Winter Wonderland

When you're living in frigid Chicago (like moi) winter brings cold temperatures and whipping winds.  Not the most pleasant weather to dress for!  When you wake up in the morning and your bedroom feels like an igloo, it can be hard to find the motivation to look cute.  So as long as your coat and cold-weather accessories look good, the outfit underneath matters a bit less.  Consider this your guide to a fashionable winter.

Start with the coat.  A puffer is obviously the warmest pick out there, but they aren't always the most fashionable.  Choose one that is a bit longer and less bulky so you don't resemble the Marshmallow Man.  Perfect example?  The J Crew Long Belted Puffer ($235).  A tie at the waist keeps things from getting too bulky.  Another good choice is the Burberry Zip Front Puffer Coat ($495) in an eye catching juicy red.  And the ultimate in puffers would have to be Moncler.  Though pricey, these coats keep the chill out.  One I'm currently crushing on is this Chocolate Puffer Jacket ($927).  The rich color is chic and I love the fact that both the hood and belt are detachable.

Puffers not your thing?  A peacot, a toggle coat, or a simple wool trench may make you happy.  Personally, I adore the toggle coat for a great nautical take on things.  Burberry has this trend down pat with their Hooded Duffle Jacket ($795).  For a less expensive option, try the TopShop Swing Duffle Coat ($145) or the Asos Duffle Coat ($118.98).  For peacoats, try the Mackage Raffy Coco Coat ($343) which has great girly details like a nipped waist and flared back.  And for those who like a trench style, I love the (surprise) Burberry Wool Cashmere Trench Coat ($1300).  But we can't all spend a month's rent on coats, so for a more affordable option, this Kenneth Cole Reaction Wool-Blend Melton Belted Coat ($151.20).






Now, onto the accessories.  Fingers and ears are the most important things to keep warm.  I prefer earmuffs to avoid that dreaded hat head.  While my pair of choice is Burberry ($125) you may also like the cozy goodness of this Ugg Pair ($75).  Kate Spade makes excellent cold weather accents too.  Try the Hand in Hand Colorblock Hat ($60) or Mittens ($53).  Another great hat is the Bop Basics Cashmere Beret ($75) which is oversized enough to cover your ears.  And my scarf obsession this winter has been a great inexpensive (and unisex!) find.  The American Apparel Super Sheer Circle Scarf ($37) is so soft and versatile.

A great bonus about winter-there are still a few more months to go, but stores are slowly getting rid of cold weather items to welcome spring.  So many of these items mentioned are either already on sale or will be soon!

Walk in a winter wonderland-in pure style!

(Images of Gwen Stefani and Michelle Williams from gettyimages.com)