Showing posts with label layering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label layering. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Staying Warm: How to Layer Effectively (and pretty stylishly)







































Whoa! It has been a long time since I've posted anything here. I can't promise I'll be posting any more regularly at this point but I thought I'd write a post about something I think I do pretty well: layering up to keep toasty warm! I've never been a fan of the cold which is funny given that it's not like I was born in a tropical place (Canada) and that I willingly chose to live in Newfoundland for several years (now that's a lot of snow!).  I blame my hatred of cold temps. on family vacations spent in warmer climes during the coldest part of the winter. My dad worked (still does) on ships so he would often have only 2 months off during the year, and my mom, him and I (and sometimes extended family like cousins, grandparents etc.) would take a vacation together. I'm grateful for winter days spent in sundresses and sandals, but it may have made me a little soft when it comes to dealing with cold weather :)  If I had my way, I'd happily live somewhere that was 85F all year long!

The other reason for this post, besides sharing my layering "skills", is to show off the charming knitted hood my cousin's girlfriend made for me (Go Ashley!). I love it so much!


























Here's the hood with the buttons all added. I love the chunky knit, perfectly peaked hood, and of course, the color!  It fits great as a cowl or shawl, or pulled up over my head.


























Ashley left this knitted beauty without buttons so I could find the perfect ones, and I think I did.  I scoured the internet and found some little wooden apple buttons I liked at M&J Trimmings on 6th Avenue in NYC. When I finally went to the store to take a look at them in person, I spotted some Little Red Riding Hood buttons too. I was pretty excited about my finds (and the Alice in Wonderland buttons I found...for a different project).







































See how nicely this hood can be worn as a cowl. 







































And here's what the hood looks like pulled up from the back. I feel like an urban Red Riding Cap!








































Pro Tip: If you come in from the cold and are still froze, DO NOT immediately jump into a hot shower. Let your core temperature rise slowly, by taking off layers bit by bit, drinking hot beverages and warming up to the temperature indoors. I got this little electric fireplace when the heat in my building was off for a few days/nights and it's really great at warming up a space. On especially cold days, I like warming myself up in front of it when I first come in from outdoors.

Stay warm everyone and dress for the weather!

Outfit Details:
Coat: Plenty By Tracy Reese
Knitted Beanie: Anthropologie
Red Hood: Handmade by Ashley
Scarf: Melanie Lynne
Pants: BB Dakokta (fleece lined faux leather and they are pull on...Yes Please!)
Tights: Hue
Leg warmer/sparkle socks: Hue
Gloves: Uniqlo Heat Tech (I wear these under other knitted gloves and often add in a hand warmer between the layers)
Long sleeve undershirt: Uniqlo Heat Tech
Sweater with faux peterpan collar: Anthropologie
Striped cardigan with bow on back: Anthropologie
Long fringed cardigan: American Eagle
Boots: Ugg


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Light Layers for Cooler Temperatures


Just a quick outfit post from the other day. Although Fall doesn't start officially until Sunday, the temperatures are already reflecting the season.  Last week we had a few days in the 90s and yesterday we had a high in the 60s! Needless to say I was freezing and have started to dread winter already.  This is all to say that I wasn't in any mood to linger outside, at least not take photos without a coat on.  I'm sure I'll start to enjoy the cooler temperatures soon but the abrupt change was a little much.  

One thing fun about cooler temperatures is all the options you suddenly have in terms of styling. Layering pieces in your wardrobe is one of the best ways to explore new looks.  Layering means playing with color, textures and prints and the smallest change can really make such an impact.

Yesterday, I wore some light layers that were just right for the seasonal shift.  I love the combination of stripes, polka dots and playing cards, plus the colors in this outfit work well for any season.  And the best part is I felt warm AND stylish!

How do you stay warm yet remain stylish when the temperatures begin to fall? 

Outfit Details:

Skirt (old): Pinochle Skirt, Anthropologie

Olive green t-shirt (old): can't remember where this is from, it's really really old

Striped tank (old): Anthropologie

Cardigan: Pattern Ponder Cardigan, Anthropologie

Necklace (old): I've had this Pied Piper necklace since I was a child and find it as charming now as I did then