RIP Winter Boots

When the snow comes down and leaves slushy puddles at every corner and the temps are in single digits, these are the boots I go to.

But after 2 winters of excessive use, and possibly from overstuffing with pants and socks, the zipper broke on one of them last night. I could have cried. I love them so much.

So rest in peace dear ugly UGG snow boots. You kept me warm when it seemed impossible. You kept me dry when I stepped into 10 inch slush puddles. I will miss you.

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

The Weather Outside is Frightful, but These Boots are So Delightful

The snow is really coming down this morning in Chicago. I think it's time I finally admitted winter has arrived. And while I normally advocate for the cutest of cute commuter shoes, I throw all such advice out the window come winter. Why? Because the heavy salting of the roads will ruin any nice shoe you wear through it. Please be nice to your shoes, and don't wear them on salted streets. Your shoes and I thank you.

So what do I wear? I wear these boots, the bestest boots ever. They're not the most hideous snow boots ever invented, which is as much of an endorsement as a snow boot will ever get from me. And wowsa are they ever warm, which is necessary when the weather drops down to -20. And most importantly, they are waterproof. Ever waded through 6 inches of slush water at a street corner? This is a regular occurrence in the city, and will put any assertion of "waterproof" to the test. And I must say, these boots kept my toes dry time after time of clomping through slush. They get the EWP stamp of approval.

UGG Belfair, $180@

@ Available in more colors.

p.s. I would do a little searching for this style at other shoe locales. I got them in black but zappos doesn't seem to have those anymore.

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!

Weekend Purchases

Another weekend, another shopping outing, another shopping purchase (or two). This weekend I picked up two luxe items that I am SUPER in love with.

1. MAC Makeup Case

I went on and on about this case's virtues back in August. In an effort to tidy up the new married abode and get rid of those awful plastic mini-shelves, I finally gave in and ponied up the cash for this exquisite piece of art. *sigh* I'm in love. And, oddly enough, so is my budget-crazy husband. Guess he really hated those plastic drawers too.

MAC, $225

2. New Winter Coat

After two failed attempts at those awful puffer coat things (ugh. *cringe*) I decided to get what I actually wanted - a hot new winter coat. I picked up this little number in an eye-catching tomato red. And to make me love my purchase even more, Serena vanderwoodsen was totally wearing my coat tonight on Gossip Girl. Clearly I have great taste ;)

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sale $376

Birthday/Holiday Loot

I was a very lucky girl this year. I was very loved by everyone (except my rascal of a husband who has yet to purchase my birthday present) and I must say I made out quite well for myself. Here's a sampling of some of the items others got me, as well as some I got myself because clearly I had to buy myself gifts too.

1. Guitar Hero - Band Bundle

Okay, so technically my husband received this gift, but as you know, I'm a sucker for my wii. Now if only I could figure out those darn drums....

Guitar Hero

2. kate spade lenox hill noel alix

Yes, that name is a bit of a mouthful, but I guess you need that many names to sum up a very exciting, and very large new workbag. This is a little something I picked up for myself yesterday. I've had many issues finding a cute workbag that will fit both a large file and a pair of shoes. After many misses I had learned my lesson and tested this one in the store, asking the store clerk for a large binder and a pair of shoes to stick in the purse. And this bag passed the test with flying colors. I just wish you could see the adorable purple lining. And thanks to the recession sales, I got mine 30% off.

Kate Spade, $375

3. Ugly puffer coat (being sent back today)

After Chicago was below zero for the third day in a row, I thought I might actually have to invest in something warmer than my wool military coat. I abhor, repeat ABHOR puffer coats. But the subzero temperatures weakened my hatred and I found myself shopping for the vile puffer coat. After much perusal, I thought this one wouldn't be as bad as it had the cinched waist. Well, I was wrong. It's just as terrible. My husband and I took one look at it, gagged, and stuffed it back in the box it came from. I don't think I'll ever be cold enough to wear one of those. Maybe if I moved to Alaska...

Kenneth Cole, $159.99

4. My beloved pazzi dress
I've said several times how much I love my Calypso Pazzi dress, and it seems my dear friends were listening as I was surprised by a delightful Pazzi in the mail for my birthday. Thanks, dears!

Calypso

5. Eucerin

This wasn't an actual gift, but just a stocking stuffer, but that doesn't mean I love it any less. I am a big opponent to scented frilly lotions. First of all, they don't really do the job they're supposed to do - moisturize you. And second, if I needed a little scent pick me up, I'd throw on my Issey (fave perfume ever, I highly recommend). So when it comes to this time of year where the cold dries up your skin and leaves you crackly, what you need is the good stuff, and by the good stuff I mean doctor-recommended Eucerin. I swear by it.

Eucerin, $11.79

6. Cashmere gloves

The lovely Ro got me these gloves off my advent calendar, and my mo-in-law got me a gorgeous cashmere gloves/hat/scarf set. I will be swaddled in cashmere this winter and looking fabulous.

Portolano

7. Speaking of cashmere...

I indulged myself yesterday in a couple cashmere sweater dresses from Calypso. It's the softest you've ever touched, the style of the dress was adorable, and they were on major sale. Who has ever heard of a nice cashmere dress for $25? I haven't, that's for sure.

Calypso, Sale $49

(50% off all sale items when you buy 2 or more)

8. A Kate Spade be-bowed wristlet

Couldn't find a pic online, but you know what a sucker I am for a big bow, and this one also has adorable vertical stripes.

9. A BR blouse

Making sure not to lump my bday and christmas together, my too generous mother-in-law in addition to a thousand other items, got me this BR top. Love the color, and it fits perfectly (though she did follow my gift guide and included a gift receipt just in case).

Banana Republic

10. be curly

As a curly-haired girl, I've tried many many products to keep my curls together and looking natural. The far and away best product for curly hair is Aveda's be curly line. I swear by the curl enhancer, and I was also lucky enough to get the shampoo and conditioner too.

Aveda

Hope all your holidays were filled with all my favorite f's - family, friends, food, fun, and f-naps.

On the Sixteenth Day of December...

I've been walking to work without a hat so far this winter. This was fine when the it was in the 50s like yesterday, but when it dropps into single digits like today (high of only 12 degrees!), maybe I should keep my head, or my ears at the very least, covered. Now how do I combat the inevitable hat hair when I get to work?...

Banana Republic, $39