Ladies' guide to daily outfits and accessories that you can afford with items even from your own closet
 
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Scarves are the perfect way to add a pop of color or print to any outfit. This also gives people that are a little bit more afraid to branch out into wearing more bright colors or bolder prints the opportunity to ease themselves into it. 

Scarves aren't meant just for winter anymore. Scarves are made from so many different materials and with various styles that they can be worn all year round, depending on the type of scarf. There are still certain scarves meant only for specific seasons, like heavy knit scarves are meant for winter, while pastel, floral prints are usually intended more for spring and summer.

Most often, you can purchase scarves at any of your favorites stores or boutiques. There's such a wide variety that it would be hard to find something you don't love. Not only that, but they're reasonable in price. It's a cheap accessory that you can sport all year long.

Here's a great site for different ways to wear your scarves:  http://www.scarves.net/scarf-tying-index.html

Check Out Some of These Scarves

 
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Get the Look
- Black Long-Sleeve Shirt - Marshall's
- White Pencil Skirt - H&M
- Plaid Beige Scarf - Boutique (I also saw very similar ones to this at Kohl's)
- Black Tights - Wal-Mart
- Steve Madden Strappy Camel Colored Boots - Marshall's
- Camel Colored Belt - Target

 
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The reason I am sporting this hat is not because I'm headed out to the ski lodge for a little fun day. It's hat day at school and I decided that was the one I was going to sport, and as I was looking in the mirror this morning I thought, "this would be the perfect outfit to sit in the ski lodge, relaxing with a cup of hot cocoa or cider, and sitting by the fire." I'm not much of a skier, so that's probably exactly what I would be doing. In addition, I needed to wear something "Christmasy", since it is the last day of school before break, so I thought a red sweater would do the trick.

Tip of the Day: If you're planning on wearing a hat all day, put it on before you do your makeup so you can do just the parts that aren't covered by your hat. Why you say? 1) You'll be using less makeup. 2) Your makeup won't rub off and have it just be a complete waste of time putting it on your forehead. 3) You won't get makeup all over your hat.


Get the Look
- Red Sweater - Forever 21
- Plaid  Infinity Scarf - Boutique
- Cream Knit Hat - Loft
- Gold Watch - Target
- Bracelets - Kohl's & J. Crew Factory

I paired it with...
- Skinny Jeans - Target
- Black Knit Boots - Old Navy
- Christmas Socks (for an added touch of spirit and cheer) - Target

 
What a better way to support your community and get some of your Christmas shopping done, with a little bit for yourself too, then by going out to your local small businesses for Small Business Saturday!

Forget about the big, name brand stores that you usually go to and try something new. Small businesses are fair priced and always carry unique items. You never know what you'll find. I've found some great items from small businesses and not only do you get great items, all the money goes back to people in the community. Can you say that about other stores you shop at? My guess is you don't know where your money's going.

So get out there and stay close to home by supporting Small Business Saturday.
 
The best way to dress when you're going out shopping is keep it light, but warm enough so you don't freeze, and make sure what you're wearing is comfortable!



The biggest pain to me when I'm shopping is when I wear a coat, and then I have to carry it around in all the stores. I recommend ditching the coat by either wearing a heavier sweater OR puffy vests are perfect for shopping. They give you the right amount of warmth outside, while not overheating you inside. In addition, you can always throw on a scarf for added warmth. I wouldn't suggest wearing mittens/gloves because then the odds are better for losing them. You're better off wearing a hat, as long as you leave it on your head.

Shoes are the most important thing! If you aren't going to be able to walk around in your favorite boots all day, then DON'T! How many people are going to be looking at your feet anyways? Today is about comfort, getting around to the products you want fast, and not needing to take time to sit down and rest. So, just put on those tennis shoes and go. Your feet will thank you!

Believe me, if you follow these tips the people you are shopping with will thank you! It will prevent a whole lot of headaches and crabby, Christmas shoppers.


Once the day is done and you're home reflecting on all your success and the wonderful purchases you've made, grab a glass of wine and throw on your favorite slippers, because you deserve it for a job well done. I've even posted a picture of my favorite slippers.


Get the Look
- Long, White Knit Sweater - Marshall's
- Burgundy Fleece-Lined Leggings - TJMaxx
- Blush/Rose Colored Faux Leather Jacket - Boutique
- Camel Colored Scarf - Marshall's
- Boots - Steve Madden from Marshall's

Extra Tip: If you are shopping with kids, dress them in bright, noticeable clothing. This way they'll be easier to spot amongst all the hoards of people and you won't have to worry as much about them getting lost.

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My outfit for shopping
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My shoes for shopping
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My favorite slippers from Target. Can't wait to put them on later!
 

I know how hard it can be to wrap your mind around having to put all your cute, summer clothes away and get your sweaters out and ready for winter weather, especially if you live in the Midwest. However, some of the cutest and my most favorite fashion trends come out this time of year. Who doesn't love boot socks/cuffs, fleece leggings (If you don't own a pair, you need some. They are AMAZING!!!), and of course, SCARVES?

Here's a great outfit to start easing yourself into the winter mode at work without having to start wearing all those bulky sweaters yet, and this outfit has a great, unique scarf to really tie the whole look together.

Get the Look

- Plain White Long-Sleeved Shirt - any store (I typically get mine from Marshall's, TJMaxx, or Target)

- Khaki Pencil Skirt - H&M

- Burgundy Fleece Lined Leggings - TJMaxx ($7)

-Leg Warmers - Marshall's/TJMaxx ($10)

-Boots - Steve Madden from Marshall's

-Scarf (close up picture below) - Boutique ($13)


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