Winter Layers

I've said it before (here) and I'll say it again...

There is a necessity for warmth during these Chicago winters. Are you all screaming, "Duh!" to yourself right now? But who says it can only happen by wearing a down filled sleeping bag with sleeves? Exactly. Try layering a few thin items with a few thick ones and of course, sweater tights and Hunters.

Recreate my look:

LOFT skirt (similar), Cuddl Duds long sleeve tee, denim shirt, LOFT sweaters (similar), J.Crew vest (similar), HUE tights, gray Hunters, Uniqlo beanie (similar), Tory Burch sunglasses, Nars Red Lizard lipstick

Winter Blues

As a mental health counselor, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about self-care, especially during the winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression caused by the lack of sunlight and colder temperatures. A less severe form of SAD can impact up to 10% of the population and is commonly referred to as the "winter blues." The continued involvement in social activities and exercise as well as healthy eating, drinking, and sleeping habits can help, but if you're struggling, here are some apps that can help or reach out to a doctor or therapist.

Recreate my look:

Madewell sweater, striped boyshirt, paisley trousers, J.Crew peacoat, leopard loafers, Michael Kors watch, vintage rings, Charming Charlie bracelets

How I Wear…Jacquard

When wearing one statement piece. such as jacquard trousers, it's necessary to incorporate another texture or pattern to make them daytime appropriate. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but wearing them with a simple black turtleneck or white collar shirt would make them party ready. So, combining plaid and faux fur has somehow toned down the fancy - am I right or am I right?
P.S. Pardon the graininess, but it seems as though my fuzzy vest impacted the lens. However, this does offer an opportunity to share with you my favorite movie quote from Despicable Me. I've said it so many times that I like to think I kind of sound like her, although I'm sure watching it one hundred times has been helpful as well.

Recreate my look:

Jacquard pants, faux fur vest, J.Crew shirt, vintage cameo brooch, navy flats, cobalt wallet, Nars Red Lizard

Leopard Eats Turkey

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season for you and yours!

Recreate my look:

Leopard print faux fur coat, vintage scarf, leather skirt, suede clutch, crop top tank, Stella & Dot Lakra bangle and Renegade Cluster bracelet, Michael Kors watch, mustard flats

Borrowed From the Boys

San Francisco has some gooooood shopping! We traversed shops from Union Square to The Haight, and I found multiple must-haves for the coming months. My favorite purchase is undoubtedly this coat from the men's section of La Rosa Vintage. I am not lying when I tell you that every day I have to stop myself from putting it on.

Recreate my look:

Vintage sport coat, Uniqlo blouse (similar), Madewell scarf, Uniqlo pants, Stella & Dot earrings, Michael Kors watch, Tildon flats, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

A Lil Leather Jacket

It's no secret that leather is made for fall weather. I'm sure you all have your black leather jacket, but why not add some color to your repertoire? Jewel tones are my picks because they're super versatile and unexpected. Plus since they're just warm enough, adding a fur vest or cozy scarf is enough to survive the commute to work, but not induce an immediate sweat, I mean, glow when you walk into a heated building. 

Find yours: burgundy, navy, amber, or teal. 

Recreate my look:

Elle péplum leather jacket, Simply Vera tee, Loft leopard belt, ASOS navy trousers, Merona Kaitlin boots

Remix: The Long Sleeved Stripe Tee

The long sleeved stripe tee is one of those things in my closet that I always want to wear. Whether it be part of a print mixing ensemble, with skinny jeans for errands, or atop sweatpants after a long day, this multi-tasker fits the bill. However, it might be easy to forget the versatility due to it's comfort. It can add depth and be a key layering piece. Normally, I would put on this leather peplum and trouser combo  with a blazer for the workday, but instead, I turned to my trusty tee and added a playful spin.
How do you remix your striped tee?

Recreate my look:

ASOS trousers (similar), Worthington leather peplum (similar), American Apparel tee, Francesca's pearls (similar), Stella & Dot purse, Givenchy lipstick 

Soon Enough

I swear that on Monday this outfit was appropriate! It's hard to imagine having an overcoat on (even just over my shoulders) with the sun blazing in Chicago today. This is the kind of day that I wish I could go Oak St beach with a gin & pineapple in one hand, a good book in the other, with my fiancé by my side. Soon enough, Jenny. Soon enough.

Loft skirt, Timing blouse (similar), Silence & Noise blazer (similar), Jessica Simpson pumps (similar), NY & Co cape (find similar here), Givenchy lipstick, vintage bracelet (similar)

Spring Fever

It might be because I am in North Carolina this week and it's a balmy 65 degrees, but I'm thinking spring! It's time to retire my tights and and recreate any of these warmer weather outfits...who's with me?

Two Ways To Wear...

...a plaid blazer!

First, we have the edgy way. A jean vest and leather jeans call to mind the Nirvana era while a metallic tee and leopard loafers keep me from looking like Courtney Love.

Plaid blazer (similar here or here), Minkpink tee (similar here and here), XXI jean vest, Rock & Republic jeans (similar), Steve Madden leopard loafers (similar), Stella & Dot necklace

Second, we have the preppy way. A silk scarf, wide leg trousers, and bow topped pumps topped with a peacoat make it look like I just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren store. 

Plaid blazer (similar here or here), Gap sweater (similar), ASOS trousers, vintage scarf (similar), J. Crew peacoat, Audrey Brooke bow pumps, J.Crew leopard belt (similar)

Which way do you prefer?

Sweater Coat

After seeing a few aztec, plaid, and other patterned coats around this season, I was on the hunt for one. That is, until I realized that wearing layers underneath my own aztec sweater would fit the bill! I started with a my tank maxi dress under a crewneck sweater and cinched the waist with a belt (otherwise the blanket sweater is pretty shapeless, but oh so cozy). After topping it off with a fur stole, I achieved the look I was going for...and stayed warm.

Old Navy sweater (similar), XXI sweater (similar), Gap maxi dress (similar), Clarks boots, NY & Co faux fur scarf (similar), Fossil belt, B. Makowsky purse (similar), Target earrings (similar here and here), Tory Burch sunnies, Revlon Red Lacquer lipstick

Spring Uniform

It's hard to believe (given the current weather), but couple weeks ago, it was sunny and 60 degrees. Therefore, I broke out what is sure to be my spring uniform - a jean jacket and some combination of cobalt, red/orange, and mint.

Old Navy jean jacket, Gap sweater, Old Navy skirt (similar and cheap), Hue tights, Audrey Brooke pumps, mint bubble necklace, XXI earrings