comfy cozy

 

images via song of style, atlantic-pacific and french voguettes

i've never been one to wear hats of any kind, nor have i ever loved the look on anyone else. fedoras, baseball caps, straw hats... it's always just felt a little off. maybe because i think your hairstyle is so essential to the overall look, and hats just cover that up (not to mention the whole "hat hair" thing). 

but during the winter, it's hard to be so anti-hat. i start feeling painful frostbite on my ears within ten minutes of being outside, a head cold after 20, and since i'm currently in NYC for the next few weeks, both of these things are becoming more of a problem.

solution? the beanie. 

and, i'll admit it: i've been wrong. beanies are really cute -- as long as they're a little slouchy and your preferred mode of transportation does not include a skateboard. beanies add an urban edge to any chic ensemble, but i especially love the idea of wearing a bright beanie (a la images 2, 4 and 8) with neutral colors and relaxed shapes, like destructed jeans and baggy sweaters. since when was cold weather so fashionable?!

to get the look, shop some of my favorites below:

narciso rodriguez pre-fall 2013

 images via style.com

minimalist perfection is... 

body-skimming sheaths, graphic black & white prints, leather t-shirts, sharp jackets

and a dose of rich, burnt orange and red. you go, narciso!

happy feet

i'm taking a break from studying for finals to share an amazing holiday promotion with you! one of my favorite  online shopping destinations, sole society, has teamed up with haute look (another fashion goldmine) for one of the best deals i've seen all season. it's simple: just join sole society (if you haven't already) and use HAUTELIDAY20 at check-out to get $20 off your first purchase! (ends december 16)

$20 may not sound like that much, but consider this: every shoe on the site is only $50 or $60, and shipping is always free. it's almost too good to be true.

the only problem is, i can't decide which ones to order. which would you choose -- the kimberlee, kaylie, gina, or suzanne?

 

glitter girl

image via inspired design

with all this gloomy weather we've been having, i'm tempted to pile on as much glitter/sequins/rhinestones/sparkles as i can each morning! it makes those chunky sweaters and weatherproof boots feel so much more glamorous, and this season it's all about that high-low mix. i love the idea of glitzing up cold weather textures (like wool, cashmere and plaid) with light-catching jewelry, shoes, and even denim.

 i'll chalk it up to the holiday season (only 16 days til christmas!) but fashion in general has really embraced sparkle recently. you can find a sparkly piece nearly anywhere, and at any price point -- from the splurge-worthy offerings at net-a-porter to everyone's favorite fast fashion destination, forever 21. there's no reason not to try out this trend!
try any of my picks below for an extra-festive look:

{from top left: tom binns necklace (similar here, here and here), kate spade bangle, 7 for all mankind jeans, vintage chanel bag, kate spade clutch, j.crew heels, deborah lippman glitter nail polish, lulu frost x j.crew earrings}

II emily

holiday gift guide #2

i recently stumbled upon the addictive kikkerland website and spent roughly an hour clicking through the quirky, inexpensive items (when i should have been writing my 3 final papers...!) everything is insanely practical but uniquely designed, and i instantly came up with a million holiday gift ideas.

if (like me) you  struggle with gifting because your besties already have plenty of jewelry (my shameless go-to) and your guy friends are simply impossible to shop for (aren't they always?), then look no further. i mean, what are the odds your friends already have funky USB hubs or cupcake-shaped stickies? check out my favorite kikkerland picks below, and browse the entire site here. (and check out our holiday gift guide #1 here!)

from top left: wisdom teeth magnets ($5), piet mondrian-inspired magnetic dry erase board ($12), giant rhino eraser ($11), memo pad cupcake ($4.50), iphone 4 bling case ($10), lightning bolt usb hub ($15), bear rug coasters ($15)

II emily