- Alaska back to school
- My back-to-school Must-haves
- What items are on my short-list
- Dresses
- Jackets/Coats
- Look of the day
- Top of the World Style linkup No. 274
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Alaska back to school
In Alaska, summer comes to an end in mid August. At this time, we get dark nights again. This means exchanging all the broken bulbs, back to school for most of the teachers, professors and students. In rural villages that live a subsistence lifestyle, school starts later so the kids can help their parents with berry picking and the hunting season.
The start of the new academic year means wearing fall clothing. The closet has to be overhauled to create a working wardrobe for the cold season. 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 of Alaska with more than 30000 inhabitants, only special niche stores exist. Think along the lines of wedding attire as well as outdoor and harsh weather clothing. In Fairbanks, there is also a Walmart, Old Navy and Fred Meyers where you sometimes may find some basic pieces. However, when these stores have something nice, Alaskans buy it in all colors.
Well there is also Value Village. But you can’t rely on them to do your cold season shopping prior to the season’s arrival.
Like these outfit ideas? If so, please feel free to pin them to your own Pinterest board.
My back-to-school Must-haves
After taking the inventory what kind of clothes have to be replaced, are missing and what trends could be added to update old pieces, I came up with the following list.
- A new bag (replacement of an old one). I am thinking about another Bellorita designer bag. I really love the orange fish satchel that I bought last fall. You may have even already seen it on the blog, but look how I styled the orange bag if you missed it. This time I want to try a different style. Still undecided. The photo below shows the one I added last fall
Orange Bellorita large fish satchel - Three new sheath dresses (replacements)
- A fit-and-flare dress (replacement )
- A jacket/coat for fall
- A cozy knit cardigan
- A coat dress (trend update)
- New black ankle boots or have the old ones repaired (The repair is hard as there is no shoe repair shop in Fairbanks.). I think I will look for a Harley Davidson again. The last pair (now to be replaced or repaired) has been a closet staple since almost nine years.
- What’s missing here are new underwear, shapewear, socks and tights. I will have to order some new Hipstik® Legwear. My plan is to replace all tights that are worn out or broken with Hipstiks. They last so much longer than cheap tights/pantyhose and stay in place. I bet you are probably not interested in seeing my short-list of long-Johns 😉 .
What items are on my short-list
Dresses
I am in love with some of the new fall/winter collection of Karina Dresses fit-and-flares. When you are a regular reader you know that I have owned a couple of them over the years (see for instance the examples in the giftguide). I love the quality of their dresses and the great classic style. They are machine washable, i.e. easy to care for. Plus the micro-fiber fabric is wrinkle-free, i.e. perfect for business travel. Moreover, these dresses are made in the USA. Thus, the carbon footprint from transport is not so large as if they were made far away.
Karina Dresses Megan Dress (3/4 Sleeves) – Black$108.00 USD. You can’t go wrong with a LBD.
Karina Dresses Megan Dress – Passport $68.00 $108.00. Paisley is a big trend this fall.Jackets/Coats
Speaking of fall jackets, there is a shearling vest from LeatherCoatsEtc on my short list.
I also love these coats.
Shein Sunflower Print Notched Collar Buttoned Front Teddy Coat US$31.00Don’t let the right 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 my book now.
Look of the day
Please feel free to pin the photos to your Pinterest boards.
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.
Top of the World Style linkup No. 274
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Photos of me: G. Kramm
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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