6 Winter Essentials

And it is that time of the year again, our toes are freezing, the heater in our cars are turned up to high, and we struggle to get out of bed (well, if you are anything like me you struggle to get out of bed regardless of the season). The only good thing about winter, yes the only, is that it is a good excuse to revamp your wardrobe.

Now if you are only buying 6 things this Winter, here is my must-have list:

Images courtesy of Asos, Sportsgirl, Loopy Mango, Kookai, Chanel, Witchery

Cape – I am no superhero, but I know a cape when I see one. The cape has come back into fashion, with a modern edge. We have seen Kym Ellery in her latest court hearings wearing her cape again, and again, and again, and now you too can pull off this look. See a blazer is cute, but some people find it a touch too formal (or if you are wearing a blazer every day to the office, you want a break from it – it’s not you, it’s me). The cape is designed to sit on the shoulders, just like how my grandma wears her jackets, but with this clever design you won’t have to keep pulling this little number from falling every 30 seconds. The cape can be worn both casually, and formally and with its superpowers, will differentiate you from all the jacket wearing girls.

Fur vest – (faux of course). Whenever I wear my fur vest, I just want to say things like “on another level”, “bananas” and “I die”. I feel like I am channeling my inner Zoe (Rachel Zoe, for anyone that has been living under the Hermes blanket).  The fur vest whether it be in brown tones, dark tones, or light tones is the perfect accessory to pull over a dress or top. It is also fab for covering your booty, or your ‘food baby’. Be sure to keep in mind your own height when purchasing a vest. Some vests that are too long, can make my fellow vertically challenged friends look even shorter. Now if you are buying only 1 vest – I wouldn’t recommend going too long, or again going too cropped. Choosing a midi length is just right. If you want to buy a vest from the lady herself, Rachel Zoe has her own collection (shop now at http://www.shopbop.com.au).

Scarf – Just thinking about a chunky knit scarf is warming me up. This winter, the thicker the knit the better. Scarves never go out of fashion, so choose your favourite block colour. Whether you play it safe with a neutral colour, or you brighten up the gloomy winter days with a pop of colour – anything goes. For those of you that don’t have the time to bring out your knitting needles and balls of yarn, you can find a chunky knitted scarf in your nearest Mimco boutique (http://www.mimco.com.au).

Ankle boots – this is the closest I will ever be getting to boot camp. Ankle boots are the must have this winter. No matter what the colour, or whether you go for a Cuban heel, or stiletto, you must invest in a pair of ankle boots. This look works with any clothing – dresses, skirts, jeans; and will last you more than 1 winter. Remember if you are going to go a light coloured boot (whether this be suede or leather) make sure you use a leather protector before you use your boots, and then every couple of weeks – depending on how frequently those boots were made for walking. For an afforable leather protecter, use Mimco brand for $19.95 (http://www.mimco.com.au), the spray will last you a life time, and can be used on other leather goods at home (for best use spray 20 centimetres away from the item. Ensure that you spray this over a laundry sink, or even outside).

Chanel nailpolishes – at the start of each season I get excited about guessing what the 3 new nailpolishes for Chanel will look like, and this season did not disappoint. With Azure, Bel Argus and Lilis, there is sure to be one colour that tickles your fancy. Yes, these colours don’t look like your typical winter palette (it is currently summer everywhere BUT here), but still when it comes to nail colours, there are no restrictions. 2 coats of one of these babies, and 1 clear coat of vanish, and this $33 a bottle colour will last you a reasonable time. My eye is set on Azure…what’s your favourite?

Leather cap – everyone knows for my curly haired sisters out there, that winter equals rain times frizz divided by wind which is greater than or equal to bad hair days. But now thanks to the fashionable take on your average baseball cap, you will no longer have an excuse to look like Lenny Kravitz. So yes, for those out there that are going ‘ahh I’ve seen her with a leather cap’, you now know why. Of course for those of you who are fortunate enough to have naturally straightened hair, you can still wear the cap to give an edge to your casual attire.  Now if you can’t justify spending
the money on a leather cap, you can try a ‘pleather’ cap (pretend leather) for around $15 at Cotton On (http://shop.cottonon.com).