Twelve Days of Dresses

If you’ve already read my last post, you’re probably aware that I am on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress. However, I realized that all of the dresses that I picked were totally out of my price range. Marc Jacobs, Milly, and Juicy Couture are a bit too much of a splurge for a dress exclusively for the holiday season, so I’ve spent the last week looking for some more wallet-friendly options. I set my budget at $100 and began scouring the Internet, but I found that way too many of my favorite inexpensive retailers just didn’t have the kind of quality I was looking for. After combing through the selection at H&M, Topshop, and Forever21, I decided to check out Urban Outfitters. Last year around this time I was incredibly disappointed with UO’s holiday dress selection, so my expectations were low. However, as soon as I clicked on the website, a banner titled “The 12 Days of Dresesses” appeared and I knew that I had just struck gold. The first thing that caught my attention once I clicked on the banner was the way the page is set up. The 12 dresses are divided into four rows of three, and as you move your mouse across the images, the models in the picture begin to move! As a result, I was able to see the way that each dress looks on the body in 3D, something that Urban Outfitter has never offered before. 

Necessary Knits = CHAOS Knits

It’s true that nothing is better than being completely cozy on the most frigid winter days. Most seasons, it’s hard to achieve that state of warmth without a ridiculous amount of layering or constantly keeping on a jacket. Luckily for us, this season, we’re being directed towards a trend that, if introduced just a few years ago, could quite possibly be scoffed at. I am referring the oversized, heavenly soft, and impeccably chic “grandma” knits. Cozy knits look pretty much exactly how you’re imagining them, and therein lay their arm. The perfect knit looks as if it came directly from an elderly lady’s closet- and feels as though it has been worn for years. It can be made of wool, cashmere, or anything in between, depending on your preference of material. It can be personalized with a pattern, or kept neutral in a solid, wintery tone such as crimson or oatmeal. A chunky knit accessory this season is the most bold item you can buy. Though it is possible to head to the nearest H&M and purchase a mile long scarf that will ball up and look raggy in about a week, the ones that stand out among the rest are those that are truly special. On that same note, I also won’t recommend splurging on a high-end designer’s version, either. Lucky for you, CHAOS has its own knit line! I highly suggest that you check out CHAOS Knits : trust me, it’s worth it. Finding that perfect, completely unique scarf, hat, or headband is just a few clicks away. You’ll also get to skip sifting through chaotic racks or visiting several stores before striking gold. The great thing about CHAOS Knits is that they can be reused again in the spring. Many spring RTW collections paired pastel shorts or sheer skirts with chunky knit accessories; so you will definitely get what you pay for after just a few weeks of wear.

CHAOS Knits
E-Boutique

Text 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

How Strong Are Your Shoulders?

It's a flashback to the 1980's Powersuit wit the re-introduction of strong shoulders. Granted this seasons interppretation of strong shoulders is more sophisticated and dramatic it still conveys the message of strength and femininity.

Now the best way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is to choose a strong shouldered look in a neutral colour. Stick with black, white, gray or even beige but don't try to wear a strong shoulder with an even stronger colour like blue, red or green.

It is the perfect trend for a more formal event or a day at the office if you work in the fashion industry. Play around with it and find what suits you best, it can be beautifully paired with fur, gloves or belts.

- Erin Jones

The Colour of a Camel

Every season there needs to be that one timeless piece, the piece that brings warmth into your otherwise cold winter wardrobe. This season the camel-coloured coat is back.

Often seen on the backs of Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly the camel coat makes a classic chic statement. Because of the richness in the colour it makes you appear quite rich even if you are a fashionista on a budget.

Camel can be worn with any colour, which makes it a staple piece in your wardrobe. Right now we are seeing a lot of bright pink and electric blue so the camel colour is a great way to bring warmth to this seasons bright colours.

While there is probably quite a lot of pieces in a camel colour, I would suggest sticking with camel coats. You can always count on them to be instyle even 20 years from now you will look absolutely fabulous in your camel coat.

-Erin Jones

A Snood

Wouldn't it be so much easier if fashion combined two of the most essential winter items? Well, thankfully they have, A Snood, winter's hottest trend.

A snood is the scarf-come-hood that goes on over the head and around the neck like a scarf that won't flap away in the wind. It's a genius idea.

A snood is designed for both men and women and comes in great colours, patterns and fabrics. It's so easy to wear, just throw it over your head and go. It's said a snood is a throwback from the 80's but I don't understand why it ever went out of style. Also be sure to check out CHAOS Knits who has a fantastic one. CHAOS Knits launching next month is CHAOS Magazine's accessory knit line. Book mark it now! WWW.CHAOSKNITS.COM

-Erin Jones

It's A Peace Treaty

Winter is in full effect, even if the first snow may not have fallen in NYC, the temperature has DROPPED over night. This means time to bundle up, well, that is if you ever plan on leaving the apartment. Wrap your neck up with this scarf by A Peace Treaty, hand-knotted tassels, hand-loomed 100% cotton and measures about 42 inches. The colors are perfect for brightening up our regular dark winter clothing, charcoal, plum, coral red, yellow, and teal with tila yarn detailing. The colors tend to fade into each other making each scarf a little different. How is that for one of a kind?

 Image: Oak NYC

Mad For Plaid

There's a reason plaid rhymes with rad. Every designer seems to have gone mad for plaid this season. Why? Well, I'm not sure but, isn't it always a little sexy to see a guy chopping wood in a flannel jacket? Whoa, okay, seriously, no pun intended. Bottom line, plaid is rad! I guess you never thought the whole lumber jack style would ever be "of fashion" but hey, times are changing. The Paul Bunion look is definitely in, I've seen the boys sporting the plaid shirt look, and I'm not going to lie, I like it. Keep rocking it boys, even go a little crazy and get some plaid pants, just don't lose your mind and wear them with the plaid flannel. A little plaid goes a long way, choose your pieces wisely.

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

Image: Marcio Madeira

Designer: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Stockholm Winter Style Shot

Here is a shot straight from the streets of Stockholm Sweden. From a country who is used to very frigid winters, they show us cold weather doesn't mean you need to leave your sense of style at home. We love the whole color scheme going on here, the winter white scarf and hat with matching socks, black coat and then a splash of color with the purple tights. The Mary Jane shoes finish this look making it ultra feminine and adorable.

If you're in a cold climate don't put all of your cute dresses away for the winter. Some dresses can still be worn in the winter, you just need to add tights and socks. Done deal! :)

Source: jennycindy.blogspot.com