Cold Red

At a "feel like" temperature of -20, I should have worn fleece-lined or sweater tights, 

but the polka dot ones were just so much more fun! I've had to sacrifice all heels for comfortable flats to continue the healing of my ankle, so I have to hold up my end of the bargain that fashion is (sometimes) painful.

Recreate my look:

Free People coat (similar), LOFT dress (similar), Corso Como boots (similar), American Apparel tights, Charming Charlie purse (similar), Ally + Zoe earrings (similar), Revlon 'Cherries in the Snow' 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

Tutu

There is most certainly a time and place for a tutu and I firmly believe that your own rehearsal dinner qualifies.

Recreate my look:

Anthropologie tutu (similar), Worthington tank (similar), Charming Charlie necklace (similar), Stella & Dot cocktail ring, Old Navy earrings (similar)

How To Layer Bracelets

When it comes to jewelry, I consider myself an aficionado and I have a rather full jewelry armoire to prove it. Although other accessories are definitely not unchartered territory, I feel the most confident when my neck, arms, fingers, or ears are bedazzled. However, the daily decisions of what to wear on each does not come easy. Therefore, I rely on a few guidelines to make sure I'm not overwhelmed and still on time for work every morning. Last month, we talked about necklaces now it's on to bracelets and how to layer them.

A few pointers if you're just starting out:
Mix your metals 
Think of your bangles for their texture, shape, or size, rather than their metal. When you start to see your accessories as rocker, hippie, geometric, or girlie rather than viewing them as gold, silver, gunmetal, brass, or rose gold, your options are limitless
Infuse color 
If I wear a pattern or color block, I try to highlight at least one hue with a bangle or cuff, just like you would with nail polish.
Keep it odd 
Details and objects that are arranged or grouped in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered pairings. Odd numbers create harmony and force movement and visual interest - this rule is not just for interior design and architecture!
Add a watch
Just because a watch isn't of the "bracelet" type doesn't mean it can't be part of the party.

As you can see, I've been known to create an "arm party" or two in my time. This idea of layering baubles upon baubles and mixing materials was coined by the Man Repeller herself in 2011 on Instagram and it's still going strong. Case in point, a hashtag search of the term returned 469,802 pictures - quite an impact!  Creating your own is a very subjective experience, so don't set yourself up for needing to go big (i.e. wrist to elbow) or go home. There have been countless websites and vendors committed to showing you how to mix up your wrists. Check out Stella & Dot, Charming Charlie, and BaubleBar to create or add to your own!

Travelin'

I've become quite the traveler this past year. My work now includes it on at least a monthly basis. It's necessary to be comfortable when flying; however, I usually have to go into work before or after my flight, therefore, it's still necessary to be business casual. I always dress in light layers like a chambray shirt, utility jacket, and fur vest. No matter the temperature in the cabin, you'll be ready for it. I also wear a loose fitting or stretchy dress/skirt rather than pants that will wrinkle or a tight waistband that will dig in while you're sitting. And to ensure that I'm not walking around barefoot through security, tights in the winter or ankle socks in the summer with booties are my pick. Lastly, this tote has completely changed my traveling experience since it expands to the size of a carry on, thereby still making it acceptable with my Samsonite to not require any checked baggage!

MNG for Mango dress, Bisou Bisou faux fur vest, H&M jacket, Target chambray shirt, Hue sweater tights, Steve Madden booties, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here), Limited chandelier earrings (similar)

Erranding

Errands is a noun meaning a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something on someone else's behalf. The "errands" I did yesterday were all on my own behalf...DSW, Marshall's, Ulta, Target, and Kohl's. So, that would make what I did on Sunday a..."mision?" Yeah, we'll go with that. A mission for sales and deals on spring shoes and apartment stuff.

XXI stripe tee and bomber jacket, a.n.a leather jeans, Steve Madden wedge sneakers, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here) and earrings (similar), New York & Co necklace (similar), Stella & Dot bracelet, Tory Burch sunglasses

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Graphic tee with a few (intentional) holes. Flannel shirt untucked and unbuttoned. Slightly worn leather accessories. At face value, these items combined could be considered grunge, but after closer inspection, you'll notice I added some glam with sparkle, a red lip, and snakeskin.

H&M jacket (similar), J.Crew plaid shirt, XXI graphic tee, JC Penney belt (similar), Gap legging jeans, Clarks boots, Charming Charlie clutch (similar), Stella & Dot necklace, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

Stoplight

Old Navy shirt, vintage leather skirt, LOFT tights, Nine West booties, United Colors of Benetton purse, J.Crew overcoat, Charming Charlie necklace, Stella & Dot Petra bracelet, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

Doble Ve

Despite four years of Spanish in high school and two trips to Espana, I am inept with the language and often can't remember if a word is Spanglish or really Spanish. Sure, there are words that I can pick out of a conversation, like "jugar," "amor"," and, "cerveza," but ask me to conjugate a verb or count beyond nueve and I'm lost. However, when I thought my necklace resembled a "W," I immediately started singing the alphabet - u, ve, doble ve, equis!

American Apparel blouse, Charming Charlie necklace, XXI sweater, Target skirt, Assets tights, Old Navy oxfords

The More the Merrier

Layers, layers, layers. This time of year, I try to stay away from wearing a winter coat (unless its the best option with my ensemble). Therefore, I often rely on layers to keep me toasty in the Windy City. A tee, sweater, and a snood? Thigh high socks over tights? The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned. 

Akira sweater and skirt, Gap snood, American Apparel thigh high socks, Hue sweater tights, Nine West boots, Halogen purse, LOFT tee and ring, Charming Charlie shades

Canadian Tuxedo

I love a Canadian tuxedo, and worn with the right pieces, it can be chic. I can see some of you scoffing at this very idea and I understand. We all remember the denim catastrophe that was JT and Britney at the AMAs in 2001, right? As far as rules to live by when wearing denim on denim, here they are: 1. Pick jean pieces different in color - light for one and dark for the other; 2. Wear a tweed, tuxedo, or black blazer, or even a fur vest to top off the shirt and incorporate another texture; 3. Toss on some jewelry since the last thing you want is a minimalistic look; and, 4. Keep one (or both) of your jean pieces loose. Even though today of all days is a day to be American, try it out and bring a lil bit of our northern neighbors into your street style at some point this season.

Have you guys been to Kohl's lately? I definitely have and man, oh man, you should go! I have an exclusive 10% for my readers on their website using code TENBLOG until December 23rd (can be used with other coupons & promotions). Might I suggest purchasing these, this, or this? 

Jack BB Dakota fur vest, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's blazer, I Heart Ronson chambray shirt, Mavi Serena jeans, Sam Edelman pumps, Stella & Dot necklace, Indigenous beanie, Charming Charlie clutch, Revlon's Blackberry lipstick

Furry, But Friendly

Despite the fact that I despise anything that sheds, I cannot get enough of anything faux fur. I'd imagine that this is how my mother felt upon welcoming home a yellow lab after years of Maltese pups. You love 'em so much that you don't mind cleaning up the hair. Therefore, I'll just put a lint roller in my purse and call it a day. 

Kohl's blouse, XXI skirt, Steve Madden tights, MRKT shoes, NY & Co fur stole and cape, JC Penney belt, Charming Charlie and Stella & Dot bracelets, Marinette monogrammed necklace