warming up

Miss Selfridge jacket, Miss Sixty bag, Rodarte x Opening ceremony sweater, Yigal Azrouël ankle jeans, Tibi snake-embossed oxfords, Erin Wasson arrowhead ring, Dorothy Perkins beaded ring

Sometimes, I feel like the shoes that make the biggest statement are the shoes that end up going with everything. These Tibi oxfords are no exception. I love the bright lime-tinged yellow python print that seems almost neon when paired with a cozy neutral cable knit and simple light denim.

One of my favorite ways to roughen up a creamy sweater is with a motorcycle jacket. I lloooovvvee the smooth leather against the thick, textured knit! I seriously don't know how I've made it through life this long without a leather jacket, but at least I'm realizing this at the perfect time of year. On to the Christmas list it goes...

P.S., guess whose photo appeared in the latest issue of ANNETTE magazine?

Uh, miiiiiine! Super honored to be selected as a featured look. Take a look at the rest of the magazine here!

cyber monday

Last year on Cyber Monday, I spent way more than one paycheck. Although I'm being more conservative this year (as in credit-card-frozen-in-a-block-of-ice conservative), there are plenty of places and deals I would take advantage of if I could...

Instead, I'll just encourage you to spend money for me.

Kensie is one of my top favorite brands, and only today and tomorrow can you get a BOGO deal! The Blurry Plaid coat, Velvet dress, and Peter Pan blouse would be the first items in my shopping cart.

I can just about guarantee that Dogeared will have a gift for each and every girl on your list. I got a Make a Wish necklace from them one year and still wear it! I'm after the coral branch and crown charms this year...and for $30 each, they are an awesome gift price!

And what Cyber Monday is complete without a new pair of kicks? Solestruck offers 50% off of sale items...just today.

Dolce Vita 'Jade,' Pencey 'Melun,' Opening Ceremony 'Stefania I'

Yeah. There is something for you. Happy Cyber Monday!

holiday kick-off

Vintage blouse, faux leather shorts MINKPINK c/o Bollare, Free People necklace and hat

I've been running around like crayyyyzayyy trying to get ready to head north for the holiday just as soon as I finish work! Thought I would throw together this final outfit post I shot a couple months back in Washington when it was still shorts weather. I can't wait to layer these shorts up for fall with tights, boots, sweaters...the material is just waiting to be part of an epic mix of textures.

I love Thanksgiving for the sole reason that it kicks off the holiday season! I've never really been a fan of the food (except pumpkin pie), but it's nice to spend time with family. I get to spend time with my sister and her husband's family this year. It will be so nice to get away from the cities and relax for a few days!

Hope you all have an awesome Thanksgiving break--expect a new post on Monday!

charlotte ronson

Charlotte Ronson is quickly becoming one of my favorite designers. Her classic-with-an-edge pieces make for perfect trend and style mixing. Girly rock and roll, downtown romantic, bohemian prep...all those perfect blends we all strive to achieve in daily looks. Exhibit A:

Foil Print Cable Sweater

Cable knit sweater? Preppy. Black with foiled threads? Edgy. This sweater gives off the perfect downtown vibe, but layered over a fun plaid with rolled denim, it would be perfect for weekend wear. Exhibit B:

Tweed Combo Sweater Dress

The classic silhouette of this dress with the slubby texture and print make for the perfect mix of bohemian and preppy. I love the toned-down fall colors, and how it's styled with leather pants on the runway. 

And finally, two pairs of boots I must must must add dream of adding to my closet. There are so many little touches on her pieces that stand out just enough to create a statement look.

MJ Flat Suede Boots, Dimphy Suede Booties

Sometimes it feels like all I do is draft the perfect, complete designer closet in my mind. If I owned every single article I ever posted on Zipped, my closet would probably be worth more than my house and bigger than my entire bedroom.

That's where 194 posts over thirteen months gets you. Can't believe I've had that much to say over the past year! Happy snowy Monday guys--Thanksgiving vacation coming up! Eep!

happy birthday sis!

Urban Outfitters top, Madewell jeans, Amy Kathryn handbag, Target oxfords

I met my sister Caitlin at the Mall of America on Wednesday to celebrate her turning 22, since I'm not able to be with her today! I picked up this top in the sale section at Urban Outfitters--I could have bought so much more, but I literally have to watch it now without my employee discount. Booooo.

We stopped for gelato (I got biscotti and creme caramel flavors) which was deeelllliiishh. Even a tiny cup of that stuff is plenty. It is so rich! Someday I will travel to Italy and have the real stuff. I have so many places I want to visit at some point during my life, but currently I'm at the stage again where I don't know what my ultimate goals are. It literally feels like my plans change every month. 

So until I figure it out, big travel plans are on hold. The next traveling I get to do is on December 18th when I get to fly back to Seattle for Christmas! Eep!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAAAAAIT!!!

club monaco

I never paid much attention to Club Monaco before blogging. After seeing so many of their pieces reading other posts, I am now in constant awe of their flawless neutrals, dramatic details, and classic designs.

Here are just a few of their winter pieces I aspire to own someday...

Gabi cardigan, Dylan sweater, Madien poncho

Their site doesn't include an online shop, however, you can view their latest campaign and collections. I absolute love the styling on the site. All of these gorgeous accessories caught my eye right away.

Clockwise from top left: Diane clutch, Nora clutch, Hematite medallion necklace, Jet bead and gold necklace, vintage button necklace, Cassie mini crossbody, Penelope hat, leather rope bracelet

I can definitely see myself pulling on a sweater with this chunky knit hat on a day like this--I'm not used to 35 degrees in the daytime! Layered up with some fleece-lined leggings and my new weather-proof boots, I miiiight be getting closer to braving the Minnesota elements.

little changes

Little details have been catching my eye lately--holiday style. Whether it's an unexpected sparkle in a pair of earrings or the perfect winter nail color, little changes seem to make the biggest statements at this time of year.

Gifted earrings from a friend visiting from Latvia

Latest arm party via Birchbox, Jewelmint, and Birchbox respectively

Holiday thank-yous personalized with my initial

All-time favorite new nail color, second only to 'Wallis' by Butter London: Essie's 'Bobbing for Baubles'

And finally, Christmas cups at my local coffee shop are out!

I keep forgetting that it isn't even Thanksgiving yet...but really, I can't help what inspires me or when it happens!

11-11-11

Free People thermal, olive green tee c/o Three Dots, SOLD design lab jeans, Wanted ankle boots, F21 necklace, bag c/o SAS handbags, Essie's Bangle Jangle nail color

There's some kind of magic in the air on 11-11-11.

It could be the Civil Wars concert that I attended on Wednesday night (!!!), or the first few snowflakes that fell on the way home (again, !!!). Although there's no snow on the ground now, I can smell the weather changing. It smells like winter.

This Three Dots tee added some color to my favorite motorcuff thermal--this tee is seriously the softest thing ever! And I don't know if you all know this about me, but I have always wanted a Handbag (capital H) that becomes a part of me and is my go-to. I've never had one...until now! I am seriously attached to my SAS handbags hobo--it is the softest vegan leather around. This baby has never left my side. It adds the perfect touch of rock and roll to any look.

Now that my novel of a post is finished, I have a birthday scavenger hunt to help a friend with, new songs to learn on the guitar, and a Bollywood film to watch. Make lots of wishes today.

winter chill

One of my favorite web retailers is the OUTNET; their discounted (seriously discounted) designer pieces are always swoon-worthy, by designers like Burberry Prorsum, MiH jeans, and Zac Posen. 

Right now, their outerwear department has my full attention.

Helmut Lang, Tibi, Elizabeth and James

Taking the liberty of using British terminology to express the way I feel about these coats -- they are ssoooo lussshhhh! I had my mom mail two of my winter coats to me, but now I'm just feeling like buying a new one.

Trying to resist. Trying to be a good blogger and work with what I have...

Delia's jacket, Superfine jeans, Helmut Lang sweater, Steve Madden boots, Oscar de la Renta jeans, See by Chloe handbag

I only realized after this look came together I can't afford a single thing, except for the coat which is already hanging in my closet. So even though this outfit won't solve the I-need-this-and-this-and-this-and-this problem...inspiration should be sufficient.

Should be.

Congrats to Josie for winning the Amy Kathryn handbag! Look out for another giveaway at the end of the month!

free people love

When I lived in Seattle, I worked at the Free People boutique downtown; ever since I left for Minneapolis, I've been pining away for my old job. Retail has its struggles, but I miss knowing everything about every new product that came in. Being immersed in Free People all day every day was such a lovely dream...

Their styling is still flawlessly on-point (as usual), and flipping through their new products and November catalog is getting me waaay too excited for the holidays. All these snapshots of cozy knits (and one of my fave managers!) have me longing to get home to the mountains and evergreens in Washington. 

from the Free People blog

There's something magical about a fair isle knit. It's November now, okay? I'm allowed to talk about Christmas...

They even sell sparkly little ornaments with which to decorate your own Free People tree. I love seeing clothing companies branch out into other areas, giving little touches of their brand to all areas of your life.

All Free People

stone streets

H&M chambray shirt, fair isle cardigan c/o Kensie, BDG jeans, Yosi Samra flats

I'm up to three fair isle sweaters in my closet right now, but this one is definitely a current favorite! From Kensie's fall line, it's perfect for layering over anything for that extra warmth. When I woke up this morning it was 36 degrees...definitely a sign of falling temperatures.

This necklace is one of my favorite Jewelmint pieces that I own. It is so elegant, and the perfect pendant length. I love wearing it mixed in with all of these prints and textures, but also on its own with a simple tee. Versatility in a closet is definitely a selling point, and I know pplleeennttyyy of you would agree with me.

This is the last weekend to enter the GIVEAWAY for this gorgeous Amy Kathryn bag...make sure you enter, the winner will be announced next week!

fluttering florals

Lately, I've noticed lovely silky kimono jackets circulating the Internet, and decided that I love the look. They add such a feminine, ethereal vibe to a simple outfit of a tank and jeans. The patterns are so delicate!

Topshop

This silky fabric sounds ideal when paired with a thick wool knit--these Burberry trousers give it just the right touch.

Dorothy Perkins kimono cardigan, Topshop metallic tank, Forever 21 scarf, Burberry Prorsum trousers, DV by Dolce Vita boots, Pink Mascara stone ring, Mathias Chaize gold ring set

I keep seeing these perfect little ankle boots everywhere I look. Soooo tempted to get myself a pair, even though I realize they won't be sensible for Minnesota winter...speaking of winter in Minnesota, consider this blogger terrified.

Maybe just owning these boots will cure all my winter worries? I need some sort of justification...