Baby it's cold outside...

Now that I work upstairs from a mall I often find myself wandering through stores during my lunch breaks. This has proven to be a real test of my self control because J. Crew and Free People are my kryptonite.

On one of my most recent wanderings a sales woman (who was EXCELLENT at her job) almost talked me into a $400 Barbour coat. 

I've been eyeing that Barbour pretty on a couple of my favorite bloggers recently and her "it's so warm" pitch nearly had me pulling out the ole credit card. Sadly I have no business spending that much on a coat no matter how much I love it and I left empty handed. (Till next time J. Crew sales lady! I'll be the girl shopping the sales section.) 

I've been jones-ing for a new coat ever since though SO what's a girl to do but spend what some might call too much time researching some more affordable alternatives.  

While none are the perfect Barbour, I'm quickly falling in love with these too. If it's going to insist on being so cold out, I might as well look cute while shivering - ya know?

Get This: 1. Curator Coat from Madewell 2. Field Parka from Madewell

3. Factory Skirted Dress Coat from J.Crew Factory 4. Parka with Hood from Zara

5. Factory Tipped Peacoat from J.Crew Factory

Other: Factory Button Glittens from J.Crew Factory ^. Factory Pom-Pom Hat from J.Crew Factory  

^. Factory Furry Earmuffs from J.Crew Factory  ^.

Autumn Wishes

• The Downtown Field Jacket • Coconuts Britain Riding Boot • Penfield Stokes Checked Flannel Shirt  • Coincidence & Chance Foxy Geek Sweater • Long Wraparound Scarf • Ecote Festical Ankle Boot • Sweater with Elbow Patches • Owl Moccasin • Double Pocket Top •

Despite the fact that the weather seems to be having regular mood swings and I can't figure out if I should be wearing tank tops or sweaters I've been working on my fall wish list.

I keep trying to impose "anti-shopping" periods on my life but let's be real, those never work out as planned. There are just so many sweaters, military jackets, and boots calling my name right now. 

Sooo as a compromise (with myself) I'm trying to be good and solely buy from sales and consignment and use my wish list merely as a guideline. 

We'll see how this goes...in the meantime, enjoy these pretties that have stolen my heart.

Francesca's Collection

Francesca's Collection is one of my favorite go-to places when I'm looking for gifts for my girlfriends. The stores have a fun boutique-y feel to them and they always have a great selection of clothes, jewelry, shoes, and knick knacks.

This year my brother and his girlfriend generously gave me a gift certificate to the store and I have been adding to my wish list on the site ever since.

I want the self control to pace myself with the gift card so I can have some leftover funds to get a winter treat but a much larger part of me just wants to go in and make a killing all at once. Decisions, decisions...am I right?

• El Mirage Tribal Tee • Teardrop Necklace • Hawthorne Printed Blouse • Eastleigh Jeweled Belt • Harper Carryall Satchell • Quinn Leather Pocket Sweater • Novato Threaded Bracelet • You Are My Sunshine • Parker Anorak Jacket • Circus by Same Edelman, Jet Ankle Bootie • Montecito Filligree Studs • Lake Tahoe Canvas Weekender • Windcrest Lightweight Sweater • Bleeker Street Triple Strand Necklace • Folsom Street Spike Bracelet •