snow bunny

$32, asos

for the price of one dinner out, i think we could all stand to make room for this quirky bag in our wardrobes. it would be a nice twist on my winter uniform (big sweaters + sparkly earrings + flats) which is starting to feel a little boring!

 

{ alice + olivia top, j brand jeans, auden earrings, essie nail polish in russian roulette, asos bag, jeffrey campbell flats }

II emily

leg warmers

image via pinterest

this post is dedicated to leggings. yes... leggings. 

i know it's been a while since leggings were cool -- we can thank the leggings-as-pants phenomenon for that -- but let's be honest. we all still wear leggings. what's better than a giant thick sweater, soft leggings, leather boots and a cozy scarf in the middle of winter? or even just when you're lounging on the couch watching a movie?! leggings are great. they're necessary.

however, no one ever said leggings are warm. the temperatures have really dipped here in new york (we're talking 20 degrees) and the insane gusts of wind we've been having make it feel a thousand times colder. when i was walking near lincoln center last night, i legitimately thought the wind might knock me over. 

ironically enough, i was on my way to bed bath & beyond to pick up a space heater for my private igloo bedroom. while i was wandering around the store (because how can you not wander aimlessly around BBB?) i discovered something truly amazing. 

fleece-lined leggings. 

they were hanging inconspicuously near the bedroom section (really emphasizing the "beyond" here) and at first glance, i thought they were going to be awful -- a thick, cheap, scratchy disaster. what a terrible gimmick! but no, i was wrong. these are the best leggings i have ever owned; they're thick but not too thick, flattering, totally opaque, and insanely warm. the fleece on the inside is thin enough that it doesn't add bulk, but it's as soft as cashmere. these leggings would actually stand up to a windy day in the city. i bought the space-dyed charcoal color, but i'm planning on heading back next weekend to pick up several black pairs. for $10, i highly suggest you do the same.

if you can't get to a BBB, these styles from anthropologie and target sound nearly identical, and these waffle leggings by splendid might be a nice update, too. shop even more styles below...

II emily

seasonal sparkle

j.crew jeweled sweater, on sale for $103.50 (orig. $138)*

there's nothing like a j.crew sale to get you in the holiday spirit. while clicking through their "winter favorites" -- which are all 25% off with the code WINTER (*UPDATE: as of 11/25, the entire site is 25% off with the code GETGIFTING) -- i stumbled upon this holiday-ready sweater with all of my favorite things: a festive fair isle print, colorful jewels, bold stripes, and deep fall colors. paired with ankle boots, a fuzzy hat and leopard pouch, it might just be the perfect look for shopping, catching up with friends, cooking christmas dinner, swilling cocktails, and everything else the season entails...

 

{ j.crew jeweled sweater, $103.50 // iris & ink jeans, $105 // club monaco hat // bite beauty lipstick in "brick red," $24 // madewell clutch, $78 // madewell boots, $228 (also here) }

II emily

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

think pink

lately i've been wearing this shocking pink cashmere sweater nonstop. worn with the ultimate fall basics -- skinny jeans, boots & some jewelry -- it somehow still feels like a legitimate outfit. and while cold weather is usually associated with grey and black, i think it's time to mix things up. (i dont know about you, but by january i'm O.V.E.R. all of my "chic neturals.") 

instead, throwing in a few brights like hot pink is the key to feeling current this season (check out the original inspiration on my other blog, in the mix). hot pink was already a huge trend this summer, so incorporating it into your winter wardrobe is almost too easy. just choose wintry textures (like cashmere or wool),  avoid adding any other bright colors, and keep it grounded with rugged boots and bold jewelry. below, i put together the outfit i'm planning on wearing at least once a week from here on out (once it gets really cold, i'll just add charcoal tights):

{from top left: j.crew sweater, erickson beamon necklace, j.crew clutch, michael kors watch, karl donoghue stole, acne boots, topshop skirt}

II emily