Winterize Your Wardrobe… Without a Heavy Coat

Style Note: great layers will winterize your look in minutes.

cape c/o  // leather top {sold out; LOVE this} // leggings //  bag // gloves // necklaces here & similar here // booties via

Easy does it when it comes to winter dressing in so Cal. It’s chilly enough to pull on layers, but generally still warm enough that you don’t always need a coat.

I don’t know about you, but when winter hits, I want to winterize my wardrobe even if the lovely so Cal weather isn’t quite cooperating.

So then, if you’re wondering how to winterize your look without wearing a coat, it’s really quite easy. It’s all about choosing great layers and fun pieces.

The cape is a fantastic piece, and though it’s a bit warmer than pulling on a sweater, I wouldn’t say it’s a full-blown coat! And I paired mine with a short sleeve top to keep the layering simple and not overly warm when the temps are only in the low 50s.

Leather {faux} is another great piece: chic AND warm. Here, I’m sporting leather x2… great faux leather leggings and gloves. And the gloves double as sleeves since I opted for a short sleeve top.

I do love me a great dress or skirt as well and you shouldn’t have to hide them away until spring, so you can easily add layers with those too… tights are the perfect winterizing piece!

My top 6 pieces to winterize a look are:
cape- sophisticate your look or go casual chic with this hot item! It’s perfect over a long sleeve blouse to really dress up your wardrobe or paired with a long sleeve tee or turtle neck to keep it cas.

faux fur: vest or stole- A stole especially can be worn alone over a pullover or added to a lighter coat or sweater for warmth and added interest to a look.

sleeveless sweater- a superb layering piece without bulk. Layers well under another vest or light coat/sweater. I love a sleeveless turtle neck!

chunky knit- perfect alone with a great pair of jeans.
leather- whether it be pants, a jacket, or gloves, stay chic and warm! And you can opt for faux or vegan.

blanket scarf- easily accessorizes and winterizes any outfit

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3 Winter Essentials

beanies: topshop ribbed knit beanie // rag & bone cashmere beanie // north face knit beanie
faux fur: asos faux fur infinity scarf // boohoo fur trim cape // bench faux fur trim vest // topshop snood
boots: ugg button boots // sorel arctic boot

After spending some time in the snow before Christmas and dreaming of a snow vacay before our mountains dry up, this week’s style board is all about my 3 winter essentials…

Style Note: 
Beanie- stay warm while looking cute. A beanie definitely kept me warm in colder weather and they are, in my opinion, the ultimate snow accessory. There are so many cute options, you can display your personality while all bundled up.
Faux fur- such a trendy piece; glam up your winter wardrobe with any piece of fur {I prefer faux}. This gives an instant style statement and adds a feminine touch to an otherwise plain silhouette so many layers creates.
Boots- I mean, if you don’t wear these in winter, when are you going to wear them? If you’re planning on trekking through snow, I recommend a warm boot like Sorel, but I even packed my Uggs to Mammoth and they kept my feet comfy warm while walking over packed snow {I do recommend spraying with a water protectant}.

What’s your winter must-have?


…find a few more styles that fit these 3 winter must-haves below…

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California Winter

sweater // denim wearing size 26 {SALE} // similar boots 

A’s OUTFIT: ralph lauren dress {can’t find online, love this} // leggings from this set // booties {MAJOR SALE}

I don’t know why it is that I’m drawn to blacks and greys in the winter… 

I posted yesterday that we’d actually had chilly days; even some rain and were down in the low 50s! So that’s about as wintery as we’re going to get.

On days like those, I just want to be super cozy. I love this French Connection sweater {size down, I’m wearing a small and feel like I’m swimming in it}. It’s super soft and the zipper detailing is just so fun.

Style Note: When choosing a monochromatic look, define it with a great detail. In this look, I love the way the zippers on the sweater add interest to the high-low hemline and break up the look. I also played with mixing metals as the detailing on the boots are silver versus the gold zippers on the sweater.

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Winter Mix Up

tee // denim {Sale} // scarf via brinabox // similar bag // flats c/o

Ahh! This time of year is always busy with the start of the holiday season, but especially now because I’m styling so much. I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve done an outfit post and I thought this would be perfect for kicking off the more wintery weather we’ve been having.
Living in the foothills this time of year is always a plus with cooler temps, so I’m embracing my warmer pieces! And somedays, I just want cozy, but need functional, yet I love upping the simple factor a bit to keep my outfits chic and interesting. With errands, style appointments, chauffeuring my daughter to activities, and Christmas shopping it’s important to stay comfortable and stylish.

I think it goes without saying, but whenever it’s a bit gloomy, I tend to grab for my drabber clothing… maybe it’s habit, but I think I tend to choose pieces that are just comfy and easy to throw on.

I’ve been waiting to wear this scarf EVERYWHERE and the shoes have been a go-to lately.

Style Note: An all black palette {or neutral/solid colors} makes mixing and matching super easy. When teaching my clients to print/pattern mix, I use a basic approach… first, you want your color palette to match, not your prints {neutrals like my black color palette here are the easiest to begin with, but more often than not, if your colors look good together, then you’re prints will too}, next, keeping the prints simple and more graphic makes your mixing easier {I chose this double sided houndstooth and plaid scarf along with the camo print flat because they’re pretty simple}, then you want to spread your prints out across your outfit {this was pretty easy since my graphic pieces were around my neck and on my feet!}. Finally, you want to break up the look with solids {again, my black tee and jeans made this easy}.
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The Best Sweater

Last season, I helped you find the perfect LBD for your body shape {here, here, and here}, so… I’m featuring sweaters on my fashion app and thought I’d give you a few ideas on the perfect sweater for you body shape. Of course, remember, if you love it, wear it! These are just some guidelines to helping your best assets shine…

Let’s begin with a refresher on the types of body shapes:

Hourglass- shoulders are the same width as your hips, and you have a definite waist.

Diamond- opposite of the hourglass, a diamond figures shoulders and hips are narrow with a fuller mid section.

Pear- {also called triangle shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately narrower than your hips, and your thighs and hips may be full and rounded.

Wedge- {Inverted triangle or Heart shape} your shoulders and bust are proportionately wider than your hips, and you’ll find your hips are narrow and you may have a shorter, less defined waist 

Rectangle- this body type finds it’s measurements are nearly the same at the shoulders, waist, and hips, with little waist definition.

Apple- {commonly referred to as rounded shape} has rounded shoulders, fullness in the tummy area, and average to full bust.

Let’s get started!

Hourglass-shaped Body:

Like the LBD, wraps are a must. You’re highlighting your curves, and a tailored wrap sweater will define your tiny waist and accentuate your bust without being overtly sexy. Another thing to consider is sweaters with detailing: buttons or embellishments along your bust line are perfect. Belted sweaters, and peplum work nicely as well. Actually, anything is going to be great for showing off this figure!

ballerina wrap sweater // faux wrap sweater // button wrap sweater // bowknot embellished sweater // knit peplum sweater natural // long sleeve peplum sweater w/belt

Diamond-shaped Body:

Since we’re trying to achieve more of an hourglass shape, we’re looking to elongate the figure and draw attention to the center of your body, arms and legs. Avoid bulky fabrics and think long tunics with side slits, v-neck, detailed and 3/4 sleeves, and color blocking.

3/4 sleeve contrast neck tunic // draped turtleneck sweater // colorblock dolman sleeve sweater // colorblock cashmere tunic // colorblocked tunic sweater 

Pear {Triangle} Body Shape:

We’re trying to accentuate your upper body while minimizing the lower region, so choose sweaters in light colors, and opt for horizontal lines to add width to your upper body. Go for bulk: thick, cozy sweaters are perfect for your body type. Love patterns? Embrace them! Or try out ruffled detailing, larger neck lines, shorter and/or puffier sleeves, and stick to hemlines that end above or below the widest point.

striped cowl neck sweater // tunic aztec cardi // printed wool sweater // cable knit side slit sweater // cable knit sweater // ruffle-trimmed 3/4 sleeve cardi

Wedge-Shaped {Inverted or Heart} Body:

Your goal is to draw the eye to the lower body and minimize the upper area. Select slim fitting sweaters, dark colors, and v-necks to draw the eye in {giving you an illusion of a defined waist}. Strategically placing color blocking helps minimize your wider upper body, but avoid horizontal striping and bulky fabric.

cashmere v neck pullover // drop shoulder v neck sweater // ruffle drop-waist sweater // colorblock crewneck sweater // lace-trimmed tunic sweater // cashmere colorblocked sweater

Rectangle Body Type:

Creating the illusion of curves, and defining the waist, opt for abstract, bold, bright prints. These add interest, shape and definition to your figure. A great touch is ruched detail. Wrap sweaters define a waist, and off-the-shoulder and cowl necks give a softness to your shape.

aztec side-ruched sweater // ruched detailed sweater // side tie wrap sweater // striped cowl neck sweater // off-the-shoulder sweater // side lace-up tunic sweater

Apple-shaped Body:

We’re going to create an illusion of narrower shoulders and waist while accentuating your legs and chest. Choose a longer tunics that skim you figure, but don’t cling and opt for lighter, less-bulky fabrics. V-necks draw the eye in to create an illusion of a waist. Longer lengths, button-downs, and small patterns, and eye-catching details are your go-to.

fringe detail cardi // bow detail cardi // lace kimono // ribbed snap cowl neck sweater // hooded maxi cardi // wide-ribbed cowl neck 3/4 leather sleeved sweater 

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Winter/Holiday E-Styling Program!

Other personal styling services

Hey loves! Once again, I’m offering my e-styling services for the entire month of December as a Winter/Holiday Program & *Style Challenge* at a super rate!
Everything you need, from a shopping check list for all your winter essentials to holiday must-haves, and complete outfits styled by moi will be delivered to your inbox EVERY WEEK for 5 weeks!

How does it work?

You’ll receive a shopping list of winter wardrobe essentials perfect for any casual occasion, plus a few dressy looks for your holiday soirees, and some looks may work well for the business casual workplace. Many of the pieces may already be in your closet, some from the fall styling program will be included, and you can shop the items from the store I provide for convenience or you’re free to shop at your favorite stores. You can spend as much or as little as you want!

After the pieces are in place, you’ll receive a weekly style board each Sunday night for 5 WEEKS! You’ll have enough pieces to style daily, but I’ll provide at least 3 and up to a week’s worth of winter outfit combos created from those pieces direct to your inbox each week. You can choose to utilize the styling I provide for you, or add your own twists to create a style unique to you. Many of the outfits will mix-and-match to create an unlimited number of looks.

What type of outfits will they be?

The Winter/Holiday styling program includes casual chic outfits for the busy woman on the go and may be appropriate for a business casual work environment. I’m also throwing in a few dressier outfit combos perfect for those holiday parties and events!

Here are some sample outfits from the previous fall e-styling program…

What’s included?

• Winter/Holiday Essentials Shopping List. On the 23rd of November, you’ll receive a list of winter/holiday wardrobe essentials with links to retailers.
• Styled Outfits. Each Sunday, a style board will be emailed to you. I’ll have styled several looks created from pieces on the essentials shopping list. Because I’m all about getting wear out of your wardrobe and transitioning pieces, I’ll include several items from your fall wardrobe in each style board… {if you didn’t participate in the fall program, that’s OK, you’ll most likely have those pieces or can grab them up easily. For an additional $15 I’ll send you the fall list of essentials and retailers if you’d like.} 
• Style Notes. I offer a brief description of my ‘how-to’ style know-how, and the reasoning behind creating such a look.
• Style Tips. I also include ideas for date nights, how-to’s like glamming up particular pieces, layering jewelry, etc…
• *If I have enough of you sign up {at least 10}, I’ll open up a Facebook group, and offer a hashtag for Instagram, so that we can create a style challenge. Basically, it becomes more than a list and outfits. You’ll gain confidence, re-discover your style, receive additional style inspo from other participants, and make new friends! So tell your friends, and let’s make this a party!!!

Timeline:

• November 15th through 22nd: Pre-registration of $29.99 for Facebook and/or Instagram friends.
• November 23rd: Receive your essentials shopping list with list of retailers direct to your inbox by midnight.
• November 23rd through 29th: Late registration of $34.99 for Facebook and/or Instagram friends.
• November 30th, December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th: Receive style boards for the week with complete outfit ideas, style notes and tips.

How much does it cost?

If you were working one-on-one with me, the average cost to style and shop for a wardrobe of this magnitude, and prepare daily styling options for a month would be well over $1,000! But I believe great style should be accessible and affordable for everyone, so I’m offering this e-styling service for you. Follow on Facebook and/or Instagram and your sign up fee is $29.99 paid only through PAYPAL. 

Ready to Sign-Up?
This program is now closed.

Wednesday Wish List + a Styling Program

sunnies // blue&white dress // fur snood // sweatshirt // fur vest // trench vest // slip-on sneaker

The weather has been fluctuating drastically in my neck of the woods, so I’ve been wearing a lot of my summer pieces lately. I know! I’ve been sticking to transitional pieces… I’m having fun taking my shorter dresses and turning them into shirts, mixing scarves with shorts, pairing brighter skirts with darker tops; just mixing-and-matching pieces that would be considered seasonal and re-creating the looks with touches of the fall.

That brings me to my next styling program!
Ladies, and now gentlemen,  I’ve got another styling series coming up that you won’t want to miss!

My last style program contained a coveted list of fall essentials AND where to purchase those pieces, and a style board complete with styled outfits over the course of 3 weeks. Well, I’ve decided to do it again… with winter wardrobe essentials and LOTS OF TRANSITIONAL PIECES because if you live in a climate like mine, you’re lucky if the weather is cooperating enough to actually wear real winter clothing.

 I’m also including the men! The men’s program will be slightly different, so I’ll do a separate post about it. I’m keeping it low key, quick, and functional, so come find out what key pieces you’ll want in your closet.
For the ladies,  the great thing is that you can build on your fall pieces from the fall styling program {remember, transitional style is my thang!}. Yes, you will get an entirely new list, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your fall wardrobe. Though some pieces are considered seasonal, even they can be versatile. I’ll show you how by re-working some of the pieces, and you’ll be building your wardrobe that will take you from season to season. 

So, come along on a style journey with me!

Edit: The program will begin November 30th {with your essentials shopping list arriving to your email on the 23rd… just in time for black Friday! Pre-registration will be open November 15th. I usually begin seasonal style programs 2 weeks into a season so that women from all over the globe can participate. Waiting gives everyone the best chance that the weather will cooperate so the outfits will work! However, I’ve decided to start early because many of you take advantage of black Friday deals, and also would like holiday style inspiration. AND the best thing is that even if you’ve already done your shopping, you will likely have the pieces, or can even work your pieces into the style board to create a unique look! And because I’m not just focusing on winter, but pieces that will transition from season to season, this will work for everyone!

To be the first to know when registration opens, fill out the form below…

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