In New York, weather is pretty cut and dry; it’s hot in the summers and cold in the winters, so you prepare clothes accordingly. When I moved to San Francisco, I first embraced the hot sun with glee, believing that I would now live perpetually in beautiful sunny days. Then I stepped out to walk my dogs that first night and was freezing in my tank top and shorts combo. FREEZING. I threw on the down puffer jacket I had brought with me from New York (and thought I could ditch forever), and looked like the most ridiculously unprepared coast-hopper in a down jacket with shorts and flip flops. After a few nights of hoping it was just a fluke, I realized sure, it’s like a beautiful summer day during the day, but at night it turns into Fall — I needed something to throw on so I can run out for errands, walk the dogs, or even grab a quick dinner out. I wanted it to be casual (so I didn’t feel like I had to change just to match it), cute, flattering, and not your typical slob-looking hoodie. Since I’m sure I’m not alone in this need, here are some of my finds:

Old Navy Go-Dry Compression Tunic Jacket

I would’ve never thought of Old Navy as an “activewear” type of brand, but browsing their site it seems they do have a lot of really great, no-fuss basic activewear staples that are not only affordable but have gotten rave reviews. This jacket is one of them. Just looking at the seaming on this jacket tells me it’s slimming and flattering, and it looks much more put-together than your normal loose-fitting hoodie. The tunic length also offers more coverage and a longer visual line for your upper body. On sale at only $30 right now, this is a steal. Get it here from Old Navy.

J.Crew Collection Cashmere Zip-Front Hoodie

Thinking back to the unflattering Gap hoodie I used to own, I realized that maybe nothing is wrong with the classic hoodie style. Maybe it’s all about the right material and fit. For example, one can never take a fitted cashmere hoodie and think it looks too sloppy. It matches any casual outfit like a hoodie would, but it elevates it to the perfect degree of casual dressiness. Get it here at 25% off right now at J.Crew with code YAYMAY.

Zella Stamina Jacket

Like me, you’ve probably never heard of Zella before today. I found them while shopping for casual hoodies at Nordstrom. All of their activewear gets such rave reviews and the prices are pretty affordable, so they’re definitely worth a look. This jacket for example looks super flattering and would be a great option to throw on over tees and shorts or even your gym clothes. It’s on sale for only $65 right now, get it here from Nordstrom.

Nike Avenger Knit Training Track Jacket

This pick is probably the sportiest of the bunch, but it’s a really unique piece with a retro vibe that most other hoodies/jackets can’t match. I think I’d feel young and vibrant in it, particularly in this gorgeous red, and I’d probably feel the itch to work out more, which is definitely a good thing! There are a few colors to choose from, but red’s definitely my fav. Get it on sale here from Nike for just $54.97.

So for those of you who read my post about these gorgeous Jimmy Choo Degrade Glitter Pumps, you know that I’m long overdue for a post to show off these beauties.

I keep waiting for the bitterly cold weather / snow here to dissipate so I can take some proper pictures, but since that doesn’t seem to be happening any time soon, I’ll have to settle for some inside shots.

These are the Abels, which are shorter than the Anouks by about an inch. That inch makes all the difference in the world, because I could barely stand in the Anouk but I can actually walk in the Abel. The footbed feels relatively wide and doesn’t pinch at all, so it really fit like a glove. This design just makes these more comfortable than your average 4″ pump.

I was also concerned about the glitter; as you can imagine, a bunch of loose glitter constantly falling off these pumps is not exactly my idea of a shoe I want to touch, much less wear (though that didn’t stop me from buying these!). To my relief, the glitter is stuck on like there’s no tomorrow. Even rubbing against it I didn’t really get any falling glitter.

Overall, a stunning pair of pumps that met my (very high) expectations. I can’t wait to wear them casually with jeans now and come spring/summer, flirty skirts. Get them here in the Anouk version for $675. Get them in the lower 3″ Agnes version for $625.

1. The Rail Red Check Knit Scarf – the quintessential red/black plaid scarf of the season and only $13.40. You heard right! If you’re wondering why you haven’t found this gem in all your shopping, it’s because it’s conveniently tucked away under the Men’s section at Nordstrom. Get it here.

2. Splendid Beanie aka Pom Pom Hat – I’ll admit this is a bit steep for a hat, but it’s just the perfect hat and very on trend this season. The pom pom is the perfect size (not tiny making it disproportionate to the rest of the hat nor overly large), the length of the hat is just enough for it to drape/hang a bit in the back of your head and not stick straight up, and the color is the perfect shade of red. Great as that pop of color for any neutral-colored outfit. The model wears it poorly so don’t judge it based on that. These are very popular and limited now, as they’re now shipping the remaining stock from stores. Get it here from Nordstrom for $48.

3. Julie Vos Belize Ring – Gold and turquoise is a fail-safe match and ever so exotic yet chic. Very “Belize”-y. Love that this is now included in the Julie Vos sample sale at 60% off, now with an additional 25% off with code EXTRA25. It’s a no-brainer. Get it here for $66.

4. Trouve Cricket V-Neck Sweater – yup, this is basically the budget version of the ubiquitous Rag & Bone Talia sweater that has been seen on every other blogger and celeb, but instead of $495, this sweater is only $78. Reviews are all positive and it’s 100% cotton. I’d say this qualifies for “find of the week!” It’s also getting very limited, as the remaining stock is now being shipped from stores. Get it here from Nordstrom for $78.

5. Gucci Mini Bamboo Shopper – Ok, this is probably the least “affordable” pick of the bunch, but this little bag is super adorable, super high quality, and actually priced relatively cheaply considering its larger counterparts are much, much more expensive and the mini Gucci swing bag (which is a cheaper series) is not that much lower in price than this one. Get it here in Black, Pink, or White for $1,350.

6. Julie Vos Button Shell Bangle – My second pick from the Julie Vos sample sale. Love the unexpected touch of turquoise at the two ends, and it’d go perfectly with the turquoise Belize ring. Get it here for $38 (that’s 60% off!). Use code EXTRA25 for another 25% off!

7. Isabel Marant Wila Wedge Sneakers – It seems whether or not wedge sneakers are awesome or an atrocity is still up for debate, but I personally am a fan of any high heel that’s this comfortable and allows me to actually run. If you don’t love the skinny jeans + wedge sneaker look, then at least they’d be great to wear under jeans and help lengthen the visual line of your leg without all the pain of typical heels. Get them here at 30% off for 251 Euros from MyTheresa. Also love this one.