Monday, November 10, 2014

the no sweats zone

knit sweater with ponte pants and riding boots The other day I was talking to my 8 year old neighbor about our weekend plans. He told me all about all of the hockey he was going to play, and I told him that we had 4 day weekend away from school. He knows we have to study a lot (which is why we can't play nerf gun as often as he would like) so it was fitting when he said to me, "You know Fran, I think you should study for two days, and then come play for two days".

Smart kid. Unfortunately, I had to make the responsible decision and study all four days - getting ahead is the name of the game when it comes to days off. Days away from school are always my favorite for the sole reason that I don't have to dress up - I can just wear whatever I want! I really do try to make an effort though to not fall into the yoga-pants-and-sweatshirt rut, but wear things in my closet that are just as comfortable but still look nice. My ponte pants have been great for that - as stretchy and comfy as yoga pants, but with more structure and pockets (which we all know is the distinction between leggings and pants). Instead of one of my many college sweatshirts (which do still get plenty of love), a longer and cozy sweater takes it's place (I just bought this sweater from H&M and highly recommend it - it's long enough to cover your butt, the v-neck means it's easy to wear on its own or with a scarf over it, and the texture keeps it fun). Finished with a big fluffy scarf to wrap up in, and a classic pair of riding boots, and I feel like I'm not one of the undergrads at the library, but can comfortably sit there for 8 hours.

But I would much rather be playing nerf gun fights in my living room :/

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Sweater: H&M c/o Nokia* [exact]
Pants: Gap [similar ponte pants]
Scarf: Forever 21 c/o Nokia*
Boots: Vince Camuto [exact on sale]
Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

* I was provided with a $200 giftcard from Nokia. You can read more about that here.
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vince camuto fabina boots
On a side note, I've never owned a pair of black riding boots. I've had grey and cognac, but never black. The current Nordstrom clearance event made it possible to get these Vince Camuto boots for 40% off and I just love them. They are just the most classic pair of boots - I've been wearing them all weekend and just get excited every time I get to put them on. When I put them on for the first time, they were just a bit too tight in the calves, but they have stretched out slightly over the past few days and now fit great. My calves at their widest, while standing, are 15.5 inches, so if you're interested in this pair but have wider calves, they also come in a wide-calf option. Today is the second to last day of the sale though, so if you're interested you'll have to act quick (and don't forget they offer free shipping and returns - mine showed up in 2 days!). Here are a few of my last minute picks:
one [40% off] | two [45% off] | three [33% off] | four [40% off]
one [40% off] | two [40% off] | three [25% off] | four [40% off]
all under $100: one [33% off] | two [33% off] | three [30% off] | four [40% off]