Holiday Outfitting 3

Photos by Kevin Smith

There's nothing like a good coat to keep you warm, in close to freezing temperatures. Looking luxurious in dire weather is no easy task, sensible clothing  options get in the way of our style, like rain and snow boots, bulky down coats, thermal base layers and other "sensible" garments. Occasionally all we need is a new trend to inspire the downtrodden for other ways to enjoy the plummeting temperatures, taking a cue from this season's new neutral, burgundy! 

Metropolitan City Winter

Winters can be harsh, especially in the North Eastern cities of the USA. Some days can feel mild and humid with a slight chill then the next day the temperatures can drop 20 degrees with a 30 mph wind! Weather around here has become quite unpredictable, sure you can imagine what it will be like according to the current season, but lately that tip isn't really imperative. Here, in Philadelphia, you live and die by your outerwear. I have flirted with frostbite many times, and I can tell you it's not fun. Nor is sweating in your cashmere finest, during your 10am conference call! I have learned throughout my many Philadelphian winters, the key to defeating old man Winter is dressing in layers. Cold weather chic is possible. 

Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

Who really says that [Post Title] anyways?! For all of my years living in Philadelphia, I think there have seen many cloudy days over the sunshine. Seriously, all of these cloudy, rainy and snowy days tend to make me pick out the most muted colors to wear. One of those colors being grey. Don't get me wrong, I love the color grey, it's one of those colors that can camouflage itself with other colors and still look good. I'll admit it, it's one of my favorite neutrals! 

I paired this very neutral palette with a bright mustard yellow to remind me that sunny days are ahead!

Coat: Express, tee: J.Crew, trousers & socks: Club Monaco,  belt & scarf: H&M, heels: Forever21

Dear readers, does the weather factor in on what you plan to wear? It most definitely does for me and I don't usually notice it! 

PS, Don't forget to enter my giveaway for $100 to spend with SweepStreet!!!

Turtleneck Weather

I don't know about you, but here in Philadelphia, it's been freezing cold! So cold that it feels like your bones are rattling! In this weather, layering is key to beat the hum drum of the wind chills. One of my favorite pieces to wear in the winter is definitely a turtleneck. Being able to cover up every inch of exposed skin usually helps me get over this wintery weather! 

Besides wearing turtlenecks, I'm all about great outerwear. This one for example is one of my favorites, it reminds me of a Helmut Lang jacket with it's asymmetrical hemline and unbalanced structure. The best thing about it, is that it does not come with a Helmut Lang price tag! You can find this great wardrobe staple at Kembrel. It looks great with everything, believe me, it's not easy to find a coat that works with 90% of your wardrobe!

Coat C/O: Kembrel, turtleneck: Stylemint, pants and gloves: Club Monaco, belt: J.Crew, necklace: Anthropologie, pumps: Schutz

Brave the weather in fashion! What do you do to stay warm this winter, readers? What do you think of this coat from Kembrel?

On The Surface

by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As much as I love shoes, I also love myself some great outerwear pieces! This year one of the biggest trends for outerwear has been the capes and ponchos. They are so much fun to wear, extremely comfortable because you're not feeling encased in a coat and still surprisingly warm! Why not wear something that reflects your fashion savvy on the surface, since no one will see your full outfit until you get indoors?!

Outerwear from:
Forever21
American Apparel
Club Monaco
Urban Outfitters

The top left cape looks great with so many pieces but my favorite way to wear this one is with a sleek, dark maxi skirt or dress. It really ups the anty to any elegant look.

Top middle cape, I absolutely adore! Rather than feeling like "Little Red Riding Hood," why not go for  a kelly green cape?! It's less expected and looks great paired with neutrals, so they don't distract the brightness of the cape! Belting your cape is a great way to show your waist and add some femininity to your outerwear.

Top right cape looks great worn with an all black outfit, black skinny jeans, black leather gloves, and tall black boots. Katniss Everdeen approved!

The bottom left image is a little bit hard to tell of it's poncho capabilities. This awesome piece of outerwear can be worn two ways, as a regular coat and a poncho when you unzip the sides! It's unconventional but fashion forward and looks great paired with wide legged denim jeans.

The last poncho, bottom right, is super comfortable and casual. I love bold prints on outerwear pieces, it adds some fun to the dullness of winter! 

I feel that capes get a bad rep because so many people think they look silly, as if it's more appropriate on a superhero or a comic book character. Capes and ponchos are so easy to style and they can be as subtle as a change of lipstick or as loud as Gene Simmons in concert! 

Since capes and ponchos are a seemingly sartorial piece in our wardrobe, they're a great investment! Rather than reaching for that old faithful trench or the ever popular leather jacket, try a cape. You will stand out as a fashionable individual. 

                                                                                                 Xoxo,

                                                                                                        Jacqui