Chicago

I came to Chicago after a couple of days in LA to see in the new years at a friends wedding. Despite the cold and snow, all the guests put on their long dresses and heels for the beautiful ceremony.  It was an evening ceremony with candles that lit the aisle where the bride walked up. 

For the event, I wore this royal blue Matthew Williamson dress. It was perfect as it was long, so kept me a little warmer. It also has beautiful jewel embellishments around the collar and the waist so you don't have to go too crazy on the accessories, just a nice cocktail ring or one simple bangle and you're good to go!

Over the top of the dress, (until I warmed up!) I wore this Emilio Pucci blazer. You can see it here, worn very casually on Jennifer Anniston and Kate Middleton, but it can be really dressed up, especially with the gold buttons. Also with all Emilio Pucci pieces, they usually have the famous pattern which adds a flash of colour. My jacket has a blue pattern lining, so if I want a pop of colour, I'll fold the sleeves back, but it you want it more conservative or it would clash with another print, you can keep them down for the all black with gold look. I bought mine about 4 years ago and can't tell you how much I have worn it. It's great for a business meeting with cropped trousers, a skirt, or put on over a dress. For a more casual look pair with a pair of jeans. On a cooler evening, put a thin jumper on underneath, and add a scarf! A definite great investment purchase!

At the moment, the weather in Chicago is 17° with lows tomorrow of -14° which brings me to the next point of this blog. staying stylish in winter!! It's very hard during those winter months to feel stylish and stay warm so here are a few of the looks I've seen that I think best exemplify staying warm and stylish in the snow!! Layering in the cold is a must. Keeps you warm whilst out and about and allows you to peel the layers off when inside, eventually getting to that nice embellished jumper under all the layers. Also a polo neck jumper can look really luxurious and very importantly keep you warm!

I love the thickness of this jumper and putting a slightly oversized blazer over the top, allows you to bring the whole look together. Of course if it's too cold for just the blazer, you can swap this for a warm coat to go over the top. I love my coat from Coast which has a nice tall collar which keeps the wind chill out! Check it out below:

I am definitely more partial to a flared jean but in winter, when it's snowing or raining, I love wearing skinny Jbrand jeans or my Karen Millen skinny jeans. They are perfect outside and stops your jeans from dragging in the rain or snow! Below are some of my favs: (great for winter tucked into jeans or pull out in summer with a pair of heels:

When the weather allows, I love a pair of jeans tucked into a pair of suede ankle boots, giving you that extra bit of height! The Isabel Marant Dicker boots are amazing, but with such a high price tag I love these Aldo Josseline pair and have them in black (as below) They are super comfortable and really are so similar to the Isabel Marant pair giving you that same look minus the price tag: 

These boots for me are perfect as I travel a lot and spend time in both cold and warmer climates. I'm going to be spending most of my time in LA this year but will still get a huge amount of wear of them as I will just team them with skirts, jeans, dresses and shorts- great for a comfy laid back look. 

Winter also makes for a great time to work out those accessories, wear a beautiful hat and a pair of sun glasses to keep out the chill whilst styling up your outfit! 

And of course, with this season embracing the luxe coat, it's time to wrap up and look stylish during those winter months! As we head into autumn, you can still use all your accessories, wearing your comfy coat, a dress, this time with bare legs, those little boots and throw your coat over the top! 

When snows not an issue I love wearing my Maje leather skirt with tights and boot heels. My fav are my louboutin Gilet in black with a roll neck jumper! 

Below are some of my fav Winter / Autumn outfits. Take a look and get inspired!! Stay warm fashion bunnies!!