TOP - ZARA
JEANS - URBAN OUTFITTERS
BOOTIES - ZARA
JEEZ IT IS COLD OUTSIDE - Hand's up if you're in the northeast right now experiencing the arctic!! While the ideal is to stay inside and bundle up in my favorite flannel PJs, your girl has to go to work. And on top of that, working in New York City is no joke -- people dress for a runway and strut the subways without a care in the world. So how do I stay on trend and stay warm?
TURTLENECK - TARGET
SWEATER - ZARA
CORDUROYS - ZARA
BELT - J.CREW VINTAGE
BOOTIES - ZARA
PURSE - ZARA
LIPSTICK - MAYBELLINE - CRAZY 4 COFFEE
*no, this is not sponsored by Zara*
ANSWER: LAYERS.
When the wind cuts through your parka, the only solution is a wall of fabric underneath! My favorite thing to do is start with a plain turtleneck for the base -- mine is literally from Target, nothing special -- and add a crew neck sweatshirt/pullover to the top. I love this one from Zara because it's warm and soft like a sweatshirt but it's cut to be a little cropped at the bottom so it's way more interesting and trendy than your average crewneck. The turtleneck popping out of the neckline gives your look more dimension, instead of looking bulky. For pants you can never go wrong with corduroys in the winter. I remember as a kid I used to make fun of my Dad for having 10 different pairs of cords to wear in the winter -- one in every color. I thought they were sooo old fashioned. But hey, the 70s are back! I got this pair from Zara on sale for about $22, but they ended up being too long for my little legs lol. So my Mom helped out and chopped the bottom of them right off! The frayed edge is actually how they were already cut so they look perfectly normal <-- life hack right there! And if it's REALLY brutal out there, add a pair of leggings or long johns underneath the cords. No one will ever know! To cinch in my waist and not look like a sack I added my Mom's favorite vintage J.Crew belt. Then I topped it all off with a cute pair of faux snakeskin Zara booties (also on sale!) and a little satchel (again on sale!). These booties look trendy but they're actually so easy to walk in and comfortable enough for a full day's wear. Obviously add a cute coat or puffer on top of this look and you're ready to brave the cold! Here I didn't because you know, do it for the gram... lol.
Share your winter fashion essentials in the comments below!
Let's face it, not all of us live in L.A. where the climate is perpetually warm and no one owns a puffer coat. Here in New York City, you won't survive without one. Our winters start in October and last through March. Lately, due to climate change, January-March are the snowiest months, and spring showers drench us well into May. Last year there was one day in February where the temperature reached the high 60s, maybe even 70s. But we have many years of anti-environmental policies to go before that becomes the norm. Hopefully that won't be the case. Ha! And they say don't talk about politics on the job. Nevertheless, I digress.
As a New Yorker, I know it can be a challenge to brace the cold in style. So I put together a small list of some of the coats I own and will be wearing this winter. Now these aren't North Face or Canada Goose competitors, but they do keep me warm and won't break the bank. Whether you're a tourist, or a fellow native, I think anyone would be grateful to know the secret to facing a New York winter in style: Uber everywhere -- lol jokes.
Ah, a goodie but oldie. I have had this faux fur coat for years, much before the whole faux fur trend came back if I do say so myself. This is a Forever21 piece and I definitely recommend checking out their selection as well; they have some great outerwear! This coat is definitely bigger than the other faux fur coats, with the fur not cut quite as short. The longer fur gives the coat more movement, while the off-white coloring evokes an old Hollywood era. A bit of advice: this coat runs a little large and can be over powering for a smaller frame, so when taking pictures, wear it a bit off the shoulder or around your arms.
As a New Yorker, I know it can be a challenge to brace the cold in style. So I put together a small list of some of the coats I own and will be wearing this winter. Now these aren't North Face or Canada Goose competitors, but they do keep me warm and won't break the bank. Whether you're a tourist, or a fellow native, I think anyone would be grateful to know the secret to facing a New York winter in style: Uber everywhere -- lol jokes.
#1 ZARA Hooded Fur Coat ($50)
This coat was a steal I got two Black Fridays ago! I actually bought three coats that day, the prices were so good. Oops. This is my go-to coat for days or nights out, with light drizzle or snow, when a raincoat simply isn't appropriate. The hood stays on, and keeps my hairstyle in tact, and the thick fur keeps heat in. The hook and eye closure goes all the way up to my neck so heat stays in and water stays out.
#2 ZARA Faux Leopard Fur Coat ($50)
This is another ZARA steal -- and no this isn't sponsored by ZARA, they just have some quality coats for a bargain price! I absolutely love this coat because it's one of those faux leopard pieces that doesn't look trashy or frumpy. The tone of the faux fur is a muted burnt-orange brown so it fits in the neutral category and thus complements any look. The fur is still soft, even though I've worn this coat in the rain, and the collar nestles my neck while keeping in heat. The length hits right above the knee, so it's perfect for a petite person like myself.
#3 ZARA Gray Menswear Coat ($100)
Another ZARA bargain! I got this coat at on Black Friday as well -- definitely head to ZARA on Black Friday, it's one of my must-hit stores. The deals are great! This is by far one of my most worn coats. Not only is it suitable for winter, but it is also suitable for spring and autumn. This neutral gray overcoat complements every outfit and is the perfect way to add some old world elegance to any look. Since the menswear inspired coat is shapeless, it gives an outfit an edgy touch while holding onto femininity. This coat isn't the best for keeping your chest warm, but it leaves plenty of room for layering.
#4 Forever21 White Faux Fur Coat ($50)
Ah, a goodie but oldie. I have had this faux fur coat for years, much before the whole faux fur trend came back if I do say so myself. This is a Forever21 piece and I definitely recommend checking out their selection as well; they have some great outerwear! This coat is definitely bigger than the other faux fur coats, with the fur not cut quite as short. The longer fur gives the coat more movement, while the off-white coloring evokes an old Hollywood era. A bit of advice: this coat runs a little large and can be over powering for a smaller frame, so when taking pictures, wear it a bit off the shoulder or around your arms.
#5 ZARA Sonora Dupont Puffer Jacket ($69)
Last but not least, another ZARA favorite. I had to include at least one puffer jacket in this list, even though they aren't my favorite. But fear not! These puffer jackets can be trendy, as long as you steer clear of the neon orange ZeroXposure ski jackets our parents bought us as kids lol. Well I'm sure there's some way to make those chic... but judging from my old photos, I certainly didn't know how. Anyway, this coat is right on trend with a bold, yet muted emerald green color, and gold accents. The muted faux fur on the hood adds a little richness to the otherwise sporty look, as does the fur inside the part around the neck. The tighter fabric around the inside of the cuffs keeps in heat and keeps out water, making this jacket winter sports approved! The only downside, is the pockets, which are unconventionally placed at the front rather than the sides of the jacket. I definitely recommend gloves with this one!
DRESS - FOREVER21
JACKET - ZARA
SHOES - STEVE MADDEN
PURSE - RALPH LAUREN
EARRINGS - J.CREW
