Closet Essentials: Outerwear for Winter

I love jackets and coats, and probably own more than my fair share. Since coats, especially cold weather coats (which is what this post is about), are the first thing people see in the winter months, it's important to find something you love. I have searched the web and found a ton of great coats, all under $200. Here are some of my personal favorites (the warm factor on some of these coats vary - I know what I think of as cold weather is a lot different from what people in Florida or Texas think of as cold weather), click on any photo below for more information.

I love the wide lapel on this INC International Concepts coat ($149), and although it can be hard to keep clean, winter white is always so pretty (also available in black or navy).

I've been eyeing this adorable Afternoon Symphony Jacket from ModCloth ($99.99) since it popped up on the website earlier today. I am trying not to pull the trigger but it's SO cute I might not be able to resist.

Similar in style to the INC coat above, I love the bright purple color of this Miss Sixty coat ($178), which is a bit different from my standard black winter wear.

A more casual coat, the military details on this Dollhouse jacket ($89.99) are fantastic.

I'm a sucker for faux fur (and olive green), so the collar on this Calvin Klein coat ($149.50) caught my eye right away.

Another great ladylike coat, this time in black/white tweed ($74.90).

Everyone loves a classic wool trench, and the ruffles on this version from New York & Co ($149.95) add a great feminine touch.

And last but not least, the oversize collar and basketweave texture on this Style & Co. coat ($129) are perfection.

Here are some more great options...

More Forever 21...

Inspired by...Diane von Furstenberg - *Updated 11/30/10*

See bottom of post for update.

DVF's gold strappy Luna sandals retail for $284 at Zappos.


These Nine West sandals do have some differences, making them more of an inspired by option, but when I saw them I was instantly reminded of the DVF version so I wanted to share. They retail for $88.95 and you can click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing (also available in two shades of silver, pink, or a darker gold).


*Update - 11/30/10* - Reader Emily found an even better look 4 less of the Luna sandals, which retail for $59.40 at 6pm.com. Click here if you're interested in purchasing.

Alexander Wang Zipper Frame Sunglasses

Alexander Wang's zipper sunglasses retail for $389 at Blue & Cream.


Asos has an amazing look 4 less of the Alexander Wang version, retailing for a very affordable $17.24. Click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing or want more information. (Click HERE if the photo link below isn't working)

Brian Atwood Cosmic Snap Back Ankle Boot

Thank you to Emily who emailed me this find!

Brian Atwood's Cosmic Snap Back ankle boot retailed for $755 at Saks, now marked down to $527.99.


Love the look but not the price (even on sale)? Check out Ash's version of these boots, in suede instead of leather but the look is the same. They retail for $136.50 on sale at Shopbop and also come in a color called sparrow. Click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing.

Brian Atwood Loca Studded Pumps - *Updated 11/30/10*

See bottom of post for update.

Brian Atwood's studded Loca pumps are worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the new Sex & the City 2 movie and retail for $800 at Net-A-Porter.




If you're in love with the Brian Atwood version but you can't stomach the price, Go Jane has an alternative for you! They retail for $29.90 and come in a ton of other colors. Click here to purchase.


*Update - 11/30/10* - This post is originally from back in May, so I believe the Go Jane version listed is sold out. Charlotte Russe just added a look 4 less to their site though and I wanted to share. These pumps retail for $40 and you can click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing (also available in black). Note: currently Charlotte Russe has a promotion where if you buy one shoe, you get the second for only $15!

Anthropologie Dreamy Drape Dress

Anthropologie's Dreamy Drape dress originally retailed for $80 but is no longer available.


ModCloth just added a great lookalike to their site, which retails for $47.99. Click HERE if you're interested in purchasing!

Inspired by...ADAM

This ADAM cowl neck sweater with fairisle print is one of my faves from awhile back, but it retails for $236 (marked down from $295) at Shopbop.


Although it's definitely more of an inspired by option, this Free People sweater will give you a similar style for less. It retails for $128 and you can click HERE if you're interested in purchasing.

Joie Joanne Silk Striped Top

Joie's Joanne silk striped top retailed for $178 but was featured today on Gilt for $79.


Forever 21 has a similar top, although only rayon instead of silk. It retails for $19.80 and you can click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing.

Frye Carmen Harness Tall Boot

Frye's Carmen Harness boot retails for $286.40 on sale at Endless.


Forever 21's Leatherette biker boots are an incredible look 4 less of the Frye Carmen, and retail for a much lower $34.80. Click on the photo below if you're interested in purchasing (also available in brown).

Inspired by...Rag and Bone

Rag and Bone's Grayling Fairisle Scarf in Ash retails for $195 at Blue & Cream.


The print is different on this Aeropostale version, as it goes all away around the scarf instead of just on the tips...however, the style still reminded me quite a bit of the much pricier Rag & Bone version. This scarf retails for a very reasonable $13.80 and you can click on the photo below to purchase.

Style Me Saturday: Gap Floral Applique Top

Reader Katie wrote in after purchasing this Gap Floral Applique top in the new cashmere color. She was hoping I could give her some suggestions on how to style it to stay warm in the cold winter months, as well as what colors would look best with it. She wants looks that work for both work during the week, and more casual looks for the weekend. Click on any photo below for more information.

This first look was inspired by the always amazing Chloe. I love how Chloe styled her shirt with the J Crew cardigan in the bronzed twig color HERE, so I put together a simple work look for Katie using the same top/sweater combination. This look could easily be transitioned to weekend by pairing it with skinny jeans and black boots.

Cardigans by J.Crew
Bracelets by The Limited

This next look is also for work, but could be worn out on the weekends if paired with jeans instead of black pants. I think flare jeans like THESE would look great.

Shortsleeve Tops by Gap
Earrings by The Limited

And finally, a casual look for the weekend - I love this cozy looking sweater from Loft!

Shortsleeve Tops by Gap
Boots by Merona

I also featured this top in the previous post with the cream Express sweater so be sure and take a look for another casual option.