How to Dress for Cold Weather
If you aren’t used to it, dressing for cold climates can be tricky and overwhelming. After growing up in hot climates, I moved to England when I was twenty. Not gonna lie, I made some stupid fashion choices. I’d wear ballet flats (sans socks) on cold rainy days and claim I was, “totally fine.” Spoiler alert, I was not fine.
When I moved to St. Louis ten years ago I didn’t have any proper winter boots. So whenever it would snow I’d just wear my UGG boots. One snowy day I trekked to my local coffee shop only to end up with soaking wet feet. Like PUDDLES of water inside my shoes. I cried the whole 30 minute walk home because I was so miserable and cold.
Ever since… I’ve made better choices.
Casual cold weather OOTD
Jogger sets are the epitome of casual wear. Paired with a cashmere beanie and puffer jacket, it’s the perfect off-duty look for school drop off and errands.
5 TIPS to Stay Warm in Cold weather
Layer: this might sound obvious but smart layering goes a long way. Uniqlo heat tech is where its at. Thin layers that won’t bulk up feel the nicest to wear.
Tuck in your base layer: ever walk outside and have a burst of cold air shoot straight up your shirt? Yeah, me too. Always tuck in your base layer or wear a bodysuit. This one from Skims is my all-time favorite.
Invest in good quality boots: having cold feet is miserable. Cold wet feet are even worse. Be smart and spend a little money on a good pair of waterproof boots. I’ve had the Carabou boot from Sorel for a few years and I still get excited every time I get to wear them.
Wear a coat that covers your bum: it honestly makes a big difference. The Whisper Featherless Jacket from Athleta is very lightweight and surprisingly warm.
Hand warmers: if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, tuck a couple HotHands hand warmers into your bra and pockets. It might sound weird but it’s basically like having a portable heater attached to you.
Shop TSC Winter Essentials
Oversized coats
I found this coat in a cupboard at my husband's parent's house in Sweden. It's too big. The shoulder seams droop too far down, when buttoned the shape is bulbous and awkward plus the sleeves are a bit too short. Nevertheless, to me it has a certain charm.
There's a cupboard at my in-law's house in Sweden that is full of strange treasures. It's where I found this killer hat and jacket combo for example. Somehow every time I visit it seems to be stocked full of new vintage gems.
This past trip I was rummaging through it when I came across an oversized tweed coat. My eyes widened and I yanked it out with greed. I ran to the room next door and flung it on over my snowflake flannel pajamas and did a little twirl in front o f the mirror. 'What do you think?' I eagerly asked my husband. His response? 'You look homeless.'
Undefeated, I went out to the kitchen to ask my mother-in-law if I could borrow it. 'Keep it,' she said, 'I got it for 6 pounds at a second hand shop and it's too big for me.' Exactly why I love it - it's too big. The shoulder seams droop too far down, when buttoned the shape is bulbous and awkward plus the sleeves are a bit too short. Nevertheless, to me it has certain charm.
Wearing: vintage coat, & Other Stories hat, 7 for all Mankind jeans, Celine bag and Vans.
2012 in Review
Wh-whaat? Where did 2012 go?
Lying in my bed on the eve of 2013, I'm scrolling through a years worth of blog posts. Nostalgia is setting in. Pass the tissues. Highlights definitely include fashion week and twirling in the teacups at EuroDisney with Shini. A trip to Jamaica also ranks high on the best moments from the year. My favourite post I did this past year has got to be 'A letter to my fellow bloggers', wherein I write a letter addressing the misconceptions and lies that surround being a blogger. I loved reading everyone's comments and thoughts in response to the post. Thanks so much for sticking with me through 2012. I can't wait to see what's in store for the year ahead.
Happy New Year. Here's to it being a great one. *clinks glass*
xx
Taking care of yourself
I've always thought that honesty is the best policy... so let's just get right down to it. A few weeks ago I had a bit of a break down. It isn't something I had planned to talk about on this blog. This is supposed to be a happy place. But the truth is life isn't always happy. Sometimes things are hard.
Basically I wasn't eating or sleeping properly and I had worn myself down by working too hard.
It can happen to anyone. One of the main reasons I'm even mentioning it here is that I know too many people who also work themselves too hard. When you have a lot going on, often your own personal health is the thing you pay the least attention to. The reality is though that we all need to take care of ourselves. I'm saying this as a reminder to myself and also to anyone that might be reading - make sure you take it easy.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. xx
p.s. wearing: St Louis baseball hat, Junkfood NFL T-shirt (stolen from Fred), Aubin & Wills shorts, Converse and Style Crusader x Topshop canvas bag.
WE ARE HANDSOME
As I wiggled my way into this dress I felt myself being transported to another place altogether... to that world where life is bathed in golden sunshine. You can't help but feel a little wonderful with all that elasticated sex-appeal sucking you in from every angle.
I was considering whether I ought to start this post with a melodramatic story about beaches, mojitos and bronzed skin. It was to be set in a land where everyone is flawless and dripped in unending sunshine. People named Sven and Tiffany lounge by glistening pools and live off bubblegum, they have nothing to do and nowhere to go. In my mind, this is the world that the We Are Handsome customer belongs to.
I was wondering if the brand, that's become synonymous with edgy videos and growling animals, could be transported into real life. It's all skin-tight stretchy fabric... surely this isn't meant for city streets or real people? Rihanna might be able to pull it off but that doesn't mean anyone else can. Each piece seems to encapsulate the allure of summer, making the mind-blowing body conscious pieces just too good to resist.
WAHOutfit
As I wiggled my way into this dress I felt myself being transported to another place altogether... to that world where life is bathed in golden sunshine. You can't help but feel a little wonderful with all that elasticated sex-appeal sucking you in from every angle. Yeah, I might have just been walking down the grey streets of London but I felt like, if I could just skip through the right alley, I'd wind up being transported somewhere exotic.
I wore this floral print dress with a slouchy black cardigan and Converse for a bit of balance. In my world tight and short always require a bit of de-sexifying and nothing does that quite as well as a bunch of fresh flowers pushed into a brown leather bag. Yumm. I wish I had flowers on standby to carry with me everyday... they make the perfect accessory (potentially even better than a puppy).
I also tried a swimsuit with a mega low dipped back. It was gorgeous and I loved it under a pair of jeans. If your swimsuit is this crazy beautiful then it deserves to be worn during the day. I'm now a little obsessed with the dreamy prints and skin-tight fits that We Are Handsome does so well. These are definitely the sort of pieces that could easily migrate into my daily life, they don't just have to be worn on yachts or music videos.
Wearing: We Are Handsome dress and swimsuit (via Pfeffer PR), Stylein jumper, Swedish Hasbeens bag, Lucy Folk bracelets, and Mykita sunglasses.
Photos by Kit
Lady in red
Red is so not my colour. That's what I thought, at least, before I wore this jacket. It's the embodiment of all things wonderful and wearable about fashion. Throw it on over anything and you instantly look mega chic.
Red is so not my colour.
That's what I thought, at least, before I wore this jacket. It's the embodiment of all things wonderful and wearable about fashion. Throw it on over anything and you instantly look mega chic - it is a miracle worker. I love that it has a sort of über glam Parisienne (Balmain-esque - with the exaggerated shoulders) flare but also packs a nitty-gritty punch. The imperfections are what make it so perfect. Frazzled edges and strips that look as though you've taken a razor blade to the fabric - so yummy. Destruction is hottt, especially when it's faux and comes in the form of Iro.
Wearing: Iro jacket (My Wardrobe), American Apparel tri-blend racerback tank, 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans, Lucy Folk bracelets (Pfeffer PR), Maison Scotch clutch (Sane), Muriee cashmere scarf, Versace sunglasses and Balenciaga boots.
Photos by Shini
Bare that belly
I decided to rock this Patouf cropped top with a little white t-shirt underneath because I'm just not ready to embrace the midriff full on. I love this top, by the way. It's a little sci-fi crazy with its silver sheen and structured shape. I like that. It means I can pretend to be on the Starship Enterprise.
Looking out over Zurich...
Weeee! Spring is here.
Spring in Zurich is the best thing ever. It's sunny and warm. The trees and flowers are blooming. It's calm. You can't help but get a tan. After weeks and weeks of it being -15 degrees the shift in temperature is heavenly. Let's not talk about the weather though, let's talk midriffs. What do we think people? Are they best saved for the catwalk? Can they work on real streets with real people? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. The thing is, regardless of how razor-sharp your abs might be (and trust me, I know we all have abs that could cut glass) it takes a lot of confidence to rock a belly baring top. Depending on how cropped you go they can start to resemble a bra top and I'm just not sure how that will go down in the city. Maybe it's a look best saved for weekend breaks away... hmmm. What do you reckon?
I decided to rock this Patouf cropped top with a little white t-shirt underneath because I'm just not ready to embrace the midriff full on. I love this top, by the way. It's a little sci-fi crazy with its silver sheen and structured shape. I like that. It means I can pretend to be on the Starship Enterprise while I walk around town (much to my husband's distaste). I want to wear it with something seriously fierce (read: a patent black shiny high-waisted pencil skirt and some kick-butt heels) but jeans and Converse fit a bit more with my everyday needs... for now at least.
Wearing: Patouf Jade Top, Mih Paris Jeans, Mykita Joanie Sunglasses, Bottletop Luciana Clutch and Converse.
Leather jackets & Chanel
I absolutely love this outfit for it's no-fuss still-chic quality. If it were up to me this jacket would never ever leave my body. It is buttery soft, perfectly draped and instantly makes any outfit at least 100 x better.
Oh me, oh my... it was the first day of fashion week... what to wear, what to wear?
I opted for some pastel colors (pink jeans and a jumper in a slew of bubblegum shades) but then went and ruined it by throwing a lot of black leather over the top. Oops. This lipstick I'm wearing has a tendency to lend people to jokes about whether I'm freezing or not. Hello, it's called Cyber and it's by Mac... my lips are not turning purple due to the fa-reezing temperature. Anyway, I absolutely love this outfit for it's no-fuss still-chic quality. If it were up to me this jacket would never ever leave my body. It is buttery soft, perfectly draped and instantly makes any outfit at least 100 x better. Hope you won't be sad if I wear 6 variations of this exact same look over the coming days... I have to admit, I'm a little hooked.
Wearing: Theory jacket, Theyskens' Theory knit, 2nd Day jeans, vintage Chanel bag via Wish Want Wear, MOXHAM small pink leather clutch, MYKITA sunglasses, Balenciaga boots and Topshop ring.
DOUBLE JACKETS & TRIPLE DENIM
I think it's a continuation of the January blues but I've been feeling hugely uninspired about getting dressed lately. In my head I've already moved onto Spring but sadly the weather isn't on the same time frame. It's absolutely freezing in Zurich at the moment.
When I came across this look on the Sartorialist this morning I thought it was too good not to emulate. The only problem, though, is that when wearing a long sleeve shirt, thick knit, denim jacket and a coat you instantly start to look and feel like this (not familiar with A Christmas Story? See here.) It's worth it though, despite being almost incapable of putting my arms down.
Wearing: J.Crew peacoat, Gap denim jacket, J.Crew chambray shirt, 7 for all Mankind jeans, Balenciaga boots, Laird & Co crushable fedora, Sambag tote, J.Crew fisherman sweater, Bottletop clutch and vintage earrings.
BLOGLOVIN - TWITTER - FACEBOOK - TUMBLR
ETRE TOUCHY GLOVES...
With the 21st century has come a new and very real danger: cold fingers when using touch screen devices.
We've all been there... it's freezing and you're standing in front of the most mesmerizing scene (probably a latte or your shoes against the pavement). Desperate to take a photo but your gloves are standing in the way. No matter how hard you push, the screen of you iPhone just won't register your finger. Oh the misery. Surely it ranks up there next to world hunger and disarmament.
When I came across these gloves I thought their claim to be compatible with all touch screen devices just couldn't be true. Surely if such technology existed every glove manufacturer would have embraced it already? Not so, these guys are just ahead of the game. There are two different types available. The first doesn't have a tip on the thumb and first finger. Kind of like fingerless gloves - except they are only fingerless where it really matters, making it much easier to use finicky devices like a camera. The second, has the brand's special contactwoven fingertips - which make it possible to use touchscreen devices without any hindrance. Pretty special, eh?
Featuring: Etre touchy gloves and fivepoint gloves.
January Blues
Seriously, what is it with January? I'm finding it to be the most difficult month to get through. It starts with a theatrical bang (champagne corks flying, fireworks exploding) but simmers stagnantly when resolutions prove more difficult to achieve than write and grand plans trickle out. There's still two weeks left though, maybe it will pick itself up.
Seriously, what is it with January? I'm finding it to be the most difficult month to get through. It starts with a theatrical bang (champagne corks flying, fireworks exploding) but simmers stagnantly when resolutions prove more difficult to achieve than write and grand plans trickle out. There's still two weeks left though, maybe it will pick itself up.
My wardrobe dreams have drifted to spring, pastel shades and bright acidic hues. The reality though is that my closet is filled with mostly blacks and greys. So I've brought in the big guns - the all powerful mood shifters: rainbow nails. Multi-coloured pastel nails seem the easiest way to nod to spring while staying frugal and bundled up. I also decided to pile on a selection of ridiculous things: two jackets, a leopard print clutch, studded heels and a headache inducing hat. But hey, it's Sunday... so why not.
Wearing: WalMart hat, vintage earrings, Patouf jumper, LiLiFi clutch, Moda in Pelle shoes, Gap denim jacket, Quiksilver parka and trousers.
It's all changing
Autumn and I tend to bump heads. It always comes a bit too early and unpleasantly fast. Snatching away the last bits of warmth, it strips the trees of their leaves and slowly sucks away my tan. But, I suppose it's not so bad. When it's cold meals tend to get longer, drinks warmer, and bellies a little pudgier. I've already started spending my evenings on the couch with hot chocolate and Christmas movies... hah, I know I'm a bit early but what the heck - it's hard to resist.
When I was last in London I spent an afternoon with Charlie and Lexxie at the Albion. It's one of my favourite places to go whenever I'm in town. Despite there being a big selection of delicious sounding things on the menu I always always order the breakfast bap. It totally sums up English breakfast for me and you can't get anything like it in Switzerland.
Outfit photos by Lexxie. Wearing: Charlie's Burberry mac and hat. Topshop jumper, boots, and burgundy jeans. American Apparel bag.
p.s. I've been trying to make some changes to the blog (font/slider etc) if you have any thoughts (positive or negative) please let me know.
Lessons in levitation
It was a chilly afternoon a few weeks ago in London and the perfect opportunity to try out a bit of levitation. It's a tricky thing to do. You've got to concentrate really hard, think light thoughts, imagine yourself floating above the ground... but most importantly jump high, be still, and try to snap the photo while you're headed up rather than when you're crashing back towards the ground.
It was Shini that introduced me to the wonderful world of Natsumi Hayashi and her levitating antics. Seriously, how does she get so high? Does she have an invisible trampoline underneath her? Is she actually a life sized puppet held up by strings? I'm not sure but I'm hooked and I have a long way to go in learning how to levitate.
Photos taken by Shini. Reflection also includes Miss Kit Lee. Wearing: Vivetta CrisCris coat, Seven for all Mankind skinny jeans, SAMBAG tote, Laird & Co Hatters crushable fedora and Converse.
Natar Georgiou
On the last day of London Fashion Week Matthew came rushing over to my hotel in the morning to tell me he had just been sent the most incredible dress from Cypress. He didn't even have to ask if I wanted to wear it because I immediately pulled it over my head and started cooing about how much I loved it. The vibrant colours, mis-matched stripes, oversized shape, details at the wrists... I felt so snuggly and cozy all day but still like a million bucks. I never wear bright colour like this and I absolutely loved it. This dress has snuck its way to the top of my wish list... wearing it once just wasn't enough.
Wearing: Natar Georgiou dress, Balenciaga boots, American Apparel large leather clutch, Bottletop clutch (last photo), and Topshop ring. Thank you Kit for the photos.
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On being a blogger at fashion week...
Fashion week has come to an end but I've still got lots I want to show you from the week. Just a couple shows but mostly street style and the general atmosphere. Theres been a bit of a kerfuffle going on about the experience of being a blogger at fashion week this season... this is my experience and thoughts on it:
People are saying this season was different then past ones and that bloggers weren't treated the same. It's true. We were treated differently. Registration for fashion week opens months before the shows, normally you'll be sent a fast-track code beforehand so that you don't have to wait in line on the day. This season I didn't get a confirmation. When I went to register on the first day I discovered there was a separate line for bloggers - making three categories: buyers, press, and bloggers. When I got to the front of the queue there was a girl sitting behind a computer. She asked the name of my blog. I told her and passed over a card so that it would be easier to find. I stood there while she looked it over... wondering what she was thinking. There was a long line of people behind me. She looked up and asked what my stats were. I leaned in and told her, feeling slightly embarrassed to be saying with a bunch of people right behind me. It's not that I mind telling the BFC what they are, it was more that I wasn't expecting to be asked. Plus, is there a certain number that qualifies you as being 'big' enough?' How many twitter followers do you have?' - she asked next. So I answered. 'Have you been to fashion week before?' She eventually reached the conclusion that she 'liked it' so she printed me a pass. Before which she explained that, 'it was horrible to say, but a lot of bloggers are actually blaggers.'
Fair enough. I get it. I never expected to be considered press or to be waved into fashion shows. I don't expect it to be easy. I'm a fashion outsider and, to be honest, I feel privileged whenever I get the chance to go to a show. It just seemed like a last minute decision to have the process work the way it did. Maybe in the future the pre-registration form could be a bit more dynamic. Letting you explain what your blog is and why you want a pass. Yes, I'm a blogger but I'd rather like to think I'm not just a blogger. I also write for Yahoo's fashion channel and consult with brands/designers. But there isn't space on the form to distinguish the multifaceted nature of being a blogger.
All this has left the question of why I even want access to fashion week spinning in my head. Is it to sit on the front row? To get photographed in the courtyard looking fierce? To drink free Vitamin Water then get my hair and makeup done in the press tent? No. I love attending fashion week because I love the inspiration that comes from it. For me the six days at London Fashion Week are like a euphoric fashion induced mind-coma. I love attending shows, even if it means I'm standing in the back row. Sure, a seated ticket is better than standing - but only because it guarantees you entry first and you aren't left standing in line for an hour only to then be turned away. I love that I've been able to build relationships with different designers and PRs - that I can show my take on the best parts of a collection and give exposure to designers that people might not know about. I love hanging around outside, watching the mania take place... seeing Anna Dello Russo and Kanye West strut by in all their hyper-reality fabulousness. I love getting to see my friends. There's loads of people that I adore together in one place who I rarely get to see - getting to meet people who I follow on Twitter for the first time and discovering they're just as brilliant in more than 140 characters.
Yes, the relationship the fashion world has with bloggers is still having its kinks worked out - that was clearly evident in London this season. But it's a small kink in the great scheme of things and one I'm willing and going to ride out.
Spilt milk
Straight from the final day of Fashion Week Poland, after having to swap outfits mid-day due to a serious dust fail on the floor of a factory, I decided to keep it easy in jeans and converse. Can I just reiterate how much I loved the laid back vibe at this event? Between shows we sat on the pavement blowing bubbles and eating bratwurst - pretty much heaven. At the moment, I'm totally swooning over grown up lady-like blouses. The easiest way to feel slightly more together without having to put in any effort. Ah, now if that doesn't sound like perfection...
Wearing: Paul & Joe shirt AW11 (HPR London), ckone slouchy slim jeans, American Apparel large leather pouch, Converse all stars, and felt crushable hat from Laird & Co Hatters.Kit wears: Paul & Joe floral shirt and Urban Outfitters sunglasses. Photos by Shini.
p.s. while it might not be worth crying over spilt milk, spilt orange juice is another matter entirely.