The Ashley Maria Blog: Chunky Sweaters

When I went to San Diego in December one of the highlights I looked forward to was going shopping in their outdoor malls. Yes I have been to outlets which are outside and locally we even have a Promenade; which is regular price stores and restaurants all centered around a courtyard or something of that sort with all store fronts being outside. Not very ideal when it's freezing cold or raining, but love shopping there in Spring and Summer! Well since San Diego is the city that hardly sees rain, their malls are literally outside! I'm talking food courts, side walk sales, doors wide opened. YES it was amazing.

Another reason I really wanted to shop (besides me having a shopping addiction) was I imagined there to be a different style of clothes. Now being from the Northeast and while boarding our plane it was snowing in Philadelphia, to me 75 degrees was boiling! I wanted to wear shorts and tanks with flip flops. However natives and locals thought this was cold to them. They were rocking jeans, boots, and sweaters. When I went shopping, I hoped to purchase spring shorts, tops and different statement pieces. Well, man was I wrong. I stuck to the normal and shopped at classics.. ya know- Forever 21, Francesca's and even Victoria's Secret semi annual sale (wild I know!) I did however purchase this 3/4 chunky sweater in Francesca's that I figured would be perfect for Northeast winters. Once I got it home, I realized I really didn't know how to wear it? It was 3/4 sleeves, so I had to wear a long sleeve under it. I couldn't really wear a coat without looking like an oompa loompa! So back into the closet it went, until now.

The temps are starting to rise, which means the winter coat can soon be retired. I wore my chunky Francesca's Aztec sweater as my coat this week. I paired it with a plain black 3/4 shirt and skinny jeans with flats. Add on a statement necklace to bring the outfit all together! Don't put all your sweaters away just yet.. you may be able to still use some!