Posts Tagged ‘ Cold Weather Fashion ’

The Coat You Need to Feel Instantly Glamorous- Car Coats

If there is one thing you need during the winter months it’s a winter coat that you adore.

Full disclosure here, I own ALOT of coats. Three Closets full to be exact. My husband calls me the Imelda Marcos of coats. No matter how many I have to choose from, time and time again the coats I reach for to wear are my vintage car coats and box coats.

Is there anything more glamorous than a vintage style wool coat? I think not. They instantly make you feel like you just stepped into an Audrey Hepburn movie. It almost doesn’t matter what you wear underneath it since the polished coat will ensure your overall look is a chic, unique and sophisticated one.

Originally created in the early 1900s, car coats were designed to protect drivers and passengers from the elements when riding in open-top vehicles. These early styles were often long and made from heavy fabrics like tweed or fur.

Balancing both style and practicality, Car Coats hit mid thigh, are simple in design, single breasted, have a collar and are a bit oversized. Whether vintage or new Car Coats create a silhouette that has a cool retro feel.

Womens’ Car Coat tend to be 3/4 sleeve (although they don’t have to be) because back in the day women wore gloves with them when driving.

This low key luxe topper is a MUST to work into your winter wardrobe repertoire.

Remember, if you can only afford to upgrade one piece in your wardrobe, it should be your coat. You make the majority of your first impressions wearing your coat. Whether you are walking in the door for a coffee meeting, heading from building to building or ready for a night out, your coat can make or break your look.

Click to SHOP Car Coats:

Little Miss Cozy’s Cowichan Sweater

A redhead and a brunette walk into a bar….

No this isn’t the first line of a super funny joke, it’s the story behind this Outfit of the Day.

While my sister was in town for the holidays we set out on an epic shopping adventure which landed us at California Pizza Kitchen’s bar. As we sipped our cocktails we couldn’t help but notice a girl sitting across from us in the coziest, chicest sweater we had ever seen. After a quick Rock Paper Scissors we determined my sister would ask her where she got it.

Little Miss Cozy Sweater said it was a Cow-wi-gen sweater and that she got it on E-bay.

If you don’t already know this, my sister and I love a good scavenger hunt. We are OBSESSED with tracking down and finding impossible things, so once Little Miss Cozy Sweater gave us that tiny bit of information it was like signaling the start of a race.

We put on our detective hat’s and went to work on our phones. After about 10 minutes we learned that Cow-wi-gen is actually Cowichan and it’s a form of knitting NOT a clothing brand.

Cowichan sweaters (also called Siwash Sweaters, Indian Sweaters, Curling Sweaters or sometimes Mary Maxim Sweaters) originated in the 1800’s with the native tribes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and have become iconic to B.C. ever since.

Cowichan sweaters are knit from natural, hand spun, undyed sheep’s wool. The yarn is so strong the sweater will hold it’s shape for decades and the high lanolin content of the wool makes a water repellant, stain resistant sweater that keeps its wearer warm and dry, absorbs body moisture, and ventilates body heat.

After two more cocktails, I had located this Rockabilly inspired Cowichan beauty on E-bay and hit “Buy Now”. My sister snagged one with a traditional Thunderbird on the back.

This gorgeous gal is even more cozy than Little Miss Cozy Sweater made it look. WARMER than my puffer coat and wonderously comfortable it’s like a big hug from an old friend.

Stylist’s Tip: These sweaters are meant to be over-sized and are usually unisex so they are VERY roomy. I am wearing a medium. So keep in mind and check measurements when selecting your size before purchasing.

Click to SHOP Vintage Cowichan Sweaters:

Tags:Cold Weather Fashion Cowichan Sweater How to wear a Cowichan Sweater Rockabilly Sweater Vintage Cowichan Sweater Vintage Sweater What is a Cowichan Sweater Winter Style.

How to Elevate a Sweatshirt

Sometimes a sweatshirt is just what the fashion doctor ordered. Warm, cozy and basically perfect they are like the comfort food of fashion.

Even though it feels like you are taking a fashion break, this off duty staple can be so much more than just a lazy day ensemble.

For the past couple seasons we have seen a whole new side of the off-duty go-to: sweatshirts looking chic and elegant, and not anything like you’re on the way to the gym.

This season the love affair with sweatshirts continues with The Elevated Sweatshirt.

How do you elevate a Sweatshirt?

Well, sweatshirts can be elevated by stylish shapes or fancy decorations, with split seams, trendy sleeve emphasis, graphics or tweaked proportions.

They can also be elevated by how you style them!

Layered: This is a more tailored, feminine take on the trend, and an easy way to try out wearing the look. Perfectly preppy, reach for a slimmer fit, crew neck sweatshirt and layer it over a collared shirt. I love layering with collars that have fun details or embellishments.

Vintage Look: A vintage sweatshirt (or vintage looking sweatshirt) is always a good idea. Pair with flouncy skirts, jeans, pajama pants, trousers, leather skirts, layer them over a dress or under a denim jacket.

Lampshading: Lampshading is the pairing of boots with a large or oversized sweatshirt —it has been blowing up on Instagram. The oversized top is meant to make the silhouette of a lampshade in comparison to the wearer’s legs.

With a Skirt: Opposites attract. This look is a great mix of feminine and masculine, edgy and sporty.

How will you style your sweatshirts this season?

Deal Alert: These blue velvet booties are another one of my killer TJ Maxx scores! I snagged them for $22. Seriously TJ Maxx has the best shoe deals right now!