Winter Flakiness

The winter has officially beat me.  My skin is dry, I have permanent hat hair, my lips are literally cracking apart, and well, I'm cold.  Complaining aside, I am on the rampage for products to cut down on the winter blues.  Here are some of my favs so far:

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Starter Kit - complete with cleanser, toner, and moisturizer

Smiths Rosebud Salve - good for dry, chapped lips and hands

Ponds Cold Cream - tried and true, one of my Grandma's favorites

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask - drugstore favorite, cheap and does the trick

Any other suggestions?

Interview chic

It seems that recently, everyone I know is either looking for a job or looking for someone to fill a position, which is definitely a promising sign in today's economy.

First impressions are key in an interview situation.  In a creative field, rocking the typical black/gray suit gives one impression - BORING.  It's a tough line to balance - dressing professional while showing your creative side, but with the right eye, it is definitely possible.

There is nothing wrong with wearing black pants and a matching black blazer - the outfit is basic, polished, and sleek.  The key to spicing up a suit is accessorizing.  Rock a jewel-colored patterned blouse under the blazer, cute black heeled boots, and sparkly earrings - not too big, not too glittery, but with enough personality to shine.  Want to push it over the edge?  Switch from black boots to pumps that match your blouse.  Cold day?  Layer up with a matching cardigan under the blazer, so a bit of color pops out.

And of course - be yourself!

Clock shops

The other day, I went in to check the sales at Urban Outfitters, which were, I have to say, fabulous.  While I was there, I noticed a cool new accessory - the vintage watch locket.  Long necklaces with charms are my favorite addition to any outfit, especially with a drapey top, and the vintage watch adds a very cool touch.  Gold, of course, to add to that old school charm.

Stila at J. Crew?

The other day, while browsing at my favorite local J. Crew store, I suddenly felt lost at their accessories table.  Essie nail polish littered one shelf, Stila lipgloss perched on the other, and Cosabella underwear lay next to the lipgloss.  Since when did J. Crew turn into a store that offered so many other brands?

When Madewell made an appearance on the J. Crew online store, the pair seemed like an interesting and logical combination, but I didn't think much of it.  Now that various other brands have appeared in their physical store locations, it seems real - and very obvious.  Is there a reason why J. Crew is promoting these other brands?  Does Essie polish seem more attractive when put in the context of a J. Crew fashion line? 

Personally, I am not more likely to purchase these "guest" products just because they appear in a J. Crew store.  I will always think it is slightly ridiculous to spend $40 on a package of underwear branded with the name "Cosabella".  The more frequently that "guest" products appear in my favorite store, the more disappointed I will be with the fact that they are taking space away from original J. Crew products.

Sweatshirts with a hint of glam

While combing the stores this weekend for anything NOT part of the new Spring line (hello people, it's still 18 degrees and snowing!), I came across a winter trend that I must have missed along the way.  I am loving the fact that virtually every piece of clothing this winter was bedazzled, sequined, and covered in glitter.  But somehow, I missed the fact that sweatshirts were included in the mix.  

I picked up one of these cool sweatshirts at the Gap.  No sleeves, long enough to wear over leggings, with jeweled shoulders.  Sounds ugly but trust me, it's fabulous.

For all you crafty fashionistas, this trend is especially fun and cheap, since it entails taking an old sweatshirt and detail it with sequins, rhinestones, lace, and whatever else that may glam it up.

Looking hot on a cold day

As a West Coast transplant who has spent four years in Boston, I still don't know how to dress for cold winter days.  I've learned the hard way that Uggs can be slippery in the snow, cheap boots are not a good idea, and you need at least four different types of jackets to master the seasons (raincoat, fall-weather coat, down jacket, wool coat). 

Once I master exactly how to stay dry and warm, then's there is the issue of looking halfway decent.  I've realized that as long as you have the right winter accessories (coat, hat, scarf, gloves, boots), you can wear your typical jeans and sweater underneath.  Whether wearing an infinity scarf, glossy Hunter boots, or fingerless gloves (they work, I promise - and they help show off a sparkly manicure), you can be sure to look hot on a cool day.  I've identified some great fashion accessories that help polish a winter outfit.  And yes, old school earmuffs are back in style.

More Asos...

Are wide leg jeans back?

Just when I perfected the skinny jean trend, purchasing the right pairs of black, white, dark, and light skinny jeans, the fashion gods decided to pull the old bait-and-switch.  Wide leg jeans are back.  Perfect testimony as to why you should never get rid of an old pair of jeans. 

Good news is that we have at least two months left to jump into this spring trend.  Bad news - the 70's are back again. 

Need ideas?  See the latest and greatest wide leg jeans below.  Pair the jeans with a bohemian blouse, striped shirt, or a basic fitted tee.

More Hudson Jeans...

Shorts over Tights - Fashion Faux Pas?

I visited New York City this weekend, which is my favorite spot for people-watching. I love that people wear whatever they want to wear, whenever they want to wear it. 

This season's fashion trend in NYC seems to be shorts over tights.  Now I love tights - patterned, colored - and wear them almost daily during the winter under jumpers, dresses, and skirts.  But shorts?  Does that even fit? 

After browsing a couple of pics online, I have decided that this trend does work - but only with the right compilation of pieces. The photo below from Madewell is great because of the standout shoes, mix matching colors, and layers, which really balance the look.  

What do you think?

Photo from Madewell