Some very winter like weather in the form of dark, low clouds, crisp winds, frigid temps, rain, and even snow in parts of the valley rolled in yesterday.  While I know a great deal of the country is ready to move headlong into spring and summer, I am savoring these fleeting glimpses of dark skies and cold air for all too soon it will be sunny and hot here.  Consequently, I am trying to make my way through some of my favorite cool weather pieces before I have to pack them away for the next nine months or so.

This look was in heavy rotation last year, but for some reason I spaced it up until now.  As I thought about how to best stay warm, and stylish, today it was a happy surprise to see this quirky bird print jump out as me as I was combing through shirt options.  Once I settled on a shirt, the rest of the outfit came together quickly as all I needed to do was pull the remaining pieces that had served this look so well the first several times around!

I picked up this scarf as an end of season purchase last winter, and while it felt a tad silly to buy a scarf with a few remaining weeks of cool weather, it has more than proven itself as a staple in my wardrobe. I’m such a sucker for a great scarf, but as someone who owns far too many scarves than what is considered normal, I feel it my responsibility to tell you that a few great scarves are truly a must have for any woman’s closet.

In the winter, a cozy wool scarf adds much needed warmth to snuggle into on blustery days, while in the spring the scarf can add an extra layer, or more dimension, to an outfit.  No matter the weather, a scarf is also a great way to accessorize without always having to resort to a necklace.  Remember when selecting scarves to choose ones that not only will go with a variety of shirts, sweaters, and coats but to also opt for ones that will compliment your skin tone and eye color!

Another aspect of this look that I really love are the little pops of brighter colors in the accessories, that, when combined with the sweet little birds on the shirt, add some visual interest and help create a look that evokes a little more personal style than what would be conveyed through a simple solid color blouse.  A printed blouse may not be appropriate in every work environment, but there are plenty of affordable options for your life outside of work!  Go ahead, give one a shot; you and your closet will be so glad you did!

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (winter 2011; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Old Navy shirt (spring 2012; similar style) / Gap scarf (winter 2011; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Gap cords (fall 2011; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Gap Kids belt (fall 2011; love this) / Gap Kids flats (fall 2011; love these) / J.Crew bracelet (fall 2011; gift) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Madewell ring (summer 2012; purchased on sale w/ an additional 50% off; love this) / Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)

Just a few weeks ago I was completely committed to my winter wardrobe — dark colors and neutrals, scarves and boots — and was annoyed by all the brightly colored spring merchandise I was seeing in the stores and online. But after an unusual cold spell here in Arizona (really, it was cold … below freezing!), we’ve come out the other end with temps in the low 70s. All of a sudden, those bright colors and fun patterns have a lot more appeal. So after a tip from one our favorite Style Tutor friends Brandi, I thought I’d investigate some warmer-weather options that can still work during these transitional months when paired with a blazer or tights but will feel more appropriate for those of us whose sunny days are already beginning.

Style Notes: Free People Ombre Cropped Skinny Jeans via Piperlime $78 / Bauble Bar Pastel Triad Strand $26 / Ruche Miami Afternoon Floral Blazer $52.99 / Anthropologie Sun Medallion Pullover $88 / Anthropologie Megaflora Charlie Trousers $118 /  J. Crew Printed Case for iPhone 5 $25 / Anthropologie Textile Study Ballerinas $128 / Ruche Amazon Chevron Printed Dress $42.99 /  J. Crew Peter Pan Merino Sweater in Stripe $89.50

Christmas is just a few days away, so today we’re bringing you sparkly gems for your holiday celebration that will have you looking as pretty as one of the presents under the tree. If you are shopping online and want your goodies to arrive by Christmas Day, be sure to place your order at Nordstrom and Anthropologie today, and by noon tomorrow at J. Crew and Madewell (there’s no word on holiday shipping on the websites of ASOS, Forever 21 and H&M, so I would hit up the stores instead).

Style Notes: Sole Society Peony Flat via Nordstrom $49.95 / Stylestalker Richie Rich Skirt via ASOS $119.61 (sale price)/ H&M Top $24.95 / J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Metallic Floral $99.99 (sale price) / J. Crew Glitter Round-Buckle Skinny Belt $19.99 (sale price) / J. Crew Polka-Dot Sequin Top  $79.99 (sale price) / Forever 21 Glitter Minaudiere $24.80 /  Anthropologie Crystalline Bug Brooch Set  $29.95 (sale price) / Madewell Lily Lace Dress $168 (everything online currently 30% off)  / Madewell Frankie Pump in Suede $198 (everything online currently 30% off)

This past weekend winter like weather rolled through the valley bringing cooler temps, dark clouds, and buckets of rain!  (Finally!)  It was, of course, the perfect weekend to bring out the layers, drink loads of coffee, and snuggle up under a blanket reading a good book and listening to the downpour.

I picked up this dress a couple weeks ago when my mom was in town for a quick visit.  It was one of those dresses that cried out to me from the rack and once I tried it on, I knew it had to come home with me. I love the classic shape of the dress, the fun stripes, and the mid-weight of the dress, which makes it a piece that works well for most seasons.

Since this dress made its official debut during a wet weekend, I used it as the foundation of a layered look.  I also seized the day, and the rain, to wear these fun boots I picked up at Last Chance last year.  Normally, I would say a rain boot, especially a somewhat pricey one, is a frivolous purchase for a Phoenician, but since I was able to get these for $35 I couldn’t resist.  (These were another item that begged for me to take them home!)

The layered tights and knee socks and the infinity scarf provided the right amount of coziness, and interest, to complete the look.

Style Notes: Gap dress (fall 2012) / Gap scarf (winter 2011; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Gap tights (fall 2012; purchased at 30% off) / J. Crew knee socks (winter 2011; gift; similar style) / Hunter boots via Last Chance (fall 2011; purchased at an extra 50% off; similar style) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (spring 2011; similar style) / J.Crew bracelet (fall 2011; gift; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (winter 2011) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; similar style)

So far we’ve given you some ideas on gifts in the $25-$50 and the $50-$100 range; today, we are featuring some great finds in the $100-$150 range.  These pieces will add some sparkle, glamour, and fun to any woman’s wardrobe and will work for a variety of occasions!

Style Notes: Anthropologie Gilded Peter Pan Collar $138 / Sanctuary Party Tux Stripe Charmer Skinny $148 / Madewell Dotted Tux Shirt $115 / Zara Long Sequinned Blazer $129 / Kate Spade All Hours Winking Georgie Clutch $98 / Kate On The Town Cocktail Ring $98/ J.Crew Tabby Sweater $98/ Anthropologie Jukka Silk Blouse $118

It seems like once Thanksgiving hits there are a million holiday events, parties, dinners, and outings to attend.  Getting dressed for all of those events can be a rather daunting task.  Hardly anyone has the budget to buy a whole new look for each occasion, but as it is the holiday season you still want to look your absolute best, right?  Over the next several days we will be showing you some looks that would work for a variety of holiday soirees, whether you are amongst friends, coworkers (or your significant other or spouse’s coworkers), a room full of strangers, or your best girlfriends.  No matter the situation and the dress code, we have you covered head to toe!

This is a holiday look that I would wear to dinner with my girlfriends, to attend a party at a friend’s house, or to attend an event in a creative location.  The color of the sweater, skirt, tights, and shoe could read rather somber, but the sweater’s print, the ruffled skirt, and dotted tights add just the right amount of lightheartedness to the overall look.  Where else but amongst friends can you afford to take a few fashion risks?

Perhaps combining a printed sweater and tight with a ruffled (poufy) skirt is way beyond your comfort zone, even if you will be spending the evening with friends.  You can always start small by pairing the printed sweater with a great pair of skinny jeans, the ruffled skirt with a more subdued top, or the dotted tights with a little black dress with a classic, feminine cut.  Your look would still be stylish and fun, which is the perfect combination to help ring in the holidays with friends!

Style Notes: J.Crew sweater (fall 2012; purchased at 25% off; similar style) / Gap dress (winter 2011; similar style) / Gap tights (fall 2012; purchased at 30% off; similar style)/ Poetic Licence shoes via Last Chance (spring 2011; similar style) / H & M collar necklace (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (fall 2012; love this one!) / Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)