Have A Little Faith in We

One of my favorite things about being a blog follower is how the experience goes from just following along to eventually feeling like you are taking advice from a friend. As a result of my love for blogs, I have purchased clothes, tried hair styles, decorated mantles, read books, organized my office, discovered health tricks, and become inspired in countless ways! Reading about a solution that an everyday person, just like me, finds enriching to their lives has been really helpful – so here on HALF I thought I would get in on the info sharing action and include a weekly favorites post!  Each week I will share one of my favorites things! The topic areas will range from favorite clothes to organizing solutions even some health tricks. Really anything that we just can’t live without – or would really not want to – at the Bessette home and maybe you can find something you love too!

Happy Friday Friends! Originally scheduled for today’s program was my early AM routine that I have come to LOVE… but with the Polar Vortex and crazy cold temperatures I am changing it up to my best purchase this winter: my Ann Taylor Faux Fur Parka. Ya’ll I have LIVED in this jacket and only had it since early January! So in case you all are in need of the perfect winter jacket…..especially as so many of experience CRAZY cold temperatures I figured this is the perfect Friday Favorite for today!

Very early in the fall season I got the City Coat from JCrew  and really liked it. The color was beautiful and unlike any others I already had in my wardrobe – plus it was so warm. In fact I laughed how crazy different it felt to have a real jacket to keep you warm compared to some of the cheaper ones I have ben using. It paired great with my jeans and dressing up for the holidays, so I lived in it November and December. But as the temperatures got colder and we still play with the dream of Chicago living, I wondered about getting an investment jacket that was long  and lined to really do the job for the serious winter days we were being promised. Luckily, I have recently found my way to Tall Blonde Bell’s instagram and blog, plus living in the midwest she has a LOT of great winter inspiration. Now I am not tall or blonde and pending the day would you call me a bell – BUT I love her style, shop at many of preferred retailers, and found a LOT of inspiration for donning all the winter apparel. So when she started talking about this Parka, I was VERY intrigued. And then when she shared it as being priced at $87 compared to the normal $279 in a flash sale – I was hooked! Now normally spending money post Christmas would be a BIG no no… but luckily the hockey coach spotted the value of this coat for ice rink sideline sitting….. so I enjoyed my holiday bonus and treated myself to the gift of stylish warmth!

There are a few reasons I absolutely adore this coat. First is the make itself: it is lined thick and heavy to keep you VERY warm, but I don’t feel weighed down or bulky. It is just fitted enough to feel feminine and cute – without having to sacrifice warmth. Second it is LONG. I have never had a coat quite this length (one formal black one that I do love, but it hits right above the knee and the arms are shorter so the warmth is not quite as good), and of course that aids in its cozy qualities, but it also means I can throw it over yoga pants and workout gear OR my professional office look and it has the same pulled together effect. This jacket is SO versatile and even made a great ER room blanket LINK.  Finally I do have to admit I love the price I paid….. Ann Taylor often has sales going on and it was AWESOME that I caught the one that gave me a great price on this investment piece.

So if this winter weather has you down and you are looking for a little upgrade on your winter coat game, I would check out Ann Taylor’s Faux Fur Parka. Ann Taylor often has sales so if you are interested in this coat, I would say keep an eye out for a sale (and if you sign up for their emails, you will be notified for sure!) – it is reduced right now, but I would guess the sales could get better.  And if you are looking for true winter fashion fun check out Tall Blonde Bell. Again – I am not one of these, yet I find her energy, her style, and her workouts super inspirational! Seriously – I am a blogging nerd and seeing her cute looks had me re-org my scarves to get a few more fun accessories to trade out with my winter wardrobe.  We have a few more weeks of the frosty stuff…. why not make it fun!?!?!? And if you are cleaning out your winter stuff to find some new looks or just get a little more organized for when you’re heading out into the chilly temps, if you have extra remember there are many folks who would appreciate the donations this time of year.

Thank you so much for reading and remember to make it a great day!

Jackie