Go the Distance: Long Cardigans

Last fall, we saw an uproar in maxi skirts and dresses. This winter, the maxi trend has continued — and it has taken the form of a cozy cardigan. Perfect for layering over any outfit or under outerwear (it would be very chic under a leather jacket), this Free People Moon Duster Cardigan ($88) can be dressed up with tall wedges or dressed down with utilitarian boots. The best part? They come in all shapes and sizes.

Try a thick knit cardigan by day or a sheer jersey one by night. Hit the floor with a full-length sweater or go asymmetrical with one that hits the knees. The options are endless, so ditch that parka and stay warm and fashionable this winter by maxing out and going the distance.

Text Alice Chen
Image Free People 

Holiday Party Dresses

What's your take on holiday party dresses this year ... Long? Short? Sparkly? Classic black?

Whatever dress you'll be donning, here are a few tips:
1. Stay warm with cozy tights and sexy booties.
2. Showing some skin? Top your dress with a beautiful, long winter coat.
3. Since your dress will be doing most of the work, go easy on the accessories.
4. There's no better time for a stand out manicure than the holidays.
5. Up-swept hair looks polished and sexy.
6. Go easy on the eye makeup and try a bright red lipstick.

Text Rebecca Baust
Image ASOS

Summer Pieces to Wear This Winter

For most of us, the change of seasons is the perfect excuse for clothes shopping. It's too cold for summer's tank tops, and last year's jumper is pilled and paltry. Sadly, for a lot of us, buying a new wardrobe every time the temperature changes is simply unrealistic. But that doesn't mean we have to resort to hiding underneath a gargantuan parka all winter. Instead, we can reinvent our wardrobe by taking pieces from past seasons and styling them into fresh, new looks.

Maxi Dress — Long, airy, and often sleeveless, this dress is the veritable go-to on hot, summer days (and nights). Easily dressed up or down, it is a truly effortless piece. To transition your favorite maxi into winter, layer it over a pair of tights and a cropped, pull-over sweater to show off the body of the dress.

Cut-Offs — We all own a pair. Whether we like them super short or loose and casual, cut-off shorts are classic summer apparel. And, with the right accessories, you can show them off during the winter months, too. To balance out the skimpiness of the shorts, try wearing them with an oversized sweater or a boyfriend cardigan. Sleek black tights and structured black boots complete the winter grunge look.

Open-Toed Wedges — Open-toed shoes are not something that we normally think of wearing when it's freezing out. (Frostbitten toes don't exactly scream chic.) But summer wedges don't have to walk to the back of the closet just yet. When worn with thick tights or a pair of colorful socks, a sexy peep-toed effect is created that livens up any outfit.*

*NOT recommended in the snow!

Text Meghan Mardon 
Photo Stylebust

'Tis the Season

Now that our turkeys have been carved, stuffing has been served, and stomachs have been filled, it’s finally time to start thinking about (and shopping for!) the upcoming holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or anything in between, finding the perfect party dress is essential. Since I know how difficult and frustrating it can be to create the perfect holiday ensemble, I figured I would spare you the agony of scrolling through page after page of options and present you with a few of my new found favorites.

The first dress is the perfect winter LBD made by Juicy Couture. Its mini strapless silhouette is simple and classic, while the draped velvet skirt adds a subtly luxurious touch. I imagine this dress being perfect for a dinner or cocktail party when paired with classic pumps, a red clutch, and the fluffiest fur coat you can find. The result is a sexy and ridiculously comfortable look that you will be able to wear for many winters to come.

The embroidered polka dot sleeveless dress made by Marc Jacobs is a serious must-have for this season. Its scalloped lace skirt and polka dotted bodice come together to create the perfect feminine fifties-inspired dress. Though its quite pricey, it is very high quality and the camel color makes it timeless. Try wearing this dress with a knee-length peacoat, shimmery tights and nude or black heels. If your style is edgy rather than super feminine, a leather jacket and smoky eye can easily toughen it up.

Milly’s Juliet cocktail dress is a perfect mixture of my favorite recent trends- camel, ruffles, and sequins. The mixture of textures is unmatched by any dress I’ve seen, and the colors will complement any skin tone. This dress looks best when worn with bare legs and some shiny patent booties. Top it off with a head full of cascading curls and bold, bright red lips.

By Ali Antonucci

Boots Are A Woman's Best Friend

In the Mid West, the weather has more mood swings then a woman pregnant for the first time. One day you will be wearing short sleeves and shorts. The next day you could be wearing layers under a winter coat with jeans and leather boots. Either ways, the leaves on the trees have completely changed colors and every day is considered visually pleasing.

After this weekend, I have a feeling the winter-coat-weather is going to stick. You could walk through a little boutique or down the sidewalk and see women in an assortment of different boots. Tall, tan leather boots have become in-style recently in the Mid West. Though about a year ago in New York City, my best friend attending NYU started wearing them. That’s how it works here.

The best part about boots is that there isn’t just one type. Uggs are perfect for the cozy look with long flannel top, just make sure you are wearing them for function and not to make a fashion statement. Black Leather or suede flat boots are perfect for that classic jeans and all black-everything-else look. The black buckled heel-boots that just cover the ankle is perfect with a dress or a skirt. Last, but, not least, you can’t rule out the leather heel-boots that rise up to your knees. These are perfect for when your trying to add a little sophisticated flair to you're look.

Text Alexandra Faye

Photo by Lauren Boismier