(Part 3) Top products from r/FrugalFemaleFashion

Where in New England? There could be a huge difference in amounts of snow you will experience. I grew up in Central New York where the average yearly snowfall is easily over 100 inches.

Coats: I would highly recommend two coats, one long for those terrible blizzard like days so that the majority of your legs are covered, something like this. Then a second nicer coat for typical days or events, something like this.

Hats: If your coat has a hood, you can get by without a hat. If you do wish for a hat, get some like this that you can pull down on your head. Alternatively, if you wear your hair up a lot get this.

Scarves: Scarves are great, get several in various colors and thickness. Make sure they are wide as well as long so you can pull them up over your chin on those windier days. Otherwise, they are a great way to dress up your coat while keeping you warm.

Gloves: If you drive you want a pair of gloves in the car just to use to pump gas so you don't have to touch the cold pump while keeping gas from getting on your nice gloves.

Boots: This really varies with area, some people are content in their Uggs. However, places with more snow that you may have to walk through several inches daily I would recommend something with a rubber bottom and sturdier body than Uggs such as these.

Clothes: Don't focus on just long sleeve shirts, these can sometimes be too thin for a winter day. Consider some stand alone sweaters or a few cardigans to wear over short sleeves or those thinner long sleeve shirts. Plus, cardigans are great for layering as some buildings really crank up the heat and others do not (and I just love cardigans obviously).

Sorry this is super long. Hope it helps! I was not very selective in my examples, there are definitely better looking/more fashionable options out there for each item.

I run outside by myself and I’ve found I like having a pepper spray on my wrist like [this](SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray - Police Strength - Runner with Adjustable Hand Strap (Max Protection - 35 bursts, up to 5x’s More) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S0Q4DbDBKEVWX). I wear it on my left wrist to easily access it with my right hand. I like that it’s on display, I feel that it gives the perception that I am going to fight back. If I get into a situation that I feel uneasy about, simply switch the entire unit to your dominate hand to be on alert. The strap makes it harder to drop, which is really useful as a fairly clumsy person.

I also just want to say my heart really goes out to you. That’s a terrifying experience and I really wish you to best. We can be as prepared as possible and sometimes the universe just works against us.

baggallini has some really fantastic purses similar to that design, but way cheaper. They are also made really well and super practical in terms of pocket sizes/shapes. I've gotten 3 of their bags so far from amazon and love them to pieces. I use this one daily, and I think it's somewhat similar:

http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Triple-Bagg-Black-Size/dp/B001UYKH1C/ref=brand_ltst_shs_i

I love Clark’s! I’ve been living in these lately, would be good for travel:

CLARKS Women's Arla Elin Sandal, Black Solid Textile, 6 Medium US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PXFCG3/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_2ATKBb0METHM4

Also I second the other comments about Tevas. I have a pair that I use for longer hikes or water activities and I just use them like water shoes. They are great for lots of walking in tourist situations.

Teva Women's Tirra Sandal,Simply Taupe,5 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VPA45W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_jETKBbNEBRNQ1

I have a prime account, so I might be able to get some stuff shipped for free. Thanks!

P.S. - I love how this(NSFW!) showed up under v neck :|

My mom has been a teacher for twenty years, and these Mary Jane shoes from Finn Comfort are her go-to and they last. She also mentions,

"If you spend enough on one pair of shoes they will re-do them so you don't have to buy a whole new pair of shoes. I spend about $75 getting them redone instead of 200+ on a new pair." I imagine you have to get them from the actual company for this.

They've lasted her forever. Shoes are no joke for a teacher. If you can afford it, shoes from a company like this would be worth the investment.


PS Thanks for this post! I've been on the lookout for good leather shoes, and there's some great suggestions from others on here. My needs aren't quite as extreme as a teacher's, but I like the look of a lot of these.

Thrift store cashmere. You can almost always find real cashmere sweaters at the thrift shop. They end up there because 1) they are pilling or 2) they are sporting a few moth holes. Buy a cheap electric depiller from amazon. Then learn to thread a needle; holes in wool are super easy to hand sew.

I second Champion brand. You can find some items on amazon for pretty cheap. Also Asics https://smile.amazon.com/ASICS-Womens-Circuit-Warm-Up-Sleeve/dp/B0049EO8GK/ref=pd_sim_193_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002ECFA8E&pd_rd_r=JCZS6G5BA6DRPPMFPQAM&pd_rd_w=4zpQb&pd_rd_wg=qt7J6&refRID=JCZS6G5BA6DRPPMFPQAM&th=1&psc=1.

I second this one. I bought this bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004H0MB1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
for a two week trip to Australia recently. I LOVED it. I now use it as an every day purse. It is a little pricier, but the solid colors and leather help to dress it up a little bit.

Hmm. I’d never heard of these but now I’m bummed they don’t work. I did just order these inserts on amazon and am using them for the first time today. So far I think I like them! But time will tell.

I've found several on Amazon, you just got to dig for them.

This one in particular is on my wish list. Its got a ton of user uploaded photos.

Auliné Collection Women's Casual Work Solid Color Knit Blazer Black Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O3RSGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T-9wzbD9DWEEM

I live in a very rainy city so maybe it's not entirely unexpected for me to wear rain boots to work but I'm gonna suggest these anyway. I ordered the Kamik Jennifer Rain Boot last year off of Amazon and they've worked out really well. I think because they're tall, matte and minimalistic they can actually be pulled off with work clothes, I wear mine with tights and a pencil skirt somewhat frequently and have only gotten compliments on them. They're very tight at the top so they are, admittedly a bit of a pain to get into but they're rain boots so at least you know they'll work.

I have these and they're really cute and comfy. Sign up for the newsletter to get an extra 20% off. http://www.amazon.com/Crocs-Womens-Sexi-Flip-Sandal/dp/B003YBUCVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375930603&sr=8-1&keywords=crocs+sexi+flip

I'd watch for deals on Zappo's, Amazon, etc. or try a knock off like this by Bearclaw:

http://www.amazon.com/BEARPAW-Womens-Knit-Tall-Winter/dp/B001O02CYM/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1449741080&sr=1-5&nodeID=679337011&keywords=black+boots&refinements=p_89%3ABearpaw

I also suggest spraying your boots with a waterproofer/fabric protectant spray! I use Camp Dry by Kiwi on all my outdoor shoes. I'm about to try it on my book bags and coats sometime! But I think it really helps your shoes last and keep from water damage. :] Just a tip! Btw, I have Deena&Ozzy combat boots and so far so good!

link! --> http://www.amazon.com/Kiwi-Camp-Heavy-Water-Repellent/dp/B000HJ7CLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395025762&sr=8-1&keywords=camp+dry

seconding craft idea. Look at something like these: Diamond Ribbon with Pearl Trim . Just a quick search and idea.

I have a couple of these that I pop into any pair of flats to make them more supportive. They have a hard plastic arch and cushions on the heel and ball of the foot, and they are just the back of an insert so it won't cram your toes and fits all your shoes.

The ones I personally have are blue, but I think these are the same. I will revise if I find the ones I own online.

I got this w/my prime account.

Closest I could find: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XJG7SY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AFj7AbM5QS0FY

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