Christmas Inspiration

Since I am currently stressed about how unprepared I am for Christmas right now I thought I would make a post filled with pictures of Christmas cheer. Enjoy :) 

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Happy Holidays!! Be back once I get some stuff done for the holidays! Be safe out there on the roads 

Winter Essentials 3: Face/ Body

Even though we are not done with looking at all the fashion choices for winter, I thought it would be a good idea to move onto more essentials. This time around we are discussing what you need for your face and body this winter. Much like with the hair essentials, it is all about putting moisture back that we lose.

1) Chapstick
You could pull me aside at any point of the day and I will have at least one tube of chapstick on me at all times. If you happen to find me with a purse, there will be 3 more added to the mix. While chapstick is good to have any time of the year, it becomes especially important in the winter. It provides a barrier between you and the wind. Also it protects your lips from chapping when you accidentally lick your lips when you are outside. There are millions (maybe not millions) of types and brands of chapstick. I usually keep one in my pocket, at least two in my purse, one in my car and one under my pillow. Yes I keep one under my pillow, my lips get especially dry at night since the heat is turned up so just reaching under my pillow and grabbing it is super easy. Pick one that has SPF and extra moisture for the next few months. Here are my favorites that I keep on me at all times.


               




2) Face Moisturizer
My skin tends to get oily so I do not moisturize regularly, but in the winter I like to put on moisturizer on after I get out of the shower. With the drying air of winter, the heat from my car, and all the hot showers that I take my face takes a beating. I put on a thin layer on my face and neck and I am good to go. I try to use it only once a day and not every day because that is all my skin can take otherwise it looks like an oil spill on my face. I currently use Neutrogena Naturals and it is great, it is not harsh on my sensitive skin and does not add too much moisture.





3) BB Cream
If you happened to be blessed with flawless skin and do not need foundation or concealer on a daily basis, I hate you but I still recommend you try out a bb cream. It is a great way to even everything out and has moisturizer in it. I made the switch over a year ago and I love the stuff! My skin is actually better as far as breakout and all around condition of it. It is good to put some sort of cream or foundation on before you go out as protection against the sun and the wind. My go to bb cream is Garnier, but I have tried L'Oreal Youth Code and there are tons more out there.


 



4)Body Lotion
This ties into the face moisturizer, but I wanted to show my favorites. I am a huge fan of body lotion and cream all the time, but this time of year it is less about the scent and more about what it does for my skin. When my skin gets dry it gets super itchy which drives me crazy at night so I try to use lotion all the time. Try to pick one that has extra moisture or ultra healing. Also stick to non greasy formulas for when you put some on before you go out. If I am just staying in and putting lotion on while I am relaxing I could care less if the lotion is greasy because it is just me who is seeing it. Jergens and Vaseline have tons of options for lotions and creams and they get the job done.





5) Face and Body Scrubs
Now even though we are doing all this work to put moisture back in our skin, dryness and dead skin will happen. Using a scrub will get all that dead skin off and just make your skin look fresher. I like to use a scrub once a week on my face and body. Any scrub is good for your body, there are even recipes to make some on your own. I liked the ones Bath and Body Works had from their fall line a few years back. For my face I actually use a mask with charcoal and sugar that works wonders. You slap it on your face, do not rub right away, leave it for 5-10 mins and then you scrub. It leaves my skin feeling amazing and is not too tough on it.




There you have it, the essentials for your face and body this winter. Try them out, see what you think and let me know if they work for you. Stayed tuned for my favorite shades of nail polish for winter and the random things that help me during the winter.

Winter Essentials 2d : Sweaters

Sweater Weather Time!

Alrighty folks, another day, another essential. This time we are having fun with sweaters. Being from Massachusetts I do not really think twice about pulling my sweaters out of the back of my closet once November hits. Before they were just a way to keep warm, but now as I get older and more aware of fashion I have found they are a great way to show off my style and stay warm. I tried to create a variety of looks for both casual and formal, although I do plan on doing a holiday party post much like the Thanksgiving Fashion Post. Here is the link to collection on polyvore in case you see something you like :) http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/collection?id=3172269

Look 1:

For this look I picked a sweater that was a little different than your typical winter sweater. I love sweater because it is just fun. The stripes are stylish and the bows just add a cuteness to it. Keeping it casual I added ripped jeans and moccasins which will keep you warm in this weather. For little pops of color add some jewel tones in your accessories. Play up the bows on the sweater by bringing the bows back into your purse. All in all this outfit is perfect for those casual days when you want to be comfortable, warm and still look cute.

Sweater Look 1 by kallaby12 featuring

Look 2:

This look took me back to the days of high school when sweaters similar to this one were popular. To keep it from looking like you are back in your teen years, streamline your look with sleek black pants and some suede boots. I roughed up the look with black and gold jewelry that complements the purple sweater. Pairing metals with the cable knit of the sweater is unexpected and keeps the outfit from looking too young.

Sweater Look 2 by kallaby12 

Look 3:

I love me a striped sweater, there is just something so classic about it and can be dress up or down. The random stripe of red in this sweater provides an unexpected pop of color. I picked skinny jeans for most of these looks just cause flared and boot cut jeans get dragged through and soaked in the snow, but that does not mean you have to wear skinny jeans with them. Flared or boot cut jeans would work great with all of these looks. Gold is also a color I am loving recently for jewelry which is why I added some in this look. It will look great with the blue and dresses it up a bit more than silver would. Stacking rings, bangles, and hoops all in a similar shade of gold will tie everything together.

Sweater Look 3 by kallaby12 

Look 4:

Sweaters can be dressy! When you think of a sweater you think bulky, cable knit, and not the most fabulous item in your closet. This sweater shows that you can rock it at a party. It will keep you warm and looking great at the same time. The sequined sweaters inspired me to add more shine and sparkle to it. Adding a skirt with more sparkle and color to it is perfect for a party. When the clothes are this sparkly, it is best to keep accessories toned down. Solid colored bangles and sliver chains are still dressy, but will not clash with the outfit itself.

Sweater Look 4 by kallaby12 

Look 5:

A classic looking sweater is the focus of this outfit. A cream, cable knit sweater will keep you warm and looking classic. Dark jeans are a great contrast for the sweater. Add gold, ivory, and black jewelry all play nicely off the sweater. Keep the jewelry small, nothing too chunky or loud. These soft touches will add some girly-ness to the outfit without overpowering the sweater.

Sweater Look 5 by kallaby12 

Look 6:

Here we have another classic looking  sweater. Keep the wash of the jeans dark and the fit slim. The sweater might add a little bulk on top so keeping the jeans streamlined with balance out the look. A darker sweater can handle darker accessories, so add some shiny jet black bracelets and be on your way.

Sweater Look 6 by kallaby12 

Look 7:

For the last look I wanted to show how a typical, seasonal sweater cane be dressed up. A snowflake printed sweater can be less than casual on its own, but when you wear it with a red bandage skirt. Again, when you have something bulky on top, keep the bottom slim to keep the outfit from making you look bigger than you are. Add some sparkle and shine with your accessories and you have the perfect look for a party while still being warm and festive.

Sweater Look 7 by kallaby12 

There you have it, sweater looks for this winter. Stayed tuned for more looks using the winter essentials and upcoming tips on last minute holiday shopping and reviews. :) 

Winter Essentials 2c: Scarfs

Everyday Looks Involving Scarfs

Here we go again, another polyvore adventure. This time around I did a little something different. Instead of making a bunch of different looks with scarves in them, I put together a basic outfit and then provided some options about what scarf would go good with the outfit. I did not stick to a price range on this because I thought it was better to see a variety rather than a specific price point. I left the link for all of the looks below in case you do see a scarf you like you can find it there. And here is a link to see the collection as a whole http://www.polyvore.com/winter_essentials_scarves/collection?id=3163511  [follow me :)]



Options for Look 1:

First up we have a black peacoat, jean combo with 6 options of scarves. Obviously with black you could do pretty much any print or color, but I still wanted to show some variations. The great thing about scarves is they can turn a winter coat into a different look completely. For a classic look, stick with solid, cable knit, neutral colors such as the cram and gray scarves shown here. Add some color for a little bit more contrast like the coral and striped infinity scarves. When you really want to amp up the look at some bright colors and prints like the final two scarves with blue stripes and polka dots.

Scarf Look 1 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 2:

This gorgeous blush peacoat is brought to you by Victoria's Secret. If I had the funds I would most certainly have this bad boy in my closet, but since I do not, the least I could do was provide some scarves that would go with it. While this coat is great on its own, it can not hold up to the cold and then the scarf comes into play. I provided the usual neutral colors, black, cream, and tan. When picking a scarf in the same color as your coat, pick a few shades darker or lighter. This will be easier than trying to find the exact color of your coat. The scarves I picked for a bolder look are bright and play off the soft blush nicely. The striped scarf has pink in it so it does perfectly with the coat.

Scarf Look 2 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 3:

These options are more bold than the previous and rather than match the coat, many of these will pop against the purple coat. I did not want to do a pure white with this coat, instead I picked cream and ivory. As far as black, this one has a bow embellishment on the end adding a little something to the neutral color. For a slightly bolder look, I stuck with solid colors, but picked colors that would stand out. Orange and Olive Green might be a little out there, however they look great against the purple of the jacket. For printed scarves I tried to keep at least one color in the print neutral. This way the pattern will still stand out, but it will not clash with the coat. The purple scarf I picked is for when a more uniform look is wanted.

Scarf Look 3 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 4:

This coat is adorable! Finding scarves for it was fairly easy since brown is a neutral color. Even though I do not have one here, any shade of green would also go with this peacoat as well. As you can see I did not pick many neutral shades for this one. Cream is a color that can pretty much go with any other color and with this shade of brown it will look lovely. I chose colors that would pop against the brown so I picked pink, electric blue, and mustard. I chose more prints than solids simply because this coat can pull it off. My go to is stripes, but as you can see the heart printed scarf would add a cute touch to this outfit.

Scarf Look 4 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 5: Red Peacoat

This is actually the same peacoat as from Look 1, just in a different color. For these options, I stuck more to solids and neutral colors. The coat is beautiful on its own and I would hate to take away from that. Cream and white would dress this coat up a bit, giving it a more classic look. The gray and black would also do that without taking away from the jacket. I chose the baby blue to show how you could make a scarf pop. The red of this coat is so rich that a baby blue scarf would stand out wonderfully. The green chevron and black/gold scarves are examples of how to add color and pattern without overwhelming the coat. As you can see the bolder, patterned scarves are made up of neutral colors. With a coat that is such a bold color on its own, finding equally bold colors to complement it may be easier said than done, so sticking with neutral colors in an interesting colors will get the job done.

Scarf Look 5 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 6: Gray, Lined Coat

This coat is a little different from the others because it has two textures going on. One the inside, we have soft and light while on the outside we have tough and dark. That being said I decided to base my choices on the outside, gray, of the coat. The neutral color of the coat calls for bright colored scarves. Colors such as yellow, pink, and red will be more vibrant against the dark tweed like fabric. While I am not one to wear yellow all too often, it is my favorite scarf with this coat. If you wanted to go subtle, black and off white are the way to go. I also picked a hounds-tooth scarf in white and black. The cream infinity scarf with the light pattern would dress up the coat and be perfect for going to a holiday party.

Scarf Look 6 by kallaby12 

Options for Look 7: White Peacoat

It goes without saying that picking scarves for a white peacoat is not the hardest task in the world. I wanted to show lots of options, bold and subtle. It would be silly to explain all of these and how they would look with the jacket since they all will look wonderful! All I can say is that if you have a scarf that sheds, keep it light or have a lint roller handy. A white peacoat is already a sight to be seen on its own, so take a risk and go bold with your scarf.

Scarf Look 7 by kallaby12 

Hope everyone has enjoyed my selections for scarves and got some ideas from this! Even though the weather is bleak and times are stressful, a small accessory with a little color could be just enough to brighten your day. Stay warm and safe! 

Winter Essentials 2b: Peacoats

Outfits Revolving Around Peacoats

Okay Lovers, here are some looks using the winter essential peacoat. Even though it is a jacket, it can still be used as a focus piece in your wardrobe. The outfits range from formal looks to casual. The prices of the peacoats in these looks range from $40 to $100 which is a pretty good price for a peacoat. All of the accessories and clothing in these looks are under $50 which means you do not have to break the bank to look wonderful. Let me know what you think about these looks and if you have any peacoat you would like me to put an outfit together for. See anything you like here? Go to the collection page on my polyvore, click on the outfit you like and you can see where each item is from.
 Here is the link :http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/collection?id=3163528  (follow me for more fashion)

Look 1: Black Peacoat, Formal

For this look I wanted to showcase how a classic black peacoat can add to an outfit. During the winter months there are tons of holiday parties to go to, so we want to stay warm and look good at the same time, this outfit is the best way to do that. This peacoat is long enough to cover your butt, which is a must when wearing a dress. Save the shorter cut peacoats for when you have pants on. The peplum cut on this coat makes your waist appear smaller, and gives it more of an elegant look. By keeping the tights and shoes the same color, it will give you a more uniform look while wearing your peacoat, plus it will make your legs look longer. I paired the coat with a green dress so there is a little bit of color coming from the bottom of your coat. I am loving gold jewelry this season and it looks great with both the dress and peacoat. Side note, when wearing a black peacoat stick with fabrics that do not shed. Nothing is worse than taking off your coat and realizing your shirt or dress turned your cute black peacoat into a giant lint roller.

Look 2: Red Peacoat, Casual

When I put this look together I wanted the peacoat to be the stand out and had all those trips to the mall shopping in mind. We all know holiday shopping can be the worse headache you have ever had, but looking on point can make it a little less tedious. A red peacoat is on my wish list for sure, it is definitely a classic. Personally, when I am doing my shopping I end up keeping my coat on just because I really do not want to lug it around. Keep the layers under your coat light to avoid sweating like crazy while shopping. Black is usually my go to with red, this time around I paired it with gray accessories. This way the red is still the stand out, and the gray adds a little bit of contrast. Toss your scarf and gloves into your purse when you get to your shopping destination instead of leaving them in your car then they will be nice and toasty when it is time to put them on when leaving.

Look 3: Contrasting Material, Semi- Formal

   
This look is for when you have tons to do, but have a special occasion at the end of the day. Perfect for last minute shopping before going to a holiday party. I love this coat because it combines material. The black leather with the blue wool is a good contrast and makes the coat more casual. Also this is good for people who have more of a formal uniform at work. All black is a staple in the restaurant world and having a coat in a different color would add some color to your look.

Look 4: Plaid Peacoat, Casual

This is an example about how to style a coat with pattern. In this case I paired the jacket with black accessories so the coat is the main attraction. You could also dress this up, but I definitely like it better in a casual look. When combining patterns, try to match some colors from the patterns if they are going to be close together. I put shoes with a different color pattern because they are not right near each other. I would the accessories a solid color like black or gray. A striped scarf with red tones in it would also work.

Look 5: Tan Peacoat, Casual 

     
 Love this peacoat! It is just so classy looking and casual at the same time. Also, I am in love with the gold buttons. With this coat I would recommend staying in the color range when adding accessories. Keeping the the accessories brown or shades of gold pull the coat into the whole outfit. The coat becomes the focus of the outfit and is great for any sort of outfit. This would also be a great example of when you are out shopping and still want to look good. Keep the layers underneath thin and let the peacoat do all the talking for you. 

Look 6: White Peacoat, Casual

This is another peacoat that I am in love with. A white peacoat is most definitely an item I want in the future, I just have to pull myself together and learn to spill on myself less. Coffee should be kept away from this coat, it is just too pretty. Plain, white peacoats are great looking on their own, but the black accents make this coat especially gorgeous. The coat is definitely the standout of this outfit so keep accessories all black to play off the accents of the coat. For a little bit of color pick a top in a gemstone color so it will really stand out against the coat. As in this outfit, the purple will really at some awe when the coat comes off. I paired the white coat with a dark purple shirt. Silver is also a good color that would go with the white and black of the jacket. If you wanted to pick accessories to contrast the white, pick bright, bold colors rather than pastel colors. 

Look 7: Black Peacoat, Casual

This outfit shows how a black peacoat can be worn in a casual way. There are some variations in this coat as opposed to the first black peacoat. It is somewhat shorter, has more of a classic cut and has detailing around the waist. I like the cream beanie with the coat because it will stand out. Silver and pearl accessories dress and make it good for casual holiday parties.



There you have it, 7 looks using the first of my winter essentials, peacoats. Fashion is what you make it and you do not have to follow my ideas, but hey if you do you will look great. Hope these gave you some ideas for what you will be wearing this winter season. 

Winter Essentials Part 2a: Fashion

As the cold, brisk air moves in and makes us all shiver, it is time to unpack the winter clothing and give into layers. While being cold sucks, winter fashion does have its benefits over summer fashion. Think about it, when you are hot there is only so much you can take off, but when it is cold you can add layers at your hearts desire. Chunky knits, peacoats, hats, scarfs, long sleeves and furry boots are all staples of winter fashion. It may be hard and depressing thinking about having to bundle up for the next few months, but it is high time to toss that thinking and embrace the fashion choices we have this coming season. Personally I love winter fashion, everyone just looks so cozy. Also it is completely acceptable to be covered from head to toe without being questioned of trying to hide your flaws. The change in prints, textures, and colors are more than welcomed in my book, so lets jump on in and see the brighter side of winter.


1) Peacoats 

Now I would be lying if I said I did not love me a peacoat. It is just such a classic, timeless piece for men and women. For the longest time peacoats only were available in black, but honey times have changed. Not only can you get a peacoat in different colors, but there is also a wide variety of prints. The peacoat is a dressier option for coats/ jackets in the winter months and just pull an outfit together. I have two, a classic black, and a gray plaid one that I adore. I bust out the black one for more formal events, or when my gray one clashes with the outfit I have on. There is just something so fashionable when pairing a great cocktail dress with a black peacoat. It is a showstopper. While many stores have peacoats for all sorts of prices, I have found if you spend a little more than you were expecting, it will last longer. A winter jacket is not something you should skimp on, a cheap jacket means cheap material and then you are left out in the cold, literally. I spend around $50 to $70 on mine and I have had them both for years and I know they will last for years to come.

my exact coat

2) Knee Socks

Yes I know you are thinking "Kim what weird stuff are you into?" but when the weather cools down these bad boys will have you thankful. Obviously they are great for all the boots you will be wearing in the snow, but they also provide extra warmth. It is a great way to add warmth without bulking up. I mean they are socks so they are not that thick, but they are surprisingly warm. Also in a season where snow gets old fast and dirty snow is not fun to look at, knowing you have fun knee socks on at some cheer. I own many pairs of knee socks and all of them are in crazy colors and patterns. I could be covered in snow and wet as a dog, but there is a little pick me up when I take off my boots and see some crazy polka dots. All of my knee socks are from Target, they have a great selection of prints and textures and for only $2.50 you can buy a ton and they often go on sale.

I have these ones!

 

3)Scarfs

I love me some scarfs! I only wear them when it is cold, never been one of those people who wear scarfs as an accessory, but that because it would distract me too much. Not even joking. Anywho, scarfs are a great way to keep you warm, and to spice up an outfit. I love pairing a colorful scarf with a black peacoat. Adding some color to a dreary winter day is all it takes to brighten your day. Scarfs are so easy to toss in your purse as well, so if it warms up a bit or you know it will get colder it will be right at your reach. When I work late at the flower store I toss a scarf in my tote so I know when I leave I will not be freezing my behind off on the way home. Scarfs are also extremely versatile, every color, knit, pattern you can imagine at your finger tips. One of my goals for the winter is to make a scarf from one of the thousand I have saved on pinterest. There are so many ways you can wear a scarf as well, it is basically the best winter accessory you can ask for. Chunkier, tighter knits will keep you the warmest so stick with those if you are looking for something purely for warmth. You can pretty much find scarfs at any retailer and as long as you are not buying them made of fur or exclusive material at high end stores, you really do not have to spend a lot to get value. Shocking, I do not have any plain scarfs for the most part, but solid scarfs can go great with patterned coats and the more wild scarfs look great with black peacoats.






4) Sweaters

Much like my fall essentials, sweaters are a must for this season. The only difference is in winter you can go a little heavier, and chunkier with the knit. It has gotten colder, so our sweaters must be updated to keep us warm. Everyone knows that ugly sweater parties are common in the winter season, but there are not going to be any ugly sweaters on this blog, trust me. The sweaters this time around should be heavier and full length sleeved. We want to stay warm right. All because the sweaters change, that does not mean we still can not be fashionable. Many of the sweaters on the market have embellishments added to them such as beading or sequins. That little added sparkle can turn a drab sweater into a fab sweater. Sweaters are great because they are available in all styles, colors, prints, knits, and so on. The great thing is they go with everything from jeans to skirts. Dress them up or down, they work either way. Nothing is more cozy than an over sized sweater that just makes you feel like you are wrapped up in a blanket. Target has some great options for sweaters.





5) Hats

Hats are a tricky thing, not every style looks good on everyone, and there is hat hair to contend with. I usually am not one to wear a hat unless I am going to a Red Sox game, but you bet your bottom dollar when it is cold out I am wearing a hat. Not a baseball cap, but an actual winter hat that covers my ears. My go to is a cable knit wool beanie. It does what it is supposed to do and it is cute. I have a pretty big head so I gave up on finding a hat that was going to flatter me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found it. You think it will not make that much of a difference, but let me tell you it does. I went to a school that had a huge campus so walking to class in the snow was not fun to say the least. I was worried about having hat hair so I would not wear a hat, but then my hair would get soaked and the wet dog look is good on no one. I love my beanie now! It is right next to my scarf in my purse waiting to be used. At the end of the day are you going to care if you look goofy with a hat on, or that your ears are not bright red and your hair is not soaked? Thought so.




6) Puffer Jackets

Listen, I am not the biggest fan of puffer jackets, but hell if they keep be warm I will be wearing them until the last day of winter. For me the puffer jackets I have kind of turn me into a giant ball, but it is worth it to keep me warm. Mine are bomber jacket style, but if I were to get something longer it would take that ball look away. There are tons of styles and lengths as well as colors and patterns. I have a plain black one as well as a brown and pink plaid one (is not as bad as it sounds). When the peacoat just will not do the puffer jacket comes out and gets the job done. They keep you super warm that layering underneath is not necessary. For the most part I could wear one shirt under the jacket and would still be toasty. Also they are more snow resistant than peacoats which make them great for outdoor activities.




7) Sweatshirts/ Hoodies

Yes, I am aware this is a repeat from fall essentials but tis the season baby. Now is the time of year where you pull out your biggest, thickest, warmest, unflattering hoodies in your closet and you wear them with pride. It is cold, shame goes out the window. I know I have some that should never see the light of day, but when it is cold out that will be the first thing I reach for. When you think about it, everyone else is as cold as you and chances are they will be more envious than judgemental. At the end of the day you wear what you want to and what keeps you from freezing. There have been plenty of times where I have worn my school pride on my sweatshirt and rocked a UMASS hoodie with jeans, and you know what I still felt good. As long as it is not some ratty, holey, stained, hoodie and you feel good in it, you wear that hoodie with pride.

I have these in every color possible. sorry not sorry

8) Mittens/ Gloves

Again this one might be obvious, but it still has to be said. I have a bunch of pairs of gloves because I usually lose them or like having a variety of colors. I do not have any mittens because lets face it I am already a struggle enough to have all my fingers trapped in one space. Like most winter items, these come in different knits and colors. They are small and easy to throw an extra pair in your car or purse. Also there are many stores that sell gloves with fingers that can be used on iphones and ipods. Target has some great ones, I love the first four of these. 

9) Sunglasses

 

Yes I am still rocking sunglasses in December, I need to be able to see and I am not trying to have wrinkles around my eyes. Even though it is cold out, the snow makes the sun much worse. Nothing is scarier than driving and not being able to see, add ice to that equation and it is terrifying. You may not be wearing shorts or a bikini, but it is still important to put them on when you leave the house. Keep your eyes safe and wear your sunglasses all year long.

There you have it, my winter fashion essentials. Come back tomorrow as I use polyvore to turn these essentials into outfits anyone can wear.