Happy New Year all! For my first post of the year I’ve decided to skip past the resolutions and life changing ambitions and take a much simpler and realistic approach to these new beginnings. I honestly have never been one for making (or sticking to) new years resolutions, and find that the best way to start the new year is to recharge from the holidays and get back to the basics. I’m fairly regimented about my daily schedule throughout the year, but my work outs, tasks around the house, and errands tend to get thrown slightly off-kilter during the holidays, so come January 2nd (New Years Day is for sleeping and eating) I get my workout and the boys’ napping schedules realigned, the house cleaned up, kitchen re-stocked, and get cracking on the to-do list. As I’m running out the door to walk the dog, get to Bikram yoga on time, stop at the market to pick up lunch, and then take the boys to the playground after their nap, I plant my favorite coats, bags, hats, gloves, and scarves by the door so that I can grab and go without leaving the house looking like a hot mess.
The Wearing it Now section of the blog is made up of the actual things that I wear in my daily life, whereas my regular style posts are more thoughtful and created around a concept first followed by the actual outfits themselves. Basically, wearing it now posts are things that I throw on in the morning with very little thought and go about my day.
Obviously I have a love for fashion and am very conscious of my personal style, but as a mom of twins the reality of it is that I rarely have time to carefully put together perfect outfits on a regular basis, and even if I do chances are I’ll end up changing mid day due to a dirt or blueberry stain situation. That being said, I’m generally really happy in what I’m wearing because I work at maintaining a wardrobe of high quality basics, staples, and statement pieces which allows me to run through the puddles and ride down the slide with my boys while still wearing clothes that I feel really good in.
My ultimate wardrobe goal is to assemble a collection of pieces that are interchangeable, comfortable, and classic. Having a functioning wardrobe like this is essential for busy days when you literally are running out the door and don’t have more than two minutes to get dressed. Add in cold weather and and it’s an even bigger monster. Now that I’m in my late-ish twenties, I rarely sacrifice comfort for style, so for the winter I seek out cold weather gear that is comfy, cozy, and chic.
One of my all-time favorite winter accessories is this faux fur hat, because there is nothing else that can make you feel more like a Bond girl than a fur hat. A faux Bond girl, but it’s close enough for me 🙂 I wear this hat almost every evening to walk the dog and usually sport if I’m heading out for dinner on a cold night. It’s a great go-to that goes just as well with a puffy winter coat as is does a more refined double breasted car coat. Just for the record, a faux fur headband will do the job just as well. I bought this hat years ago, but the same company has a headband available now that is top notch.
I know Ugg boots are considered persona non grata in the fashion world, but during the winter I wear my Ugg boots at least once a day, and I love every minute of it. Of course I wouldn’t wear them to go “out,” but for heading to the yoga studio, trudging to the playground, walking the dog, or just around the house Ugg boots are super heroes. A couple of years ago I stumbled upon Manitobah Mukluks and for me the real fur (yes, I feel guilty) detailing and Aboriginal beading make me feel less college girl and more eskimo chic. So if you’re looking for a more fashionable alternative to you’re Uggs, mukluks are incredibly comfortable and warm, and do a fine job of sprucing up weekend wear.
Last but certainly not least, a good third piece is what really completes a look. Statement coats are without a doubt the heaviest hitters in my winter wardrobe. I saw this double breasted car coat when it first came out months ago, but couldn’t decide whether I needed it or not. I have a strong collection of longer winter coats already, but I was missing a good mid-length coat and this one fit the bill (particularly when it went on super sale.) Because I wear a lot of knits and fur boots in the winter, I like to have a structural component that balances out the slouch. In the same way, this boxy cut will also be really great to layer over a cocktail dress for a balanced feminine and masculine pairing.
When looking for a coat the most important details are color, fit, and fabric. Statement color coats can seem more high maintenance and difficult to style than a neutral would, but if you pick a color that complements your coloring and coordinates with your favorite winter gear it’s actually easier to style because your coat will do most of the work for you. In my case, I have a lot of grey which coordinates really well with this shade of redwood. A really great topper in a statement color and classic neutral winter accessories are the key components to acing the throw it on and go game.
