how to: wear winter outerwear

Can we all agree that any sort of fashionable opinions about jackets and coats get hurdled out the proverbial window when the temperature drops? Take it from me, the stylist who wore a rain coat over a plaid jacket over a faux fur vest the other week. When you're waiting for the subway in Astoria, you care not what you look like, only that you can bend over with ease to check if the train is coming. But then, it's so nice to look put together, isn't it? Let's pre-plan here. Let's talk winter outerwear and the ways it DOES work with your outfit, not the ways in which it doesn't. 12_3_14_howtowearwinterouterwear

 

// coat // turtleneck // bag // stilettos // snow boots // pants //

1. Outerwear: My recommendation is to have two go-to coats; a puffer/parka/fluffy guy, and a dressy wool coat. They don't have to be expensive, just warm and roomy enough that you can layer underneath. They do not have to be black. I repeat, they do not have to be black. If you love it enough that you will wear it every day, it will work with your wardrobe.

AshleyCarolinePhotography(195of283)

2. Accessories: My gloves are bright red, and the scarves I wear range from light blue plaid to red plaid to taupe. That's okay! If I'm feeling a little too clash-y, I wear my taupe scarf (lesson here, stay away from patterns). Or, I wear a turtleneck underneath to eliminate my need for a big scarf.

3. Shoes: I would never walk to the subway in stilettos or any kind of heel in the summer, let alone when there's black ice, so invest in a classic, warm pair of boots or sneaks. Yes, Uggs are acceptable. They're warm! Just make sure to waterproof them. Switch to a big bag this winter with plenty of room to stow your fancy shoes. Wear your boots to work and switch at your desk because you're not only fancy, but incredibly smart.

Notice how I went this entire post without mentioning the fact that I paired brown boots with an all black outfit. Because it doesn't matter. Because it's AWESOME.

xoxo,

ALLIE SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

 

image via Ashley Caroline (our first shoot ever!).

rain boot / snow boot roundup

Like it or not, winter is coming. Apparently it's going to be as bad as last year. I don't mind, I love winter...but for the other 9,999,999 New Yorkers, it's a drag. Footwear becomes seriously compromised - Louboutins get replaced by flats, which get replaced by Hunter rain boots or Uggs. And while these are fine, they're everywhere. New Yorkers, I understand that neither wind nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night shall keep you from looking fashionable, and I respect you for that. But let's vary it up. Here's my definitive list of stylish rain and snow boots, to keep your feet happy:

 102214rainandsnowboots

Blue UGG // Red Lined Boot //  Buckle Boot // Studded Boot // Balenciaga Boot // Sorel Slipper // Rain Riding Boot // Orange Boot // Patterned Boot //  Short Tassel Rain Boot // Via Spaga Snow Boot // Dog Welly // Leather Lace Up // Tartan Rain Boot // Yellow Hunter // Perforated Rain Boot // Brown Printed Boot // Short Brown Boot // Waterproof Snow //

My recs for a rain boot are: mobility (one), warmth (two), and style (three). Yes, I place style last on this list. I don't like knee high options as much, even though they're adorable, because they're just harder to walk in. For years I've been wearing Sorel mid calf boots, and just this year purchased a pair of ankle rain boots (in black) to see how they fair. My sister in law swears by these, and who could argue with their classic look (my mom had a pair when I was a kid!)? Also, even though Uggs get such a bad rap, I love the above color, plus they're so warm! What say you, friends? Tell me your preference!

Oh, and don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!

xoxo,

ALLIE SIGNATURE