Coveting for fall: Part 3

I want this entire, prohibitively expensive outfit.

Coveting for fall: Part 2

A few more things in my fall shopping basket…

1. Acrylic-polyester-wool coat, $278; anntaylor.com (available in mid-September).
2. Ankle Zip Pants, $89
3. Emerson Made Bag-o-turtlenecks, $58
4. Metal Mosaic Ring, $29 at Jewelmint.com
5. Everyday Suede Flats, $98

Coveting for fall: Part 1

For the past 5 months, my wardrobe has consisted of exclusively nursing tanks, t-shirts and khakis/jeans/shorts. In a word: uninspiring.

My outfits have been lackluster out of function (nursing), temperature (it’s flipping hot), thrift (none of my shirts fit my now-ample bosom) and need (I’m not really going anywhere). So while my real wardrobe needs are minimal, my online shopping carts have become something of an obsession.

I’m coveting everything. Everything.

I want heeled loafers, leopard coats, snug blazers, bow tops, necklaces, bracelets and rings. I want boot-cut jeans, pretty blouses, ballet flats and cool bags.

When I shop online, my wardrobe needs are extensive, as is my wallet.

My next few posts (it’ll take a few), are some things that are in my shopping carts around the Web.

1. ASOS Double Lapel Coat, $219.54
2. Silk Lucinda Blouse, $98
3. Pretty Powerhouse Ring, $27.99
4. Bette Jeans, $225
5. The Perfect Penny Loafer Pump, $188

Another kind of eco-fashion

Around Earth Day, you can’t get away from magazines, websites, etc. eschewing the virtues of eco-fashion — organic cotton, bamboo, recycled materials, vintage etc.

I love some good kind-to-the-environment threads, but I feel like people gloss over another eco-option — buying items that last. Good quality, timeless styles that you can wear season in and out. Clothes you won’t get tired of and sell to Buffalo after wearing it for a month or two.

Here are some items that I either have or want that I think test of time:

1.) Selvedge Chambray Shirt, $88
Simple chambray shirt can be dressed up or down.

2.) Island Sandals, $165
I got a pair of these sandals “made just for me” during my honeymoon in Maui. I’m about to have my 8th anniversary — and they are still going strong.

3.) Spring Mercer Pants, $248
Summer jeans are best light and loose.

4.) Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress, $325
The quintessential wrap dress is flattering — and a go-to for a multitude of occasions.

Spring style: Outfit for lunch

Warm weather has pretty much descended on Phoenix. Word has it it’s supposed to be 91 degrees at the end of the week. Sounds like it’s time for spring-wear — and not a second too soon. I’m really tired of my baggy ensembles as of late.

Here’s an outfit that I’d like to (but probably won’t) wear to a lunch on a patio. The only accessory it needs: a margarita.

• Scenic Route Shirtdress, $158
• Marc Jacobs Bangles, $88 each
• Wayuu Taya Handmade Bag, $130
• Wood Platform Wedge, $250

Spring style: High-waisted jeans

What my “last days of pregnancy” dreams are made of: something sitting on my waist.

Even better, if that something is belted.

So it’s understandable that one item in my post-pregnancy spring shopping list is high-waisted jeans.

I’ve found a few pairs I’ve put into an online shopping cart a half-dozen times, but my logical side says I should wait until after delivery and see the state of my mid-section (and everything else) before settling on a pair.

These are on my short list:

• 1971 Reiss Birkin, $159.58
• Sunwashed Denim, $188
• Rio Blue High Waist Kickflare, $62.76
• High-waisted Carly Jean, $39.99

Style maker: Promise Tangeman

I met Promise Tangeman at the Alt.Design Summit blogger conference in Salt Lake City.

I loved her big big rock ‘n roll hair and bold patterns, which I figured would transfer to a pretty cool blog.  Turns out, she lives in Gilbert! So on return, I pestered her about some style questions for a What is She Wearing segment on Jackalope Ranch.

Q: Where are your favorite places to shop? Online? Locally?

A: I love the good old fashion Goodwill, or Savers. I also love Fashion by Robert Black, or Zara in LA….

Read more on the New Times Jackalope Ranch Blog >>

I’m wishing…

It’s supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow — and my midsection looks like I’m concealing a several pieces of sporting equipment. Neither are ideal for spring clothes shopping. That, however, doesn’t keep me from wanting.

Desperately wanting.

These days, however, I’m just wishing. The following are a few of my wishlists for spring: Shopbop & Modcloth.

Shopbop (click image to see list)

Modcloth (click image to see list)

Coming around again: Penny loafers

I’ve been nesting like a mad woman.

I had a yard sale on Saturday and got rid of loads of stuff…and I’m still on a crusade for unnecessary items in my house.

But this morning I was looking at one of my purge piles — and saw a pair of dusty Bass Weejun penny loafers I wore during a preppy phase in high school.

“Hmmm…those could be cute now,” I thought, and put them on.

Yes — I think my preppy phase might have a renaissance.

Here are a few penny-loafer inspired shoes I’m liking right now:

1. Bass Weejuns, $109
2. Kindred Burgundy Tassel Loafers, $100
3. Hours at the Library Heel, $154.99
4. Frye Alex Camp Loafer, $137.95
5. Penny Lane, $126
6. Bass Brookfield Loafer, $39.99
7. Madge Leather Tassel & Bow Loafer, $62.76
8. Mansford Slip On, $118

Shiver me timbers: Buckle boots

For the last several months, my wardrobe has consisted of a lot of roomy sweaters, t-shirts and stretch jeans. The only place I’ve been able to feel stylish — my footwear, which has relied heavily on a pair of strappy boots my husband gave me for my birthday last year (after seeing them here).

I feared my cool boot time was coming to a close, but alas, this cold snap coming tonight promises that there will be plenty of boot-wearing weather to come — and now that spring is on the horizon, there are many pairs at a discount.

While my exact boots are gone, here are some strappy boots that are reminiscent of my faves of the season…some of which might even look cute with spring dresses:

1.) Cooper Boots, $82.81

2.) Aldo Crowner Boots, $62.99

3.) Cordani Valentina, $224.50

4.) Yorke Leather Strap Suede Boots, $224.12

5.) Abbot Buckle Flat Boot, $72.41

6.) Starley Buckle Boot, $298

7.) Ksubi Hustler 3 Buckle Boot, $425

8.) Galeea Canvas Flat Boots, $200

9.) Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boot, $615.68

* My boots are available in black for $165.50