Other Musings – Page 6 – Kerry Channon

Possibilities are Endless

While 2012 was a great year, I am hoping for even bigger and better things in 2013 by improving my perspective a bit. What better way to kick off the week than with some insight from those experts out there?

Instead of New Year’s resolutions, I am committed to making some New Year’s actions. Step one? Focus on positivity and possibilities. I don’t know about you, but I tend to be an incredibly analytical person. I tackle any decision by reviewing every potential outcome, which doesn’t sound too crazy. But, I’ve started to notice that by doing so, I tend to focus a bit too much on the potential bad outcomes which can be incredibly limiting and sometimes even lead to self-fulfilling prophecies of the negative variety. I’m going to do my best to approach decisions, big and small, with a more open mind and a more positive perspective.

I’ve also come to realize that at the end of the day, we have very little control over our own lives. We just have to do our best to buckle up and enjoy the ride, wherever it takes us!

So, the way I see it, 2013 hold the potential to be an entire year full of things that could go really, really right!

Cozy Scarves: Like it. Love it. Buying it.

Spending the week in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m enjoying the refuge from the DC cold. Yesterday, it was 65 degrees out and as I embarked for a quick run in my tank top, I noted all of the Floridians bundled up in their gloves, headwarmers and fluorescent windbreakers. And, of course, they all looked at me like the crazy person since I was in the tank top.

As much as I love these milder temperatures, I do miss some of my warm weather accessories, namely scarves. I have what some might refer to as a scarf addiction. I just can’t help myself. Scarves go with any outfit, add color, pattern or texture to a neutral outfit and just look so darn fabulous. Most of my scarves are light or mid-weight, which are great for Spring, Fall and really chilly work environments. As large as my scarf selection is, I need to add a few heavy weight options to keep warm during the winter months.

Like it.

Every woman needs a chunky knit scarf. They are the warmest, most versatile pieces and completely necessary for walking the city blocks in the winter. I purchased a violet version from J. Crew last winter and it was one of my favorite purchases. Unfortunately, I’ve lost said purchase, which explains my need for a new one!

ASOSNeonMixKnitCableScarf — ASOS Neon Mix Knit Cable Scarf | $38.70

Love it.

I am ob.sess.ing over this scarf from Madewell. The faux fur and flannel lining is such an unlikely, yet flawless combination. It looks so cozy and absolutely glamorous at the same time.

MadewellFauxFurCircleScarf — Madewell Faux-Fur Circle Scarf | $59.50

Buying it.

With a heavy knit with a fur lining, this Gap infinity scarf is ideal for keeping out the winter chill. The camel color will go with pretty much anything and is one of my favorite colors. However, it also comes in black if that is more your style!

GapFurCowlNeckScarf — Gap Fur Cowl Neck Scarf | $35.96 originally $39

The Perfect Black Crossbody Purse

Someone asked me to help them find the perfect black crossbody purse. Not too big, not too small, just the right size – and less than $100. Challenge, taken!

I usually head to Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls or TJ Maxx when I’m on the search for a purse on a budget. There is always a wide selection of heavily discounted items, making it impossible to leave without finding something you want. However, for this challenge, I wanted to stick to items anyone could buy, so here we go:

Aldo is a no-brainer for shoes, but the store carries some excellent accessories, such as this crossbody purse.

J. Crew recently relaunched their Factory store website. I own this purse in a gold glitter and its the perfect size for a few essentials for a night out.

Jcrewfactoryleatherenvelopeclutch — J. Crew Factory Store Leather Envelope Clutch | $68

I love this Banana Republic option. Quilted fabrics are a must for the winter season and the shape is really similar to the Michael Kors version, which happens to be twice as expensive.

BananaRepubliccrossbody — Banana Republic Quilted Faux Leather Crossbody bag | $59.50 (30% off until 11/11)

Urban Outfitters never fails to disappoint! You can’t beat the price of the two bags below and they both received good reviews from purchasers. Keep in mind, the second option is incredibly small and wouldn’t fit more than a phone, a credit card or two and maybe a small lip gloss. Perfect for going out on the town, but it is definitely not an everyday bag.