Winter Coats Part I

By Whitney

My dearest friend asked me to do a post on winter coats that are classic but don’t break the bank.  I know my besties’ taste pretty well and I knew she wouldn’t want anything flashy or over the top (I threw in some faux fur but (almost) ALL OF IT IS REMOVABLE).  I started my hunt by a) looking at options under $400 and b) coats that can be worn during the day but also to work to pretty conservative offices.  The below are the options I picked out.  Coats are pretty pricey these days so perhaps there will be a Part II of this post that shows absurdly $$$ coats that really aren’t even reasonable but we still want to dream about…

Top Row:  Soia & Kyo Jana Asymmetrical Coat – $395 // JCrew Wool Melton Peacoat (I like that these lapels are a little bit wider than normal peacoats) – $325 //  DKNY Faux Fur Collar Walker Coat – $215 // Zara Tailored Coat – $189

Bottom Row:  JCrew Melton Military Coat (I tried this on and I’m kind of obsessed with it now) – $378 // Catherine Malindrino faux shearling coat – $155 // Ellen Tracy Kimono Sleeve Coat (I love that it has a hood!) – $270 (was $408) // Lauren Ralph Lauren Belted Stand Up Collar Coat (saving the best one for last bc I think this is my favorite suggestion on here) – $340

Mad for Fall Plaid

By Whitney

My current client has me walking down Michigan Avenue in Chicago every morning and it’s a fun walk (for now before it gets freezing cold).  Every window has plaid everywhere!  There are so many pretty ones out there right now and they couldn’t be more welcoming of the fall weather.

Clockwise from top left:  Red Valentino Plaid Skirt (also loving the dress and top version) – $395 // Forever 21 Frayed Plaid Scarf – $13 // Mark and Graham Buffalo Check Cosmetics Case – $49 // Prada Tartan Pump (i can’t even breathe right now) – $650 // Brooks Brothers Tartan Dress – $198 // Rails Hunter Plaid Skirt – $100 (was $148) // Kate Spade Britney Slipper (OMG NEED) – $68 // Tuckernuck Navy Tartan Scarf – $45 // Proenza Schouler Lunch Bag–  $760 // Kate Spade Woodland Midi Skirt– $368 // Soft Joie Cassina Dress – $188

SOS – Hair Repair

By Whitney

My hair right now is LONG.  It is mermaid style.  While I love having it this length, it is gross and definitely damaged.  I also tend to get insane knots when the winter season comes if my hair is at this (sort of professionally inappropriate, long-hair-don’t-care) hair length.  Enter hair masks and strengthening products.  My hair needs some serious HELP to keep it looking its best and keep up with my highlights (or enhancements, as I like to call them).  Here are my go-to products to keep my hair silky and strengthen these strands UP.

Kerastase Chroma Riche Hair Masque (not a mask, a hair MASQUE) – $62.50.  This mask really makes your hair so gorgeous.  It leaves it silky and smooth especially for anyone with dry hair that happens this winter season!

Aveda Dry Remedy Hair Oil  – $29.  This stuff smells like patchouli and some sort of festival with hipsters but it is amazing.

Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo ($34) and Conditioner ($31).  I tried this stuff as samples and after three washes, I was hooked.  Bumble and Bumble saves my hair once again.

Spring Jeans

by Lauren 

So we’re still expecting snow… and all I want is spring… in protest, I have begun whipping out my “spring jeans” and wearing them with boots and other winter pairings.  I dont care.  Below are a few of my favorites for now AND later.

Rag & Bone

I am absolutely obsessed with these and WILL be purchasing these.  They would work nicely with a chunky knit – black, white, cream – before the warm weather hits and then with your favorite t shirt or blouse in a few weeks.

Hudson

This is my absolute favorite color – why not have a pair of jeans in this hue?   A little pastel next to a snowy ground never hurt anyone.  In fact I think these are awesome for immediate wear.

J. Brand

In case you’re in need of a new pair of white jeans — I always default to these tried and trusted J. Brands.  The rise is just right and the material is not transparent (easily the most pervasive offensive  of light jeans). I’ve been wearing my white jeans with my suede booties and a big sweater recently.  Perfect excuse to jump start the spring shopping.

Seven Things

            By Whitney

This week was a crazy one and flew by.  My requirement for any activity I do this weekend (besides sleeping) is that it must be able to get done in leggings.  Brunch plans?  Fine, I’m showing up in lululemons.  Spin class?  Sounds good.

1. So let’s discuss the Oscars.  I have to admit, there weren’t too many looks that blew me away (exception: Lupita Nyongo and that pearl dream that got STOLEN).  A lot of the dresses looked like a high school prom dress from Cache.  Is it terrible that I liked Gwyneth’s pink cake confection?  I know, I know.  These candids from the show are also fun.

2. I’ve never worn a jumpsuit before but I can’t get enough of this one.  So stunning.

3.  Some shopping tricksfor those that shop on Amazon.

4.  This ribbon necklaceis cool and under $60.   Success.

5. I’ve read about a couple of start ups that I thought were interesting.  First, Acorns.  It takes your credit card and bank account charges, rounds them up and then takes the difference (like 75 cents) and puts it into an investment account.  Brilliant for terrible savers like myself.  Second, Host Committee.  How annoying is it to plan an event and then have to bother everyone to pay you?  This site solves that problem.

6. I’ve posted Rebecca Harrington’s articles before but this one where she tries all of Jane Fonda’s workoutsis hilarious.

7.  I just finished this book The Girl On The Trainand I’m recommending.  Super good mystery and fits into your “can I do this in leggings?” activities.

Sale Time – Winter Coats

By Whitney

I needed a new black wool winter coat this year and instead of buying one when everything came out in October/November, I held off and now I’m glad I did.  First off, it narrowed down that I want to find one with a fur collar.  Second, everything is now on  sale (except the one I want while on sale isn’t in my size, ugh).  It’s also really cold out so it’s not like you are buying this thing and not wearing it for six months.  You’ll wear it tomorrow.

Top Row:  1 Madison Wool Blend Fox Fur Coat – $448 (was $898) // Burberry Brit Rushfield Stand Collar Coat – $795 (was $995) // Fleurette Wool Collar Coat – $650 (was $1050) // Ellen Tracy Kimono Sleeve Fur Hood Jacket – $204 (was $408)

Bottom Row (a pop of color!) – Karen Millen Investment Coat – $425 (was $630) // Elie Tahari Sicily Single Buttoned Coat – $469 (was $670) // DKNY Wool Blend Coat – $626 (was $895)

Tuesday Lust List

By Whitney

Things that are hard for me these days include getting up early to go to the gym when it is snowing/icing like crazy AND creating lust lists when I am not shopping.  Do you guys believe it?  I’ve bought one blazer since Christmas and that is the only purchase I’ve made in 2015.  Trying to stay strong!!!  Meanwhile, my eyes are lusting over the below.  Sigh.

Clockwise from top left:  DVF Delancey Suede Cut Out Sandals – $500 // JCrew Swing Skirt (in three great colors) – $70 // Brochu Walker Sweater Dress (I’ve put this on here before but I love it so much it had to come back) – $239 (was $398) // Austen Heller Navy Porter Loafer – $195 // Kate Spade Bekki Sweater (in lots of colors) – $112 (was $188) // Steamline Correspondent Luggage (Umm Business Barbie here I come!) – starting at $310 // Sonix iPhone 6 Case – $35 // Zara Jacket (I have this thermal-ey fabric blazer in gray and I loooove) – $129 // Sailboat Print Scarf – $25 // Tibi Bibelot Halter Dress (this is a perfect cocktail dress for all year round) – $208 (was $298) // Bond No 9 NY Scent of Peace Candle – $95 // JCrew Foliage Bar Bracelet – $68 // Henri Bendel Debutante Carryall – $450

Winter Cocktail

By Lauren

I’m not sure about you all, but my winter is filling up with special occasions – weddings, fundraisers, vacations to escape this nasty weather… and with that comes the daunting task of looking good and staying comfortable (read: warm).  I have a few events that I need to dress for – ranging from casual to cocktail to black tie… and here are some of the looks I am eyeing.

Rachel Zoe

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good jumpsuit.  A black jumpsuit has been a staple in my closet for years and I don’t think it ever hurts to add to the collection.  This one is versatile and will take me into the spring and fall… it can also be dressed up or down.

Cynthia Rowley

I love sleeves on dresses, and in this case, they add a practical element and help keep you a little bit warmer.

Elizabeth & James

Sexy and chic – if you’re been abiding by your New Year’s resolutions, this little number will flatter a well kept figure.

Maje

I like the heavy texture on this – the poofy skirt balances the look by making it playful and feminine.

Halston Heritage

A pop of orange stands out in a sea of winter picks.  I think this color rocks!

J. Brand

This is so Audrey Hepburn meets 2015 – a perfectly demure LBD.  I love the tight top and feminine skirt.  Oh, look, it comes in red, too:

(shopper’s note: this fabric is “denim” which may not be dressy enough for some occasions –  you would need to try it in person to make sure).

Let’s Get Fit

By Whitney

So everyone’s resolutions to get fit / healthy are probably dying down by now but maybe it’s a little easier to get our tushes to the gym if we have some cute stuff to wear.  Here’s my theory on workout clothes – I never buy anything too bright/with patterns bc then I never wear it and it’s just a waste.   Now let’s use the Super Bowl to motivate us since we probably all ate calories we really didn’t need.  Two thoughts on that game:  1)  Missy Elliott was amaze and 2) Taylor >>>>> Katy.  Now let’s go work out because beach bodies are built in the winter, ladies.

Clockwise from top left:  Zella Soul 2 Pants (throw these on or these tapered ones to/from the gym.  It’s cold.  Brr.) – $66 // Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones (my favorite for a sweat sesh) – $60 // Zella 10K Tee (half the price of my favorite Lulu tops and just as lightweight) – $38 // S’Well Exotic Collection Water Bottle (a croc print water bottle?  Kind of gorge) – $45 // North Face Lunabrooke Sweater Jacket – $120 // Lululemon Ear Warmer (works with a pony or without) – $32 // Lululemon Run Inspire Crops (my go-to’s for everything) – $86 // LeSportsac Small Carryall Tote – $80 // Nike Free 5.0 (these are my favs for running) – $110 // New Balance for JCrew sneakers (love this gold and white!) – $80 // Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks (perfect for any barre class bc let’s be real, no one wants to be barefoot in a gym. Gross.) – $18 // Under Armour Skinny Headbands – $10 (for 6)

Schoolgirl Pleats Are Back

By Whitney

Last year, my mom gave me an old Theory pleated skirt of hers that I wear with a Milly sweater.  It’s one of those outfits that I love putting on because it’s a) adorable and b) work appropriate.  Not the easiest combo to pull off but it works.  Pleated skirts are everywhere this year and while I’m a little too old to rock one of those minis, there are tons of options to show your ladylike side.

High End:  Tibi Tatoo Printed Sunray Skirt – $485 // Kate Spade Accordian Pleat Skirt (also in fun red) – $348 // Rebecca Taylor Pleated Stretch Skirt (also comes in black) – $129 (sale!)

Budget Friendly:  Topshop Pleated Midi Skirt (in black too!) – $105 // Halogen Midi Skirt – $79 // JCrew Pleated Skirt in Super 120’s Wool (good for work) – $128