Wish list

Though Christmas is several months in the distance, it never hurts to be prepared. (Not to mention once the stores set their fall floors in their entirety, I am reminded of how many things I crave, but sadly cannot buy myself.) Many women, like my mother, love jewelery. I of course admire the beauty of a precious stone strung from a platinum chain as much as the next female, but my obsession rarely targets such ornaments. Instead I fixate on bags, with the occasional pair of to-die-for shoes thrown into the mix.

This year, in the spirit of maturity (an attempt at least) I have expanded my list to include many work staples for the elusive job I am preparing to land one of these days. I must start with the same item I've craved for over a decade, but never actually 'asked' for: the classic Chanel quilted shoulder bag, of course. No outfit could be completed in any finer a fashion than with the pairing of this iconic purse. Moving on to items I may actually receive this year, there is this Ann Taylor Loft cropped jacket in brown leather (I am rarely a fan of leather, but something about the supple grace of this jacket when I put it over my shoulders made me feel like I could do anything). I adore these Cole Haan knee high riding boots, paired with straight jeans and cardigans. (Another quirk I have: I simply cannot wear, or stand the sight of, knee high boots with heels. Odd, I know, but I truly can't look at a pair without thinking of streetwalkers or Halloween in college. Some things just cannot be explained.) This cashmere sweater by Theory can be worn with a pencil skirt or boyfriend jeans, and will look just as refined, yet edgy, with either.

One of the most important articles you wear all season long is a coat. That may sound counterintuitive, since a coat merely tops off an outfit while you scurry from one location to another, but it's the one piece that is always visible to the masses during the colder months. I am infatuated with this long wool lady coat from J.crew in bright cobalt (to wear with either a red scarf or the classic Burberry Nova scarf). Inspirational credit must be given to Rebecca who has had a red J.crew lady coat since high school. (Always give credit where its due, a paramount rule of fashion!) Don't let the calendar discourage you, it's always fun to make a wish list for when the time is right.