Layers

There was once a time when I was not into layering (gasp!)  I know, it's weird especially living in Chicago, layering is the key to warmth and happiness in the cold and dark winter months.  Dressing cute in the winter has become a challenge, but I think I have figured out the way to do it.  You can still wear those summery dresses and shirts, they just need a layered spin.  For example, say you have a great summery pink tank top, and you are dying to wear it out, because, its just perfect.  If the cut allows, you can put a long sleeve underneath it or a cardigan over it.  Just because a color hits the racks in the spring/summer, does not make it a summer piece.  I wear plenty of whites and brights in the winter, it just needs to look right.  

The other night I decided to be bold and go for the jean-shorts with tights trend.  Unsure of how it would look and be received by my posse, I looked to blogs on what to pair it with.  Many fashion blogs suggested pairing the look with a blousy-wintery top, something black perhaps?  I thought about that one, and mentally perused my closet and a few items stood out.  The other option was to go distressed t/boyfriend blazer.  Because I didn't want to go that route, I was left between two choices: a blacker long sleeve Zara blouse with bold shoulders, or a black long sleeve Zara blouse with a bib-like design.  I decided to not overdo too many trends (ie bold shoulder and jean-shorts/tights) so I went with the bib-like blouse.  I finished the look with black patent platform heels, to elongate my legs, since I doubted my leg length with the shorts.  I think my friends were a bit thrown off, but not too much, and the outfit did get kudos and cred.

The next day, Nicole Richie was photographed wearing the jean-short/tights trend while debuting her Winter Kate line.  I couldn't be happier that I took a fashion risk and went for it!  Thank you, Nicole Richie, for validating my fashion sense.