Prepping my Fall Wardrobe -

I'm ready for Fall. No if, ands or buts about it. I'm ready for Fall. It's been unseasonably hot in NC this year and the 90 degree days started back in June. I'm good thank you very much. I've seen my first pumpkin spice thing AND candy corn. I'm ready!

I've been perusing the interwebs looking at fall fashion and trying to decide what's on my wish list. After I put these pictures together, I learned that I apparently want to revert to my 80s rocker chick roots.

I bet I could still get my hair that high. I just need some Aqua Net. Funny story, when I was in college we were watching Jerry Springer and there was a lady whose name was Aquanetta. Seriously, someone's mom named them after a bottle of hairspray. That's so unfortunate.  

I digress, on to some of my key pieces for the Fall.

1. Leather (like) Jacket. I started looking for a leather-ish jacket a few weeks ago and finally started to see some tricking into the stores. I wanted one light enough to wear in the office as well as out.

I ordered this one from Nordstrom anniversary sale. I really liked the moto style of it. It was super cute on as well. Check it out here. I'd suggest going up a size.

Then I saw this one at Nordstrom Rack. I LOVE IT. I ordered it, then actually saw it in the store and loved it even more in person. I returned the other jacket... Really, for the price you can't beat it and it's super flattering on. I got the black but I bet the brown is cute in person too.

2. Chambray dress. Sadly I'm getting to the age where I remember having items of clothing that I've gotten rid of and now they're back in style and I'm pissed that they're gone. Really though, I wouldn't have kept something that long but I'd happily by it again. I HAD a denim a-line dress and it was adorable. Ergh....

I'm looking for a chambray dress with an a-line skirt, Everything I'm seeing are shirt dresses and that style just doesn't work well on my body shape. I need something with a defined waist.

This eShakti dress is super cute

3. Shearling vest - I don't know why I love this in the black but I just do. It'd be so cute with skinny jeans and a longer shirt.

Also at Nordstrom.

4. Black leather skirt. Really Lara? Leather-ish jacket, that shearling vest AND a leather skirt? YES! I don't know why but I can't STOP. Loft had a cute leather skirt last season but it looked tragic on me. Maybe this season will be different. 

I don't know where I found this but I'd love to find something similar (non trashy)

5. New Chambray shirt. I have one that will be awesome in 10 pounds but I'd like something to tide me over in the mean time. 

This one from Maurice's is just the right color. 

6. Cute Tunic. I love a nice tunic  for the fall. Wear it with jeans and booties now and with tights and a scarf in a few months. I LOVE this one from Nordstrom.

I got this in the large during the anniversary sale and like that it's a little longer and I can pass it off as a dress. I tried it on in the store and the medium definitely fit but it was a lot shorter, I would have needed to wear tights or leggings underneath,

So yea, my fall wishlist is nothing but denim and leather. Huh, I'm sure that says something about my personality, I just don't know what. lol

Oh, the next GYPO Style Challenge is open! It's the work wear challenge and I've been looking forward to this one. 3 weeks of outfits, all work appropriate, really, I'm super excited to get the shopping list. I highly doubt there will be a shearling leather vest on the list, but I can hope. Check it out here while the early bird pricing is still in affect and come join us!

Linking Up!

Garaytreasures Link Up  Style Sessions, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

How to have a Successful Outlet Shopping Trip

I don't even try to deny that I love me some outlet mall shopping. Always have, since the first time I experienced the glory and majesty that is outlet shopping. I think part of it is due to what Kev calls, my "seemingly endless ability to walk around and look at stuff".

I don't deny it, I really can look at stuff forever.

Last week while Kev was away I opened the mailbox and saw this....

Well, well, well, I knew what I was doing on Saturday. Since I love outlet shopping so much, I thought I would share some of my favorite shopping tips.

 - Wear some comfy shoes. I can walk endlessly in sandals, so I'm good either way, but there's nothing worse than smooshed toes when you still have a lot of shopping to do! But not too comfy. Anything with laces is a no-go. I hate having to take off my shoes and re-lace them each time I try something on. Don't get me started on shopping in boots either. 

 - Be smart when you choose your outfit for the day. I saw ladies in maxi dresses and gladiator sandals on Saturday. Poor choice.... Again with the having to take everything off.

 - Stay hydrated! I stopped and got a beverage on the way there. Really though, you need to drink, unless there aren't many bathrooms at your outlet mall, or they;re far apart. In that case, drink next to nothing.

- Look for gems in unexpected places. I found these awesome shooties at the Gap outlet and they were an additional 20% off, plus my coupon. They're perfect for the fall. I'd never expect to find cute shoes at the Gap, but I've had pretty decent luck there.

- Sign up for coupons. I know. we all hate the endless sale emails, but you want those coupons when you go to the outlet. I send all those types of e-mails to my yahoo. That way I can filter out the things I care about and the junk. That weekend I had a coupon from the Gap outlet for an extra 15% off all sale and clearance. Yes please!

- For $10 Tanger Outlets will sell you a lifetime membership into their "savings club". Each time you visit you van get a coupon book that has an extra % off. I did that last year when we got my MK purse and the extra 20% off the bag more than made up the cost of the program. And they send you extra coupons. 

- Plan to visit around holiday weekends. The outlets are more crowded then, but the Labor Day / Memorial Day / Columbus Day sales are usually pretty good!

- Get something for Kev (or your Kev) when you go. It helps deflect the number of bags you bring home. :)

Those are a few tips for a successful outlet shopping trip! So, what did I get?

At the Hanes outlet I got 2 pairs of clearance crops and 2 sport bras. They were 75% off and $8 apiece. NICE! Oh, and a pair of Zella crops from Nordstrom.

I so love this waterfall / kimono / cardigan sweater from the Loft. I wore it on Monday with a black dress underneath and it was super cute. It's going to be even cuter with tights and booties in the Fall. 

Not from the outlet but one of my folks had on this sweater the other day and I fell in love with it. She got it at Target and no lie, I went and got it at lunch that day. It's so soft and perfect for the fall, or now in a cold office. 

I KNOW... I have a small cardigan problem. Really though, this one is super lightweight AND it matches the stripes in a dress I've had for a while. A white cardigan looked dumb with it but it was all I had. Until now. :) This one is from the Gap

And I totally got the gray shooties from the Gap.

All in all, a pretty successful trip! 

What re your favorite outlet shopping tips?