Cold and Bold

As the first major snowfall of the season has come and gone (third week of November and almost a foot of snow...), I figured it's time for an in-style recount of this winter's trends. Compiled from runways, pages of fashion magazines, and from the media- this winter features a lot of reoccurring trends and some new styles for the bold and eccentric.

Advertisement for women's jeans this season

Baggy Is Better

Some key looks this winter feature boyfriend fit jeans, loose or over sized sweaters (both cardigans and pullovers), and lots of layering to create a baggy look.

My favorite winter style is a simple bottom with a chunky sweater and boots. It's easy to look cute while staying so warm in the winter. Layering long sleeve tops and sweaters and jackets is so easy and can be so cozy.

Accessorizing with scarves, hats, and gloves is another plus to winter styling due to its warmth. I love finding cute and colorful winter accessories because they can instantly make a boring outfit fun. If you're style-impaired, just rely on the accessories. Pick out a normal, basic outfit and let your winter hats, coats, and scarves do the wow-ing for you.

Creating a baggy look should be easy and cozy!

Examples from winter runway shows 

Mary-Kate Olsen street style inspiration

Street Style 2014

Feminine Styling

Even though lately menswear-inspired fashion has been more prominent on runways, this season feminine and girly silhouettes and styling seem to be coming back with force.  Layers of tulle under thick knits or chunky jackets add a utilitarian or practical aspect to otherwise very girly pieces.

These eccentric takes on the feminine trend in recent runway shows may be a bit over the top and impractical, but they are prime examples of the pretty plumage seen everywhere paired with sturdier counterparts.

Tommy Hilfiger fall runway show

Balmain fall runway show

Gareth fall runway show

from Nylon website

Ankle Boots

Obviously boots are, have been, and forever will be the staple of any fall related fashion.  Boots have evolved and been constructed out of any material under the sun since creation of man kind.  This season ankle boots and shorter, strong footwear stomped and stormed the runways.  Street style displays the trend in various pairings from leggings and skinny jeans to enormous dresses.

Are ankle boots the new iconic footwear of the season to come?  Or will it continually change?  Since last year's over the knee boots this footwear has downsized considerably; what will they look like next year?

Ankle boots from "The Brown Girl with Long Hair"

Celebrity ankle boot styling

Pastels

One trend that was completely uncalled for but all mutually agreed upon by major designers is pastels for winter.  PASTELS.  Ditch your dark hues and shades of tan, brown and black for peppy and cool colors in baby blue, petal pink, and yawn yellow (I'm kidding.. sort of).

This trend will continue from winter into spring due its transitional tones, but I'd be surprised to see this trend majorly take off.  Yes, it was everywhere on the runways but in real life?  I'd love to see some bold street style fashionistas take on this daring (?) trend.

PS-- add any bright gems or statement jewels to your bland outfits this season for an instant shine and glimmer!

Layered Love

Like my awkward selfie?

Due to this bitch called a polar vortex that's been sucking the sun out of January (not that there was much of it here to begin with), it's been cold. More than cold, it's been some-parts-of-Alaska-are-warmer-than-here-right-now cold. So, nodding my head to my favorite inspiration drawers from The Man Repeller (which you can visit here), I'm going to break down the layering process on MY Forecast (because the real weather forecasters are pissing me off).

Although I loved Leandra Medine's break down of layering, I'm not going to be convincing you to pair black ankle socks with white Manolo Blahniks even if you really, REALLY want to pull off a Carrie Bradshaw. This is layering for the girls who walk outside day after day in a sweatshirt because that must obviously be warm... and I definitely did not do that once this week and I definitely did not look like an idiot much less freeze my ass off.

So, let's start with the bottoms (because its cold to walk around in your room only wearing underwear and a t-shirt). Obviously due to this weather I would choose some trousers of substance, cough cough NOT leggings. Jeans of any magical hue will do, leather works, corduroys are cozy; you get me? Pick your pants and move on.

Now, this is the part where your blood temperature comes into call. Are you a naturally warm blooded person (LOL because we all are) or are you like me, naturally inclined to shiver even in seventy-five degree weather? If you usually find yourself warm enough just wearing a long sleeve shirt and sweater, then I would tell you to choose a short sleeve anything for this layer. A collar of some sort looks best, however... Have any old short sleeve polos? Now is your opportunity to dust them off and pull 'em on (and don't worry, nobody will see how dorky you actually look because you'll be wearing more layers over the polo). OR.... if you're like me and need the extra layer, you have some more options. Turtleneck? Swag (never thought you'd hear 'turtleneck' and 'swag' in the same sentence before, did you?). Peter Pan collars? Yes please. Pilgrim collars of epic proportions? Ye rock on. Go crazy and take your pick.

My first layer for this outfit is a denim chambray sleeveless button down.

Now, top it off with something else. This layer depends though on what you chose for your first layer. Still with me? If you decided to say "YOLO" and wear a turtleneck, now is your chance to throw a flannel or cotton button down over it. Did you choose a layer with a huge collar as your first layer? Grab a sweater and make that collar pop. (I'm basically trying to say that if you chose a button down/polo/flannel for your first layer, you can't wear another button down/polo/flannel over the first one... or you can, whatever dude, to each his own.)

Layer #2: Old white sweater over denim button down.

So now you have two layers. If you started with a turtleneck and have since put a flannel/button down over it, you can pick a sweater at layer #3! Or... if you started with a button down (like my outfit recreation), and have already put a sweater over it, you can choose a jacket for layer #3! So many exciting choices, huh? And if you went the first route, turtleneck + button down + sweater, you can still put a jacket over that!!! Crazy, I know.

I know, I know... more denim. But how can you say no to an awesome jean jacket?

So, if you have layered so many pieces that you can barely move your arms anymore, you've got it! The object is basically trying to get you to look like Randy in the movie A Christmas Story (watch the clip from the movie here). When you fall down and can't get up, know that you've achieved total fashion warmth and your winter won't get any better than this. I hope this layering lesson has helped some of you learn to fight the cold the fabulous way, sans-hoodies and thermals. And don't forget to check out The Man Repeller also, for more fashion tips and tricks!

P.S.- add a scarf when venturing outdoors. It ties together the outfit and helps increase your body's inner thermometer's temperature!

Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Mendham Style Watch

The lastest fall fashion trend sweeping the halls of my very own high school is the classic and cute, down vest. The vest has escalated every-day outfits to a higher level of prep, and not to mention: warmth! The down vest is the perfect compromise between comfort and style, who wouldn't love that? (Almost, but not as creative, as Italian fashionista Anna Dello Russo sewing hand warmers into her dresses for the sake of staying warm on the Red Carpet.)
Here are some great, real-life examples of how to rock the vest and what to wear with it! (Thanks to Nina, Maggie, and Sabrina for allowing me to chase them down and take their photos!!!)

Above: Nina making her cute outfit day-time casual by pairing her long sleeve dress and boots with her black vest. 

Maggie adding a preppy touch to her striped long sleeve shirt, denim jeans, and brown boots with her navy J. Crew vest.

Sabrina pairs her striped sweater, leggings, and brown boots with her navy vest. Sabrina's vest is so stylish with the gold accents on the zipper and deep pockets.

You can find stylish vests at so many stores- the most popular ones in my area include J. Crew, Patagonia and Coatology. Click on the brand names to be taken to their site and shop for your own down vest to join in on the trend.