Finally Winter

So, winter is a real thing and I am not prepared.

If you're wondering how or why I'm wearing this outfit in the middle of New York's battle against #blizzard2016 a.k.a. #stormJonas, let me assure you that this is not what I've been wearing. This is. I wore this during my last few days as a southern belle in Atlanta, where winters are reasonably cold, which is to say, not cold at all.

"And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters?"

And that brings me to the question I've been asking myself all weekend while trapped by the storm: how the hell do people do real winters? I mean, if I wanted to make this combination work for a northern winter I would need a couple of very important additions.

First things first, I would need to do something about the bare legs. A pair of leggings maybe? No, two pairs for sure. Then, all the things my mother warned me I would need: gloves, a scarf and a heavier coat. As far as the hat, I listened to you on that one, mom. I regret ever doubting you. Please send help.

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the sweetest thing

This dress has the potential to be a very sexy LBD. After all, it is a delicately beaded slip dress. Can you imagine it with strappy heels and a little hint of a lacy bra peeking out? I mean, if that isn't sexy, I don't know what is. 

The only thing is these days being sexy is not high on my to-do list. But since it's getting colder, being warm is. That in mind, I layered the hell out of this dress. 

In all honesty, it wouldn't have made sense for me to wear it any other way, since  I was only grabbing coffee with a friend. And by coffee I mean apple pie. I may not be indulgent with my fashion choices this fall, but I am all for indulging my seasonal sweet tooth.  

photos @cookaymonster

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surviving finals

Okay, so there's a lot more to taking finals than what to wear (like notes and studying, duh) but when you wake up 30 minutes later than your alarm, it's good to have a quick go-to outfit that'll get you out of the door and onto your doom. I mean your test.  

 

My go-to outfit this past finals week was all layering. If the room is too hot or cold, you'll be able to adjust accordingly. I also come equipped with a huge tote bag to hold all my studious junk. That means notes, study guides, test schedules, pencils, scantrons and of course snacks. Brain food only though, like lollipops and gummy bears. When I'm studying and stressed candy makes me happy.

In my Kate Spade agenda, I have my tests organized by date and time. The closest one is the one I study for first so it's fresh in my memory. Luckily, my professors provided study guides this semester but if you don't have that kind of luck, quizlet.com lets you make study guides from your notes and it quizzes you. Try quizlet.com here. 

After all of your hard studying, it's best to wind down. Make yourself a smoothie (or pour some wine) in one of your favorite tumblers and visit calm.com. It's basically instant transportation to much more zen universe, which you'll need after stressing out over finals week. Try calm.com here. And good luck!

head check

If I'm not mistaken, the only requirement for wearing a hat is that you have a head. Despite the fact that about 100% of us posses that body part, I've heard a lot of people (self included) say "I'm not a hat person."

So, let's take a quick quiz. Check your body. Do you have a head? Well, ding-ding-ding! You're a hat person! Now, all you have to do is find the right one. 

I'm partial to the instant luxury of a 70's inspired floppy hat. It's perfect for that weird fall-to-spring-to-fall in between weather Atlanta's been having *insert heavy eyeroll* which is why I've been living in layers this past February. I feel like a Russian nesting doll when I get dressed these days *even heavier eyeroll followed by disgusted grunt*. 

hat (similar) | overcoat - goodwill (inspired by similar) | booties - cathy jean | dress - h&m