On My Radar - Winter Basics

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with family and getting my new business started. My apologies for being MIA. I'm working on finding a balance for all of my fashion loves. Please bear with me. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite winter basics. I own a few of these and others are on my "must buy" list.

Over the last year I've found that my style is definitely evolving. I used to go for lots of sequins and printed stand out tops. Now, most days I start with some basics for my foundation and add great jackets, jewelry, and accessories. I've noticed that on casual days I reach for my jeans (loving my burgundy NYDJ pair) and a t-shirt or thin sweater. For work, I'm going for solid or printed pants and a solid top (blouse, sweater, or top). Adding eye catching jewelry and a statement bag is a must for me. I adore heels but this winter oxfords and classic boots have been my go-to shoes. They are comfortable for my RA and they keep my feet warm. They definitely aren't as sexy as heels but I've decided that if flats are going to be my staples that I will own great flats.

• Black Wrap Coat - I already own a tan wrap coat but it's long. I keep wishing for a black version and I love the collar on this one from Tahari but sadly, it looks like it's out of stock in my size. I guess I will be on the hunt for another one.
• Layered Silver Necklace - I love silver and this necklace is a new favorite, by Stella and Dot. It also comes in a gold and quartz version. You can wear the chains separately or together! Three looks in one. 
• Custom Engravable Cuff Bracelet - This bracelet is a fun take on a traditional monogram. You can get up to 14 characters and lots of different configurations. It also comes in gold and it's by Stella and Dot. The phrase on it is part of one of my favorite movie lines (from Terminator 2) and a personal philosophy. "The future's not set. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves."  As much as I love great fashion, it's what we do in those clothes that really matters.
• Bright Bag - A bright colored bag can add just the right pop of color to a solid outfit. The cobalt blue version of the Paris Market Tote by Stella and Dot is on my wish list. The leather is buttery soft and the Stella and Dot bags are made by the same company that produces bags for Marc Jacobs. 
•  Black Ankle Boots - Originally I intended to get a pair of zip up ankle boots. They will replace a pair I've had for ages, that I've intended to replace for years. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase the ones I spied in the fall, fast enough and now they are gone. As luck would have it Zara is having their end of the season sale. I scored these beauties the other day, as well as a pair of black pointed toe loafers with gold detail.

 I'm composing outfits in my head, as I type this post. Hopefully, I will have some time soon to put up a few outfits post.

What are your go to winter basics?

Inspiration - Cold Weather Layers

This time of year, moving in and out of the cold when you're doing errands or shopping can be a challenge. The key is layers. You can easily warm up or cool down by quickly adding or removing layers. I love the style of these ladies.

photo credit: stockholdstreetstyle.com

I love everything about the look above, the skinny jeans, the wool biker jacket, the slouchy hat and the sneaks. Fantastic! 

photo credit: trendfashiondesign.com

What's not to love about fur, leather and boots!

photo credit: ministryoffashion.co.uk

Words can't describe how much I want to find this coat. It's perfection.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Colored Faux Fur

Cold weather arrived in the DC area over this past week. The chill in the air has just served to amp up my obsession with colored faux fur. A few years ago, I got a few faux fur pieces and a leopard coat. I wear them often when the weather turns cool. Ever since I spotted burgundy fur on the runways last year, I haven't been able to stop thinking about another faux fur purchase. I especially love colors like burgundy and blue but I also like black, pink and off white. If you're not into a jacket, a collar, scarf or fur trimmed gloves may work better for you.



Luxe Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Toggle Coat with Wing Collar via QVC

ASOS Oversized Faux Fur Long Collar in Burgundy

 

River Island Faux Fur Snood in Red via ASOS



Fake Fur Jacket in Blue via Simply Be



ASOS Faux Fur Collar with Slot Through Detail in Pink



ASOS Faux Fur Funnel Snood in Natural

Long Haired Faux Fur Coat in Black via Simply Be

I am sure one or two of these soft and warm beauties will find their way into my closet this year. Which ones do you like best?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Winter Essentials

Today's Frugal Fashion Friday isn't focusing on just the cost of the item but the cost per wear. There are items that are my go to items each winter and I've worn some of them for years. They are classic pieces that I know will never go out of style but they also fit my personal style.

Click on the photos for buying informaiton.

 

I own these or similar items and they are all my go tos for winter.

Wool Felt Fedora - I've owned this gray fedora for a few years. It's one of my favorite bad hair day toppers and it looks stylish too. The gray means it goes with everything. It's a classic style.

Leopard Coat - My mom gave me this leopard coat last year and I wore it all last winter into the early chilly days and nights of spring. It's a statement coat and I LOVE it.

Moisturizing Lip Balm - I love my colored lipsticks but they don't always moisturize. My lips always get so dry in the winter. I wear this lip balm under lipstick and on it's own.

Longer Leather Gloves - I have a pair of leather gloves that are longer than average. They go about a third of the way up my arm between the wrist and elbow. The longer length is great because they cover my wrists and go past the cuff of my coats. I scored mine at Target several years ago.

Great Sunglasses - Winter glare from snow and just direct sunlight can be wicked. I love a good pair of sunnies. I scored these by 3.1 Phillip Lim, over the holidays at Neiman Marcus Last Call.

Fur Collar - A stylish fur collar makes even the most basic coat amazing. If I'm not wearing my leopard coat, I add a fur collar (I have a few) to almost every other jacket and coat I own. My favorite way to wear it, is with my leather biker jacket.

Low Heel Black Boots - My boots came from Target's Dolce Vita collaboration. I wear them constantly in the winter and love them. They aren't leather and are on their last leg. I've ordered these beauties from Zara but I also love the ones above from DV Dolce Vita and these from Jessica Buurman. A great pair of black ankle boots look stylish, keep your feet warm and can be worn with pants or skirts and tights.

All of these items weren't the least expensive things I own. They were good buys because they get tons of wear from me. To me, that is the mark of good value. If you paid very little for an item but it sits in your closet, was it a good buy? I think not. Lots of wear, means an item was worth it, regardless of a discount or not. Look for those pieces that you know you'll wear over and over. Those are the best value for your money.

What are your winter go to items?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Inspiration - Layering

It seems as if the weather and temp is changing by the hour, here in the DC area.  I'm sure it's been that way across the country (and world).  Last week I was freezing with temps in the teens and twenties and snow.  Today and yesterday, it feels like spring with temps in the 70's.  Yesterday I was wearing a heavy winter coat and barely needed it when I left the office at 5pm.  I realized that I need to seriously work on my layering skills.  Some fashionistas seems to do this in an effortless way.  They pair layers and textures and it looks amazing.

Layering - for changing weather by Real Girl Runway.  Click above to view the photos.

In almost every case, the layers are very thin.  This is the trick to keep from looking frumpy or bulky.  Also, using items of different length, keeps you from having too may layers stopping in one area, like your hips or your tummy.  All of the photos I chose today show ladies wearing pants but layering can be done with a skirt or dress, just as well.  The same rules apply.

My favorite look from the ones above is the one in the center.  J.Crew Style Director, Jenna Lyons, is a style icon.  She has a casual but pulled together style that always look chic and comfortable at the same time.  She's inspired me to try a similar look with items in my own closet.

Here is a link to a post on Refinery 29 with some great tips about layering.  I love that they address stylish but clever ways to layer some of your spring items with winter items.  I'm a fan of a sweater over a dress for winter. I'm not big on skirts over pants but you could try a similar twist with a skirt over leggings.  I personally don't own any dressy shorts, so the shorts over tights suggestion is also out for me.  They also don't work for me because I don't think shorts are office appropriate unless you work in a casual environment.

I'm going to try out some of the combos from my inspiration photos.  Are you layering during this weather?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Most Versatile Outerwear

The DC area is facing it's first cold snap this weekend.  Temps are going down to the 30's and we may even get snow flurries.  My Mom just brought me a beautiful gray wool cape that she's been working for me.  I'm so excited to wear it this weekend. This cape was a gift to me, last Christmas.  I picked out the pattern and the fabric and she created a beautiful cape that I will be wearing for years. I started thinking about how versatile capes can be.  To me they are the perfect piece of outwear.  Those tops and sweaters with dolman sleeves don't fit well under a fitted coat.  Blouses with ruffled fronts can be crushed by outerwear.  You can throw on a cape with anything and everything.  It's a great topper for weekend errands or an evening bonfire.  You can wear it with a party dress without worries about wrinkles and creases.  It's the perfect layering piece.

Cape - made for me by my Mom, Shirt - thrifted, Jeans - Lane Bryant,
Shoes - Ferragamo (thrifted), Faux Fur Collar - Lori Goldstein QVC, Rings - JewelMint

If you aren't a fan of the loose silhouette versions. No worries, there are also some great options with belts that can be tied loosely to accentuate your waist. Either way it's a forgiving silhouette that's also stylish.  And dare I say, it's also comfortable.

I've seen some beautiful capes that are very pricey. There are amazing options, under $100.  I've even spied a few on my thrift store trips. Try camel, gray or black for a classic look. Bright red will be a standout. Plaid or stripes can lend versatility. Keep your neck warm with a layered scarf or faux fur collar. The fabric options are endless, wool, fleece, crepe, and knit are all making appearances.  There are options for every style and body type.

Caped Crusader by realgirlrunway featuring a cape jacket

Will you be adding a cape to your fall/winter wardrobe?