The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Capsule Wardrobe: Free People October Catalog

Free People October catalog
Is it sweater weather yet? I’m counting down the days to the short-lived, crisp weather that immediately precedes the disgusting slush of winter. The Free People October 2015 catalog perfectly captures that crisp, not soggy, feeling of the fall. With the cozy sweaters and luxurious fabrics, the lookbook just transforms me to some cabin in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees. So, browse the catalog, soak in some inspiration (and do some shopping, no judgement here), then sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s capsule, comprised of pieces all under $50.

The Pieces:

Genuine People Grey Turtleneck $35
I was talking to the owner of a clothing store the other day for some fact-checking. We were having a wonderful discussion because he and his brother are opening a new location of their store in downtown Cleveland. I was asking him about what products in his store excite him and all he could talk about was the warm winter sweaters. He and I shared a moment as we started talking about the impending cold weather and the thrill of finally being able to wear sweaters again. I would say this sweater conversation lasted for about 10 minutes, give or take. It was glorious. This Genuine People turtleneck is actually really fabulous because it screams, “wear me while sitting by a fire and drinking hot chocolate.” You don’t want to go too chunky with the fabric of a turtleneck, so stay away from cable knits and such. This one is perfect.

Abercrombie and Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans $35
Take those old ripped jeans and patch ‘em on up. Patched jeans are huge, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s a throwback to childhood. Maybe it’s just a way to spice up your jean collection. To me, they remind me of my grandma. She would never throw a single thing away, and certainly not a pair of jeans. A few times, in fact, she took my sister’s worn out baby doll (who was missing an arm) and repaired the arms with old socks. Not everyone had a grandma like mine, so I’m sure nostalgia is not the driving force behind patched jeans. The Free People catalog has a good deal of this fun and interesting style (like the 'Jax' patched skinny...swoon).

Romwe Pointed Toe Boots $37
Everyone loves a good bootie, me included. Ankle boots are probably the most pressing of my vices. I can rarely talk myself out of a new pair, which is a growing epidemic for my shoe closet. Something really needs to be done. To me, however, no two pairs are identical. That’s why I fall weak to them. I can normally pass up more jeans, more tops, more dresses, more heels. Ankle boots are my kryptonite.


Free People October catalog





For those days that can’t decide whether it’s fall or summer, this outfit is perfect. You have varying textures from the embroidery on the dress to the fur on the vest. I’m not typically a fur person, just as a general rule. I can appreciate people that can rock it really well, but it’s just not my style. I’ve tried it a few times and have felt out of place. I think it’s too glamourous for me (hello, faux fox coat), especially since I prefer minimalism. However, the Free People catalog definitely makes the fur seem more appealing to me.


Free People October catalog





I am aware that this look does not have a shirt. My intention is that you could throw any black or white basic underneath. The duster cardigan should suffice for warmth, so it doesn’t matter whether it’s a short-sleeve or long-sleeve basic. I have loved dusters for so long. In fact, I used to be obsessed with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen when I was younger (like any good woman of my generation). I was watching one of their shows and saw one of them wear a duster cardigan. It looked so cool! Well, being the fashionable youth that I was and having great parents, I was determined to have one just like theirs. My parents went to quite a few stores in search of one. They brought home two multi-colored versions of this cozy look. Of course, I loved them and still have both. With all the donating I have done over the years, I have never been able to part with these sweaters. They have probably not been worn in years, but their sentimental value makes them essential.


Free People October catalog





This look may be a little summer folk festival rather than fall appropriate (see: denim mini), but it also works for those Indian summer days that are beautiful oases for the soul. You can throw on a floppy hat and grab some pumpkin spice for a completed look.


Free People October catalog





Everyone dogs on ponchos. I think they may have had a difficult insertion into mainstream style. I will, however, always think ponchos, when done right, are great. I stand proudly with my assertion. Free People agrees as evidenced by their solid poncho selection this fall. What’s not to love about practically wearing a blanket to work?! If someone could invent the heated poncho, I think I would never have to go shopping ever again. I would buy 10 heated ponchos and be set for life, or at least for the cold weather.


Free People October catalog





I love overalls. I love them. I love them. I think they are great. Are they always cool and practical? No. Are they sexy? No. Are they incredibly comfortable? Oh yeah. I have one pair of overalls that I typically save for apple and pumpkin picking. I also have a pair that’s a little edgy with an acid wash color. I don’t wear them frequently, but overalls are definitely making a comeback and I would be negligent to not have a pair on hand. When I see this outfit, I can’t help but picture Carrie Bradshaw cozying up on the couch with the Russian. I just see her perfectly curled hair and a cup of tea in her hand. I’m not sure why overalls make me think about that, but they really do.


Free People October catalog





Remember how I said I don’t really do fur? This is totally fur that I would do. I love the collar, the color, the sleeves. I love this shirt. Doesn’t it just look like the perfect juxtaposition of cozy and luxurious? I think I’m going to buy this sweatshirt asap.


Free People October catalog





This is probably the most “out there” outfit of this whole bunch, but stay with me on this one. Bodysuits are in (as is lace-up detailing), trust me. They’re really not as scandalous or impractical as you would think. They are essentially leotards. As someone who has worn more than her fair share of leotards, I know a few things about their magical abilities. Want to know what material leotards are typically made out of? Spandex, the same material as Spanx. They suck everything in. To combat the cold with this bodysuit, throw on the warm winter coat (fur again, really?). Just trust me on this one please.


What do you think of this Free People inspired capsule?


Free People Photos by Bjorn Iooss, courtesy of Free People (freepeople.com)

Comments
I want to be able to wear all of these wonderful clothes and drink hot tea and crunch through fall leaves from the tree. Damn this hot California weather. I love how all these outfits are styled and dreaming of a day I can wear them :-)
#1 Leanne Black (Homepage) on 2015-10-13 13:18 (Reply)
I hope you guys get some relief soon! However, I'll be complaining about the cold in the not too distant future. Enjoying these few days of fall while I can :-)
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-10-13 19:29 (Reply)
Drooling over these pieces! Favorite capsule yet:)

Wishes & Reality
#2 Heidi (Homepage) on 2015-10-14 21:27 (Reply)
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