Sweater Weatha!

This little clip is so perfect to kick off this blog...Sweater Weatha!

Crack me up!

My favorite part of Fall is to actually need to start wearing cozy sweaters, creating inspired layered styles, and wearing boots again!  There is so much to be experienced outside this time of year which requires additional layers of warmth.   Apple orchards, fall foliage, pumpkin patches, Saturday morning Farmer's Market, football games...the list goes on.   

No matter how you slice it, there are always a few things that you know you'll need to get you through the next few season...knits, jackets and boots.   These items will refresh your closet and breath new life into the older pieces in your wardrobe.

So here are a few Fall items that have moved me and why. 

The whipstitch on this lovely cocoon coat is what moves me!     It's a felted wool-cashmere that will be so useful in your closet.    I love how it has been styled below as a lovely layer over a suit.   Pairing a sweater over a jacket is a styling suggestion that I plan following this season.   It so easily gives a formal look...a casual vibe.

There is nothing cozier than an oversized crewneck sweater, especially a super soft one. A sweater like this remains neutral and easy to wear but has a bit of pattern and texture that is so important in our layers.   I imagine being able to wear this alone or under a black blazer or leather...depending on the intensity of the weather. 

I have already had the occasion to pull out a coat or two in my closet...and in it, I find a sea of black coats.   Which is why this oatmeal tailored menswear-inspired coat with notch lapels appeals to me.    It looks light, fresh yet warm and cozy.    And figure flattering!

The color and pattern of this funnel neck sweater with its wide sleeves is just stunning.    Made of an airy, soft, and warm alpaca blend from Italy will make this a favorite piece in whoseever closet it lands!

And then there is that endlessly wearable style of a classic V-neck by Vince.      Many of you might not know that we recently brought back VINCE to our clothing boutique.       Why did we bring it back after not having the line for a couple of years?

When Kelli goes to the New York market, she buys only those lines that inspire.    And for the last couple of seasons, Vince wasn't hitting that mark.     Why are they back now?  Like many apparel brands, Vince has had a tumultuous past couple of years.   After almost losing their brand entirely, they fought back by changing their leadership and creative team, moved their headquarters from New York to Los Angeles and began to resurrect their line know for effortless layers and iconic essentials.    

This past season, Kelli was inspired and we too resurrected our partnership with VINCE to bring you some of their best new styles.   Another of my favorites is this long, plush coat.

It's an ultra-soft mahogany faux fur coat that is so cozy you won't be able to resist.    It's a coat that you will want to wear day in and day out!   Especially for those of you who shine in rich warm tones.

 And how about this notch collar gray cardigan?     Decidedly Vince which oozes cozy comfort and style.  

A grab and go sweater that easily acts as an outwear coat for transitional weather, evening football games and morning soccer matches.    Pictures don't do it justice!    

I always love a little sparkle which is why this wool sequined cardigan from Nour Hammour makes my "moves" me list.   It is not so dressy that it is only an occassional sweater.    Perfect for holiday gatherings and everyday wear!

"Sweater Weatha" also means boot weather!    And these platform booties are my absolute favorite of the season.     While I am only 5' 7" tall, I like to pretend that I am one of the tall girls.    These easy-to-wear platform boots give me height and comfort at the same time.    I can literally wear them for 12 hours and my feet survive due to the substantial block heel and supersized platform.    Love, love, love!!!

I also wanted to share with you a few other experiences that have moved me recently in a big way.   

I love to listen to what books, movies, and documentaries that my team members are recommending.    The other day, Stacie and Gina were talking about a Netflix documentary by Brené Brown.     

To be honest, I hadn't heard of her before even though her famous TED talk on the power of vulnerability has had close to  40 million views and is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world.   (Clearly, I need to be watching more TED talks!)

Her latest project featured on Netflix is called The Call to Courage and I highly recommend watching (and then rewatching.) 

She shares her thoughts on courage and vulnerability which resonates with all of us no matter where we are in our lives.      Must-see TV.

The other experience that recently moved me was the BALLET DES MOINES.  

I am ashamed to admit that I have not gone to a ballet performance in Des Moines.  I don't know why really except that I clearly made a judgment that it wasn't for me based on nothing but lack of knowledge and first-hand experience.    Winefest Des Moines had an event last Friday which I attended that included a flight of wines, dinner at Hoyt Sherman and ended with a performance by our very own ballet company.   

It was a fabulous event!   Winefest does such a great job of creating unexpected experiences.        Not only did I taste some great new wine pairings but I became a Ballet Des Moines fan.    I sat mesmerized by their performance, athleticism and beyond expected talent.   I truly love eye-opening experiences and this was a big one! Ballet Des Moines, you've got it going on!  

Next on my list?    I hear their Nutcracker performance is not to be missed.   And what a wonderful holiday treat as well!   (Click on the picture and it will take you to ticketmaster if you are so inclined to experience as well.) 

Winefest Des Moines recently came to us at K. Renee and ask if they could use our event space for a Rose' wine flight experience.    Having been to many of these events myself, we were thrilled to accept as a host for an upcoming event in November.     If Rose' all day appeals to you, all you have to do is click on the picture below to get signed up for this fabulous experience.   

So here's to SWEATER WEATHA and all the wonderful things it will bring us!    

I hope you have a cozy week,