'Tis The Season For Fair Isle

It's finally gotten chilly in NYC, the tree is lit at Rockefeller Center, and the stores are packed with Christmas shoppers. It's officially "the most wonderful time of the year!" It also means that it's time to break out your fair isle gear. Fair isle is back in a big way, and if you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's those sweaters/socks/whatever with wintery looking patterns.

For a free history lesson, "fair isle" is actually a knitting technique used to create patterns, and it is named for Fair Isle, a tiny island north of Scotland. I think the patterns are a nice change from the usual single colored winter sweater. Check out some of my favorite fair isle items this season...


I love the colors of this cardigan, and it's on sale. This is great, to add some color to a t-shirt and jeans outfit, and it's on sale!

Asos - A Wear Fair Isle Edge Cardigan - $56.29  (originally $70.36)

American Eagle is great for stocking up on casual wear, and they have a ton of fair isle sweaters, socks, hats, you name it. I really like this fair isle bag. Not only is it under $20, but it is a cross-body, which is always great, and the fair isle print makes it kind of different and fun.


AEO Fair Isle Flap Bag - $19.99 (originally $24.95)

With all the Kate Middleton baby news, I've been thinking that I've been thinking that I need to swing by one of my favorite UK transplants - TopShop. I was just on their website, and I saw these cute fair isle socks. These are great for jazzing up a Christmas outfit, or just for keeping your toes warm this winter.

TopShop - Wine Baby Deer Fairisle Socks - $6.00

This is a great time to shop at the Gap, because they're offering 30% off your online purchase. I'll be honest, I kind of hate wearing pants. Wait, that came out weird, let me clarify - I love wearing dresses even in the freezing cold, and I use sweater tights to make it more bearable. In fact, I think sweater tights are warming that a lot of work slacks. These fair isle sweater tights are a fun take on the usual tights, and I bet they're super warm.

Gap - Fair Isle Sweater Tights - $19.95

Ok, I'll admit, I'm not sure what to think of these Nike fair isle leggings, but the Junior League is having an Apres Ski party in January, and I think these could be perfect for my outfit. I think I would wear these as regular leggings under a sweater, but I guess they're intended to jazz up your workout wardrobe.


Nordstrom - Nike 'Sqaud' Fair Isle Leggings $35

Who Wears Short Shorts?

If you live in the South like me, then it is freakin' hot outside! Time to pack up the jeans and put on some shorts.

Shorts tips:

• Petite: Wear shorter shorts. Shorter shorts make your legs look longer.
• Colors: If your lower half is a little bit wider or just not your favorite part of your body, opt for dark solid colored shorts. Stay away from white shorts.
• Whites: White shorts are often see-through. If you wear white panties with white shorts, they will show. Invest in some tan/nude colored underwear. Wear this under your white shorts.
  
• Length: Choose an age appropriate length. If you are in high school or college, anything goes. Past college avoid shorts from places like AE, AF, Aeropostale, Hollister, because they are probably too short (unless you are short/have short legs). Instead head to J. Crew, GAP, etc.
  
• Booty Shorts: Just say NO! Under no circumstances should anyone, high school or older, wear booty shorts. I'm not going to define what I mean. I know you know.
  
• Styles: I think seersucker, cut offs (not too short), and madras style shorts are the cutest. I also really like the chino shorts at J. Crew and GAP. They come in all sorts of fun colors and are reasonably priced.
  

Say Yes To Mailing Lists And Save $$$

You know the line, you're at the register, paying for your clothes and the salesperson asks you if you would like to sign up for their mailing list. I used to always say no. Sometimes it was because I was in a rush and didn't want to fill out the form, other times because I wanted to avoid junk mail and prevent getting on all sorts of other mailing lists, but finally I've been saying yes.

It takes only a couple minutes and before you know it you start getting coupons, emails, and sometimes free gifts on your birthday. What's not like about that? Lately Express has been sending me tons of coupons, now I never buy anything without a coupon. Macy's also sends tons of coupons and sent some extra ones on my birthday. DSW sent me a coupon on my birthday and Sephora sent me a coupon for a free shower gel. It smells delicious... like vanilla and brown sugar. ;)



Also sign up for point passes. For every dollar you spend or item you buy, you accumulate points which earn you gift certificates. DSW has a great point programs as does American Eagle. American Eagle also gives you a birthday discount. Its valid a few days before and a few days after your birthday. Even better is when you're birthday falls during a time when there is a lot of sales, because it's double the discount! My birthday is labor day weekend, which is typically a time for sales...

Lost your card? Hate carrying all these cards? Don't worry! I hate carrying them too, so instead I just ask the sales associate to look it up. They usually just ask for a phone number or email address and voila you're in.

Here is an overview of the AE All-Access Pass:

Gettin' My Cardigan On

Cardigans are in, in a very long way! I tend to pack on a few extra pounds when the weather gets cold, and the long cardigan will be a great way to hide them. I like how Blake (she's always Serena van der Woodsen to me) paired hers with a dress. I often see it paired with skinny jeans or leggings. If searching online, I often see these referred to as "boyfriend cardigans" although I think those are shorter than Blake's.

Target
Boyfriend Cardigan
$19.99



This American Eagle cardigan is adorable. It comes in so many fun colors and a wide variety of sizes. (From xxs to xxl).


American Eagle
Boyfriend Cardigan
$39.50
Also available in red, black, white, blue, and yellow





This NY & Co. sweater is on sale and longer than the boyfriend cardigans and it's on sale!

NY & Company
City Style Long Cardigan
Originally $39.95, Now $23.97
Also available in burgundy

Nice & Nautical

I had so much fun wearing my cute lil sailor girl outfit and now I get to dress like a less scandalous sailor girl now that the nautical look is so in. Check out my fab nautical finds below:
I love the gathered waist with the tie on this dress. Pair this with some red shoes or a red bag.


Target
Isaac Mizrahi Striped Scoop Necked Dress
$29.99






Carry your money an credit cards in this sailing inspired wallet.
Urban Outfitters
Loop Sailor Checkbook Wallet
Originally $36, On sale for $19.99


While at Urban Outfitters pick up this adorable necklace.
Urban Outfitters
Nautical Charm Necklace
$24



Down south where I'm at it is so hot that we live in our short shorts. Check out these sailor shorts.
American Eagle
Denim Sailor Shorts
$34.50