Winter Wardrobe Wishlist
Confession: I still have clothing from middle school in my closet. They don’t fit. They are out of style. And I still try to squeeze my muffin top in them like a butcher pushes ground pig innerds into an intestinal skin. yummy.
Another confession: I buy 90% of my clothing based on cost alone. Stacy London & Clinton Kelly would have a hay-day. And I would probably do the ugly cry in their 360 degree mirror room. Seriously though Stacy, some people can pull off acid-wash-cutoffs-circa-1992.
These clothing wishlists are a good idea for me. They make me think. Which I have realized is a priviledge after having a kid…thinking eats up time…precious time that you could be sleeping or brushing your teeth or doing very important tasks…like doing deep-knee squats in your 8th grade cords hoping that the fabric will forgive you for that pan of brownies that you devoured last night and allow your bum to stay inside the waistband. They make me think and they hold me accountable. They force me to actually analyze what I own (or don’t), what looks good on me, what is affordable and what is age-appropriate. Apparently it is important to not look like a street-walkin-teenager-from-the-80′s. So I’ve heard. Although I think it’s debatable.
(You can click on any of the photos below for the link to the source.)
I love the color and texture of this shawl collar sweater. It looks like it would be easy enough to throw on over a tank and a pair of jeans. And it doesn’t looks scratchy…which I find is the major flaw in most cozy sweaters.
This tunic is simple and oh-so-versatile. I love chambray colored tops and skirts…and this tunic is long enough to qualify as both in my book. That’s not to say I would wear it all by itself. No. That would definitely break a few rules in Stacy’s Don’t Dress Like A Hooker book.
Third confession of the day…I already have this Gap sweater. I bought it when it was on sale and we had a 45% coupon. So it ended up being less than $20. And the collar draws attention away from the afore-mentioned pastry that has taken up residence at my midsection.
Super cheap…just my style…and draws attention north of the jean spill-over-effect…yes, I definitely love this henley tee. I think I might order it in several colors.
Last fall I blogged about these jeans…and they are the bee’s knees for my post-pregnancy body. Now I need them in another color…because the darker version is the only thing that fits. So medium wash, here I come.
I had a Jo Totes camera bag in my wishlist for the last few months. I kept telling myself I would order it. Then it went out of stock. They sold out. I clicked, I saw, I cried. Right about the time when the heartbreak set in, I decided that if they came out with a white or gray tote I would buy immediately. Then I saw this beauty. I clicked, I screamed, I bought. Can’t wait to see how my camera, my wallet and Will’s diapers fit inside 
I have been looking for the perfect lightweight striped tee to wear under sweaters and still be able to pull out in the warmer months…and I think this is it. It looks long enough to cover up my lovely lady lumps (the ones that are sugar-induced) and since it has three-quarter length sleeves, it would be versatile enough for every season.
Yes. I know. Don’t judge me. But dang if they aren’t more comfortable than one of those Playboy Bunnies in a rich man’s arms.
When I heard that Land’s End started a new spinoff called Canvas I was all like “oh this should be exciting for the 40 somethings” but once I checked it out, I was singing a different tune. I have no idea how this stuff lays or fits or if the cuts are all wonky or if the quality stinks…but consider me a fan. The price is right, the look is just my style….in short, I LOVE. So with all that said, if you wrk for this company and want to send me samples, I can put them through rigorous testing of DIY projects, blog writing, baby feeding, and television watching. Oh and I love this skirt.
Okay…so I’ve learned that my hoodies are slowly disappearing. And since my 9 month old STILL doesn’t sleep all night through and I like to throw on a lightweight hoodie at night as I sit in the hall and listen to him cry it out, I need more. This one is cute with the part henley part hoodie action.
I want a slouch hat. And I am slowly falling more and more deeply in love with anything knitted or crocheted. The texture gets me. This one has a cutie matootie that comes with it. Not the baby…the flower
This looks as comfortable to me as a tee shirt but put-together enough that the receptionist at Will’s pediatrician will stop judging me for wearing the same pajama-pant-slash-hoodie combo for every visit. It’s pretty bad when someone who is wearing scrubs looks more refined than you. I mean, my logic is sound though. Why dress up unless you are going somewhere fancy…like Walmart?
I might be the last person on the planet to hop on board the Jeggings train…but I have decided that I am a fan of jeans and a fan of leggings…therefore I must give their inbred love child a try. If I hate them, I promise to only wear em with a tunic and boots…that way 85% of them will be covered. The other 15% will be tight and unflattering…but that isn’t any different than 100% of my other pants.
Again Canvas is rocking my world with this look…casual enough to wear at home but not in a I-eat-old-cheetos-kinda way. Love the color and the fact that it doesn’t look like it could hug my semi-truck-spare-tire.
Lastly but definitely not leastly, we have this fleece jacket. I’ve always wanted to own something that is The North Face brand…sometimes I sneak into Jeremy’s closet and wear his North face lightweight jacket that he got as a gift. The stuff is dangexpensive…that’s one word for when things are beyond very expensive. it’s like ludicrious speed (name that movie for ten points)…except for pricing.
Okay…so that is my wardrobe wishlist for the winter (which by the way has hit the Peach State WAY hard! We actually have snow…and I ain’t talking about a light one inch dusting). Anything you recently added to your wishlist? Are you needing sweaters as much as I am? Or perhaps you tried jeggings and need to warn me of their evils? Maybe you just want that camera bag as much as I do? Any Canvas fans? Or Ugg wearers?
psst…here’s the past fall wardrobe wishlist
psst…when I was e-window-shopping, I couldn’t help but lust over some great spring finds…so later this week I’ll reveal my spring wardrobe wishlist…and just a word of warning, you may want flowers and pastels a smidge early this year!
*list contains affiliate links
Katie, I ordered a new winter coat from Lands End Canvas and am IN LOVE! It was true to size and very well made. Plus, if it wouldn’t have fit, I could have returned it to any Sears store that sells clothing for free. To top it off, they sent me a hand written thank you note about two weeks later! That never happens anymore–I totally love them! Take the plunge…they are worth it!
I love your pics! I agree-we are needing some more versatile layering this year in Atlanta since we seem to be having an especially cold winter.
that skirt would look SO cute on you.
I’m with you on that Gap button-neck sweater!! I LOVE it! I actually bought with the 45% off also and then 2 weeks later went back and bought another one when they were 40% off…because I just loved it so much!! Its so soft and comfy!
And I must admit, I bought my first pair of UGGs this year! They’re tall and so I find that I have a hard time finding enough outfits to wear them with…at least often enough to justify how much I paid for them
But I do love them! They’re so comfortable! And warm…which is important since I live in Idaho! I’m looking forward to being able to wear them for years and discovering what I like to pair them with best!
I was going to finally get a cute camera purse and went to hit purchase on the one you got~sold out! Triple Boo!!! This is what happens when I wait too long!
Okay, I totally got that jo Totes bag from my husband for Christmas and I LOVE it! Plenty of room for my DSLR and purse stuff too. PLUS it has the cutest star print lining! do it.
You will LOVE the Old Navy Jeggings! I never thought I could rock them, but now I totally live in mine. So much that I bought them in regular and black. My only disappointment is the length- I am 5’2″ and normally cannot wear regular length. However, I bought short and now they are a wee bit short. I wear them with boots so you really can’t tell. Just an FYI.
Thanks for all of the sweater suggestions!
I’ve recently invested in jeggings and they’re the best! Super comfy and they look great with tall boots! I wear tunics, mid-thigh length shirts with them. I’m sorry, I just can’t wear a regular length t-shirt with them! I feel naked… Get them!
Ok Katie… Here’s my confession… I caved and bought new pants this weekend to fit my post-pregnancy body (which I thought would be a distant memory by now so I had refused to buy new clothes!!) My little girl is 6 months old, so you and I seem to be in the same boat! However… Here’s where my secret gets better. I shopped at the clothes section of the local thrift store for the first time (i was in there donating and admiring the furniture.) how about creme, lined Banana Republic work trousers for $4.90? With the tag still on!! Or those same gap jeans you have here for 5.90? And my “new” Ann Taylor jeans… 6.90. Yep. And I felt like a million dollars going into work today.
LOVE the camera bag! So cute!
Jen
http://www.1creativemomma.blogspot.com
Katie-
I laughed out loud when I started reading your post today-I thought your description of trying on old clothing was very comical!
and I love the list. You have great style, Katie Bower!
I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and here (where it just dumped 2 feet of snow on us over 2 days) we love, love, love our Uggs! I have a pair that have lasted me 2 winters now and I wear them everyday.
They will definitely keep your tootsies warm
I have also jumped on the jeggings/leggings train and I heart them. I wear them with longer shirts or with dresses or skirts and I agree with Chrissy they look great with tall boots (Uggs too). They have become a staple in my wardrobe.
Who knew Land’s End had such cute stuff? I think I am going to go order their catalog now!
Add the whole list to my cart, please!!! Love your style! Well, except maybe the jeggings. After 2 babies, these hips should NEVER been seen in leggings. Seriously, it’d be a crime.
Ok, so can I tell you I’m somewhat relieved to hear Will’s not sleeping through? I know YOU’RE not relieved, but after hearing about Clara on YHL sleeping 12 hours a night, I was going a little bonkers! My 8-month-old is not sleeping either, but my son did at 6 months. Guess I was spoiled! My husband gets super grouchy w/o a good night’s sleep, and if we let her cry it out, she wakes up my son! Can’t have grumpy husband AND grumpy toddler. No thank you. Anyway, I’ll be interested to see what works with your little man!
I have that same Jo Totes bag in black. I love it but it is a big bag. The pockets and flexibility are great.
Also, I always hated the Uggs until got a pair for Christmas last month. They are a knock off version from Sams Club but they are real shearling. They are so soft and cozy. I wear them all the time. I think Costco also carries a nicely made version of Uggs.
What lens do use most often? I recently bought a 17-50 2.8 VC from Tamron and am trying to decide if I love it enough to keep it. It is so much heavier than the 18-55 kit lens I was using. I also have the 50mm 1.8 and that little lens is awesome.
I use the 50mm most often…it just happens to be the lens that stays on there…and I get too lazy or am in too much of a rush to change it
xo – kb
Ooooh, I love Canvas. I loved them when they first launched, but had no sale section to their website. Boo. Then I had a baby, forgot all about it, checked KatieB’s blog, and WOW! I’m loving it all!!!
I *may or may not* have just spent $60, including a cute-mom one piece swimsuit (because a two piece is so not happening this summer… or ever again), some t-shirts, AND that skirt!!! Extra 20% off sale items until tomorrow…………………
Love your selections on the list. Wear what you want and what you feel amazing and/or comfy in! My nieces have the real Uggs and they love, love, love them! I thought uggghhh and I’m too old for Uggs. So, I bought some fuggs (fake uggs) last year from Costco and I love them. It rains a lot here (Seattle) but they have held up. Wear them without socks around the house and they feel like a cozy cloud! They are right up there with bacon, I promise.
As a long time fan of Lands’ End, which, yes, does make me over 40, I’m still trying to figure out your comment about Lands’ End Canvas and making the 40-somethings happy.
Tammy – it was just a light-hearted comment from a 29 almost 30 year old who apparently thinks she is still 21. In my opinion, Lands End’s main focus group for marketing is the late 30′s early 40′s in age… just like Abercrombie is geared toward college kids…it’s not to say that they aren’t great quality clothing…it’s just a joke explaining how excited I was that they started a line that looks developed for my age group.
xo – kb
This post made me laugh so much! Thank you! But… you shouldn’t be so darn hard on yourself! Anyway… Ann taylor Loft has a bunch of their sweaters for $15 right now, you should take a look!
I just got my daughter a pair of UGG like boots. They are Koolaburra from Australia. Sheepskin lined and so comfy she never wants to take them off. They are about the same price as UGG normally, but we found them at Marshall’s for $70. I was just sad that they didn’t have them in my size. BTW…I think UGGs are cute. I would buy them for looks alone. I know I am probably the only one here that feels that way, but…
Can’t wait to see your review of the Jo Tote! That’s the one that’s on my wish list too. Please do a post with ‘real life’ pictures
You had me at deep knee squats!
Serioulsy though, I LOVE your clothing wish lists. So smart. I vowed to do it when you made your fall list but didn’t follow through. Need to do it this time!
Katie — we found that when we started giving our son a snack right before bedtime (something substantial, like oatmeal), he stopped waking up in the night.
yeah…tried that.
xo – kb
I was in AE last night and saw your sweater on sale for $24.95 with an additional 30% off. I considered buying it myself but wasn’t in a buying mood for some reason. I like your style!
Oh Katie! Why do you do this to me?! I want almost everything on here! I think you and I have similar style/tastes.
The Victoria’s Secret shirt…. let me just say a few words…. Everytime I get the catalog I flip through and with a big black or pink sharpie I circle everything I want. Right down to the colors I want it in. And when it’s all said and done, guess what? 99% of the things I want are worn by the same model. I think it’s because in my mind I think she is me….. Okay – to be fair…. she is me before I had health issues and gained weight. The same model that you have wearing the henley shirt. i don’t know why but I adore her and swear that I used to look just like that. Then I look in the mirror and realize that is no more. Anyway – I love all the clothes! Can you promise to do one for Spring and Summer? Please? What if you did a new one every month?
Sheena
I can’t wait for your spring /summer list! I’ve lost like 60 pounds and have no clothes for spring and summer. I’m rebuilding my whole wardrobe and love your style so thanks for doing all the work for me! lol.
I actually love all of your winter picks, we have the same kinda style.
Katie,
I love the idea of a clothing wish list! I am totally going to draw one up for myself…and steal about half of it from your list! I looooove that bag.
However, I must strongly suggest that you ditch your abercrombie desire…yesterday. Or probably about 15 years ago or however many years it has been since you were 13. abercrombie is absolutely positively only for middle schoolers and miss skinny minnie you would probably need an XXXL just to get the thing to cover your belly button. And Abercrombie and Fitch ain’t much better. You could probably knock one X off of that size. PLUS… no matter how cute, thier quality is worse than forever 21. Seams will come out with one wash! Ditch ‘em. They are bad news bears.
You HAVE to let us {OK, me!} know how you like your new tote bag after it arrives! I’ve been wanting to buy the EXACT tote in gray for my new canon, but can’t decide if I should go with fashion or function. Please oh please let me know what you think!
lovelylittlenest {at} yahoo {dot} com
Gracias!
I’ll make sure to remember to let you guys know!
xo – kb
Oh, and in response to Amelia’s post…FALSE!
I worked at A&F one summer and I still love their clothes. Not everything they sell is my style anymore {I’m a J.Crew girl now…hello Philadelphia Premium Outlets!} but some of it is still super cute.
And they actually have some great sales; you just have to keep your eyes peeled for them and stick to the back of the store.
Also, absolutely NONE of my Abercrombie clothes have torn at the seams or faded, which is more than I can say for stuff I’ve bought at American Eagle and Old Navy {for the same price!}…oh, and I’ve had some of them for 5 years or more. So there :p
Nat – I worked at A&F one winter! Small world! And I’ve seen it both ways…some sweaters do shrink (could be washer-error) and I’ve also had jeans that are still in great shape (cough10yearslatercough).
xo – kb
Katie –
My non-sleeping baby is now a 12-year-old who STILL gets up at least once every night. Luckily, she is now able to put herself back to bed (and in fact, wandered into our room last night, kissed me, walked around the bed, kissed her dada, and then wandered back to her own room and put herself back to bed). Some kids are just not sleepers, for whatever reason. I’m not saying Will falls into this category; I just wish I had known this fact before I a) tried everything under the sun and b) blamed myself. To get her to sleep at bedtime, a warm bath 1-1.5 hours before bed is best. Something about the rise and then fall in body temperature makes you more sleepy.
But on to the subject at hand – clothes! I have a best friend who always looks years younger than the rest of us 40-somethings. Her secret: Down East Basics (www.downeastbasics.com) – and for those of us who love a bargain like Katie Bower loves bacon, the prices are fabulous.
Lori – their accessories are fab! Thanks for the link!
I think the scientist in me likes experimenting with different methods to get him to sleep. He probably is sick of it…but you can’t rush science 
And thanks for the encouragement about my little waker-upper
xo – kb
The prices on the accessories had my jaw hanging open – scarves, belts, jewelry… for an average price of $10? I’ll take one of each, thank you.
The scientist in *me* thinks that Will may be doing some experimenting of his own…
Yeah…I’m totally a guinnea pig for that kid
xo – kb
I love all your picks! I need to do some wardrobe refreshing myself…
For what it’s worth, I’ve bought a number of things from the Lands End Canvas line and have mostly positive reviews. One or two items fit a little strangely, but they were easy enough to return. Quality is pretty good too, especially since the price is low. The main Lands End line is worth an occasional look too — they do have some items that don’t scream “I’m middle aged.”
I love your winter wishlist. I could easily adapt all of these items into my wardrobe and be a happy camper.
Please please please share about your new camera bag. Since seeing you mention it here, I’ve been lusting after one but I’d love to hear more details about it.
In college, every kid had a North Face fleece except me. So as soon as I got a big girl job, I bought a $100 fleece and it is awesome! Even tho it isn’t the beloved Denali, it’s still very warm, especially with layers underneath. Even though it’s pricey, the quality is great.
Beanies & berets! Recently I’ve become a beanie fan, since realizing how warm they keep me. If you are looking for a good quality beanie, Coal Headwear and Neff Headwear make excellent beanies. They’re warm and good quality, so you’ll have them for several seasons.
I love your style Katie! And the humor that does along with it!
I’m in Idaho and Uggs are definitely a staple for any lady’s wardrobe! You can’t beat the warmth and comfort and for some reason they just luck cute! And cute is with the skinny jeans, which I am still too chicken to pull off. Good luck with the jeggings adventure!