Fashion Blog

As December rolls in and extreme weather begins to take hold, everyone starts to wish they could be somewhere (anywhere!) else. Planning your winter break or spring vacation is always fun in dream world, but be careful to consider the big picture: sometimes the weather you’re hoping for isn’t the only thing you’ll be getting. Always check the weather report and the “average” snowfalls/storm watches wherever you’re traveling. You can kiss hot cocoa or margaritas on the beach goodbye if you’re stuck in a layover for hours on end. Plan accordingly. And dress accordingly, too!

When traveling south to north, don’t forget:

A Sturdy Winter Vest: $90

Industrial Shin-high Boots - Sorel Snowlion Snow Boots: $56

Cute (yet functional!) fur-lined jacquard bomber hat: $12.50 on sale

And if you’re going north to south, don’t forget:

Light, long-sleeve T: $28

(Believe me, you’re skin has been bundled up under layers of winter coats and hasn’t seen true sunlight in weeks. Layer up on sunscreen and go easy…skin cancer is not your friend)

A flowing wrap skirt to get you to and from the beach: $9.99

Top it off with a bright and jazzy sundress to kick away your winter blues.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more sundresses.
Discounts on wrap skirts and women’s long sleeve shirts.
Buy women’s boots and vests.

It’s the winter and all the brightness of homemade lemonade sunny days have faded away. We are sniffling with winter chills and shuffling through slushy streets. We dress the part, gone are the carnival colors of the summer, replaced with somber grays and muted  non-distinct colors. We dress how we feel, a little dreary, a little dull. Not me baby! I dropped out of the school of ‘dressing for the winter blues’ years ago. I can’t stand it. It’s depressing! Who died all ready?

Yes, I know it’ s  practical, yes i know it’s sensible, but it is also very very boring. One of my favorite winter coats is scarlet red. I’m not saying you have dress like a clown every time you leave the house (unless you want to), but there is a place for color even when it’s cold. You look better and you feel better too.

I am launching a winter color campaign and challenging every reader to try a bit of color this winter. As long as your outfit is put together well and you don’t over do it with the color you’ll be fine. For example,the other day I purchased a pair of red opaque tights. My friend looked at me like I just got hit in the head with a heavy object. Oh, but when I put them on with my black woolen dress, black dolly coat and very cute black patent dolly shoes, they realized my brain was in full working order. I received compliments all day long - just the way I like it.

I’m loving these Harlequin Shoe Boot from Red or Dead: $115.42

These will work with so many outfits, try a them with a nice pair of black, straight cut, woolen slacks. Add a black fitted polo neck. Hair pulled back in one (if your style permits) and medium hooped earrings. You will achieve a clean, smart look.

These elegant  Double Buckle court shoes from New Look will great with a chic pencil skirt. They are now half price reduced from $30.20 to $15.10

I have included these luxurious Patent Leather Coral Wedges from Miu Miu, $439 (yikes!) Again, wear them with a sleek black outfit or a pretty party dress. Find them on Net- a- Porter.

This Seat Belt Bag from Harveys offers you color, glamour and something different. $116.28 down from $182.00

This Tutty Frutty Clutch from Sheena May is a delicious treat packed with color and happiness.   Find it on The Style Mansion for $90.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags.
                                        Discounts on women’s shoes.

If you like to stand out, even in the winter when colors tend not to be as vibrant, you can break the rules with bright green double breasted pea coat.  The attached belt is adjustable if you are looking for a more fitted look.  That sounds good to me.  The ability to adjust for some extra breathing room while I pig out on holiday meals!

Le Tigre Pea Coat:  $78.20 (Was: $140) You save $61.80!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Le Tigre clothing.
Discounts on women’s pea coats.

*Don’t forget!  Zappos offers free shipping both ways!

What’s on top of your to-do list right now, besides starve to get ready for a lot of turkey, stuffing and gravy next week? Investing in a pair of hardcore winter boots, of course. Why? Because unless you live in the tropics, winter is on its way here, and there’s nothing worse than getting stuck blocks away from your car, miles away from your home, or hours away from your favorite shopping destination when it’s snowing and you don’t have the proper footwear. But the question really is: how do you reconcile safety and warmth with fashion and style? Throw away grandma’s gardening boots, ladies. Here’s a taste of some wintery treats:

The Furs: While I recommend not pairing these with a fur jacket, fur hat and fur gloves, I do think they stand alone as a mighty cute pair of foot attire. They will definitely keep you warm and toasty, and the sturdy treds will make it easy to get a grip on some icy mornings.

                                                                        Sorel Ahnah Winter Boots: $75.95

Ugg Fans Delight! If you’re a true Ugg fan, than these Moon Boots turned winter shoes are for you.

                                                            Gray Down Fur Line Winter Flat Boots: $18.99

Glamorous Entrances: These boots downplay the fur aspect, and give you a nice fashionable boost with a wedge heel. They won’t be the best for icy conditions, but maybe even better in the snow…? Can’t hurt to be lifted off the ground a couple of inches, though it will be harder to run around during a snowball fight.

                                                American Eagle Opal Beaded Wedge Boot: $49.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Ugg boots.
                                        Discount on fur boots.

Well the title refers to a conversation I had with my friend and neighbour Marie McNish. It took place in her lovely contemporary kitchen that she designed herself, which looks out to her beautiful sculpted garden, full of exotic greenery and curious plants. Marie also designed the garden herself. Back to Marie’s kitchen, which has stylish artwork and sculpture adorning the walls - all sculptured and painted by herself. As I sit at Marie’s kitchen table, I pick up a pretty handmade bookmark, made with shell pink and silky black ribbon (Dolce & Gabbana’s latest colour blend) made by Marie herself. The M in Marie stands for multi talented. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you visit her online shop - MMc Designz

Yet Marie doesn’t like her sense of style, she hasn’t noticed her cute curves and petite dolly like dimensions. She likes comfortable tops that she can slip on and concentrate one of her many talents. So with Marie in mind and for all of us who don’t feel like dressing for the catwalk every day, here is a selection of cute hoodies - versatile, feminine and most importantly comfortable!

Cool Hoodie by Obey -The Thrift Queen Hoody: $72.00

Be peaceful in this beautiful Peace Dove Hoodie from Lucky Brand: $89

Work it in this Short Sleeve Terry Hoodie from Juicy Couture: $98

Look sharp in this Reef Cadety Sweatshirt: $58

Sport this funky hoodie from Billabong Hailey Hoodie, only $20.00 down from $59.50!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Obey hoodies.
                                        Discounts on Billabong hoodies.