Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Kate Spade Surprise Sale!

Don't you just love waking up to another Kate Spade Surprise Sale? I know I sure do!

The details:
  • The sale runs through October 30 at 11:59pm
  • Save up to 75% off select items
  • Online only
  • All sales are final
  • $5 ground shipping to all 50 states
What I love:

Happy Shopping!
What great deals did you find?

xoxoxo 

The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

Monday, October 28, 2013

In Search of the Great Pumpkin

Show of hands, who got overwhelmed with midterms this past week? *raises hand* I'm so #guilty of this. At least once each semester (twice if you count finals), I drop everything to focus on school work. Chores, family, friends, and sadly, even blogging. But, a few days ago, my friend and her family invited me to go to the pumpkin patch with them. I knew that I needed to take a break from studying, and the pumpkin patch was the perfect fall getaway.


 The farm we went to just opened to the public this season and it was gorgeous. Settled right in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains, complete with hay rides, pumpkin picking, and of course, a corn maze. Now, one of my other friends hates (read: is terrified of) corn mazes, and I always teased her, because it's just corn. But after my harrowing adventure, I will never tease her about it again. My friend, her parents, and I decided to do the "harder" phase of the maze, first. This phase consisted of answering trivia questions- you get the right answer, you know which way to go. Get the wrong answer, and well... you go 20 minutes out of your way.


We made it through the first phase no problem. Easy. Baby stuff. So, while my friends parents went off to get something to eat, my friend and I decided to do the "easy" phase to kill some time. Let me tell you, it was not easier. This phase kept repeating the same pattern over and over until I thought we would be stuck in the corn maze. Forever. We answered one of the questions wrong and spent 20 disorienting minutes wandering the maze aimlessly. One of the trivia questions was so hard we had to consult Google. Seriously, who knows how many kernels there are in a typical bushel of corn off the top of their head? (For the record it's 72,800). By the time we finally reached the end, I'll admit, I was kind of freaked out (read: terrified) about corn mazes.


Apart from the insanely hard corn maze, the barn had really cute pumpkins! The buttons and ribbons on this one? #Perfection. I think it's a really pretty alternative to painting a pumpkin and a whole lot cleaner than carving one.



In the pictures above you can see what I wore on the outing. I am absolutely head-over-high-heels for this Tommy Hilfiger sweater. It's perfect over a button down blouse or just a lacy tank top. I'm seriously considering buying one in every color. Obviously, pearls are always a must, and my black boots were great for the mud that comes with a farm.

Introducing the Great Pumpkin himself! I'm embarrassed to admit that before this trip, I didn't know white pumpkins really existed, but as soon as I saw this one, I knew it was the one. Doesn't it remind you of the pumpkin from Disney's Cinderella that the Fairy Godmother turns into a chariot? Now all I have to do is decide on how I'm going to decorate it!

Well, I would say that the trip was definitely a success, but let's just say, I won't be venturing into a corn maze any time soon.

Anyone else find the Great Pumpkin? Any ideas on how to decorate mine?

xoxoxo

The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

Thursday, October 17, 2013

{J.Crew} Looks for Less

Yes, today is Thursday, and I normally do these on Wednesdays, but I was so excited about yesterday's post that I forgot it was Wednesday. So, without further ado, today's Looks for Less is inspired by J.Crew! I absolutely love the light jeans paired with a creamy sweater over a white blouse. It's a very classic fall look. In my hunt to find a cute alternative for J.Crew's sweater, I came across the argyle sweater and couldn't pass it up! J.Crew has the cutest clothes, but they are pretty expensive. Get the same Look for Less by following the links below!
 
{J. Crew} Looks for Less
 
Items featured:
 
What are your favorite J. Crew fall looks?
 
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater
 
***Extra 30% off Fall sale items at J. Crew with code: FALLSALE until Sunday night***

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Art of the Written Word

I watched a Hallmark movie last night about how meaningful letters are. Be it a first letter home from college, a birthday card with $20 in it from your dad, a love note, or a last letter home from Afghanistan, letters are priceless. They have their own personality. They carry messages of holiday cheer, mournful comfort, or thinking of yous. They come in all forms. Today's modern letters are short, in Times New Roman, and automatically "corrected", but they still hold that same spirit of the old fashioned handwritten letter.

My first year of college, three of my close friends and I decided to exchange handwritten letters. We went on a special shopping trip before we went our separate ways and gathered up monogrammed stationary, colorful cards, and stamps. We bid farewell promising lengthy letters detailing our college adventures. I sent out 3 letters my first week of classes and received 3 back a week later. But that only lasted for about a month. Life got in the way. The wait between letters seemed too long and we'd forget whose turn it was to send one. The hardest part was waiting for the Pony Express to deliver.

There is definitely something special about opening the mailbox and finding that letter you have been waiting for. I also found that we talked about things that we wouldn't talk about over text. Things that simply can't be condensed to 140 characters or translated into "text speak".
 
My friend's personalities really came across in their handwriting. Throughout the long letters, I could tell which parts were hard for them to write, which parts they wanted to emphasize. Some letters jumped from one thought to another, while others were very structured and had correct grammar.  The communication felt much more real. Another thing about hand written letters- there's no spell check. Or back button (if you write in pen like I did). I know my letters were filled with little doodles in the margins.
 
Below are some of my favorite cards:

The Art of the Written Word

Items featured:


So take the time today to write that letter you have been waiting to write. If you don't have anyone to write a letter to, address one to your future self.
 
Do you still write handwritten letters?
 
xoxoxo
 
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

***ShopBop has 25% off with code: INTHEFAMILY25 until tomorrow***

Monday, October 14, 2013

The Impossible is Possible

Inspiration. Pretty much everyone on Pintrest had a board dedicated to it. It's what gets us through the rough patches and leads us to reach for higher goals. One person who inspires me is Audrey Hepburn. She had such a classic and glamorous style. Not to mention amazing posture and grace. One of my favorite quotes of hers is: "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" This inspirational quotes inspired me to create a set of Audrey inspired wallpapers!
 
Desktop Wallpaper | Right click on the image above and select "Save picture as...". After it's saved, find the file location. Right click on the image and select "Set as desktop background".
 
Phone Wallpaper | Open this page on your cell phone. Click on the image above to open to full screen. Click and hold on the image and save to camera roll. Then set the picture as your lock screen and wallpaper.
 
 
 
 
 
 
iPad Wallpaper | Open this page on your iPad. Click on the image above to open to full screen. Click and hold on the image and save to camera roll. Then set the picture as your lock screen and wallpaper.
 
Facebook Cover Photo | Right click on the image above and select "Save picture as...". Upload to Facebook and position.
 
What inspires you?
 
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

Sunday, October 13, 2013

The Best Columbus Day Sales!

Tomorrow is Columbus Day and I have gathered up all of the exciting sales from my favorite preppy websites to get the weekend's best deals all in one place!



J.Crew: 20% off your entire purchase in stores and online with code: SHOPNOW until Monday at midnight.
 
J.Crew Factory: 50% off EVERYTHING including sale items in store and online until Monday at midnight.
 
Tommy Hilfiger: 30% off all outerwear and blazers with code: THFALL30 until Tuesday at midnight.
 
Swoozie's: Additional 30% off all sale items in store and online with code: SALE30 until Monday at midnight.
 
Bauble Bar: 10% off your order of $50+ with code: FRIEND10, 15% off your order of $100+ with code: FRIEND15, and 20% off your order of $150+ with code: FRIEND20 until Sunday at midnight.
 
I hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing long weekend! Happy Shopping!
 
What are your plans for Columbus Day?
 
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

{Tommy Hilfiger} Looks for Less

Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week! I'm so glad the weather has sorted itself out and decided to feel like autumn again. Anyone following me on Pintrest can tell that I am fully embracing fall!
 
Today's Looks for Less is inspired by Tommy Hilfiger's Surely You Vest look. I just love the color combinations in this outfit. Navy, orange, green. Perfect fall colors! The original outfit isn't even that expensive, but if you are looking for something cheaper, here is an alternative. I think the navy turtleneck with the green vest on their own would look very nice, as well.
 
{Tommy Hilfiger} Looks for Less
Items featured on today's Looks for Less:
 
What's your favorite Tommy Hilfiger look?
 
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater
 
***Tommy Hilfiger has 30% off all outerwear and blazers 'till Monday! Use promo code THFALL30***
 

Monday, October 7, 2013

Vera Bradley Cyber Monday Countdown: 56 More days!




It's that time of year again! Cyber Monday is right around the corner... sort of. But with 56 shopping days left until Cyber Monday, Vera Bradley is celebrating with a huge sale! 70% off everything in Plum Petals, Floral Nightingale, and Deco Daisy. Plus, save 60% on anything in Blue Lagoon and Viva La Vera! I am beyond excited. Shown below are some of my favorite items in those patterns. 
 
I highly recommend the All in One Wristlet in Deco Daisy.  My sister has it and it looks really nice! The inside is a black and white hounds tooth pattern that is totally in this fall. I have had the wristlet in a few different patterns now, and let me tell you it is my favorite wallet! I use it for absolutely everything.
 






Vera Bradley Cyber Monday Countdown Day: 56



Items featured:

I can't wait to see what Vera Bradley has in store next!

What is your favorite Vera Bradley Pattern?

xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

Hurry! The sale ends tonight!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

How to: Relaxing Sundays

I don't know about you guys, but I have a fairly stressful week. Full of homework, exams, chores, etc. Because of my busy schedule, I like to start the week off on a good note. Relaxing Sundays are the perfect solution. I know that not everyone will have time to do all of the things on this list, but trying to work in even one of these ideas at the beginning of the week can have a huge impact on how the rest of the week goes.


Relaxing Sundays



Things you will need:
1. Candles
 I am absolutely in love with Yankee Candle's French Vanilla scented candle. It is the perfect relaxing scent. I don't know what it is about candles (especially vanilla scented ones) that instantly relaxes me, but somehow they do. candles can totally set my mood, however I am feeling. I keep a lime scented one on my desk at home to keep me feeling awake and alert.
2. Chick flick
Full Disclosure: The Notebook is my guilty pleasure. It is pretty much the epitome of "chick flick". It's got romance, controlling mothers, and who doesn't love Ryan Gosling? Chick flicks are great ways to distress with a group of girl friends.

3. Nail polish
 Red nail polish is a classic. Right now, I am loving Essie's For the Twill of it nail polish color. Having your nails look nice all week is a great way to keep your spirits up. If you look good, you feel good!
4. A good book
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants has got to be my all time favorite book, but any good book will work for this. Taking the time to distance yourself from electronics and escape into the world of the book is seriously my favorite way to relax.
5. Bubble bath
There's just something about bubbles that brings out the little giggling kid in everyone. Seriously, you can't be stressed out when you are surrounded by bubbles. Philosophy's French Vanilla Bean all in one bubble bath is my favorite. Pour some of that into the water and take a trip back to childhood. You could even combine #1 and #5 and have a candle lit bath! Let me tell you, that is super relaxing.
What are your favorite ways to relax?
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

{Kate Spade} Looks for Less

Today is the first post in my Looks for Less series. I will take a designer's ad and find cute yet affordable alternatives to get the same look. Today's look is inspired by Kate Spade's Eryn coat! I am absolutely, 100%, head-over-high-heels for this coat. I wish I could spend $698 on a coat like that, and I'm guessing that a lot of you do too. If you can afford the $1552 price tag on the actual Kate Spade outfit, by all means buy it! It is currently my favorite Kate Spade outfit. But, if you can't, you may want to try to get the same look for less. Just follow my recommendations and you can get the same Kate Spade look for only $142!

{Kate Spade} Looks for Less

Items featured in today's Looks for Less:
What is your favorite Kate Spade look?
 
xoxoxo
The Girl in the Argyle Sweater
BTW: J. Crew has 25% off select sweaters! Use code: SWEATERS