So the Color of the Year goes to…Honeysuckle.  In case you’re like me and didn’t know exactly what color this was, it’s a cross between reddish-pink.  The color of the year is presented by Pantone, the leading color guide.  So this year when you’re shopping for spring, think honeysuckle!  It’s fun, energetic, and a bit retro.  Fashion week is filled with the color – in blocks or in a pattern (florals are pretty big right now).  Don’t feel like you need to buy the obvious items (solid tops, etc) though, you can add the color into your spring wardrobe in a variety of other ways.

Nail Polish -Revlon has a new shade for just $5!

Hair Accessories – The flowered headbands are still out there in full force, so add a pop of color!  $32

Scarf – Loving how the *it* color is so subtle in this scarf.  Great pattern to welcome your wardrobe to spring.  $38

Dress – This ruffly tiered dress screams spring and summer.  Love the deep V and feminine details. $109

Designers are incorporating the color into the Spring Collections…so be on the lookout for the color to hit stores soon!

shops love!

ps…I LOVE honeysuckle!

Seems odd to go from a Halloween post to a coat post, but it HAILED on Halloween where I live (with sleet and a little snow).  Seem more appropriate now?  I think so.  Start thinking about your coat selection for this fall/winter season and if you’re in the market for a new one, then maybe I can help you out!  Your geographic location will determine the type of coat you need, but as an FYI, I’m already wearing my puffer!  Now would be a good time to tell you that you should never complain to The Shopaholic about cold weather – I will laugh and scowl at you at the same time.  Doesn’t sound pretty, does it?

So since it’s literally freezing here, I’m going to showcase some of my favorite WARM coats for this winter.  There are plenty of cute trenches, military style jackets, and fleeces – but they aren’t warm enough for me anymore.  So here goes (listed clockwise, from left):

Fur Coats at Piperlime
Coats by J.Crew

I love J. Crew’s Stadium-Cloth Elements Coat.  The fabric is so warm and I love the hood and gathered back (not shown above).  The look is totally casual with a touch of sophistication.  It’s regularly $325, but 25% off right now during their fall sale.  I want this coat.

So the Burberry Brit Quilted Down Jacket is my *dream on, dreamer* coat.  It just looks so warm and comfy, and the plum color is so wonderful.  Since I can’t justify paying $595…maybe you can!?

Love the Gap wool-blend Funnel Neck coat.  Such a great design and the funnel neck will keep you extra warm!  On sale for $134.40, budget friendly style.

Fur is hot this season.  No, really, fur will keep you very warm.  So this Tinley Road faux fur coat for $98 is a fashion necessity!

I love Madewell’s take on the Parka.  This coat doesn’t look too bulky, but it’s lined with shearling which makes it a great fall/winter jacket.  The olive color matches just about everything and the hood is a must for when the snow starts to fly!  $268.

stay warm and shops love!

So as of tomorrow, with a high of 65 in Syracuse, I can officially talk about fall clothing and not feel crazy.  Fall brings a number of possibilities (and necessities) back into our wardrobe and I’m actually kind of excited to reunite with my scarves.  Scarves are so timeless, classic, and practical that they rarely go out of style.  While I do weed them out year after year, it’s only because they become too ratty to wear, rather than finding they are out of style or dated.  Depending on the brand or store, a scarf can range in price (are we shopping at target or saks), but no matter where it’s from, you will not regret the purchase!  I tend to err on the side of neutrality when buying a scarf – whites, blacks, beiges – but every so often I see something so striking, that I need to have it!  Here are some thoughts on what’s available in stores today!

I love this black/white, polka-dotted/tie dyed scarf from Madewell ($49.50).  It’s lightweight and perfect to throw on when the chill hits the air.  I would pair it with a solid white tee for a casual, yet polished look (black and white is always classy).

Lightweight fabric, zebra print, variety of colors, and under $40 – what more could I want in a scarf?  Each one has a contrasting colored stripe which only increases the number of colors you could pair with it!  As one Nordstrom reviewer said, they are ‘downright zippy!’

I’m hearting this Old Navy, teal green, textured scarf.  The little dots are super-soft spun cotton that makes it difficult to resist.  It’s a steal at $16.50 and will work from summer until spring! 

And lastly, who doesn’t want to wrap themselves in cashmere all day?  When I’m spending upwards of a $100 on a scarf, it better match everything – my tops, my coats – everything!  So here is a solid-colored, neutral oh-so-soft cashmere scarf.  Worth every cent of $78…

I could post hundreds more, but if you’re looking for a scarf, don’t be afraid to be bold!  I tend to stick to neutral colors, but it’s mostly because I’m too indecisive to choose just 1 pattern!  Enjoy the cool temps this weekend and have fun with your fall clothes!

shops love!

ps…if you’re feeling super creative/crafty, try to knit your own!  Not only will you look super stylish, but people will be very impressed!

Of course everyone likes clothes that are made well, but now I also love Madewell clothing!  Madewell is the newest retail store under the J. Crew umbrella.  Madewell isn’t necessarily cheaper than J.Crew, however the style of clothing is a little *younger* and *trendier.*  Less for working, and more for happy hour!  The store is new to the web and they are having their first sale ever!  I placed my first order a few weeks ago and I wanted to wear everything before I commented on the quality and style.  I might have found a new top 5 fave store. 

First, I bought this sweatershirt jacket with 3/4 sleeves.  I’m posting a pic below so that you can see it (what you can’t see is that it’s cotton and soo comfortable) - I wore it last week and felt amazing!   Secondly, I added a staple to my wardrobe – a little black dress.  As you can see below, it has ruffles.  I don’t care how old I get, I’m not giving up ruffles – I just love the feminine detail!  So both of those pieces will transition effortlessly from summer right into fall. 

The sale has some great things too (tops, denim, accessories)…check out the adorable studded tank below!  On sale for $39.  Right now, use the code “RWA8B7″ for free shipping on $100 purchases (expires 8.6.10).  Don’t forget, if it’s Madewell, it’s going to be worth it!  Check them out and let me know what you think! 

Shops love!