What I Wore: The Winter Wonderland Edition

We've had quite a few inches of snow here in Chicago the last few weeks. Meaning that I've hardly been away from my Dr. Martens and fleece lined leggings at all and while I do adore both of those things, sometimes you do start to hate wearing the same shoes every single day. This is why I own like 40 pairs of shoes - I like variety. Winter does not like variety. It's cold and bleak and snowy pretty much the whole time, meaning there is no place for tights or heels or anything cute unless you want to freeze and you like having everyone look at you like you're a maniac.

Interior Design: Cozy Winter Cabin

Well, we're sitting pretty in the middle of a blizzard and when that happens, it's hard not to dream of cozy winter cabins and lots of blankets. So, in the spirit of the season, here's a chic and cozy modern cabin to dream about.

What I Wore: The Winter Brights Edition

It's snowing as I write this, so I feel confident in saying that winter is not going anywhere any time soon. And I am SICK of it! Winter has taken my closet hostage and I want my damn shoes back most of all! In Chicago, temps have not gotten above 30 degrees in a few weeks, with all of last week hovering around the 10s. As you can understand, that means snow boots and ALL OF THE LAYERS! That doesn't mean I haven't been trying, but it does mean that when I try it stays covered by sweaters and jackets. Even this shoot was challenging.

To break free from my back-to-black wardrobe, I wanted to start adding colors back to winter and knew this purse was the perfect fit! 

What I Wore: The Winter Coats Edition

The weather outside being frightful is an understatement. It's a nightmare out here in the big, windy city right now. If it wasn't so bitterly cold, I could have maybe enjoyed the first snow over this past weekend. I did, however, try to make the most of it for today outfit shoot!

What I Wore: The Lady in Red Edition

Let me tell you, there is nothing better for the confidence than a little rouge. I am dead serious about this. Feeling blah and don't want to put any effort into your outfit today? Throw on jeans, a sweater, and some red lipstick and you'll see. It really is that easy. I know the color on this 40s style vintage dress is one of the reasons it's totally an instant confidence booster!

What I Wore: The Fall Florals Edition

I'm a little obsessive when it comes to florals. As in florals comprise almost my entire collection of prints. That's why I always have a little internal battle in the fall and winter, because I feel like florals are for spring and summer. Otherwise, they usually just seem out of place.

Tuesday Trendspotting: House of Harlow and Winter Kate Fall 2012

Ok, that's it. It's August, the summer shorts and tank tops are being put on sale. You can now buy your bathing suits for next year for less than half the price. It's time to talk fall. I'm working on developing an idea of what I want my wardrobe to look like this year. I work in an office, a regular nine-to-five, but it's a really relaxed atmosphere so I don't really need lots of tailored tweed, but I do still need to look profesional. Somehow, magically, House of Harlow and Winter Kate have managed to put together a collection of fall looks that are fun, playful, and classy. I think I found my ideal wardrobe. via Fabsugar

Sunday Moment of Zen: Burberry Fall/Winter 2012

I know I'm jumping the gun again in talking about fall and winter already, but you know as well as I that the store are starting to stack up on sweaters, blazers, and all things pre-fall already. So there's no use ignoring it, it's time to get excited! The question is, which collection to be most excited about seeing ripped off in store like H&M and Forever21? For me it's the Autumn/Winter Burberry collection. And it has been since it debuted in early spring of this year, so you know I'm in love. I just adore the full bodied shape of the coats and that this fall collection is bringing back the belted coat. The collection of belts is adorable as well - big statement bows and animal heads. My goal for the winter is to find a similar elastic belt with a big wolf head buckle like in the picture below. How awesome would that be (inner squeeeeeeeee)?

via Style.com

What I Wore Wednesday: Floral Jeans and Platform Boots

Today's outfit post is about me wishing for spring already. Remember when I talked about floral pants trending? Well, I just got these awesome floral pants and couldn't wait to wear them even though it had snowed the day before. Thankfully it was really sunny the day we took photos. Also, I finally pulled together an outfit with the metal collar I made and I decided that I love it! I especially love it after seeing them all over the fall 2012 Phillip Lim runway, but that's a different story.

Some of you may remember this fur vest from a previous outfit post, but I have to say that I am not getting nearly enough use out of it.

 This is me almost falling over. Graceful ain't I?

 This is the metal shirt collar necklace I made. Like it? You can make your own with this tutorial. I am a fan a sharing knowledge.

 There is something so 90s about these shoes and as a child of the 90s I approve!

 

 Alright, here it is if you want the look: they don't seem to have these on the Urban Outfitters site anymore, but here is a selection of floral jeans that should fit your tastes, similar heeled boot, similar shirt, similar vest.

Anyway, are you itching for Spring yet or is it just me?

What I Wednesday: The Denial Edition

It's taken me some time to come to terms with the fact that winter is really here. I've been trying to pull the "if I dress like it's still fall, it is still fall". Mind over body right? Well, my mind's not that strong and I've had to deal with it so here you go, this will be the closest I probably get to a winter outfit. I've been braving to cold, but I think I'm going to have to move the photo shoots to more indoor locations, I don't have that many interesting coats to show you guys. Anyway, this faux fur vest was something I wanted since the fall started and it was finally something I gifted to myself right before Christmas (yay!). I love it! It's super cozy and warm, I just wanted to be wrapped in it all day. (I'm weird, I know). So today's outfit of the day post is my "It's winter, but I'm still pretending I don't feel cold" outfit.

Faux vest: Urban Outfitters
Black high-wasted jeans: Urban Outfitters
Off-white blouse: Local boutique
Shoes: Target

Also, I've been looking for a pair of these heeled winter-y boots for a while and it was the best investment. Thankfully, it hasn't snowed here yet, because once it does I'll have to put them away. For now, they are the perfect thing and you'll probably be seeing these boots again before the winter is over.

I don't know why I'm making this stupid face here, but this picture makes me laugh so I thought you guys might enjoy it too ;)

Ring: ASOS
(Yes, it's a claw around my finger. Yes, it is actually sharp.)

That's all folks! So tell me, have you embraced winter yet?