Between Seasons: What to Wear?

With the sun shining, my windows open and a current temp of 64 degrees, I am having just as hard time writing this post as I did packing for a skiing trip last week.  The entire point of this post was to share how I dressed up some of my sweaters as I struggled to get back into "cold weather mode".  You might not need this advice today, but file it away for when the temp dips a bit.  

Anywho, last week I headed up to Tremblant (in Canada) with my hubs, the girls and friends for several days of skiing.  As far as the trip goes -  it was fabulous, the village - enchanting and the skiing - great.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new place to ski.  But, this really isn't about the skiing... it's about the clothes.

I always struggle with packing for a ski trip.  It isn't about to wear about when skiing, I feel like I have that covered (*thin wool sweaters are a great alternative to Under Armour type layers).  I really have issues with what to wear in the evenings.  I am a person who likes to dress up.  Given the choice of a skirt or jeans, I will always take the skirt.  However, this is not always the best option when you are dealing with freezing temps, icy walkways and carting the kids around.   

My ultimate goal is to mix up my super casual clothes with a couple of dressier pieces...  this time around I did luck out with the weather.  Canada was having warmer than normal weather as well.  It was still cold, but not freezing, therefore I have more freedom with what to pack!  

First up, I have this angora sweater from Club Monaco that I love!  It is warm, but not an overwhelming sweater.  It is 3/4 sleeves so I can stack bracelets, and it hits at the waist which allows me to wear it with skirts and jeans.  

This silk tank from J.Crew works perfectly as a layering piece with my sweater.  It will pair perfectly with skinny dark jeans and my Sorel boots.

For evening, I am planning on wearing my sweater with my "vintage" green skirt from Club Monaco.  It hits below the knees and will be perfect for a "rugged meets elegant" look.  

Besides my heavy duty snow boots, I am going to take my trusty Frye boots, and that's it... except for my flip flops (for the jacuzzi).  These boots will look great with the skirt as well as jeans.

My goal was to pack dressier, warmer sweaters.  I love this Club Monaco sweater otherwise known as my "sexy sweater".  It has a low back, metallic thread woven throughout and is great by itself or layered over a tank.  In colder weather, I thought a sequin tank would be perfect complement.

I can't forget my fur collar and a white v-neck tee.  When in doubt I can wear this combo with anything.

This slip skirt has been everywhere with me (even on my honeymoon!).  I have worn it with flip flops and heels.  It is a great piece to pack in case of an evening where you just don't feel like wearing jeans.  It would be perfect with my white tee, fur collar and boots.

Besides this I will take a heavy cardigan that I can belt and a sweater dress (*sweater dresses and tights are a great alternative to a sweater and leggings).  I don't need much jewelry... a bracelet, my watch a big cocktail ring and a pair of larger earrings... that's it!  My goal is to always have pieces that I can mix and match.  I like the ability to "play" with my clothes.  I don't usually plan every outfit ahead of time. 

The best part about these new combos is that they are not limited to ski country.  I can wear them now - especially with these in between temps.  Why not wear a silky skirt with rugged boots and a tee or sweater to run the girls around?  What's the point of having these great pieces if we are just letting them gather dust in the far corner of our closets!

Take advantage of the weather now to wear those heavy sweaters in a different way.  Pair with skirts, dresses, cropped pants or boyfriend jeans.  This is a great time to ditch the boots & jeans combo and pull out the flats.  Or, wear your boots with skirts and dresses and leave the tights at home.  Have a little fun with your clothes!

                                                                                                                                    - Allison

The Epitome of Cool

Do you have a favorite designer label that you always look to for inspiration?  When you start to really think about it, it's hard to just name one brand that consistently strikes a chord.... right?

I was pondering this question as I scrolled through my FB news feed.  There was a post from Burberry about their new Spring/Summer campaign.  This is it!  Burberry is definitely at the top of my cool list.  I can't quite put my finger on what it is exactly, but they just have this cool factor.  It's the same sort of cool that I equate with a lot of the models.  When you see them in photographs outside of work, many of them have this seemingly effortless style that is just so... cool.  

As far as Burberry's overall look is concerned, Christopher Bailey is to thank.  He has reinvigorated the brand.  It still screams luxury and is timeless, but with an edginess that makes that plaid look brand new.  Every season, I can personally say I love everything... shoes, bags, coats, clothing...  Then I think, so what?  First, I can't afford to wear head-to-toe Burberry.  Secondly, if I could, would I really want to?  Definitely not.  That would be very uncool!

When you think about it, the coolness factor is about personal style.  It is about really knowing yourself, what you like, what looks good on you and sticking to that style.  It's not about trying every single trend.  You definitely need to change things up from season to season, but stick the trends that make sense with your personal style.  For example, if you are dying to try animal prints and have a professional/classic look... don't buy the animal print mini dress. Go for the pencil skirt or sheath dress.   For this particular style, a classic cut will have much more longevity in your wardrobe.  I guarantee that you will wear it for years to come.

Back to Burberry for a minute... Christopher Bailey is the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry.  This means that he works very hard to create this "effortlessly cool look".  A tremendous amount of time and energy is put into making sure that all aspects of the brand maintain this look.  It is not as easy as it seems.  So, for the record, no one is cooler than anyone else.  It's just that some people are better able to identify their style and stick to it.  Anyone can do this, it just takes a bit of time and reflection.

With spring on the horizon, this is the perfect time for some reflection.  Try to hone in on what exactly is your own individual "look".  When shopping for new clothing, approach it as you would any other major purchase (it doesn't matter if it it is at Forever 21 or Burberry).  Evaluate the item in question and make sure that it fits into your style guidelines.  Stick to your style, don't deviate with crazy impulse buys and don't buy something just because it looks good on someone else!  Keep to the plan and you will also begin to look effortlessly cool!

                                                                                                        - Allison
*Photos courtesy of Burberry.