Ask LMC: Take the Chill off ... plus a Holiday Giveaway

Good Afternoon!!

"Whether it's wearing my purple leather cashmere lined gloves or my sunshine yellow scarf the bad weather wont' get the best of my style, how are YOU staying stylish this winter?"

I got an email in response to my Facebook QOTD... "What if you can't afford to buy a new coat, what else can I do to not look so drab?" Well, the quick answer is to focus on what you need; a scarf to protect your neck, gloves to maintain the warmth and a hat to top it all off. Of course, my answers are never that short and I'd be wrong to not give you some fun visuals- take a look at my picks to keep the chill off this winter.

The Scarf:

My scarves not only adorn my neck in the winter, but I make it worth the $$ by making them into a headband or belt in the "off-season. I look for scarves that not only serve the purpose of keeping me warm but also stand-out from the regular. To complement my darker coats I look for prints while to go with my colored coats I look for simple prints and softer colors. My scarf collection has only grown in the past year ( I wont' tell you how much, but will say that they fill up a moving box). Of course, because scarves are in season the price may go slightly up- but you can find a scarf anywhere- whether it be plain or complicated.

Some interesting picks:

Khaki chunky snood, (15gb), Evans - excellent two-fer, wear as a scarf or a hood.; Watch Pocket Scarf $128, Anthropologie ( love this one, perfect place to hide an extra $20 or mints)

The Gloves:

The idea of my entire body being warm except for my stubby fingers bothers me. So gloves are definitely a winter essential along with a scarf. Most people are used to single color gloves, but I've seen then in an array of prints and textures. Leather, Cashmere, Fingerless, Long, Convertible, detailed or simple- for some reason these two especially the Elsa Gloves are catching my attention.

Elsa Gloves, $78, Anthropologie; Tarnish Chunky Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves $78, Nordstrom

The Hat:

I was never of hats until last spring- when it was warmer it was purely for fashion sake. But they really do help contain the warmth...that is, until they mess your hair up. Funny, how I'm more concerned about my hair than about staying warm (I know I'm not the only one). (Tip: If you hat is wool or cotton, make sure you line the hat with silk or satin to protect your hair.)

Mustard Chunky Cable Knit Beret $16, Torrid; Alfani Beret Solid Fisherman $23.99, Macy's; Applique Cloche $38, Urban Outfitters

The Shawl/Wrap:

So while it's not a winter essential, it's a piece that's most overlooked to take the chill. If your office is freezing, instead of keeping your coat on all day- try a wrap that can fashionably keep the cold away. Of course, the $10 pashmina on the street corner works just as well too.

Tis' the season - and to celebrate we have some giveaways this week!

Giveaway #1: One free item from Jen's Fashion Plus!Click here for more info!