Wishlist: Scarves

I didn’t even think of wearing scarves until a couple of years ago. I went through a phase where I fell in love with Love Quotes scarves and started collecting them. I found that when I threw on a scarf, I looked instantly more dressed up. There was one time I wore just jeans with a normal black coat, threw on a red scarf, and everyone at work was like “why are you so dressed up today?” I thought, “really? I didn’t even do anything besides wear this scarf…” So, now I own a ton of scarves. They’re such a great accessory, and especially seasonally-appropriate for the upcoming cold months. Here are some of my current favs:

Ralph Lauren “Jessa” Plaid Scarf – Siberian Red – $58

Ralph Lauren “Jessa” Plaid Scarf

Not only do I love plaid shirts, I love plaid scarves. They just look so cozy and wintry/holiday-y for Fall/Winter. Reminds me of winter nights at a log cabin by a fire. Mmmm….Not every plaid is cute though. Most are boring. I love this color combination here — deep red and green with dashes of yellow. Not to mention the sparkles! Too fun. So perfect for holidays. Get it here from Macy’s for $58.

Lord & Taylor Tartan Plaid Scarf – $39 (on sale from $58)

Lord & Taylor Tartan Plaid Scarf

Who knew Lord & Taylor could produce such cuteness? This reminds me of a wool tartan wool mini skirt from J.Crew a few years ago. Tartan plaid is one of my favorite patterns in the world — and I’m particularly a fan of white-based plaid. So cute, so chic, so cozy. Get it here from Lord & Taylor for $39.99.

Banana Republic Striped Infinity Scarf – Black – $49.50

Banana Republic Striped Infinity Scarf

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot more of these “infinity” or “loop” scarves. They’re brilliant. How many of us struggle to make our scarves look perfectly fluffy and casual on us? It may look nice in the mirror at home but sure won’t stay that way all day. There are videos online of how to tie a scarf because it’s such an issue. I usually just put them on backwards then pull the two ends to the front, which then just flap all about if there’s any wind. Now these “infinity” scarves are easy to just pop on and they’re already pre-fluffy and effortlessly chic — and sure to stay that way all day. This one is classic with a twist — not just navy, not just striped, but variations of them with a touch of nautical chic. Love. Get it here from Banana Republic for $49.50.

Ann Taylor Loft Rugby Stripe Loop Scarf – $34.50

Ann Taylor Loft Stripe Rugby Loop Scarf

The other “loop” scarf I found that I like. Grey and yellow is not a common color combo, but grey with any bold or cheery colors is quickly becoming a trend I love. The variations in thickness of the lines also adds some visual interest. Get it here from Ann Taylor Loft for $34.50.

Wishlist: Dresses!

In the style of being lazy yet “effortlessly” put-together, I’m eyeing a few dresses that you can easily throw on this Fall/Winter. Dresses are actually my favorite things to wear this time of year — forget layering and figuring out which shirt matches which sweater or cardigan and how does it work with your jeans/pants/skirts. Just throw on a dress, add on a belt that pops, tights and knee-high boots, and you’re ready to go. Easy peasy.

Old Navy V-Neck Sweater Dress – $29.94

Old Navy V-Neck Sweater Dress – Navy Stripe

Sweater dresses are the dresses to wear in Fall/Winter. Some women still try to throw on their summer dresses and hope that with tights and boots, it’ll look seasonally appropriate (ok maybe that’s just me), but mostly that just looks silly. This dress has a substantial feel to it, hugs the curves, but doesn’t cling…and the print really disguises any body issues. Because the colors of this dress are already stand-out colors, I’d complement them with neutral accessories so as not to come off busy with too much going on. Add a nice neutral wide belt here with a fluffy solid-colored scarf, and we’re good to go. Get it from Old Navy here for just $29.94! Here is my other favorite color:

Old Navy V-Neck Sweater Dress – Black Stripe

ModCloth Rise and Runway Dress – $49.99

ModCloth Rise and Runway Dress

This is a bold dress but just screams Fall/Winter. The zig-zag print will cover any body issues/insecurities, while the elastic waist offers easy-on comfort yet some sense of a fit-and-flare that should look flattering on many body types. Add a wide black belt here and definitely some kick-ass knee-highs! Sizing is in S, M, L. Get it from ModCloth here for $49.99.

ModCloth Say High-Lo to Your Little Dress – $44.99

ModCloth Say High-Lo to Your Little Dress

Light and airy, this dress is probably not appropriate beyond Fall, but the color palate makes it fall just under Fall dresses for me. I love the easy slip on style (the waist can be tightened loosely with the strap), and I’m just starting to get into this uneven hem trend, which I’ll admit is kind of sexy. Great with knee-high boots yet again. Get it here from ModCloth for $44.99.

Lands’ End Canvas Merino Boatneck Dress – $74.99 (on sale from $120)

Lands’ End Canvas Merino Boatneck Dress

Another great little sweater dress. I love the bold colors and the exaggerated sleeve detailing. It’s super soft and comfortable, flattering, but doesn’t cling. Looks great even without accessories. Get it here from Lands’ End Canvas for $74.99.

Wishlist: Men’s Edition

As the holidays near and gift time is just around the corner, I can’t help but notice all the cool men’s products I’d love to be able to buy my amazing other half, Jordan. Since men are often hard to shop for, maybe this list will help someone out there.

Banana Republic Extra-fine merino wool rib-knit sweater jacket – $108

Banana Republic merino wool sweater jacket

For all the guys out there who are still stuck in their college days and still wear hoodies around, upgrade that hoodie with something that will throw on just as easily over a plain white Hanes tee but will look 10x more put together. It’s perfect for the current hoodie season, when it’s just after summer and not yet cold enough for heavy winter coats.

J.Crew Macartney-Stripe Wool-Silk Tie – $69.50

J.Crew Macartney-Stripe Wool-Silk Tie

I know, how cliche — a tie. But this isn’t your dad’s boring old tie. It’s a fun tie that combines two diametrically opposite colors — a very neutral, subdued grey and a bright orange practically screaming for attention. If your guy still has to wear a tie to work these days, this is a fun alternative. If he doesn’t, this is a fun tie to throw on even when the occasion may not call for it. A tie is, after all, still an accessory, and can brighten up any drab outfit.

 J.Crew London Undercover Defence Umbrella – Olive Green Malacca – $150

J.Crew London Undercover Defence Umbrella – Olive Green

Chances are, your guy is still carrying out that random umbrella he picked up at some convenience store or street stand the last time he was caught in the rain. Upgrade from that flimsy, on-the-verge-of-breaking umbrella and get this beautiful, elegant umbrella in a saturated Olive Green. My favorite detail? Of course it’s the bright orange tieback — what a fun pop of color against the more subdued green. I may just steal this one for myself.

Ghurka Examiner Leather Briefcase – Vintage Chestnut – $1,295

Ghurka Examiner Leather Briefcase – Vintage Chestnut

 This is what I’d call a major upgrade from that worn-out messenger bag or computer bag so many guys drag around. How gorgeous is this vintage leather? I only recently discovered Ghurka, but I have to say all of their leather products are incredible. I want to collect them all. Throw this on and he’ll look instantly 10x more put-together, as if he actually cares about how he looks. Imagine that.

 Ghurka for Park & Bond Cavalier II Weekender – $795

 Ghurka for Park & Bond Cavalier II Weekender Bag

Weekender bags are the new cool thing every men’s designer seems to be pumping out. It’s the new and much more grown-up version of that raggedy duffel bag you might still be using from your college days or worse, the same bag you carry to the gym. Not exactly a hip way to travel. Weekend getaways are exciting and full of promise — just having a really nice bag to pack everything in will start the adventure off right. This one is an exclusive Ghurka creation for Park & Bond — gotta love that bright red lining against this gorgeous navy!