim Museum Row Maxi ($258) -- what a dress, right? Who knew you could be so sexy while being so covered up.

Vintage Floral Short Coat ($53) -- I don't know, this oddball, Grandma's couch cushion print kind of appeals to me. It's not for everyone, but it's interesting.

Bettye by Bettye Mueller Pedigree Flats ($65) -- great shoes at a great price. So much more versatile than you'd expect.

Modcloth Elegant Instruction Dress ($170) -- when you want to make your SO's eyes pop out of their head cartoon-style.

LK Bennett Marli Silk Print Top ($145) -- I like the drapey cut and the lovely watercolor effect print.

Fall Wishlist Part VIII

7. Crisp White Blazer

Unless you're my college roommate, you know that wearing white after Labor Day ain't no thang. So don't be afraid to do it. And a white blazer can be a really useful piece, a great way to pull toghether your look.

J. Crew Regent Blazer -- the lines are super sharp, and slightly longer length and single button create a really nice lean line.

H&M Peplum Jacket -- peplum was everywhere last year, but if it is a flattering silhouette on you, don't worry about whether it's trendy or not. This soft peplum would look great with pants or skirts.

Modcloth I Glam Hardly Believe It Blazer -- I love the military inspired buttons, and the sexy feminine cut.

Topshop 'Poppy' Collarless Blazer -- a cool, modern shape that's perfect for work or play.

The beauty of this blazer is that you can throw it over just about anything. For example...

For an easy weekend look, I'd throw this blazer on top of my favorite new tee and jeans. Some chunky, heavy accessories keep it from looking too summery. The same blazer would also be perfect over a simple, tailored dress. You'll look crisp and polished, and everyone will notice your amazing bag and shoes.

8. Wes-Inspired

I've never been a huge Wes Anderson fan, but the fashion world is perpetually enamored with his very specific quirky-misfit style. There were a number of fall collections that seemed to draw inspiration from Anderson's oddball characters (including, quite surprisingly, Gucci), and I have seen that influence in pieces that are in stores right now. If you're game, consider adding a bit of retro, off-beat inspiration to your look.

H&M Lace Dress -- great vintage looking skater dress. Your mom probably wore something really similar in the 70s.

Modcloth Home on the Driving Range Top -- with baby barrettes and a shit ton of eyeliner, you could be Margot Tenenbaum's long lost sister.

Boden Panel Vintage Tunic Dress -- this dress is sporty and playful, and you'd probably find a million excuses to wear it.

Tory Burch Sport Performance Merino V-Neck Sweater -- I can't help but be drawn to this sporty, preppy sweater -- did I tell you I was captain of my high school tennis team?

So assuming you're not just shopping for your Halloween costume, how do you wear these pieces? Let's play...

If you want to embrace your quirky side, you can experiment with pattern mixing and introducing a pop or two of color. You could layer a printed shirt underneath dress and have fun with some bright Mary Jane heels. It's a lot of look, but mixing shades of blue and brown makes it very possible. If you're not ready to go quite that far, a pretty color block cardigan creates a more demure look. I'd throw on a cool necklace and d'orsay flats for a cool mod work look.

Fall Wishlist: Part IV

7. Deep Dark Oxblood

More than any other season, fall is defined by a color palette. There are some colors, like oxblood, that evoke happy, cozy feelings of rustling leaves, warm fires, spiced cider. It is hot and muggy in Florida today, so I'm going to try to jumpstart fall with a few pieces in this deep, rich shade.

J. Crew Factory Wool Dress Coat -- the perfect coat when you need to have a bit of a princess moment -- so very Kate Middleton.

Forever 21 Faux Suede Strappy Sandals -- a bold Miu Miu-inspired chunky sandal. I can imagine these with fun, textured tights in a rainbow of colors.

Modcloth Paris Cafe Cardigan -- I love a cardigan that looks just as good (maybe better) when buttoned as it does when left open. This piece from Modcloth's new in-house line is a little bit sweet, a little bit sexy.

Topshop Leather Duffel Crossbody -- your new everyday bag in a very sophisticated shade.

This rich color looks good on so many different skin tones, so any of these pieces would be great closet workhorses. I really love that coat, so let's take it for a spin...

I'm rarely home for my high school's homecoming weekend, but I might be this year and this is exactly what I'd wear. This coat perfectly ties together a fun sweater and pale, relaxed jeans. The accessories are practical and a nod to my school's colors (blue and gold) -- go Eagles! And this coat brings the perfect amount of fancy for holiday activities later in the year. It compliments, but doesn't compete with, a great party dress.

8. A Great Bag (or Two)

Investing in a good bag each season is an easy way to freshen up your look. It's a smart buy, especially if you're looking to stretch your budget. If you find the right one, your cost per wear will be tiny. Here are some of my favorites right now:

Zara Holdall -- I talked about the qualities of my ideal bag here: (looks like) leather, roomy but not bulky, easy to carry. This is a winner, and I love the deep bottle green color.

Yoins Snakeprint Backpack -- an interesting shape and pattern, but still neutral enough to play nicely with the rest of your look.

Boden Berkeley Zip Bag -- this is one of my favorite bag shapes, and I love the punchy tomato red. 

Old Navy Faux-Leather Bucket Bag -- classic, great looking bag for a teeny price. 

Would it be wrong to buy all of these? I think the Zara bag is my favorite, so let's play with that one:

A perfect bag to take to work, especially on those surprisingly sticky September days. I love this striped shirt dress -- I'd add a couple of bracelets, some not-boring shoes, and not much else. This bag is also perfect for a chilly night out -- people may not see the sleek sweater and pants under your big cocoon coat, but everyone will notice the great bag on your arm.

Fall Wishlist: Part II

3. Versatile Black & White

No secret, black and white is my favorite color combo and a go-to palette all year long. It's chic, it's flattering, and it goes with everything. I've seen a lot of great graphic black and white pieces this season, so I'm hoping to add one or two to the ever-growing black and white section of my closet.

Anthropologie Ika Split Henley -- a great drape-y tunic that you'll wear every season.

Modcloth By Luck or Design Top -- a perfect work blouse that you could easily pair with jeans or leggings on the weekend.

Modcloth What's Avenue With You? Sweater -- I love the shape this sweet, fitted sweater creates. The stripes are just the right width, and the bow adds personality without being too wacky.

Peter Som Reeve Pullover -- cool and cozy.

For those last lingering days of summer, I'd pair this blouse with a pair of pale blue tweed pants (I bought a very similar pair a few months ago and they are so versatile) for a cool, airy office look. And I'd have some fun with accessories. Pairing black and brown can be tricky, so try using one as an accent -- a stack of wood tone bangles, tortoise flats, and a beige bag are unexpected but interesting.

I don't know why, but I immediately thought this top would be a great option for Thanksgiving dinner -- or maybe a fun Friendsgiving get together. When you add slim (but stretchy) leggings, you have a great outfit with plenty of room for seconds (and thirds). Since you'll be doing plenty of sitting, this is a perfect time to break out your favorite pretty-but-painful shoes. And how amazing is this little belted princess coat? (It's J. Crew -- will be watching for markdowns.)

4. Tailored Blazers

Another year-round favorite, blazers are just made for crisp fall days.

J. Crew Rhodes Blazer -- this is the updated version of the beloved Schoolboy Blazer, and it looks pretty great in photos. A classic you'll wear for years.

J. Crew Metallic Tweed Blazer -- great shape, cool texture, neutral color palette, with a hint of luxe metallic shimmer. Love.

H&M Fitted Blazer -- you don't necessarily need to take out a mortgage to get great looking blazer. I like the color and shape of this one from H&M.

Forever 21 Single Button Knit Blazer -- this soft, relaxed blazer is perfect for throwing over your weekend look when you need an extra layer.

I get jealous anytime I see my favorite bloggers bust out their Schoolboy Blazers, and I'm developing a serious crush on Rhodes. Let's see it in action...

This blazer is the perfect way to make your favorite summer shift office ready. With the right bag, shoes, and jewelry you'll have a really easy work uniform for early fall. I also love the idea of dressing a blazer up a bit. A little sequin tank peeking out underneath is fun and flirty but not over the top. Add skinny jeans and cute shoes and you're ready for dinner, drinks, whatever.

Fall Wishlist Part I

1. A Perfect Trench

A classic trench coat has been on my wish list for some time. It's timeless, versatile, insanely practical. And you really only need one -- choose correctly, and you'll be investing in a piece you'll reach for year after year.

If this is the year you want to add a trench to your closet, there are plenty of good ones to consider:

Modcloth East Coast Tour Coat -- a super sharp, super feminine option. The black piping and ribbon belt help create a really lovely silhouette.

Zara Short Trench Coat -- this is sportier version adds a little drama to your look. It's boxy, so you'll want to try on a few sizes to make sure the fit is sharp and not sloppy.

Mango Flowy Trench -- I like this soft, flowy cut. Also available in charcoal gray if you're not a fan of the traditional beige.

UNIQLO IDLF Trench Coat -- if you're looking for a truly classic trench, I think this is the best (and most affordable) one on the market today. UNIQLO has a great reputation for outerwear, and the influence of French model Ines de la Fressange delivers perfectly chic styling. If you've been considering a Burberry trench, you might want to test drive this one first and see if doesn't save you about $900.

Of course, there are a million ways to wear a trench...

For early fall, I'd throw it on over a t-shirt, skinny crops, and flats with a hint of summer sweetness (tip: on those warm days, leave the coat open and tie the belt in the back to keep things neat). On those truly cold fall days, layer it up: a turtleneck, cozy scarf, warm pants, and chunky boots will keep you warm without being bulky. Don't worry, there's always time for your Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man impression in January.

2. Cozy Knits

I can describe my favorite season in just two words: sweater weather. You know what I'm talking about. Cool, crisp air that makes you want to snuggle into your favorite cozy knit pieces. This is the ideal time to add a few new sweaters into rotation. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Gap Moto Sweater Jacket -- I love the use of a nontraditional waffle knit material in this very classic shape. Perfect for layering, interesting on its own.

2. J. Crew Cambridge Cable Turtleneck -- totally classic style in a bold, bright color. A lot of people look great in red, so a turtleneck like this could be a great pick-me-up piece for gray fall days.

3. UNIQLO Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan -- a good cardigan is a wardrobe staple, and it makes sense to invest in one in a good quality material like cashmere. UNIQLO does affordable cashmere better than almost anyone.

4. Modcloth Corner Coffee Shop Cardigan -- I love the shape of this sweater -- so sharp, and the funnel neck and three-quarter sleeves are feminine and flattering. Think about how much fun you'll have pairing this with fun prints to peek out at the hem.

Sweater weather is the best, and there are so many great styling options...

For early fall, you can pair with a denim mini, tights, and simple chunky boots. This is kind of my ideal "bopping around the neighborhood" outfit, so I'd add my favorite summery shades and a fun tote bag for lugging home library books, farmer's market goodies, a stack of magazines, etc. For later fall months, I'm thinking wide-leg tweed pants, a great watch, cool heels (did you score these Rebecca Minkoff beauties during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale?), and a bucket bag.

*note: I'm leaving prices out of my posts because they'll be over the place this season. Remember, watch for holiday weekend sales, check your email for codes (signing up for a company's email list usually generates an extra, stackable coupon code, so get your burner email addresses ready), comparison shop, and try to avoid paying for shipping. 

August Budget

What a difference a month makes...

Last month was a bit of disaster that included a pricey splurge and a big Zara haul that put me way over budget. (A quick update there: I ended up returning the beautiful J. Crew shoes. It was a little sad because I did love them, but I couldn't justify the price when I really looked at the quality of the shoes). This month was the polar opposite -- almost no shopping at all. I had other priorities, and sometimes that's just the way it goes: I had a number of boring household-type expenses (new MacBook battery, new glasses, fresh highlights, etc.), I've been putting money away for my vacation, and I wasn't really interested in fall clothes because it's just too hot in Florida.

Here's how my August spending looks:

Starting Budget: $200

J. Crew Factory Tipped Linen Blazer ($50, on sale) -- I actually haven't received this jacket yet, but assuming I keep it, I'll be counting this towards my August budget. I've been wanting a sharp white blazer with black piping for a while and caught a fairly rock bottom price (it's back to almost $100 now!). 

a.n.a Stella Thong ($18, on sale) -- I've loved these sandals all summer, and I picked them up during a nice end of summer sale. They're fun and add a nice pop of color to a lot of outfits.

J. Crew Factory Photo Collector Tee ($10, on sale) -- just a cool little tee. 

Total: $78 ($112 under budget)

I'll be tucking this $112 away in savings, but I'll reserve the right to dip into it in September or October when I might be tempted by great fall pieces.

I have been doing a lot of window shopping fall fashion (and I'll be starting a fun fall shopping series next week). Since this is a pretty short post, I thought I'd share some of the things I'm eyeing for September:

I really love this Zara blouse. It pushes all of my buttons: black and white, pretty piping, sheer flowy shape. I'm hoping to see it in store rather than ordering online because I am concerned it might be a little too short for my long torso.

How sexy is this mermaid-like swimsuit? I still have a lot of swimming months ahead of me, so it seems like a good buy.

Thakoon x Kohl's launches this month, and the preview images look great. I love this cozy marled sweater, among other things.

I fell in love with this blouse a few years ago, and I'm glad Kate Spade re-released it this year. It is marked down from it's original overinflated price, but I'll need another round of reductions before I can pull the trigger. But it's so pretty, right?

This bag looks amazingly chic in photos -- can you believe it is from Old Navy? I definitely want to check this out in-store. I've been let down by the quality level of ON bags in the past, but if this looks as good in real life, it would be an excellent fall buy.

Anything you have your eye on this season?

Linking up with Fran and the budgeting bloggers -- go check out all of the great buys this month!

PS - New here? Welcome! Check out my most popular posts this month:

Wednesday Wishlist: So Bright

Pack This: Summer Vacation

Three Ways: Cashmere Cardigan

Wednesday Wishlist: Flat But Fierce

Have you been following the news out of the Cannes Film Festival this week? If not, here's a quick update: Naomi Watts and Lupita Nyong'o are stunning. Cate Blanchett, beyond perfection. Carol and Inside Out look amazing (for verrry different reasons). And then a weird thing happened.

A few days ago, we heard about some fantastic things that Salma Hayek and others said about women and sexism in Hollywood. Yay! And then this bit of what-the-fuckery: women are being turned away from the red carpet and film screenings for wearing flat shoes.

There are a million reasons why a woman would choose to wear flats: Maybe comfort is important. Maybe you already tower over your teeny male co-star and you're worried he'll throw a tantrum. Maybe they just look damn good.

Heels are great, but today I've got my eyes on some totally fierce and fabulous flats -- they're not all red carpet-worthy, but there are a few pretty pair that I might just bust out the next time I'm invited to attend the most glamorous film festival in the world (next year, I'm sure)...

BRIGHT

1. Duo Karin Court Shoe ($155) -- These sweet round-toe shoes have a 1-inch heel, so perhaps not technically going to get you kicked off the carpet at Cannes, but for me these are basically flats. I love the bow detail. These are a nice option if you've been eyeing classic Ferragamos but haven't saved up enough pennies just yet.

2. Tina Mandarin Orange Dip Dyed Ballet Flats ($199) -- orange is really one of my least favorite shades to wear, but I could have fun with a bright pop of it in these vibrant ballet flats.

3. a.n.a. Sicily Ballet Flats ($40) -- pink always makes me happy.

4. Zoe Flats ($179) -- yellow seems high-maintenance, but it is a surprisingly versatile color -- it mixes well with almost every color and is infinitely more fun than basic black or brown.

LOOK AT ME

1. Chiara Ferragni Lips Espadrille ($319) -- these silly glittery slip-ons would be the perfect thing to add a little fun to your Saturday-running-errands look.

2. ModCloth Chance Greeting Flats ($40) -- why not have a pair of shoes that puts you in an instant good mood?

3. ModCloth Stroke of Genius Flats ($35) -- I don't think I could pull these off, but I'd be happy to catch someone else rocking these.

4. Gap Snakeskin Flat ($25) -- these are so simple but sharp, I'm planning a million outfits in my head that would perfectly show them off.

PERFECTLY POINTY

1. Sole Society Molly Flats ($65) -- black and white stripes just the best.

2. Zara Glitter Pointed Ballet Flats ($20) -- these are a bit over the top, so I'd keep the rest of my look unfussy...maybe boyfriend jeans and a relaxed button down or a simple black shift. They come in a gold/silver combo and an icy blue ombre that Elsa would just love.

3. Loeffler Randall Quinnie Flat Pump ($300) -- just a very ladylike classic.

4. French Connection Doris Pointy Toe Flat ($110) --  want, want, want. Sofia Coppola would rock these on the red carpet and be the coolest girl in the room.

D'ORSAY

1. Halogen Kayla Pointy Toe Flat ($80) - I'm not really a huge fan of the d'orsay style, but the mix of camel and black leather in this shoe is super chic.

2. Ferragamo Prietta Jelly Flat ($255) -- probably the prettiest jelly shoes ever.

3. ModCloth Pretty Promenade Flat ($30) -- a basic little black shoe with a feminine twist.

4. Madewell Snake Spot D'Orsay Flat ($108) -- very drawn to these, even though they're not at all my typical style.

Dressing for Theme Parks

So, I live in Orlando (have I not mentioned this 17 million times yet?), and I spend a lot of time visiting various theme parks. Why? Because there is some seriously world-class entertainment in Central Florida and many of these attractions are literally in my backyard. I didn't grow up here and I won't live here forever, so there is still a novelty in deciding on a random Saturday afternoon that I feel like riding Pirates of the Caribbean and eating a Dole Whip...and doing it!

In addition to being a theme park nerd, I am also a hardcore people watcher. Sometimes that is the best part -- settling on a bench with a huge iced coffee and just watching the world go by. I am always interested and sometimes fascinated in what people wear as they're chasing down thrills and costumed characters. You kind of see everything -- super dressed up, incredibly dressed down, and everything in between.

I pass no judgment -- you're on your day off, so you wear what you like.

BUT, I don't think you have to give up your personal style for the sake of comfort and functionality on a long hot day in a theme park. In fact, you probably have some great park options sitting in your closet right now. Whether you're planning a big summer vacation to Disney or just hitting your local theme park for the day, here are some of my go-to park options that feature one of my favorite wardrobe basics: a good classic white button-down.

Gap Fitted Oxford Button Down ($50)

1. This is my go-to outfit for a day of hardcore park-hopping. Crisp, cool, totally put together -- you'll be able to ride every stomach-churning thrill ride again and again and still look great in all of those goofy photos you'll end up want to taking.

I just ordered these cute graphic print shorts (saw an awesome flash deal that brought them to less than $25 with shipping) -- this simple, chic print looks great with a classic button-down. Comfy shoes are a must -- you may get wet! -- and a chunky watch and sleek shades are practical and cute. A small cross-body bag is a must for keeping cash, keys, phone, water, snacks, and extra sunscreen.

2. The weather in Florida is not always your best friend, and a rainy day can happen at any park. Your button-down is a great choice for layering under a light, slim rain coat (that can be folded into a little pouch if the sun shows up). I'd add a light pair of cropped jeans and rubber wedges (similar), perfect for staying dry in the deepest puddles (note: I own the Tretorn wedges pictured and they are the best rain shoes ever -- I regret not stocking up before they were discontinued). I wouldn't bother carrying a lot of extra stuff -- just a little card wallet with some cash and credit cards is all you'll need.

3. Maybe you're heading to a park for something other than rides and junk food -- theme parks all over the country have food festivals, concerts, and fine dining options. A button down is great over an airy maxi dress, just knotted at the waist (think Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr. Ripley) -- it is a perfect extra layer during the day to keep the sun from broiling your skin (and then you can tuck it in your big, roomy bag when the sun goes down). These mini wedges look comfy and have a kind of jolie laide quality to them. I have these sunglasses and they're amazing, and I love a simple bold necklace.

4. OK, so maybe you want to have a little fun -- here's my version of cute but still fabulous character-inspired dressing. A nod to Minnie Mouse, the chicest rodent ever.

The white shirt is perfect with slim cropped red pants and comfy slides. I almost always want to wear giant sunglasses and a big rose gold watch, so why not here? I'll admit, I'm kind of afraid of a fanny pack this little sleek one seems perfect (I like to keep my hands free for Mickey Bars). Just add your sparkly mouse ears and you're ready to go!