I got in the car yesterday to go pick Caroline up from school and the digital thermometer read 102 degrees. That is just so wrong. Of course I felt better when the weather guy on the six o’ clock news explained that it was really just 92 degrees, it just felt like 102 due to the 183% humidity. It’s beginning to feel like the summer that won’t end and I’m over it.
The biggest issue is that I have all my summer clothes in a pile and am longing to put them up in the top of the closet where they belong, but I can’t do that when it still feels like a fiery furnace filled with wet towels outside. So I stare into my closet every day and wonder what I can put on that looks a little fall-ish but won’t cause me to spontaneously combust later in the day. It is a feat of science and physics just to get dressed each morning.
I apologize for talking about the weather. I realize that if you wanted to hear someone go on and on about the weather then you could have just turned on Al Roker or called your grandmother instead of coming here, so I’ll quit talking about it.
For now.
Anyway, I’m not going to answer any questions today because I totally waited until the last minute to put this together. Between watching the riveting media coverage of the boy in the balloon who turned out to just be the boy in the attic and the season premiere of 30 Rock, I just failed to manage my time properly. And if I attempt to answer questions and do vast amounts of internet research there’s a good chance I may end up in the fetal position. In a corner. With a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard in my hand.
Now that I typed out that scenario, I don’t really see what the problem would be with any of that. However, I’m still just going to tell you about ten cute things I’ve seen this week. I should clarify that I mean ten cute fashion things. I’m assuming no one cares to see a box of puppies.
Listen. No one is more frightened than me that I actually walked into the A’Gaci store in the mall the other day, especially considering that the front window was lined with enough neon and leather to reproduce a Pat Benatar video, but this jacket caught my eye from across the room. I went in to get a better look and it didn’t disappoint, especially since it’s only $29.50.
2. Julianna dress
I realize this is a sleeveless dress and you may be thinking that I have let the heat get to me since, rumor has it, winter will eventually come and the low temperatures may hover around the 60 degree mark. But I am picturing this dress with a long sleeve t-shirt under it paired with leggings and boots. Or maybe jeans and boots. Or maybe tights and flats. Whatever works for you. I just think it’s really cute.
I believe that a great necklace can totally make an outfit. This one is great in silver or in gold. I’m actually kind of loving the gold jewelry these days which is something I never thought I’d say since the downside of gold is that it brings back bad memories of the time I went out on a blind date with a guy who wore a gold pinky ring.
I wish I were kidding.
Needless to say, it was the worst of times.
If I could ever actually commit to a pair of boyfriend jeans, I think this would be the perfect piece to wear with them. I love how the ruffles take it from ordinary to extraordinary, kind of like when you add ham to your eggs.
5. Argyle flannel pajamas
Yes please.
I’m not sure this is the one I saw (and bought) at Gap last week, but it’s pretty close. The only difference was I found mine on the sale rack for $19.99 and it instantly captured my heart and soul and I have no doubt we will be in love all winter long. Or at least until my leopard print Snuggie arrives to take its place.
I realize my relationship with Anthropologie is dysfunctional at best, but what am I supposed to do? Pretend that I wouldn’t adore this coat until the day I die? Even if it is in the color purple which I find to be a stumbling block since it reminds me of Dimetapp cold medicine?
I have know idea why this coat is called the Acadia National Coat. Is it the official coat of Acadia? Is that like Narnia? All I know is that it is darling.
I don’t even know if this is my favorite fur vest, but I couldn’t resist that it’s Members Only. That alone tells me it’s as good as gold.
In all seriousness, I truly love the idea of a fur vest. It may be a bit much for lunch in the elementary school cafeteria which is my chief social function these days, but I could probably find a place to wear it. Perhaps the grocery store? Or maybe when I take the dogs to the vet? Of course I’d be sure to let all the animals know that it’s just fake fur. I wouldn’t want to start a riot.
10. Rain boots
It seems odd to think about rain boots since until last month it hadn’t rained in San Antonio in approximately forever. But the weather people who act like they know about weather are predicting that it’s going to be an El Nino winter which means it a wetter than normal winter. And since I am fundamentally opposed to waiting in a carpool drop-off line for thirty minutes every day, there may be a lot of mornings that Caroline and I are dashing into school with only our rain boots and umbrellas to protect us from all the wet.
We might as well look cute while we’re doing it.
Y’all have a great Friday.
We have had the most beautiful fall…the leaves have been so golden and fiery but yesterday, sigh, it snowed. I mean real snow. My grass is white. And I’m in NJ not Montana. And they say we may get more today. It is far far far too early for snow! It’s pretty and all but seriously? October?
I’m all about the weather too…I blame it on living in England. That is the number one topic of conversation there and its become a bit of an obsession with me.
Have a great weekend!
So funny… I just bought that exact pair of rain boots from Target earlier this week (in all black) because it has rained SO much here in Atlanta I figured it’d be a functional addition to my wardrobe! I wore them yesterday up to the middle school (tucked into jeans with a black teeshirt — even my boy liked them!) and ohmy letmetellyou it was like walking around with cinderblocks on my ankles!
But I’m not taking them back. No way. They’re adorable.
(That’s the price we pay for fashion, friends.)
And that gumshoe sweatercoat? Love it.
Go ahead and jump on the boyfriend jean bandwagon Melanie… you’ll love them, I promise!
I was going to write about my fundamental opposition to any man wearing a pinky ring, when I got sidetracked by Joyce’s comment. I, too live in in NJ, and want to know what was up with the snow?! I also lived in England, Joyce, and have enjoyed a mild obsession with the weather since then. As well as an aversion to the aformentioned pinky rings. For some reason, a lot of Englishmen wear them.
All that to say, thanks for the laugh Melanie:)
I just love me some Anthropologie too! Even if you might look a little like Barney in that sweater it IS adorable!
I am loving that Julianna dress, and I think the ruffle cardigan is adorable.
Haven’t seen any rainboots yet, but I have been looking.
Hope you aren’t in a corner somewhere with that Blizzard…have a good weekend!
Everything is so cute! Thanks.
You could come visit Iowa. I’ve already broken out the Uggs on occasion.
Have a good weekend.
I LOVE Rainboots
Academy Sports & Outdoors has theirs for $19.99…and I bought two pair. Maybe because it’s monsoon season here in South Carolina.
When I got in the car mine told me it was 111 degrees. after running it for about 10 minutes it lowered to 100. I am ready for some cooler temps too. It feels hotter than summer here.
Acadia National Coat – probably referring to Acadia National Park in Maine (like mentioned in the description). It is an absolutely beautiful place on the coast of Bar Harbor, ME. Go there – I bet it won’t be hot (“Sand Beach has an average water temp of 50s in the summer)
Ah, the horrid weather. I live in Mississippi, so I understand about humidity. It has been redonkulously hot here. Fall, where are you?
Seriously – come shopping with me? Better yet just shop for me!
Love the pea coat!
From the description of said Arcadia Coat (that you can wear every time you visit “Bahhh Hahhbahhh, ME) — “Delight in an idyllic day when you pack a picnic and wear this coat over jeans with tall boots for a carriage ride through a wooded wonderland to your private cottage.”
Please, oh please, take plenty of photographs of the idyllic day, the picnic, the wearing of the coat (and the jeans, tall boots, etc), the carriage, the scenery along the ride, the wooded wonderland but, most of all, the private cottage (I think the “recession” has sent romance novelists to advertising companies!!)!!!
In all seriousness, though, it is a cool coat – that description just jumped off the computer screen at me! LOL
It was 35 degrees when I woke up this AM here in upstate New York. Truthfully, I’m loving it I was happy to see the humidity go far far away……………
Up here in NH I would *love that Acadia coat, and need it since my right hand is so cold I almost can’t click around the internet this morning. We are learning layers up here, because it is too early to turn on the heat!
I cannot, will not, ever, ever, ever wear red and black plaid again. I have pictures of me in that combo, and I have a mouthful of braces and very high, very permed hair.
I am IN LOVE with the purple coat!!! Now I will think of it all day! Thanks a lot!!
Please … no more talk about the heat down there. I’m sitting in my office RUNNING MY HEATER because its so freaking cold here in IL. I’m totally not ready for this level of cold. I’ve been running my furnace for a least a week already and its the MIDDLE OF OCTOBER for heaven’s sake.
And if this is a wet winter (like last winter here where we had ice storms at least once a week and I fell on the ice and broke my knee and thus am now TERRIFIED of ice) I’m going to crawl in a hole with my very own Reese’s Blizzard RIGHT NOW.
Sorry for all the caps. I’m very passionate about cold weather and ice.
NN
Acadia is in Maine and it’s a national park. They are good with coats, because they use them 10 months out of the year! Trust me. I lived there for 6 years. If you want ‘cool’ temps, go to Maine.
If I lived in Texas, I’d just resign myself to wearing summer clothes all year round. You may die of heatstroke if you attempt anything ‘fallish’ at those temps.
-FringeGirl
Could please tell us where you got that grey shirt you wore to LPL in Memphis and you wore a denim jacket over it? Yes, I have seen you on other girls blog that were so fortunate to meet you!!! Are you coming to Houston anytime soon? Anyhow, loved that shirt, so cute with the jacket!!
That loop necklace? I bought it from Banana Republic for $48!!!!! Luckily, I returned it because I also returned the dress I thought I needed the necklace for. It is a good thing too because if I were sitting on a $48 necklace that I could have had for less than 10 bucks my whole weekend would have been shot. For that price I am now thinking about ordering it just because though
I’m sure you meant rain boots, umbrellas and exercise attire
.
I am almost wishing it was 102 degrees. It is raining and freezing here in KY and my kids want to drag me to the Pumpkin Patch. Sure wish I had ordered those rain boots already!
Have you tried American Eagle for Boyfriend jeans? They have a good selection right now, I always have better luck with jeans there than I do @ Gap.
I LOVE everything!!!!!!
In the spirit of Fashion Friday, I just have to pass on this link to a San Antonio gal who is making some FABULOUS jewelry.
http://www.anniecamillestudio.etsy.com
A little bridal boutique in Alamo Heights is carrying her line and I just thought you’d want to know! The shop is in the Paloma Blanca shopping center – it’s bridal something or other…next to the nail place. Have a great weekend!
Your Pat Benatar video comment made me laugh. I love peacoats! I’ve had a navy one for ages and I get a lot of nice compliments on it.
I have a pair of boyfriend jeans from AE. Don’t tell my husband. It will confuse him. I LOVE the jeans. They make me feel young and are long enough for my long legs.
I believe this is my favorite Fashion Friday! Just a few thoughts…
1. I used to have a great pair of boyfriend jeans several years ago and loved them. I may need to get a new pair.
2. LOVE the hoodie and the ruffle cardigan!
3. I noticed the quantity options for the PJ’s goes up to 10…because who doesn’t need 10 pair of the same PJ’s?!
4. Even though, I haven’t worn a pair since I was seven, I was just thinking yesterday about getting some rain boots since Nashville is the new Seattle…maybe I will.
5. I want to move to Acadia and become a national.
Wow. It already snowed here in Minnesota. I am wondering where fall went! I totally wore sandals last week to church because I knew if I broke out the winter clothes I’d be wearing them for the next 8 months. Then the heater malfunctioned and was actually the air conditioner running. Yeah, purple toes. Sheesh.
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for another few weeks of 100 degree weather!! You think you are ready for it to go…..but in all honestly we southern women find comfort in our sweltering heat!!! The high in Sweet Home Alabama tomorrow is a blistering 61. You heard me….SIXTY-ONE!!!! I’m not leaving the house. I HATE every single degree on the thermometer below the lovely number of 72.
I may just have to move to south Texas. It appears Alabama is hot enough….just not hot LONG enough!!
Loved the 10 items though! Lists speak to my soul!!
Oh, and “AMEN” to Erica’s “Nashville is the new Seattle.” comment. Amen, amen, amen!!! At this point, there isn’t a soul in NE Alabama who would look at me funny if we commenced to ark building in our backyard! We must be up to 40 days and 40 nights AT LEAST!! It has rained just short of forever around here. Maybe El Nino is early????
Being a halftime Maine girl I can tell you that Acadia is the National Park way up yonder.
And 829823908 other people probably already told you that. BUT I can back it up and say that its probably called the Acadia coat because its made of a lumberjack plaid and going to Acadia may or may not result in taking a few of the lumber roads. Sooo you might get the Acadia coat and see a truck driver hauling telephone poles wearing the same pattern, but clearly theirs wouldn’t be as cute.
P.S. In MA I had to brush an inch of snow off my car last night. So if you want to be cold, just come here! Don’t need to worry about the lack of fall clothes, just jump right into winter!
OK, true confessions: I am confused with this boyfriend jean. What constitutes a jean as “the boyfriend”? Is it a brand or a style? Clearly, these questions make it no secret that I have NO fashion sense and rely heavily on the ways of “Geranimals” from the 70′s to help me put an outfit together. Adorable pics this week, Malanie! Thanks.
I am really looking forward to a rainy winter here in Texas, just so I can wear socks. I have truly missed my fall/winter socks. They are just sitting in a basket on a shelf in my closet. sigh…
Also, we’re spending two weeks in Seattle at Thanksgiving, which is guaranteed rain.
I am loving the boots at Target, but how to wear them? Tucked into jeans or not? Will my calves get sweaty? Especially here in central Texas, when more often than not in the winter my feet are sweaty.
Great edition of Fashion Friday – thank you much! : )
Academy has some awesome rain boots. I love the ones that are a zebra print but they are black and silver. I would even wear them when it’s not raining!
We got suckered into fake fall too here in SoCal. Crisp and cool, then an unprecedented rain storm, now 92 degrees! My clean pile of summer clothes got desecrated this week too. Boo!
Love that cross-over hoodie! I’m having to embrace the whole hoodie concept which is difficult for me b/c at 38 I see myself in a hoodie and think I look like my kindergartner. But that is adorable as is a full zip empbroidered hoodie I’m having a hard time resisting (on sale!) no less at Old Navy. Figure I need to go cheap into the hoodie waters until I feel I can pull it off.
And that Acadia coat is just the cutest thing! I would wear it in a heartbeat on all 7 days of the CA winter it would be appropriate for! As Jen said above, Acadia NP is in Maine…the northern part.
And here’s a totally useless bit of info -the Acadians were chased out of that region during the French and Indian War in the 1700s. They moved much further south and landed in Louisiana. As language stuff goes, “Acadian” slowly morphed into what we now know as Cajun. I will retreat back into my nerdy corner now! Without a Blizzard…
I need your thoughts……..on what a family of five should wear for a professional photo.
Mom, Dad, 24 year old daughter (me!), 23 yr old son in law, 19 yr. old daughter
Must be global warming—no snow yet up here in my corner of Alaska. And, that 60s weather of your winters, is a pleasant summer day up here! I must get to the new Target though and pick out some of those snazzy rainboots—to be worn during fishing season. I will be the most fashion forward on the boat—if they don’t throw me overboard!
Big Mama, you have always got it going on.
Love that ruffle sweater and the rain boots are cute too.
Rumor has it that academy has some really cute tiger (leopard)? rainboots but I can’t confirm it since they are always sold out when I go. I’m sure this has something to do with it raining A LOT here in Houston lately.
I’ll keep looking though. Enjoy your great weather. Houston is perfect today too .. and you can’t say that about Houston weather too often.
You amaze me with your vast fashion knowledge & such fun taste!
I love the plaid peacoat & at that price I may just have to get it… in the yellow & gray. Also, the ruffle cardigan is precious. I will definitely be stopping by the Gap looking for the cross over hoodie- it will be my Saturday uniform this winter.
Hang in there with the weather. I like hearing about it. I miss Texas. The trees are beautiful here in MO, but it’s in the 30s & I just don’t have enough warm clothes for it to already be that cold. I mean how can you dress professionally for work for MONTHS when it is FREEZING?!
Oh, I love that pea coat and $29 isn’t bad for that at all.
I want a fur vest so bad. Ever since I saw Rachel Zoe had one on her show I wanted one. I saw that they sell them at Stein Mart and the price wasn’t bad. It took a lot of restraint for me not to snatch one up right then.
I got some rain boots at Target on sale last year and they are awesome. My are black and have little white dots so they go with pretty much everything. Those Merona boots are worth the money and I was even able to wear them through the winter with warm, thick socks.
Rain boots! Now that’s what I need! My son who works in construction has only worked one week out of the past five because of all the rain here in Mississippi. And it’s really chilly here today. Seems like Fall has fell….or something like that!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
That fur vest us BUH-NANAS!!! And would make Rachel Zoe proud! I’d die!
It’s been about a million degrees here, too, lately- I can so relate! Love the fashion!
We had a monsoon in Philly this weekend, and I had no choice but to venture out to the mall. Twice. It’s a rough life, I know. But I saw all kinds of rain boots walking around the mall, and I decided then and there that I need a pair. I see a trip to Tar-Jay in my future.