Favorite things for a snowy winter

It’s been a long time since I’ve written about some of my favorites and as someone who has grown up in the snowy Midwest I thought it may be fun to make a list of my favorites for surviving the winter. I’ll be honest that after 8 years of nannying and now having our own little one, my favorites tend to be pretty practical. When it is blustering cold out and snow is everywhere, usefulness and practicality trump trendiness and fashion, although I hope these are not too utilitarian.

Ever since we’ve been married (just over 7 years) I’ve been working to transform my closet from one of very inexpensive, only last a season or two things to items that can last quite a bit longer. For me that means buying quality brands, made of quality materials, and usually means I spend a bit more. Though as one who can rarely pay full price, most items are scooped up at the end of season for a steal. I often, for bigger purchases, think of the cost per wear and the perfect illustrations would be designer jeans (my favorite pair just got a hole in the knee after 8 years) and a great wool coat (lasting many, many years.) Both items are investments but I like things that still look new after a few years and wear well. Although my favorite places to buy designer denim are EBay and Nu Look Consignment in Mpls.

Winter Coats:

This is one area where I’ve really morphed from wannabe fashionista into I.just.want.to.be.warm. I have four winter coats all for different purposes. Might sound excessive and really it probably is but they all have a purpose and they’ve all lasted seemingly forever. I have a ski coat, a down sweater (which might be my favorite), a long down coat, and a wool coat. If I had to get rid of any of them it would be a toss up between my ski coat and the wool one. Surprise you?

I’ve just realized that there are a few criteria that really matter and here they are in order of preference:

1. Warmth factor  2. Easy to clean/wipe/wear with kids   3. Somewhat fashionable

#2 has easily become something that has risen from the bottom to the top. Wrangling a toddler with messy boots or snowy coats or just wrangling them in and of itself with everything else like groceries, etc. I want what I am wearing to withstand the abuse and still keep me warm.

It follows along with the reasons I still carry a diaper bag. I want my nice coats and purses to stay nice. That’s what it has come down to. I want to be able to go out with girlfriends or my husband and not have dried snot on my nice coat or spilled milk in my purse. Because inevitably no matter how hard I try otherwise those two things will eventually happen. If I pay a premium for a nice thing I’ll try my hardest to keep it that way. I’m enough of a klutz to ruin it myself. I

So I’ve surrendered to motherhood and if I look like a mom, good. I waited a long time.

As far as boots…I’m still deciding. I want something that is easy to get on, is waterproof, still looks somewhat fashionable but more importantly keeps my feet warm and dry. These are the two top contenders from REI. By the way, REI is amazing. Did you know that you can return things a year later? That is so handy when you buy kids winter clothing at the end of the year and need to buy multiple sizes because you don’t know what will fit. AMAZING!!

And as far as the rest of our family goes in surviving the Midwest winters…Elizabeth and Alex have down sweaters. Alex’s is from Eddie Bauer (usually their coats go 50% off) and E’s is from REI, the REI brand. I’m hoping they made a version this year because I would snatch it up in an instant for next year. Best part about the down sweaters are they are incredibly warm. You wouldn’t think so given their size and how light they are but seriously warm. And they compact well so car seat straps can still get really tight.

 

 

Top Row: 1. Kids Down Sweater 2. Merrell Nikita Boot  3. J.Crew Wool Coat

Middle Row: 1. Eddie Bauer Down Coat 2. Upcycled Sweater Mittens

Bottom Row: 1. Eddie Bauer Down Sweater 2. Sorel Tofino Boot 3. Patagonia Down Sweater

 

As far as buying, sales get incredible right after the holidays. I’ve scooped up all the coats above at least 50% off which is incredible pricing for the quality. I’m hoping to hold out on boots until I find a fantastic deal but I might cave considering we just got a slew of sloppy wet snow. And as far as gloves are concerned…I love upcycled sweater mittens. They keep my hands toasty warm and wool is amazing at keeping water out. I’m on the hunt for a pair for Elizabeth. I bought mine at a local craft fair but they are available all over Etsy or you could make your own:)

And somehow I forgot, but warm socks are a must. Our drawers are full of Smartwool and REI brand wool socks but this year I learned of a new winner: DARN TOUGH. They have a lifetime guarantee. LIFETIME GUARANTEE. We rarely get holes in our wool socks but they can occur. That is amazing.

What are your families favorite things for surviving the winter?

Stitch Fix #1

Have you heard of Stitch Fix?

Seriously, I’m not trying to make anyone buy anything. Maybe you’re wondering what’s with all the hype with me sharing products? Really, nothing. No hype. Just a satisfied customer sharing the goods. Definitely not paid, asked or anything like that. Honestly, I’m not sure anyone even reads this.
BUT…this is amazing.

Ever since I had Elizabeth I’ve rarely went shopping for myself. And let’s be honest, shopping online is like the best thing ever. Especially if the store offers free returns or you can return in to a local retailer. I always wondered why people did so much online shopping when they had kids and now I know. It’s not only a time saver, but getting packages just about makes my day.

But back to Stitch Fix. I’m pretty sure they came up with this for moms. Stitch Fix is an online styling site. That’s probably not the best way to sum it up but basically you log in, create an extensive style profile which you can link to a favorite board on Pinterest, and then professional stylists read over everything and hand pick 5 items to send to you. You pay a $20 styling fee up front and then it is CREDITED back to you when you choose an item to keep. For instance, I just got my box and ended up keeping a gorgeous top and I paid the cost of the top minus the $20 I already paid. Also if you decide to keep everything in the box you receive a 25% discount!

They also provide you with a prepaid envelope for sending back what didn’t work. You have 3 days to mull over the choices and try them on and then get them back in the mail. Seriously so easy.
This is not a monthly commitment, although it could be, and you pick the date you want your box to arrive. So if you had a wedding coming up and needed a dress you could ask them to send you 5 dresses to try. Seriously it’s life changing.

While I rarely spend a lot on my everyday clothing, ahem life with a 1 year old, I do love to have some special pieces that fit well, are made well, will last and are timeless for date nights, adult only nights out and special occasions. And as far as cost, I checked the box “the cheaper the better” and everything in my box was between $28-$68. So not terrible for really nice and unique pieces. And to be real, this is the kind of stuff I save my pennies for:)

SO here’s what I received.

pretty packaging

I received a skirt, 2 tops, necklace and a dress

This is the top I kept. Not necessarily something I would pick out but it was super cute on and that’s what makes this so fun! The fabric feels amazing and the cut and sizing was perfect.

And I was so sad this dress didn’t work. Of all the things in the box this was the one that seemed to be exactly my style. Somehow the fit wasn’t quite right and made me look like I was wearing a flour sack. So bummed.

But there you have it. Your own personal stylist that will do your shopping for you and you are able to enjoy the pure fun of receiving a gift in the mail. A total win if you ask me!

Try Stitch Fix for yourself:)

Add some Canvas

I have an affinity for cute, comfortable, and durable clothing.  I love classic styling with a twist of modern fun.  My favorite stores include Gap, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and for the fun, H&M.  This all changed though when I set my eyes on Canvas by Land’s End.

Land’s End has filled my closet with some great pieces, like fleece and swimwear.  BUT, I have never really turned to Land’s End for my clothing, finding it a little too old-fashioned, matronly, well…you know, old.  But that changed.  They introduced a new line called Canvas that is perfect for our demographic.  They had a great sale over the winter and I grabbed quite a few great pieces.  Best part, they have the BEST customer service and the QUALITY cannot be beat.  That good. 

Best part for those in the Twin Cities; I’ve spotted Canvas at the Inlet in Bloomington.  Also they have fantastic sales, perfect for staple stocking.

So in preparation for summer, here are some of my favorites:

stripes and ruffles, yes please!

ruffle top, how cute is that?

straight leg jeans…I love to roll the bottoms

cute and comfy, perfect for summer

how could I get through summer without this?

perfect tote for the pool

I already own these and I basically live in them. 

Right now they are $7.50 or $33 without the bow.

Happy Shopping!

dahlia love

A little pretty on Saturday.

Can I just say how much I love this:

via EmersonMade

I love the ethereal quality and simple beauty.  Perfect addition to a cardigan.

  

Can I also mention how I adore the name Emerson.  Yup, it’s in my top 3.  Emme, short for Emerson.  I also quite like Ralph Waldo, the poet, not the name.  Too bad the hubs is not a fan like I am, of the name Emerson that is, not the poet.  Phew.

The flower pin reminds me of my wedding bouquet, which would have been my dream if it held peonies or dahlias.  That is if we could have pulled together our wedding in under 3 months or waited over a year, which we didn’t.  Spring would have been the perfect time of year for my favorite flower, the peony. My bouquet was to be full of peonies, specially flown in from Florida for our special day.  Unfortunately Hurricane B, C, or F put a damper on the plan, the week before our wedding.  Good thing our amazing florist was able to create a gorgeous stand in out of roses:

Either way, I love the pale shades of pink with the subtle creams and whites, just like the beautiful EmersonMade flower pin.  I know I won't be purchasing one like that anytime soon so I found some inexpensive stand-ins on Etsy:

do you have a favorite flower? 

the flynn

seriously, i'm in love...

anne m cramer

with the flynn skirt.

seriously swooning over this stunning skirt
and would love to get my hands on it.

anne's son was my buddy colin's friend at school.
i admit, anne's style always left my mouth on the ground in awe & in pure envy.
but she's far to kind for envy.  so i'll swoon and extend accolades instead.

check out anne m cramer for more impeccably styled clothing

boot camp

I'm not talking about a Jillian and Bob type boot camp.  No running over things, up things, or under things.  And no, not like a bear hunt either.  Actually nothing like anything the words "boot camp" conjure up.  Instead I'm chatting about boots, the ones you put on your feet.

Whenever I see "put together" women wearing tall boots, short boots, booties, etc. I'm so inspired.  I happen to think that we all have that inner fashionista inside of us but I don't seem to always  have the confidence to pull it off.  But on the other hand, sometimes I (we?) just need to take the plunge.

The other night I scored two amazing deals on boots.  I've been on the lookout for the past few months for some black boots.  Flat if possible, not too trendy, just to wear with my jeggings and leggings, and inexpensive without being cheap looking.  A tall order because I really am pretty frugal and yes, if you just caught on I also just admitted that I have caved to the trend and now own both -eggings!

But back to the boots.  Boy oh boy are they beautiful.  They you might ask?  Oh yes, one cannot pass up an amazing deal.  So I purchased 2 pairs.  I know, I know but they were such a good deal.  A flat pair of taller black boots and a pair of tall brown boots with a heel.  Yup, with a heel.  I'll say it again, with a heel!

You may be wondering what the fuss is about, but until I found these I just didn't do boots with a heel   I have a pair from college that has a taller skinny heel and for some reason when I wear them I just feel...a little, well out of my element.  Scandalous, maybe?  So I've avoided.  That is until I set my eyes on these:

They remind me of a pair my mom had back in the 80's.  I love the chunky heel.  They are by Born Crown, a division of Born.  I love me some comfortable shoes, boots, slippers.  In fact most of the shoes in my closet could have also lived one day in my grandmothers.  Full of Born, Clarks, Naturalizer, Sofft, etc.  Call me crazy, but I just love for my feet to be comfortable.  Maybe that's a sign of aging.  Ah, well had to happen some time.

But back to the beautiful brown boots.  I found these at Marshall's.  Unscathed.  That never happens, but they are in mint condition, one pair left in my size.  Again that NEVER happens.  So I scooped them up.  Actually I scooped them, then put them back, left for a bit and came back to scoop them up.  $200 boots for $49.  Past season, whatever.  These are classic.

But back to what I really went in for.  Black boots.  I found these:

Steve Madden Criskros.  So incredibly comfortable and so out of my comfort box, I mean they have zippers.  But I put them on anyways, because they were only $34 and a girl needs her some black boots.  Much to my surprise, I fell in love again and these I scooped up and didn't turn back until they were bought and paid for.  Once I came home I pounced online to see just how much I saved and then I realized they still MAKE these.  $80 at Steve Madden, $60 at Piperlime, and $70 at Zappos.  $100 boots for $34.  Not bad, not bad at all.

So that was my first session of boot camp. Finding out what I like, playing around a bit, and coming home with a bit more in my bag.  Just like real camp, only minus the kum-bah-ya around the campfire.

So tell me, do you have a favorite pair of boots?  Anything you avoid?