Winter Coat Perfection

My good friend asked me yesterday to find her a great winter coat.  I thought, yeah of course, no problem! But then I really thought about the winter coat.  Do you realize how important that is?  This is a staple for almost half of the year.  You wear it every single day to work, to the store, out on the town; and it's something everyone sees you in!  This is huge.

But, after some searching I came up with some pretty good picks.  She wanted a dark colored coat, not belted. Please also note that she said she is willing to drop more than $100 on it so that is why you will see some pricier options.  Let us begin...

Banana Republic, Ruffle Car Coat, $225

Hello chic and versatile.  I love this coat! I'm a huge fan of the car coat length, I have one myself, but look at this great waistline AND detailing on the sleeves.

J Crew Factory, tweed carlin coat, $138

I'm thinking Audrey Hepburn would have definitely wore this.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden toggle coat, $99

I love this coat.  Kind of sporty but that rounded collar give so much girly flare.

Dillard's, Antonio Melani Stand up collar coat, $149

I love the swing effect of this coat, and the purple would pair great with colorful scarves.

Macy's, Michael Kors standing collar, $170

Hi, my name is gorgeous.

Macy's, DKNY Julie empire waist with hood, $140

I LOVE this coat! Hooded, knee length, nips in at the waist and it comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors!

So those are some of my picks for her.  I think they're awesome because they are super warm, professional and fashionable.  Winter coats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so make sure you know your size before purchasing.  Also, don't forget to love your tailor.  Don't love the hemline on the coat? No problem, buy it and take it to the tailor and make it fit you and your style.

Be fabulous today!

News from The Capital Barbie!

Hey lovebugs!
Today's post isn't full of wonderful clothing picks and stocking stuffer ideas, but rather a new addition to the blog.  A sign off.

Now most people wouldn't announce such a thing, they'd just start doing and have people catch on. A signature isn't exactly a life changing event or something to be yelled from the rooftops, but I think it is a very personal way of including you guys into what kind of tone and message this blog is all about.

This blog isn't huge, but it has some really fantastic followers, a group of people I consider my friends even if we've never met.  This blog is about making you feel good inside and out through putting on great clothing and accessories that will always put a smile on your face but (hopefully) not a dent in your wallet.  It's a place to share ideas and great finds and occasionally, really deliciously bad for you recipes!

I wanted to set aside a post to talk about my new sign off because I want you to realize how important it is for me to make sure you take it to heart.  Every single day.  So without further ado:

(drumroll)

Be fabulous today.

That's it!  That's the new way I will end every post.  Why? Because I want you to believe it.  I want it to be your pick-me-up and your mantra.  Sometimes we need a reminder, and sometimes we need a motto.  Please feel free to borrow this one.  Now let me break it down for you.

Be- a verb that means to exist.  Just be.  Be with yourself, with a loved one, with an enemy, with a pet.  Just be.  Learn how to be comfortable with just being.

Fabulous- do you have 3 days? Because that's how long it would take me to truly convey the meaning of this word to you.  It's probably my favorite word.  It encompasses everything that is wonderful.  I could go on and on with synonyms all day but maybe I can nail down the meaning of this word by using it's antonyms? The opposite of "fabulous" is ordinary, common, and normal.  See? Are you ANY of those things? Nope.  You're not.  You. Are. Fabulous.

Today- that's right.  Right now.  Right this second.  Whether you're in a staff meeting or shopping or sleeping.  Today. Right now.

Be fabulous today

Think about it.  Why wouldn't you want to remember this all of the time.  I know you are fabulous, I think I'm pretty fabulous and I think this blog is pretty fabulous.  So why don't I remind you of everyday.  Cool with you?  Great!  

And don't worry, we'll get back to the fashion tomorrow.

Hey- be fabulous today.

Wrapped up in Warmth

Scarves are tough.  When you think about gift giving for a stranger or acquaintance what do you think? Scarf.  And as well you should; they're functional, warm, cozy, and usually reasonably priced.  But what about the scarf you pick out for yourself? That's right.  You time.

For me, a scarf is a very important accessory.  I don't like to collect scarves, I limit my closet to maybe 3 not including pashmenas.  So, it's tough to make the scarf cut in my house. When I find one I love, I wear it pretty much everyday.  Especially right now when it's colder than the North Pole with a leaking freezer.

LL Bean, lambswool scarf, $19.99

Ok bear with me, its not sequined, sparkley or bright colored but its warm, chic in a suburban class kind of way, its lambswool, AND its $19.99.

Ann Taylor, Knit endless metallic scarf, $34

This beauty is just cozy-tastic.  I'm not much for the "infinity" scarf craze but this one does it with class

Target, Muk Luks Nordic Long Scarf, $29.99

I just love these colors and for some reason I picture Jill GG wearing it with her Ugg clogs!

Nordstrom, Michael Kors Rugby Scarf, $78

I love chocolate anything, I love this sporty take on the scarf and the hardware is just beautiful.  And apparently it has pockets? Not sure where but I never say no to pockets!

Gap, Fair Isle pocket scarf, $29.50

If this doesn't say December I don't know what does!  

Sweater Hangover Cure

Did you check out the fabulous holiday traditions featured on Friday Foodday?  Wanna get in on it? Send me your holiday tradition recipes and I would just love to feature them in an upcoming post!

In other news lovebugs.  I want to talk to you an inevitable Winter occurrence: the sweater hangover.  Not familiar with it? Let me tell you the symptoms:
October: Pulling out the sweaters from storage or the back of the closet.  So excited to be warm and cozy and fashionable.
November: Maybe added a couple new sweaters to the mix, tried out some oldies but goodies in a new way.
December: Ok, you've worn every sweater and while you love them, you: a) can't come up with new combos or b) don't have the money or time or effort to take them to the dry cleaners.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may have a sweater hangover.  But fret not.  While I strongly discourage sweater shopping before Santa arrives (for the sakes of your parents, significant other, or siblings) I do encourage accessories!  Namely, necklaces.  They're an easy way to jazz up a sweater without breaking the bank.  Here are my picks:

Stella and Dot, Ava cupchain necklace, $44

I'm a sucker for ribbon necklaces, this on is perfect with a turtleneck sweater of a plain crew neck.

Loft, Gold Flower Ribbon Choker, $35 with code HOLIDAY

Have a cabled knit v-neck? Pair this with it and it's dressed up for the holiday party

LunaShineShine, Vintage style antique camera, $24

I love the detail in this.  Brass camera but the middle is actually tan leather!

Jess LC, Astor Two Tone Cluster Bib, $60

Hi my name is Kelsey and I'm a Jess LC addict.

J Crew Factory, Crystal Corona Necklace, $59.50

You guys, the J Crew FACTORY outlet is online 24/7 until December 20. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Forever 21, short chain necklace with large stones, $10.80

Bling-tastic.