LOVE LUST LIKE: Accessorize

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Baby It's Cold Outside

We're faced with a very chilly week. Temperatures seem to have plummeted and only the warmest apparel will do. If a snow day is round the corner (and it often is in February) we will be faced with not just the troublesome commute but also the choice of whether to dress practically or fashionably.

But you can blend both. People grumble about the Winter - about the cold, about the darkness at 4pm. But Winter is undoubtedly my favourite season. Don't get me wrong, I hate the rain and only find it acceptable when I am tucked firmly under a duvet, but those crisp, cold days when the sun is shining are my idea of bliss and there is nothing I love more than facing it in layers and layers of knitwear.

Olivia Palermo certainly knows how to look chic in the freezing cold and here are some of my pieces of choice for the upcoming chill.

I love any coat with a masculine military vibe, they toughening up dresses and skirts. These are both thick, lined and luxurious and will be really cosy when facing the cold.

Zara padded coat with fur

ASOS lined parka with fur

Replace the belt the coat may come with (and wear it with other outfits) and use a

different one for a variation in texture like leopard print or studded.

New Look studded double row belt

Topshop leopard print belt

Hats and ear muffs look great, and are a great way to introduce fur or print into an outfit. Men's accessories on the high street are really strong so don't be afraid to explore the boys department occasionally!

Accessorize ear muffs

Topshop trapper

Topman bobble hat

Long, comforting socks keep you warm under jeans, over tights and look really cool peeking out of boots. Brora is an indulgence but they are still in full January sale swing so splurge on some

discounted cashmere while you have the chance.

Brora cashmere folk socks

Brora cashmere marl socks

No one should risk the possibility of falling on slippery snow or ice for the sake of wearing nice shoes. Hunters are still the wellie to get and I LOVE the quilted version! Team with opaques, leggings or jeans.

Hunter quilted wellington boots at ASOS

I love the child-like humour behind mittens - so much cuter than gloves and, if you're prone

to losing things, stringing them through the arms of your coat like your mum did on

your first day of school gives you a little insurance!

ASOS fairisle mittens with string

COS woolen mittens

Finally, with cold often comes dazzlingly clear sky and sun. Throw some shades,

and remember eyewear is worth an investment. I love these classic aviators.

Silhouette aviators

Topshop sunglasses case

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Statement Necklaces

To think I spent so long with a naked neck? I never wore necklaces, opting instead for bangles, friendship bracelets and rings. But last year I discovered how amazing they look against a basic jumper, how decadent they appear on top of metallics and how much they satisfy my magpie tendencies.

Dannijo is the most incredible jewellery label with necklaces that make me feel slightly weak at the knees. The two sisters from New York who design the pieces blend a rock vibe with Aztec influences, and often there is a final flourish of unnerving spikes and chains. The result is simply sublime.

Ok, so they're extortionate. But just LOOK at them!!

By no means, however, do you have to splurge to get great statement jewellery. The High Street is a mecca of 'wow' pieces to add some pizazz to a simple outfit.