I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning to do a quick work thing where I had to be on-site somewhere. I wore a tee, my VS PINK thermal hoodie and my Zara jacket that I bought for our trip to Paris.
Let's just say that being outside even for 5 minutes felt awful even though I was wearing layers. I finally came to terms with the fact that my lined wool jacket just wasn't going to cut it in the freezing Pairs temperatures. I've been in denial all this time. "I'll layer!" I said confidently. "I'll wear polar fleece underneath!" I assured myself. Alas, I realized that the thin wool coat I have does not actually prevent wind from going through it, which is why my teeth were clacking as the wind lashed through my not-so-warm layers.
You can imagine my predicament on one of the busiest shopping days of the year---finding a down-filled jacket for under $300 was a challenge I didn't want to take on today---battling the traffic and parking space madness was already too much for me (Dear dude in the Dillards parking lot---thanks for blatantly pulling into a parking space when I was in fact signaling that it was mine, and then "shrugging your shoulders" when I tried to point out I was there first. Merry Christmas).
First, I tried a store called Whole Earth Provisions Co. which was good in theory but all of their down coats were the North Face and other pricey brands---I didn't want to pay $300 for a coat I was buying for one occasion.
I also tried Old Navy which was a fail...then I went to Nordstrom Rack...another fail.
Moving on.
I finally struck gold at Macy's where I found a MICHAEL KORS coat for 60% OFF! I couldn't believe my luck because it's exactly what I was looking for. It was originally $265---I paid $103. Sweet lord was I ever happy! It even made up for my parking lot experience.
Let's just say that being outside even for 5 minutes felt awful even though I was wearing layers. I finally came to terms with the fact that my lined wool jacket just wasn't going to cut it in the freezing Pairs temperatures. I've been in denial all this time. "I'll layer!" I said confidently. "I'll wear polar fleece underneath!" I assured myself. Alas, I realized that the thin wool coat I have does not actually prevent wind from going through it, which is why my teeth were clacking as the wind lashed through my not-so-warm layers.
You can imagine my predicament on one of the busiest shopping days of the year---finding a down-filled jacket for under $300 was a challenge I didn't want to take on today---battling the traffic and parking space madness was already too much for me (Dear dude in the Dillards parking lot---thanks for blatantly pulling into a parking space when I was in fact signaling that it was mine, and then "shrugging your shoulders" when I tried to point out I was there first. Merry Christmas).
First, I tried a store called Whole Earth Provisions Co. which was good in theory but all of their down coats were the North Face and other pricey brands---I didn't want to pay $300 for a coat I was buying for one occasion.
I also tried Old Navy which was a fail...then I went to Nordstrom Rack...another fail.
Moving on.
I finally struck gold at Macy's where I found a MICHAEL KORS coat for 60% OFF! I couldn't believe my luck because it's exactly what I was looking for. It was originally $265---I paid $103. Sweet lord was I ever happy! It even made up for my parking lot experience.
Oh yes. I am going to be toasty and stylish, my vacation dream come true!
Speaking of toastiness, behold my new gloves. Warm and cozy. I got them at Marshall's for $12.99:
Speaking of toastiness, behold my new gloves. Warm and cozy. I got them at Marshall's for $12.99:
Also from Marshall's this travel bag. I plan to bring this as my carry-on with things like my makeup products (no liquids), my camera and other pricier items or things I'll need on the flight. It was $16.99. Usually I take a large purse with me, but I'd rather have more room this time around since we'll be gone a longer time.
It's got side pockets and comes with a little baggie inside that matches to keep change in...or whatever else might fit that you need to store.
Finally, I got this cute tank at Marshall's for $7.99. It's super long and it's made of that comfy stretchy fabric.
My last purchase of the day was from Banana Republic. Right now they're having a 40% off of your ENTIRE PURCHASE sale---so go while it's still on (until tomorrow, Sunday Dec. 19). It's a great sale if you still have some last-minute gift-buying to do.
I got this cozy sweater (um, can I use the word cozy any more in this entry?) It's a light oatmeal color with super soft baby pink stripes. It's so soft and warm. I just love it.
I got this cozy sweater (um, can I use the word cozy any more in this entry?) It's a light oatmeal color with super soft baby pink stripes. It's so soft and warm. I just love it.
This isn't a purchase---but the lovely Candice lent me this pretty sweater for my trip. It's so holidays! I love it :)
More to come this weekend. I'm going to do a ton of laundry tonight so packing can commence. I'm kind of stressed out about packing but I know I'll get it done and it will be just fine :) I will definitely do an entire post about it.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend (and if someone tries to take YOUR parking spot, just yell "Merry Christmas" at them, like I did.)
xoxo,
Veronika.