Keeping Warm and Stylish by Just Plain Lovely

Jan 19, 2011 - 7 comment(s)

I love a kindred spirit and that’s exactly what Erin from Just Plain Lovely is. With an impeccable design eye and a kind and lovely personality, I am very pleased that we met roundabout through random internet magic. I can’t tell you how excited I was that she agreed to take part in our Warm & Stylish series as she is a pro at truly bone-chilling weather. Enjoy her picks for how to stay warm & stylish during these frigid winter months:

I was absolutely thrilled when the lovely Sarahbeth asked me to do a guest post Unabashed Apparel. I am in love with her designs and actually did a feature on her a few months back. Sarahbeth’s style is one that I truly admire and I can see that she puts a little piece of herself in each and every one of her designs. So… thank you for this opportunity and keep warm!!

I’m a Mainer. Truly, I am. I grew up here, spent a little over 10 years in the jungle of NYC and here I am again. I’m not sure if it’s because of my youth that I love Winter, blustery snow days, icicles, wind and all… but I do! I have a photo of little toddler me with my dog Maggie peeking out from an igloo that my dad made for us in our backyard. I’m no fan of freezing hair and watery eyes, but there is something a little magical about looking out over a fresh coat of snow, flakes sparkling in the sunlight, and that crisp fresh air.

The key to making it through the long season of chilly weather is knowing how to handle yourself when the temperatures start to drop. The key to your Winter sanity lies in the art of layering. Whether you’re tromping across a frozen lake or through the streets of the East Village, you have to be ready to dip into a warm office/shop/coffeehouse, step back out into the cold and back inside again. Using proper layers doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice all fashion. You can bundle up while maintaining your personal style, looking perfectly put together outdoors or in. Though I often fall prey to the cold weather staples of fuzzy boots and down comforter style jackets, I’d much rather bear the chill in something a little more like this:

Try adding a long sleeve layer under a flowery blouse. A complimentary color will add personality without sacrificing style. Top it off with a loose cardigan… cozy and easy to strip off if the indoor heat takes hold. Rather than reaching for your Uggs, try grabbing a pair of Smart Wool socks to layer under your street savvy boots for a little extra warmth. Add a cozy knit cowl to keep your neck warm. No loose scarf ends to get stuck in your zipper, and you can leave it on inside as you’re warming up. A wool cap covers your ears and acts as a smart accessory rather than a tight beanie that flattens your hair.

Bring on the CHILL!!

1: Eastpointe Garden Top, $58 -

2: James Perse Ribbed Deep V-neck, $65 -

3: Daughters of the Liberation slim straight pants, $88 -

4: Boutique 9 Nichola Over the Knee Suede Boots, $140 -

5: Splendid Chunky Double Stitch Button Wrap, $198 -

6: DKNY Coat, Julie Empire Waist with Hood, $99.99 -

7: Tsuyumi Brown Wool Hat, $128 -

8: Creamy Dreamy Infinity Scarf, $30 -

9: Portolano White Cashmere Gloves, $53 -

10: Smart Wool Fall Sprigs Socks, $24.95 -

I check in weekly to see what Erin has to share – I’m sure you’ll enjoy her to bits as well: Just Plain Lovely Thanks Erin!

A third Monday

Jan 18, 2011 - 0 comment(s)

Photo by Jana Busbin

Yesterday I struggled. It’s what you have to do when you’re growing.

We have third Mondays in January to celebrate the liberty gifted us from those that struggled greatly and with grace. I remember you and all the others that came before and have come after.

I am grateful for your example.

Gratitude Friday

Jan 14, 2011 - 3 comment(s)

Greg’s Caravans

I have a friend that needs a gypsy caravan and I have to say, I can see the appeal.

Today I am grateful for:

The discomfort. -The artistic purgatory that accompanies any moving forward or deeper or just plain old moving on. I’m learning how to sit here. I’m learning how to handle this part of the stagnant ride.

Family.

Honesty.

My capable body. whether or not I’m pleased with its extra rolls and rounds from the holiday time.

Daylight lasting a little longer.

A well worn path of snow leading to my front door.

The semi-circle of handy people gathered around me ready to push up their sleeves and work on woodstove installing.

Warmth.

s2012

Jan 13, 2011 - 2 comment(s)

yes. doesn’t it make you feel slightly something?

well it does me.

“Spring Conversation” by The Night Jar (isn’t it just fabulous?!)

Maybe I was a mayan in my past life. y2k – did nothing for me. Not for a second. no fears or anticipation. just another year.

but 2012? Ah – who knows, my stomach flutters. how silly is that?

And I’m starting to dream about it. (and starting to buy fabric so fine it might really be gold).

Swirling thoughts that haven’t taken form -but I know whatever it is -it’s magical. A fairyland of dreams and wisdom.

All the heroines – but maybe they’ve had a cup of tea and a broken heart already.

And they’ve traded in glass slippers for ones that look a bit more like:

The snow has been so beautiful. I’m not ready to be done with it yet – everyone thinks I’m a tad crazy.

But yesterday and today it’s come down like pretend stuff, full of glitter and softness like it’s been bought from a store.

A week of Winter

Jan 12, 2011 - 5 comment(s)

I had a glorious week filled with family and fun. It’s been almost impossible to get back to the cold cold studio.

We made our way in The Biggest Truck Ever – to a house filled with magic and dogs and fabulous sledding. (notice Vega in her warm and stylish doggie coat)