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spring essential: the trench coat

3/6/2015

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I can barely believe it, but the weather forecast claims that Chicago will be enjoying a high of 49 degrees on Tuesday! That means that the down coat can come off and I can switch to a lighter outer layer. The trench coat is a classic piece and is always being reinvented so you can be sure to find a style and color that works for you. 

I've been wearing the same trench since 2010 so I think this is the season for me to finally swap it out for a new one. However, I say that every year and still haven't gotten around to it. I always pull it out the first warm day of spring and without fail I get complimented on it, so there is a lot of pressure to find another option that is as flattering as my current one. 

One of the big decisions in choosing a spring coat is whether to choose a style with or without a belt. I am partial to the belt because it allows you to create an hourglass silhouette and you can change out belt to create a new look. I actually misplaced the matching belt to my coat for several weeks and just used a metallic skinny belt instead. 

The other thing to be aware of is whether or not the material is waterproof, water resistant, or neither. I have found that water resistant is enough for me because I switch into a heavy duty Gore-Tex raincoat for heavy downpours, but the weather in your area may push you in a different direction.
trench coats for spring

trench coats for spring by practicallystylishblog featuring a trench coat
I love a trench in a colorful pattern, but so far this season I've noticed that many of the options are skewing more neutral. The
Harbor Cropped Trench Coat from Lands' End is available in five colors, including a bright red. Piping in a contrasting color is one of my favorite details and can make a neutral color palette a little bit more interesting. The Lands' End Heritage Double Breasted Trench Coat is navy with white piping and the Banana Republic Piped Trench is taupe with black piping. For something a bit bolder, you have to cross the pond. The Boden Rainyday Mac is not a true trench, but serves the same purpose in your wardrobe and is available in four bold patterns.
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snow day style hack

2/1/2015

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Can you tell I am wearing cropped pants?
We are getting snow in Chicago and that means finally dusting off the snow boots. It also means dealing with the annoyance of tucking my pants into my boots. When there is snow on the ground, you don't want to leave your pants untucked because then they get wet, but the extra fabric around your ankle can be incredibly irritating.

Today I solved the problem (at least a little bit)! I dug around in the back of my closet until I found my summer clothes and pulled out a pair of slim leg cropped jeans. I then pulled on a pair of wool boot socks over my pants so that my pants were tucked into the socks. Since the pants only reach mid-calf, the little bit of extra fabric was around my leg and not inhibiting the mobility of my ankle. Plus, the exposed boot sock added an extra bit of flair to my otherwise boring outfit.

Although this style hack won't work well when you going somewhere, like a friend's house, where you would take your boots off, it is perfect for a snowy day of running errands. Your toes stay warm and you don't spend time fidgeting to adjust your pant leg in your boot.

What snow day style hacks make your day a little bit easier? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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3 ways to look stylish while staying warm

12/8/2014

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The current season requires us to be bundled up in warm coats and cozy accessories, but until we get another polar vortex or a foot of snow on the ground, your winter attire can, and should, still look stylish. These three items will improve your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort:
1. Great Pair of Ankle Boots
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Pikolinos Brighton Boot $205
Snow boots are great for the snow, but the rest of the time a leather ankle boot will be your best friend. They look equally great with pants, skirts, and dresses and come in colors and patterns that are sure to brighten up even the dreariest December days. This is the perfect footwear option to complement your holiday social calendar because it will keep your feet protected from the elements (unlike pumps or ballet flats) and garner you tons of compliments!
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Boden Chic Ankle Boot $178
2. Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
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J. Crew Tech Gloves $98
Leather gloves add a polished touch to any outfit and with a cashmere lining you will never want to take them off. While there are plenty of leather gloves available in black or brown, I prefer a bolder color to add a pop to your outfit especially if your winter coat is a dark, neutral color. The nice thing about your outerwear accessories is that they don't have to coordinate with every outfit that you own; they only have to look good with your visible clothing. So as long as your coat, hat, scarf, and gloves look good together, you will look great. If you aren't feeling very color confident this season, choose grey instead of black. Both styles featured here are available in grey.
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Lands' End Leather Gloves $69
3. Patterned Scarf
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Boden Skye Scarf $58
Of all your outerwear pieces, your scarf is the most likely item to end up in photographs. With a prime location next to your face, it will be visible while ice skating, caroling, or just taking a stroll through the snow. Choose a color that you love with a bit of pattern. Remember that your coat will cover up most of the scarf so you can go with a bold choice without overwhelming your look. I prefer an oversized scarf so that if I get caught outside without a hat, I can wrap it around my head and keep my ears from freezing off. This is especially helpful when going to holiday parties where it can be easy to lose track of your cold weather accessories.
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Banana Republic Diamond Knit Scarf $79.50
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the fall statement jacket

9/8/2014

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Although I love a great trench coat, my favorite fall outerwear piece is a blazer in a statement texture or print. The ideal piece is versatile enough to wear indoors and is warm enough to protect against the crisp wind outdoors. Tweed fits the bill perfectly. Last fall I skipped my usual knee-length fall trench in favor of a cozy tweed blazer layered under a puffy down vest. For an edgier look, a leather jacket  or any asymmetrical moto jacket can also serve this purpose. 
A statement jacket adds another level of style to your casual outfits, making denim look more polished and t-shirts feel less boring. Lots of fall activities taking place outside, such as pumpkin or apple picking, corn mazes, and hikes through state parks to see the leaves change. This means that on weekends there is a good chance that the only part of your outfit most people will see is the outermost layer. Make sure that your coats and jackets are pieces that you feel comfortable and confident in. Then you can enjoy the season and not have to worry about your clothes!
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Banana Republic Textured Moto Jacket $140
What's your favorite fall outerwear piece? Let us know in the comments!
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Boden Great British Puffer $148 (also available in tan check)
If you still prefer a trench style coat for fall, try one of these statement pieces:
Ann Taylor Edgy Trench $248
Banana Republic Striped Lady Coat $175
Lands' End Plaid Parka $119

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cold weather chic

12/20/2012

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Gap Cable Twist Cowlneck Scarf $29.99

It is starting to get cold and snowy here in the Midwest which means that it is the time that most people give up looking stylish in favor of being warm. However, cold weather accessories have come a long way in terms of looking good so this season you can finally have it all. Since not all of my readers will be snowed in this weekend, there are also a few mild winter accessories which are marked with an asterisk.
When looking for a great winter wear piece, stick to classic designs with simple lines and beautiful detailing. Since these thicker pieces are more expensive it is important to pick items that will last you for several seasons without looking outdated.

Scarves and gloves are great ways to show some personality so try to find a pair in your favorite color or pattern. The goal is to be excited about your cold weather look.

Look for pieces that are versatile, but that doesn't mean that you can only wear neutrals. Your outerwear look doesn't have to match your outfit.
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Ann Taylor Cashmere Zebra Jacquard Waterweave Wrap $198
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Lands' End Luxe Wool Scoopneck Coat $124.99
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*Ann Taylor Short Bow Leather Driving Gloves $59.99
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*Lands' End Canvas Short Wool Coat $89.99
Even the coldest part of the country gets some mild winter days which means you can look fabulous with fewer layers. Depending on your local climate, the pieces in this row can be worn from fall through spring. Although not warm enough for a snowstorm, these are great options for layering up on date night or on the way to a party.
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*Goorin Bros. Voynich Cloche Hat $48

For those of us who will be spending the next couple months hunkered into down puffy coats, remember that a bright accessory can make the defining difference in your outfit and even in your day. Find pieces you love and it will be easy to be both stylish and warm this winter season!
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*Rockport Alika Buckled Bootie $140
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J. Crew Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves $59.99
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