Winter Coats

So as of probably two weeks ago, it's been cold on the North Shore. I'll admit, it was definitely cold by most people's standards way before that, but it's only recently gotten to be below freezing. Up until a few weeks ago, I could get by with a thick sweater or a puffy vest, which I loved (Fall-Winter Limbo Season is awesome like that). Now, however, it's time to break out the big guns.

Before we continue, let me make things perfectly clear: I hate coats. I am not a coat person at all. I love the idea of a great coat, I love the warmth, but I hate the idea of having a fantastic outfit be covered up by a coat. And for some reason that hasn't been remedied by ten years of living somewhere with pretty ridiculously cold winters, I can't stand to have multiple layers on under a coat. Also, I hate having to remember a coat when I leave the house in the morning, so usually I don't...

This being said, I know coats are an absolute necessity for many of us. And even if I don't always wear the ones I have, I can still crave the fabulous ones that I don't!!

J.Crew

Barbour (Top of my Christmas list, Mama :) )

Barbour

LL Bean

LL Bean

I'd definitely remember to put one of these on each morning! What's your go-to coat to stay warm?

XO

InVESTments

For the most part, I hate coats. I really only wear coats when it's way too cold for me to function without one and I put off wearing a real coat for as long as possible...which is actually getting pretty close. Lately, I've been relying on my puffer vest for a little extra warmth when I really need it. Vests are great for in between temperatures and when you don't want the added volume of a full coat.

The North Face | L.L. Bean | J.Crew | The North Face | Patagonia | J.Crew | The North Face

I'm definitely partial to a good quilted vest (note: I'm in love with the one from L.L. Bean and the one from J.Crew!), but there are some super cute fleece ones out there too.

Patagonia wins the fleece vest battle by a mile.

And second place goes to Vineyard Vines, duh.

What's your in between outerwear choice?

XO

Things That Make Me Smile: Winter

Christmas Lights

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks

Fireplaces

Scarves

Freshly Fallen Snow

Candy Canes

Sweaters

Time Spent with Friends and Family

Ice Skating

Red and White Stripes on Everything

Christmas Music

Happy December!

XO

North Shore Prep

J.Crew Sweaters

I've said it before, I'm not the biggest fan of fall and winter. I love the warmer, sunnier days of spring and summer more than the average person. I love being barefoot at the beach and biking with friends to the neighborhood ice cream stand.

But one thing I do love about the cooler temperatures is that it's time to bring out all of my favorite sweaters. In the fall and winter, it's rare to not see me wearing a sweater on any given day. I wear sweaters with jeans, sweaters with skirts, long boyfriend cardigans with leggings...you get the idea.

J.Crew has a really great selection of sweaters this season, many of which have ended up on my Christmas list. My favorite is this cable-knit V-neck.

I absolutely love it in this creamy color, but every other color is gorgeous too! My only complaint is that it isn't available in navy:(

I think a sweater like this would look really great over a crisp oxford. With the cream, I'd go with a light pink, definitely!

I'm also loving the Cable-stitch Sweater, also from J.Crew. Yep, partial to cable-knits.

I can really see this being a year round staple. It's super cozy for fall and winter, and would be great to throw on when the summer nights get cooler.

A classic crewneck like J-Crew's Tippi Sweater is a must-have in any closet–in multiple colors! I love it in navy...

...heather dark grape...

 ...and monterey pine.

Who am I kidding? I want it in every. Single. Color.

Let's face it now, there are some days we just don't want to get dressed for class. Instead of having a lazy day in yoga pants and a huge sweatshirt, opt for black leggings, boots, and a long boyfriend cardigan like the Eden Cardigan. It's just as comfy and cozy as a sweatshirt and yoga pants but looks instantly more pulled together.

And finally, just like we all need a classic crewneck, we all need a classic cardigan. I love the Jackie Cardigan. It comes in a million colors and looks fantastic over any shirt or dress. My favorite colors? Navy (of course), Maraschino Cherry, Saddle, African Violet, and Neon Azalea (shown here).

The J.Crew Factory site also has some awesome sweaters for ridiculously low prices, like this v-neck,

and this adorable cardigan!

Are you loving J.Crew's sweaters as much as I am?

XO

North Shore Prep