While we just came back from or are still looking forward to our summer vacation, we can’t deny school starts in three weeks. Read what’s on my back to school shopping list this year, the Must-haves, and the Lust-Items.
Disclosure: This post has affiliate links.
In Alaska, Back to School Means Online Shopping for Clothing
In Alaska, summer ends in mid August. At that time, fall is in full swing. Consequently, I have started building my wardrobe for the cold season. This means I have identified already what I need, and my shopping list is prioritized into Must-haves and Maybes right in time for back to school shopping.
Why so early? Well, except when living in the Anchorage area, most Alaskans have to rely on online stores to update their wardrobe. In Fairbanks and Juneau, the two other cities with more than 30000 inhabitants, only special niche stores exist like shops for wedding attire, outdoor and harsh weather clothing. Unfortunately, when these stores have something nice, Alaskans buy it in all colors.
Well there is also Value Village. While one woman’s trash may be another woman’s treasure, you can’t rely on them to update your wardrobe.
What’s on my Back to School Shopping List?
Here are the pieces that are currently on my short-list. Note I haven’t run my fashion budgeting tool yet.
- A solid color cashmere sweater (Must-Haves)
- Silver ankle high booties or boots (Must-Have)
- Black and white top because it’s an evergreen and a trend as well as perfect to transition summer pieces to fall.
- Tartan will be big in winter 23/24. Even doubling the plaid. Therefore, a new tartan skirt is on my Lust-list.
- Walking ducks/booties (Must-Have).
- Polka-dots are back. And I need a new fit-and-flare dress (Must-Have).
- Solid pink or red dress (Lust-item)
- Doubling the denim is a Do (again). I am looking for a skirt-blazer combo as a Maybe.
Which are the pieces in these categories that you would buy? Just curious
Short Lists of the Trends on my Back to School Shopping List
Black and white classics:
Tatran and polka dots:
Cravings:
Needed for “back to school”:
It’s all about feeling confident in what you wear. I am the kind of gal who thinks that not wearing your investment pieces is like tossing them.
Live first class, before your heirs do it.
However, I am also very down to Earth when it comes to shopping. I would never buy a statement piece when a work horse is needed.
Don’t let your outfit be a random thing. Wear the right look in every situation by looking up what to wear when in How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy the book now.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
© 2013-2023 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
Foolish question—you are going back to school too-? Oh yeah, you’re a professor! Classiness is in session! 😀
Wow shopping sounds like quite the feat there. I can not believe that it is already time for school in three weeks!
Allie of
allienyc.com
Hi Nicole, the orange sweater really pops against this print! Love the shoes too.
Hard to beleive it is almost back to school time.
Thank you for the feature!
jess xx
elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Gorgeous floral print dress! It looks lovely with the orange sweater over your shoulders!
Emma xxx
style-splash.com
I love your colorful outfit, Nicole! You look beautiful and very stylish!
Thank you so much for featuring me in your post!
Tatiana
Before online shopping, I used to really enjoy back-to-school shopping even once I was no longer in school. The magic of the Fall wardrobe was what I loved. Now it’s not as much a thrill because the fashions come out in dribbles. But I still like to shop.
Rena
finewhateverblog.com
The biker jacket looks great with the dress and heels! I love the orange bag – the fish detailing is beautiful!
Emma xxx
Just love the refreshing color of this dress (and the matching heels!) with your black jacket. I need a new hand bag this fall! It’s been too long.
Carrie
I love that orange bag you’ve styled! I can’t believe it’s already turning dark so early in Alaska, and it’s interesting about the limited shopping. You sure manage to get around that as you always look amazing, Nicole! Thanks for sharing.
xx Darlene
Give me dresses forever- Absolutely on my list for fall!!
Love the outfit Nicole and the shoes you paired with it. 🙂
That purse is beautiful! We don’t have much in our little town but we have a TJMaxx and a Ross which is really fun!
I love the Bellorita bag…the color is beautiful! I didn’t realize that shopping options were so sparse in Alaska, even the cities. I live in a pretty remote area, but there’s a mall about 40 minutes away. Pittsburgh is about an hour and a half drive and I do go down there fairly often since my son lives just outside the city. I still do most of my shopping online though.
Debbie
Love the pattern mix and play with color in this look! Great way to elevate camo.
Aww, thank you so much for the feature, Nicole! I am spoiled by living in a big city with a lot of shops; you must have to be so creative with your shopping options up in Alaska—or just go online. 😉
Cheryl Shops
Dresses are always a top contender for my shopping list – there’s something I love about wearing a dress. Thanks for sharing and hosting. Jacqui Mummabstylish
That pink ribbon belt and colorful bag are so pretty. I could really use a new coat this Fall/Winter and bag… I’m looking forward to browsing the stores soon! 🙂
Carrie
I like what you are adding to your closet for Fall. YOu know I am a fan of Karina dresses and the color in the first print is lovely! I do the same thing, make a list. Your new orange bag is perfect for Fall! ( I have the clutch)
jess xx
I just love the mix of the feminine skirt with the camo jacket! And your orange bag is fabulous! Thank you for the linkup!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Great outfit, Nicole! I live in a place that doesn’t have much to offer as far as shopping either. You have to travel at least an hour to get to the good shops. Or shop online! You have some great items on your fall wish list. And that orange fish bag is magnificent!
Shelbee