Best Plaid Blanket Scarf for Fall

Dress (similar here, I also love this sleeved dress that's on sale for less than $20)  - Gap / Blanket Scarf (currently on sale!) - J. Crew Factory / Bag (this season's version) - Sole Society / Booties (or on sale here) - TOMS / Earrings (similar) - c/o Charming Charlie

You guys, I'm on DAY FOUR hair in these photos! That may or may not be revolutionary to you, but I've literally been trying since middle school to stretch my hair past two days so this definitely earns major high fives. I just don't have thick hair, so it usually ends up super stringy. The way I manage to get it to stretch this far is because I curled it the first couple of days, so it's completely full of dry shampoo and hair spray and volume spray. Yum. I've been doubling down on Dove Dry Shampoo (the volume version) and then adding in Living Proof's Dry Volume Blast.

This scarf from J. Crew Factory just came in the mail, and you guys, it's seriously the perfect fall scarf. I love the red and green plaid - it will definitely feel festive come the holiday season, but it isn't so Christmas-y that I don't feel weird wearing it now. It's also really big but not overly bulky like some blanket scarves are, so it works well worn as a regular scarf too. I love pairing it with a dress when it's warm out, but you'd better believe I'm going full blanket with this thing in January when my office is freezing. 

I wrote part of this post on Sunday, and am picking it up again on Monday night to say that I am completely heartbroken over what happened in Vegas on Sunday night. I don't always know what to say when something tragic and senseless happens and I feel like my words won't make a difference, so I end up saying nothing. It's getting more and more difficult to hold my thoughts in. I just wanted to let you know that my heart is heavy for everyone affected. Sending all of my love and positive vibes into the world. 

Dress (similar here, I also love this sleeved dress that's on sale for less than $20)  - Gap / Blanket Scarf (currently on sale!) - J. Crew Factory / Bag (this season's version) - Sole Society / Booties (or on sale here) - TOMS / Earrings (similar) - c/o Charming Charlie

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Snow Day!

Coat - 1 Madison / Hat - Kyi Kyi / Scarf - Sole Society / Sweater (similar) - Old Navy / Tee and Necklace (similar) - J. Crew Factory / Denim - Madewell / Boots - Sorel

Brrrrrrrrrr...

I'm basically burrowing myself under all of the faux fur in our condo and not coming out again until spring. Oh, and outfit photos? Yeah, not sure how I'm going to be accomplishing those this winter if this weather keeps up!

We took these photos last weekend when I convinced Jeff to leave our house and go for a little walk in the snow. I thought we'd find some untouched, pristine snow in the park near our house, but forgot that of course a hundred dogs had already torn through it. It was still beautiful, and the temperatures still bearable, so we chased each other around through the snow for a bit before coming home to hide on the couch for the rest of the weekend.

To make it through cold weather, I have a few staples in my closet. The first are these Joan of Arctic boots. They're a bit clunky so I don't pull them out until I need to, but the huge size, faux fur and rubber soles are perfect when its cold and snowy. I often wear two pairs of socks with other boots in the winter to keep my toes warm, but that's unnecessary with these!

Another staple for me is a big blanket scarf. This one is technically a wrap, but works really well as a scarf too. It wasn't so cold over the weekend, but when it is (um, you know, like today) I love being able to wrap a big blanket scarf all around my face to stay extra warm.

Another essential in Chicago is a big puffer coat. They may not be the cutest, but there's no way you're making it through a Chicago winter in just a wool coat. I'm still dreaming of owning a Canada Goose some day, but until then this puffer will do. When buying a puffer I look for details that make it a little more fashionable, like fur trim and some definition around the waist that helps me not look like a giant marshmallow.

So tell me, is it cold where you live? How are you getting through the winter?

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Previously on KDTI - Honeycomb sweater + snow:

 

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Plaid About It

Wrap - Sole Society / Shirt and Shoes - J. Crew Factory / Jeans - Madewell / Bracelet - Michael Kors / Necklace (similar) - Girly

Oh dear, did I just make a pun? I may be in super need of this long weekend ;)

Sole Society has been having a crazy sale specifically on this wrap for the past couple of weeks, and after the first couple of emails about it I of course needed it. I'm so glad I decided to push buy, because it is so soft and cozy, and the plaid feels festive but will also be great after the holiday season. Plus, I'm wearing it as a wrap here but it can also be worn as a scarf. Win win win.

I have a feeling this wrap is going to be making an appearance during this holiday weekend. I love it with jeans, but I'm thinking of pairing it with some tights and a black mini for a slightly more dressed up look. I'm not seeing my sister this Thanksgiving so there won't be anyone to get mad at me ;)

Speaking of Thanksgiving, what are you up to? I'm used to having a pretty intense Thanksgiving weekend thanks to my family historically trying to cram in as many activities into four days as possible. Growing up, we would hit one or possibly two grandparents' houses for the big day. Then on Friday, we would head into Chicago with the extended family for our annual "Christmas Walk," which when we were little meant lunch and shopping and looking at the pretty decorations, and as we got older mostly meant hanging out in a bar all afternoon. Then on Saturday we would drive three hours each direction with a bunch of family friends to cut down a Christmas tree from my cousin's farm, and then rush home to get ready for a fancy Christmas party at my Grandma's house that night. Whew, I get exhausted just thinking about it!

These days we've cut out some of the activities, although the "Christmas Walk" bar hang is still in effect. Lately Jeff and I have been trying to squeeze two Turkey dinners into the big day though. His dad's family has their dinner around noon every year, and then his mom serves dinner later that night, giving us enough time to sneak in a turkey-filled nap between servings of mashed potatoes. It's crazy and exhausting and delicious, and I can't wait!

Oh, and sidebar, can we talk about these flats? Did I need a pair of flats with bows that are covered in glitter? Um, of course! They aren't super comfy, like I wouldn't walk miles in them, but for a little sparkle toe I'm willing to work with them. They're going to be the perfect party shoe this holiday season!

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Previously on KDTI - blanket scarf:

 

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Blanket > Scarf

Shirt - J.Crew Factory (Christmas gifty!) / Denim (similar) - Gap / Scarf (similar) - SheIn / Booties (similar) - Target / Necklace (similar) - BaubleBar / Watch - Wristology / Bag - Gap

What to do when the wind chill is negative 15? Ignore the whole "scarf" thing, and just completely cover yourself with your blanket scarf. Oh, and add your new little red bag, because you love it and you just can't help yourself. Even when it makes you look like you're a month late style wise #bringbackchristmas.

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Stripes & Plaid

Dress - SheInside / Scarf (similar) and Booties (similar) - Target / Vest (similar save and splurge) - Old Navy / Watch - Wristology / Bag - Old Navy

Stripes and plaid are one of my favorite combinations - they both feel so neutral-y that they pair really easily together. Of course my three month niece did not seem to agree, I held her while wearing this and she kept tugging on my scarf, she's so not into the pattern mixing. My dad was also not so into this look, he kept asking if I was going on a safari. You know, not that I need his fashion approval ;)

I've been wearing these booties basically non-stop lately - they've been in my closet for the past couple of years and basically ignored, and all of the sudden I realized they are my comfiest and most versatile booties. Get ready to see a whole lot of them this fall!

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Previously on KDTI - more vests!

 

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Touristing

Tee - Loft / Scarf (similar) - Target / Vest - Old Navy / Jeans - Gap / Sneakers (similar) - Nike / Bag (similar) - Coach Factory / Watch - Kate Spade

I wore this for our flight and first day in DC. I usually go for comfier outfits when I travel, but I knew we were going to be heading out sightseeing as soon as we go to the city, so I wanted to be ready to go. The vest and scarf (yes, I picked up that scarf) were great for staying cozy on the plane, as well as for the hot in the sun, cold in the shade weather DC was having. The sneakers weren't supposed to be a part of this outfit, but when I went to put on my favorite riding boots, the zipper broke off. I was so sad because I've worn them four or five times a week for the past years. On the bright side, I guess that means it's definitely time to pick up a new pair now! And sneakers ended up being a good choice for the day, between walking through the airport, taking public transit, and walking the length of the mall.

What do you wear when you travel?

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