Fall '12 Wish List

Since I've been gone, I have seriously been shopping my cute little face off.  Something about the change from summer to fall makes me forgo food, gas money, & common sense and just splurge on tights and sweaters like it is my job.  It's not my job, though, and I have to tone it down before 2013.  However, there are some must have grabs on MY list of things I cannot live without during the upcoming chilly months. Here we go...
1. Classic white button down: I have to replace my old standby, the J. Crew WBD is imperative to winter layering and look chic in an instant. Gimme gimme.

via 2. Oxblood: It is everywhere on the fall fashion line, so it is very easy for me to find a piece to add to my collection. The must have color translates easily in to any ensemble.  Although I'll probably browse for a good sweater in the enviable color, I love these leggings!

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3. Loafers: I am a self-denying shoe addict, but there is one exception for this fall.  I will own a pair of nice loafers! I love these from calf hair loafers from Gap, but budgets might prohibit me to finding a less pricey pair around town.

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4. A Serious Splurge: This is it, folks.  A culmination of perfection in this merrymaker's opinion THIS COAT! I love the Gossip Girl-ish vibe from it, plus I've never said no to anything leopard.  It's plush and looks warm, and I just think I would be the most chic teacher with carpool duty!  Give it to me, baby!

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So far, that is what I am craving adding to my fall/winter wardrobe.  What items are on your must own list?  What trends are you most looking forward to? Let a girl know!

All about DOTS

If you have been a reader of Matters of Merrymaking for any length of time, you know that trends and affordability go hand in hand when it comes to my daily style.  I frequent stores that sell pieces that are very on-trend and stores that sell more investment-type pieces.  One of my FAVORITE places to shop in Memphis, is DOTS.  See some of my all time favorites from Dots: these pants, the infamous purse, and my favorite shirt! It is kind of like Forever 21 in the aspect that it sells trendy pieces to a younger crowd, along with fun accessories and shoes.  Most items stay under $25!
DOTS contacted me to let me know they were opening TWO new stores in Memphis and I was thrilled!  They invited me to take a tour of a new store and check out some of the new pieces for Summer!I walked in and was blown away.  Divided by color and trend, the store makes it easy to find all that you need to add to your wardrobe for the summer months! And yes, I came home with some neon pink shorts!

I talked to the store manager (Hi, Olga!) about all of the amazing clothes and she kept coming back to the SPICY colors that are taking over the scene.  Also, the amazing amount of tribal prints and lace really stood out to me.  I can definitely get behind these trends for many seasons to come. 

 Crazy print, bright colors? That dress definitely came home with me.

Check out their website and see if you have a DOTS in your area, and go check them out.  You will not regret adding some trendy FUN pieces to your closet this summer.Thanks for having me DOTS! I had so much fun and we all know I will be back soon!XOXO, the merrymaker.



psThe eShakti giveaway ends tomorrow night at 12PM CST. Enter before it is too late, chickens!All opinions and photos shared are my own.  I was not compensated for this post, I am just a super fan.