Wish List Wednesday

the temperatures have dropped and the warm layers have started adding up...

It feels like I'm wearing sweaters, boots, and scarves every day! Because of this, I've been drawn to outfit inspiration that makes for cute and warm combinations. One thing that I'm missing here at school is a coat.. I know, I'm crazy. I don't know how I somehow ended up without any sort of jacket- besides my Excursion Vest- but it happened. 

Therefore, I'm serious when I say that I've really been layering and accessorizing for warmth. 

here is what I'm coveting on these chilly days:

Barbour Jacket

I really don't need anything bulky right now, but something to put over my sweaters to block the wind and add that extra layer would be great! I love the quilted look of this Barbour Jacket.

Stylish but Casual Shoes

Because, sometimes I need to give my feet a break from the boots and heels. 

J Brand / J. Crew / J Brand

I've realized how few pairs of "nice" jeans I have. I had one pair of fabulous Lucky Brand jeans, but they were getting worn and I conveniently ripped a hole in them. Even though I hate trying on jeans with a passion, I'd be willing to endure it if I left with a pair or two of jeans that flatter me in all the right places.

Vineyard Vines / Madewell

Fair Isle sweaters have been making their fair share of appearances on my Instagram and Tumblr timelines. This, of course, has me dying for one! I love the Madewell sweater, since I already have so much navy (and it's cheaper), but I had to throw in the classic Vineyard Vines, too. 

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I'm hoping to conquer the hunt for jeans over my winter break: after-Christmas sales and going back to work for a couple of weeks will put me in a perfect position to hunt and save! And, as hard as it is to say, I don't think I'm really needing another sweater at this point... but can you ever really have too many? I'd say, at the moment, those New Balance for J. Crew shoes are top on my list- I adore they way they're styled in the lookbook and have been making up outfits they'd work with in my head (...I wear a size 9 if anyone is feeling generous)...

what's on your wish list?

RedHead Lovin'

as a redhead, I always get excited when I see a ginger model in a catalogue or ad

I guess it's because my strawberry-blonde hair sometimes makes me feel different. Not in a good or bad way, it's just that I stand out. In a world of brunettes and blondes, my freckles and red hair can really bring me attention. People tend to comment on my hair before anything else... some people even ask to touch it, as if it's going to feel different than their golden locks. And I'll never forget the outright stares that I got while traveling in the Middle East. In their defense, my rosy complexion, hair & freckles, and blue eyes are extremely foreign to their olive-skinned population. 

But, I don't really let the fact that I look different bring me down. I find it funny now, and I enjoy the fact that my small outbursts of energy can be attributed to being a fiery redhead. And the fun part is that being part of this dying population connects me to other redhead girls out there. Recently I've loved seeing redhead girls in ads. J. Crew has a fabulous redhead model, and I love the Vineyard Vines model whose hair color is almost identical to mine! Seeing that rose-tinted skin and those freckles makes me proud to be different.

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J. Crew

Vineyard Vines

I can't forget the fabulous
Molly Ringwald

Everyone has a quirk or characteristic that helps them stand out. Mine is certainly my hair. I used to hate that it was so different, and sometimes I still think it's weird that people can be so intrigued by the fact that I have strawberry in my blonde. But I have grown to enjoy the fact that it is truly a part of who I am. It explains where I've come from and gives me a chance to automatically stand out- without saying a word.

and I can really appreciate that.

what sets you apart?

Long Weekend Makes for Good Sales

There are multiple reasons to enjoy Columbus Day,

and it's possible that the Sales may be the number one reason! 

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Here's what I'm loving:

50% off at J. Crew Factory

The entire store- including new arrivals- is 50% off! 

What I'd Get: this awesome waffle sweater! 

I loved the one at the J. Crew store, so it's perfect that the Factory has a similar style. Even more perfect? It's over half the price. Add this weekend's 50% and it's a steal! 

"Halfsies" at the Loft

Select styles 50% off!

What I'd Get: this jeweled sweater!

It's J. Crew-esque style plus the discount makes this sweater oh so sweet. It's perfect for dressing up or down, with a fun skirt, jeans, or printed pants! Pus, the short sleeves make it perfect for layering under jackets on chilly days! 

J. Crew 25% off every purchase!

need I say more?

Vineyard Vines Additional 30% off

sale items + some! 

Free Shipping at Sperry

check out the boots for this fall and winter! 

If you've got some extra spending money (birthday money, in my case), need something specific, or just want to knock out Christmas Shopping (it's ever too early, right?), this weekend is a great time!

Happy Shopping! 

Made in the USA

As a proud American, I think it's important to support the American people.

No matter what is going on politically or militarily, I see America a just that: the America that the pilgrims came to. Sure, things have changed and times are different. I get it. But that doesn't mean that it's wrong to support my neighbors. We're all on this journey of life and we all posses goals and dreams- I feel it's my duty as an American to support the dreams of others.

Karma? No. Just a fundamental responsibility of being human.

This does't mean that I don't buy outside of the USA or have a strong hate towards outsourced jobs- I run in Nikes, love my Apple products, and absolutely love European designers. But, when I can, I buy American. To make it easier for you, I've made a list of some of my personal favorite American made brands:

1. Cotton Snaps

2. KJP

3. L.L. Bean

4. J Brand

5. Southern Proper

6. PKP

7. True Religion

8. Vineyard Vines

This list ranges from American made- in the sense that they sell products produced in America by Americans- to small businesses that have experienced great growth in the last year or so. I find that both supporting American and small business is important for the economy. 

Small-er businesses are so much more fun, in my opinion. Whether it's an Etsy shop or just a small online boutique, the customer service is generally fantastic. I love being able to form that merchant/buyer relationship and feel good about my purchase. It is true that American Made or small businesses are often more expensive, making it more challenging at times to justify buying something twice as expensive because it "supports small business". And you know what? I think that's okay. Business is all about supply and demand, and if the supply is greater than the demand, the merchant will take the hint.  

Alright, I'll hop off my soap box now.

But before I go...

Buy Small Business!