Camel Update

I have an obsession with patterns. My favorites in fashion are Navajo/Fairisle and cube patterns a la Pierre Hardy. However, if you can't fit a pattern into your wardrobe, nothing is better right now than a nice camel colored something. Boots. Pants. Shirt. Any of the above. The current answer is this sweater:

My only complaint with this Mr. Rogers-for-women cardigan is the price. Since when is Madewell so expensive? They do have lovely clothes, but let's be real. They're a half-step above Gap. Calm down. Still a great winter item, though.

Anthropologie vs. Forever 21

My friend Becky worked at Anthropologie while she was getting her Masters in Anthropology. Serious. Becky has impeccable style and gave me some of the best advice I've ever heard: "Do not buy anything at Anthropologie that you could also buy at Forever 21." Genius.

On that note, here are some current obsessions from the store:

You already know my preference for blanket-coats, and I am loving this one by Tracy Reese. I would have already bought it if it wasn't slightly pricey and green looks really bad on me. Also Forever 21 is overflowing with coats this year and they're all around $30.

 This t-shirt by cloth and stone did not pass the Forever 21 test. I think I could find a similar perfectly-fitting shirt at either Forevs or Nord Rack, and this one is a steep $88. However, if you pass an Anthropologie, go in and feel the shirt. It's heaven.

I'll get to my obsession with plaid a different day, but this Tracy Reese tunic shirt is the perfect pattern. Unfortunately, it also doesn't pass the Forever 21 test because they have a ton of cute cheap plaid and flannel shirts in there right now. Darn it.

Speaking of plaid, Anthro has a ton of these flannel purses by Kelsi Dagger in different patterns and shapes. These would fit right into the Denver look.

Two years ago, I impulse purchased a tote with a cross-stitched deer on the front of it from the sale bin in Anthro. I ended up using it about a month until I realized it was too heavy for everyday use, and it sits sadly in my closet next to the animal artwork my husband won't let me put on the walls. I might have issues with buying things with animal faces on them.

Nice work, Anthro.

Totes maCoats.

I need a new long coat. I was previously wearing a wool trench from senior year of high school. While it looked cool, the inner lining was light pink and looked like it had been drenched in coffee, which is totally possible. I had to throw it out when I did my last spring cleaning, and the weather has shown that Winter is Coming.

What I think would be really cool is what is known as a "blanket coat," but the hubs has vetoed this idea and thinks they're hideous. Here is an example:

Isn't it divine? It's Topshop and also made out of crazy mohair and is a great shade of blue, and it's sold out EVERYWHERE right now. The dream is to copy my black Burberry trench with a tan wool trench, but Burberry's wool coats this season are pretty Eh and also way above my budget.

This is the best I could find and the high neck and short-ish length are not ideal. Someone give me a heads up when Burberry gets their shit together. I'm kicking myself for not keeping my wool coat for one more season.