Reader Question: Looking Good While Bundled

what advice do you have for looking good while bundled?

In freezing tundras like Chicago, bundling is an essential part of life. But I still contend that you can absolutely look chic and put together even while bundled up against the subzero winds.

First thing's first, avoid the desire for a puffy coat. Puffy coats will not make you look good. Look, this is a designer, cinched waist puffy coat, and the model still looks ridiculous. Nice try, Marc Jacobs, but puffy coats are just not an option.
Instead, try a nice, fitted, wool coat. The longer it is, the more of you'll get covered. So step away from the pea coat - your bum will freeze, and it's just not cute enough.

Why not try this fun plaid coat. Look at that fabu collar! Soia & Kyo, $395

I'm a HUGE fan of Soia & Kyo coats. Look how fun they are!

Soia & Kyo, $395 @

Make sure your coat gives you a defined waist. Bulk can take away from your slamming figure.

Miss Sixty, was $158, sale $99.90

Your chic bundling is not complete without a warm scarf. Got to keep your neck (and face sometimes) protected from the elements.

Banana Republic, $70 @

J.Crew, was $49.50, sale $29.99-$39.50 @

And keep those manicured nails covered up, wouldn't want to lose them to frost bite.

A nice leather glove is always in style. Spice up a plain black coat with a fun colored pair, like these purple ones.

Banana Republic, was $69.50, sale $49.99-$54.99 @






Anthropologie, $78

J.Crew, $24.50

I probably sound like your mom, but you lose most of your heat through your head. So keep your noggin (or at least your ears) covered. There are tons of cute head accessories available.

Grace Hats, $35

Grace Hats, $33

Anthropologie, $48 @

Anthropologie, $24

Anthropologie, $32 @

And don't forget your tights! Just because it's snowy out doesn't mean you should have to give up your cute skirts and dresses. Keep yourself warm and your outfit interesting with a fun pair of tights.

Anthropologie, $18 @

@Available in more colors

Avoid the Bulk This Winter

It's cold out. It's so very cold. All you can think of in your hazy frozen state in the morning is grabbing that big, huge, bulky sweater.

Don't do it.

Step away from the bulk!

When getting sweatered up this winter, think about shape and fit. Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you have to stop looking good.

When the weather takes a dip, I look for sweaters that are thin, but made of something warm - merino wool, cashmere, etc.

J.Crew, $178 @ (cashmere)

Please ignore her ridiculous shorts. It's January, no shorts please.

J.Crew, $398 * (cashmere)

Ann Taylor, was $85, sale $39.99 @ (wool/silk/cashmere blend)

I also make sure that it's not shapeless. So many large cardigans can be. But there's a solution if you really love that big long cardigan (I have a few myself), just throw on a belt! Your waist will magically reappear, and you'll still be comfy and warm in your long cardigan.

Loft, $49.50 (belt not included)

Banana Republic, was $175, sale $99.99 * (wool)

And just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to be afraid to bare your arms. Half sleeve sweaters are ultra chic and feminine.

J.Crew, $148 *@ (cashmere)

LOFT, $49.50 @

Ann Taylor, $78 @ (merino wool)

And, as always, don't forget the ruffles :)

Ann Taylor, was $88, sale $49.50

*EWP fave

@Available in more colors

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

That up there is me right now. Well, replace the elf shoes with some Jimmy Choos and then it's me. Blue skin and all. Why am I blue? Because it's FREEZING out.

This post is not fashion related or gift buying related, I just really wanted to share what the weather was doing here in Chicago today:

It's 2 degrees outside. TWO DEGREES. And, with the windchill, it feels like -22. That's right, NEGATIVE TWENTY-TWO. That's 22 degrees less than zero.

And for the record, no, I did not wear a puffy coat. I don't own a puffy coat. I loathe puffy coats. Puffy coats are the devil. My Marc Jacobs coat (seen on Glee last night) kept me plenty warm. But it was most definitely a tights under pants kind of day. We have those kinds of days out here.

Frozen like a popsicle,
EWP

EWP Gift Guide - Cutest Winter Hat Ever

My friend Elissa sent me a link to this hat, and it was love at first sight. Who wouldn't love to walk around town this winter with this adorable, girly, and super cute be-ribboned wool hat?

J.Crew, $34.50@

@ Available in more colors

EWP Gift Guide - Tiffany's Snowflake Earrings

Maybe it's because I have a December birthday, but I am a total sucker for snowflake jewelry. When done small and tastefully, it's a nice (yet still classy) way to celebrate the season. So imagine my utter delight when I saw these darling silver snowflake earrings from Tiffany's. *sigh* *swoon* I love 'em. And thanks to a certain Mr. EWP who can take a hint, they are currently sitting on my earlobes, just where they should be.

I'm sure there's a certain someone in your life who would also love these delightfully cute, delicate, and winter-y earrings.

Tiffany & Co., $175

So Cleansing

This post has been sitting around for about a month, but I finally got time to get back to it and give it to you, even if it may be a little dated. But better late than never. And maybe you haven't gotten around to cleaning out your closet, so this may still be of help.

A few weekends ago, not being able to deny that it was actually fall any longer, I attacked my closet and did my annual switch from summer wardrobe to cold weather wardrobe. While I for the very first time ever have a closet large enough to house all my clothes, shoes, and accessories (oh, believe me, I am THRILLED and in love with it), I still like moving my non-seasonal clothes out just so they're not there distracting me for my daily clothing decisions.

This is a process that has become second-nature, I by now, after years of this yearly switch, just inately know what belongs and what doesn't. But I decided to sit and think about it and write it you in hopes my fall cleaning tips can help you get ready for dressing seasonally appropriate these next few months.



1. No more sandals, espadrilles, wedges, or flip flops for you! Well, you shouldn't be wearing flip flops normally, but now you really shouldn't be wearing them.

2. Goodbye summer totes!

3. Sayanora to summer colors like yellow or white.

But you can still wear winter white. Like this yummy, delectable coat. Mmmmm.....

Burberry, $795

4. Pack away those summer dresses. Nothing looks more ridiculous than a person wearing a sun dress in October. I was at a wedding last weekend where a guest was wearing a white halter sundress, it was ridiculously out of place. And her black cardigan could not cover up the fact she was wearing a summer dress on a 40 degree October day. Don't be like her. Please put away your sundresses.

5. Sideline your shorts.

6. No room for eyelet.

And those are just a few guidelines my closet sorting goes by. Hope you find it helpful. And get to switching out your warm weather clothes for your cold weather apparel!

I'm Cold (and Have a Cold)

As I've said before, I am a very very sick EWP. Me and this nasty cough and congestion are getting might cozy. And I don't care for it at all. This cold (or malaria as I've decided to call it because it sounds cooler) has coincided with a rather large dip in the Chicago temps. And, man, am I ever cold. It didn't help that apparently I had left the bedroom window open all last night (I have NO idea when I opened it. I think all the cold meds are making me crazy).

Point of story: I am cold. And all I can think about are clothes that'll warm me up.

Hmm... this is pretty... but requires tights, a cami, and possibly sleeves to make me warm...

Catherine Malandrino, $395

This is more along the lines of what I'm thinking... but I still think I want sleeves, although who can say no to cashmere...

Velvet, $242

Mmm... ruffled collared cardigan jacket...

Thakoon, was $1,250, sale $375

Oh, hawtness. This will definitely keep me warm on my trips to the Starbucks across the street.

Rag & Bone, $695

Yes! This is it! This is what I want to wear right this instant. Nothing like a weeklong bout of malaria (i.e. cold) to make you want to cozy up in a big, fuzzy, yummy sweater.

Theory, $295

This rambling post brought to you by the makers of Nyquil. Maybe I shouldn't blog while drugged...