CALIFORNIA WINTER

OUTFIT DETAILS:  TRENCH COAT  |  H&M MATERNITY TEE  |  AG MATERNITY JEANS  |  LACE UP HEELS  |  REBECCA MINKOFF CROSSBODY BAG  |  URBAN OUTFITTER SUNGLASSES 

Spring weather is always crazy in California -- we go from hot to cold back to hot and back to cold pretty much every other day. But even on those cold mornings, it has warmed up by the afternoon that all you need is a lightweight jacket. I've been hunting for a good classic trench for ages since it's the perfect kind of California winter and spring jacket, and after buying, trying and returning a bunch, I finally found this one by Ralph Lauren. The color is just the right light shade of khaki (I tried some that were dark tan that I hated), it's a perfect right-above-the-knee length, and it fits like a dream (I'm wearing an XS). I tied the belt in the back since I couldn't tie it around my pregnant belly anyway, but I'm excited to wear it post-maternity all belted up. 

The thing about buying classic pieces that will last you for years is that you have to weed through a ton of options and try on a bunch of options before you find the one. Especially if you're investing in one, you want to spend your money on one that you really, really love. Obviously as a busy mom I don't have time to go to store after store, so that's why I love shopping at Zappos.com. A few clicks and you can narrow your search to tan trenches and see all the different brands they have (which is a lot).  I bought a bunch, they came within a day, and then I could try them on at home, and then return the ones that didn't work with their free shipping. Basically the best an easiest system ever, and now I have the perfect trench I can wear forever. 

Also, can we talk about these heels for a second? Because I just might wear them everyday for the rest of my life, they're so gorgeous. 

thank you to zappos for sponsoring this post  |  photos by rad and happy 

THE ONLY COAT YOU NEED THIS WINTER

 

OUTFIT DETAILS: CAMEL COAT via ZAPPOS ||  FELT HAT via ZAPPOS  ||  OVER THE KNEE BOOTS (under $100!)  ||  STRIPED SHIRT (similar non maternity here)   ||  LEGGINGS  ||  COACH CROSSBODY BAG

I've been on the hunt for a good camel colored coat for a few years now. It's one of those timeless and classic pieces, can easily be dressed up or down, and can be paired with absolutely anything and everything.

But coats are tricky to shop for because of fit and shape and length...you just never know how a coat will look on you. That's my favorite thing about amazing online shops like Zappos, because you can order a few styles and sizes, have them shipped to you super fast and for free, try them on at home, and then easily return them with their free return shipping. Basically the best shopping experience you can ask for.

I styled mine with stripes and burgundy for a bold look, but I'm also excited to pair it with a bright red dress and heels for the holidays, or dress it down with some sneakers and a pair of distressed denim.

 thank you to zappos for partnering on this post | photos by rad and happy

PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

target dress (last year, similar here and here)

land's end coat, c/o

target heels (bow DIY'd by me, tutorial here -- purchase similar here)

similar earrings

urban outfitter sunglasses 

similar bag 
sonix iphone case, c/o

The best way to brighten up a dark and rainy day is with a bright coat, don't you think?? 

I've rounded up a few of my favorites below that would be sure to bring out the sunshine -- click the image in the widget to shop!

DIY FRIDAY + HANDMADE HOLIDAYS: EASY DIY CAPE

cape made by me (fabric c/o pendleton)

dittos jeans, c/o

jellypop ankle boots (buy here)

forever 21 hat

michael kors watch

stella and dot bracelet

inpink bracelet 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

Capes are one of this season's biggest outerwear trends, so it only seemed fitting that I try my hand at one. Pendleton sent me this gorgeous wool blend fabric, and the colorful arrow pattern was just screaming to become a cape -- so I obliged. And as it turns out, they're insanely easy to make, so they make a perfect holiday gift for your sisters, friends, or any other fashionable women in your life!

Click through to find the super easy tutorial, and have a happy Friday!

UNEXPECTED COLOR COMBO: PASTELS AND JEWEL TONES

land's end wool coat, c/o

forever 21 sweater

old navy blouse, similar

dittos jeans, c/o

nordstrom bag, similar here

sole society boots

urban outfitter sunglasses

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

This season I'm obsessed with jewel tones and have added a few pieces in these rich colors to my wardrobe. This gorgeous deep purple wool coat is a recent addition to my closet and I cannot get enough of it. We don't have a huge need for thick winter coats in SoCal, but our evenings are finally cool enough to wear a coat so I've loved having this one to throw on for a bold splash of color. 

Typically I would pair a bold jewel tone with a neutral like black, white, or chambray, but this pastel pink furry sweater was calling my name from my closet, and the combination of pastel and jewel tone just worked so perfectly -- unexpected, but pretty, and so feminine. Then I grounded and completed the outfit a little bit with some distressed denim and black accessories. I think the pastel and jewel tone combination is a new favorite -- do you think you'd wear it? 

Oh, and wait! There's more amazing and unbelievably well made coats from Land's End -- check out my favorites in the widget below! 

RAIDING MY SISTERS CLOSET: WINTER COATS UNDER $100

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Now that Halloween is over, I'm so excited to start focusing on winter (even though it's still sunny and pretty warm here in SoCal). The coats, the boots, the tights, the hot cocoa -- all of it just makes me so happy. 

There are so many good coats out there this season, so my sisters and I are sharing a few of our favorites today! Most of these are on sale (including a few from the Nordstrom 40% off clearance sale that ends today!), so snag them while they're cheap! Most are way under $100! 

And even more coats in the widget below -- click the images below to shop!

Now hop over and check out what coats Janssen and Landen are loving right now!