Winter Fashion

 

Tired of winter? Who isn’t -- except maybe pro-snowboarder Shaun Palmer and pro-skier Shane McConkey.

Even people who make their living from winter, such as tire salesmen, chimney sweeps, and snowplow drivers, can't seem to get enough of the cold weather. Fortunately, there is one advantage to cold weather: winter fashion. With all the layers and bright colors, not to mention the furry lambskin boots, it's just plain fun.

Every glossy cover of Elle, Vogue, and Mademoiselle this time of year makes me want to be one of those glam girls wrapped up in a delectable sweater and plush boots. Unfortunately, whenever I try to imitate one of those magazine looks, everything goes wrong.

I just tried on the tight jeans-bulky sweater-chunky boots look this week. It appeared to be winter, but it was not. I wrestled with every jacket in my closet, attempting to persuade one to button over my new oversized turtleneck sweater. When I finally got my pea coat to close, my relief was washed away when I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked about 7 months pregnant.

All of this layering would be ideal if I were spending the day studying polar bears in the Arctic. No, I wasn't. I was driving to work. I made a quick stop at the coffee shop, and the moment I stepped inside, I began to overheat. I could smell my perspiration mixing with the wool of the sweater by the time I got to the counter.

All of this layering would be ideal if I were spending the day studying polar bears in the Arctic. No, I wasn't. I was driving to work. I made a quick stop at the coffee shop, and the moment I stepped inside, I began to overheat. I could smell my perspiration mixing with the wool of the sweater by the time I got to the counter.

I like the natural beauty look, but I dislike the smell. I was waiting for my mocha and fanning myself with a menu when I noticed that the rock salt on the city sidewalks had nearly ruined my new furry boots.

My sparkly chandelier earrings were the only thing that survived the morning after all the time I spent buying, planning, and putting on my new outfit. They were the cheapest part of my outfit, and I received compliments on them all day. A little twinkle, it seems, makes people happy.

Despite what the haute couture houses tell us about wearing more color in the winter, I, like any wise woman, wear black in the winter. Black looks good day or night, and it doesn't take much thought for a girl on the go. The best thing about black is that it conceals all flaws, such as those caused by indulging in an entire pumpkin cheesecake on Thanksgiving. But black isn't just for thinning; it's also a great color palette for accessories.

Women have a plethora of jewelry options this year. You can rely on the old standby of diamonds. Alternatively, you can experiment with this winter's exciting new collections of colored pearls and shells. They look great with black and can be as formal as a diamond necklace while adding more personality and flare. A similar colored necklace can also be used to draw attention to your eye color. Nothing beats a pair of sapphire blue eyes paired with a matching necklace.

Rhinestones are a holiday classic. Designers are combining them with fiber optic glass and silver this season. It's a fresh take on a jewelry classic. Red stones can draw attention to winter's flushed skin and rosy cheeks. And the glass's fiber optics make the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets glow. The combination creates an unforgettable look.

And something that will always go with black, the darker the better. Onyx is a stunning stone that, when paired with silver, can transform a plain black sweater and slacks into a classic cosmopolitan look. Dangly onyx earrings look great with pulled back hair. Onyx is fantastic because it goes with almost everything. It refines red, subdues pink, and makes white more exotic.

Don't let the gray skies and stale snow keep you from feeling lovely. When you go to your closet and feel bad about having to cram your outfit under your jacket, put on a stunning pair of earrings. Even with your jacket on, everyone will notice them. And, unlike that oversized sweater, you'll be able to keep wearing them once the warm spring weather returns.