Winter Wardrobe Essentials!

Let me just start with this: I LOVE WINTER FASHION. There are many more combinations that can be made with layering and cold weather accessories. Also, nothing is comfier than bundling up in a chunky knit sweater, knee socks, calf boots, and a fur muffler. Here I include items that are timeless for a winter wardrobe as well as pieces particular to winter 2014/15 trends. I would put suggested colors for each article but I'm pretty sure I'd recommend them all to be black.. and I know not everyone is as apt to dress as a sophisticated goth as I am.

Stay warm!

• Wool peacoat or cocoon coat
• Mid-length trench coat
• Leather motorcycle or aviator jacket
• Fancy blazer with 'school uniform' type emblem
• Oversized chunky knit sweater
• Long button-less cardigan with pockets
• Long-sleeved turtlenecks
• Over-sized flannel button-ups
• Long-sleeved rompers with deep necks
• Ribbed riding pants
• Black washed high-waisted denim w/ rips at knee
• Leather shorts 
• Skirt made of knit sweater material
• Thick knee-length plaid skirt
• Tulle midi-length skirt
• Fleece-lined leggings
• Black tights in opaque, semi-sheer, and sheer, as well patterned ones (ex. floral)
• Knee socks and patterned ankle socks
• Lace-up knee-high boots
• Chelsea boots
• Platformed bootie heels
• Leather Vans slip-ons 
• Leather gloves
• Floppy wool hat
• Silver toned chunky statement necklace, short-chained
• Wide scarves that can double as shawls  
• Fluffy fur stole

Favorite Winter Trends & Fashion Forecasts

I would say that winter has struck out in full force, but the reality is global warming has ruined the weather's annual progression to frigidity in December. Just the other day it was in the 60's and people were wandering about campus in shorts and without jackets. Nevertheless, winter wear is taking its spotlight in these [mildly] colder months. Whenever I'm turning my wardrobe over for the new season I scour the internet for the latest and greatest. I also peel my eyes for anything that might be a fashionable egg that has yet to hatch- as in I try and spot elements that might trend later on. Here I've conglomerated several different pieces with varying stylistic details. I'll link each item so you can check them out for yourself!

Note: A vast majority of these items are exorbitant in price. Similar styles can easily be found on NastyGal, H&M, or Urban Outfitters for much cheaper! However, I am a firm believer that it is well worth it to invest in quality wardrobe staples- i.e. a solid leather aviator jacket from Burberry will keep you looking classy and stylish for a lifetime.

#1: Fur. Fur everywhere, on everything, in all its glorious fluffiness.

Mongolian Mix Biker Jacket by Topshop- $675

Oversize Shearling Aviator Jacket by Burberry Brit- $2,995

Or, if you only want an accent of fur, a stole is the perfect add-on to any thick knit sweater or plain wool jacket. It instantly dresses up any ensemble. 

Adrienne Landau Fox Fur Button Stole, Blush $2,495

First fashion forecast (although they've been around forever, I think they'll be seen much more frequently in the next few months/ even winter 2015-16): Fur pillbox hats

Faux-Fur Pillbox Hat by Helen Moore $98

#2: Tortoiseshell Accessories- I feel like the color combo is so fun and flirty. It's a more interesting take on brown tones and would look awesome accompanied with gold accent jewelry. In my head I see someone wearing a deep chocolate brown fur coat and tortoise shell sunglasses with a clean bun and it's so glamorous. 

Kate Spade New York Acetate Cat's-Eye Sunglasses $138

Tory Burch 2012 Fall Runway Bag- I have no idea where you can buy this, and I know it's from seasons back, but it's still just as visually stunning with it's detailed lucite flowers and lucite chain. 

Black Pythonprint Calf Hair Shoulder Bag by Tory Burch

Again, I'm not 100% on where you can get this but I wanted to share it regardless because of how fabulous it is.

#3: Oversized 3/4 Bell Sleeves. They have been all over the Dolce & Gabbana runway for the past few seasons and I think they look magnificent in lace. To me they're reminiscent of fancy medieval gowns when in deep hued jewel tones. 

Lace Tunic by Dolce & Gabbana $948

Lace Blouse w/ Camisole by Dolce & Gabbana $1,148

Little Embroidered Animals Flared Dress by Dolce & Gabbana $2,998

This is from Mulberry's Fall 2013 Collection during LFW. I adore the mix of wool, plaids, and a high neck with the billowing sleeves.

Lace Blouse by H&M $34.95

This design is basically taken straight off of the D&G runway but it's being sold at an affordable price (which I appreciate). 

Carrie Pleated Dress by Nasty Gal $57.80 

#4: Pearl Accenting. We've been bombarded with metal accents with studs, rhinestones, gem encrusting, and now I think we're turning to a softer more feminine look with pearl details. I wholly embrace this because it's more of a Chanel look, which I am ever so fond of. I suppose this can be my second fashion forecast.

Jeffrey Campbell Lorelei Leather Heel $101.50

Lanette Pearl Blazer by Nasty Gal $78

Vivienne Velvet Dress by Nasty Gal $66.30

Pearling Out Bustier by Nasty Gal $68

ASOS Faux Pearl Headband $18.95

Alright, that's it! Hope you enjoyed looking at this post and that it provided you with some fashion inspiration. I'm thinking about making a post about winter wardrobe essentials. Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing that! It probably won't feature as many pictures and will be in a list format (sorry if you had to scroll a lot!).

BUT..... BOOTS.

Quick impromptu post because I saw two amazing pieces of foot art... NOT shoes... FOOT. ART. I love you, Jeffrey Campbell. They're both dupes of couture labels but that doesn't change the fact that they're still of awesome quality, still steeply priced, and still marvel-worthy. 

Note: I know these shoes aren't to everyone's tastes. They're definitely statement-y and loud.. but that's exactly what I adore about them.

From Alexander McQueen's (one of my ABSOLUTE favorite designers, might I add) AW14

& then spotted on Nasty Gal..

Saint Laurent Studded Ranger's Boot 

Collection by Hedi Slimane (one of my all-time favorite fashion photographers)

$2,395

 

& these were spotted on Nasty Gal, too.

SO, what do you think? Which ones should I go for (& please do not say the McQueen or YSL boots because the prospect of buying them is so unrealistic it'll break my heart- I need a big girl job first)? I'm feeling the Johana Leather Boot because of their simplicity/ practicality. If only I could have all of the shoes in the world..