It happens like clockwork: each winter I haul out my boots and warmest sweaters and begin to sacrifice style bit by bit in favor of the comfortable and the cozy.

Part of my rationalization for not being more creative is because I know I’m going to put a coat over everything I wear. If that’s the case, why bother trying?

Well, I should bother because there are lots of fantastic (and warm) winter style options.

1. Wear this adorable toggle sweater over a long-sleeved shirt, with skinny jeans, boots and a bright scarf.
2. Most waterproof and practical winter boots are fairly ugly. However, this cute pair from Target has a tie back so you can tighten the top around your jeans (preventing snow from wetting your socks). They also have a subtle wedge heel, which will glam up your outfit a couple notches.
3. This newsboy hat has a Blair Waldorf-like bow on the side.
4. Fingerless gloves are really practical: it’s easier to drive, text and open your chapstick. These have a cool military-inspired look.
5. Shawl-collar cardigans are chic and so comfortable. They look best with a more fitted look on the bottom (either jeans or a pencil skirt, for instance) and really interesting oversized jewelry.
6. If you have the moxie to try out a funky, faux-fur hat, by all means, wear one like this!
7. A traditional holiday sweater like this looks good with more modern pairings. I would try it with dark leggings, flat-soled boots and a great pair of earrings.
8. I would really like to open these Nine West boots on Christmas morning. I can’t lie: I love them.
9. Wear a spin on the traditional Ugg boot style with these cuffed sweater boots.
10. I really like these London Fog boots: they have a little wedge and are fur-lined on the inside.
11. When it comes to scarves, you can’t go wrong with plaid.

What do you like to wear when the weather turns cold?

Last August, my sister had a baby girl and I became an aunt for the first time. To top it off , my sister decided to name the beautiful little girl after me! As soon as I heard of the pregnancy, I started developing an interest in great-looking and fun baby accessories. Who says you can’t have an adult sense of humor about all things infant?

To wear

From top left: Skull Bib, Raised by Wolves onesie, iPoo onesie, cute baby shoes, My Mom is Hotter than Yours onesie, and My Daddy Rocks onesie.

To Cuddle

From top left: Ludic the Woollyhoodwink, Billy the Tuff Bunny, Drunk Underwear Man (I wonder why its no longer for sale…?), and Bop’N Beep.

Get the whole scoop »

We’ll be taking a few days off around here, but will be back next week with more of our favorite apparel, gadget and home decor ideas.

Whatever you celebrate, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and lots of good gifts both given and received. Please drop by and tell us about your favorite present, and we’ll compare notes on the loot!

I’m happy to announce the two Stylefeeder users who have won The Technology Starlet chicBuds Holiday Gift Giveaway. Each winner has won 6 chicBuds to give to their family and friends this holiday season!

1ST WINNER: CHRISTINE LAMB aka Stylefeeder’s mandiwylde2012

What was I wearing?
“I was wearing a dark purple bow hair band, silver personalized name necklace, purple bubble hem tube dress (my favorite!), and purple ribbon flats( sry…can’t see it in the picture!)

Technology device I was using?
“ I was using my Sony Ericsson W380i purple cell phone that matches my outfit!”

2ND WINNER: SHON ADAMS aka Stylefeeder’s tukute

What was I wearing?
“I was wearing a burnt orange square cut top from A’Gaci, a brown crochet material scarf purchased from forever 21, and my earrings are vintage gold tear drops.”

Technology device I was using?
“The LG Voyager- Touch screen, flips open with a keyboard which makes texting easier, mp3 player and you can watch television on it…I love it!”

Special thanks to chicBuds and Stylefeeder for partnering with me this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

For those of us out there who are struggling with shabby coats from days gone by and are looking to invest in a coat that will be with you for many winters to come, this Top 5 is for you!

Grace & Cello’s “Lucia” recycled wool coat cuts a sophisticated line for women headed to the office or a mid-week cocktail party. Where does recycled wool come from, you may wonder. According to Grace & Cello’s Gerri Brightwell, “The wool in our coats is created by using roll ends, scraps and other pieces of fabric that normally fall to the cutting floor and are wasted. These scraps are reconstituted into the fabric that we use for our coats.” Made in Montreal, not only are these stunning pieces sustainably made, they are also 100% sweatshop-free. So feel good about Grace & Cello’s pattern makers, cutters, and sewers- Maryse, Angelo, Leo, Tony, Mrs. Anna and Cheng hope you like their clothing, too.

The City of Angels has turned out the most coveted coat of the season: The Battalion’s “Ali Cape.” Any woman of high style and sophistication would be hard pressed not to scrounge together the necessary funds for this de rigeur coat, even amidst the current economic downturn. (I could be projecting here.) A draped hood and scarf attaches to this dramatic and colorful cloak, creating layers of fabulosity to this cloak inspired by Ali McGraw’s classic look in the 70’s. This bank account bandit by the Wong sisters is made from bamboo and organic cotton, certified by Oeko-Tex. Even if you can’t feel good about the Ali Cape’s effect on your finances, you can feel great about supporting sustainable manufacturing and farming practices. I’m going to consider it a worthy investment…for your wardrobe and the world. (Okay, that’s pushing it, I realize. I just had to purchase a ticket on the justify train with this one.)

Get the whole scoop »

Are you one of those people who can go into a book store and literally get lost for hours? If you are, welcome to the club! My weakness is the Design/Architecture aisle; there is so much inspiration I can easily pass hours there. This seems like the perfect time of year to share a few of my favorite books, since I’m sure some of you have some design lovers on your list. What could be better than an inspiring book as the ultimate present…if your giftee is anything like me, you know they will continue to look at your gift for years to come!

Get the whole scoop »

As a child, getting the Christmas tree was a thrilling event each. Together with my father and siblings, I would go out in the glittering snow covered forest with my horse and sledge (bells and all) and find our very own Xmas tree.

These days, I live in a tropical zone with no snow or pine trees, and my beloved horse is just happy memories, which leaves me to get my holiday tree in a different fashion. Since deforestation is threatening the earth’s ecobalance, and I really can’t stand plastic plants, I have been looking for alternatives to the traditional Xmas tree. Below are some of the options I’ve found.

Wooden trees bring a piece of nature into your home. They can be reused and painted and decorated to fit any style. X’mas tree from Sandra Lindner and Green X-mas Tree from Buro North.

Live potted Xmas trees will make your home fragrant. Get a live rosemary tree or start a tradition by growing your own Xmas tree from scratch.

Get the whole scoop »

Unless you know exactly what pair she wants, shopping for a shoe addict can be tricky! Shoe sizes vary from brand to brand, and sometimes, what you think she might like might be a little off. Luckily, there are tons of other shoe- and feet-related gifts that she’ll be sure to enjoy.

SpareSoles are perfect for fashionistas who forgo comfort for style and sport killer heels (emphasis on “killer”) on party nights. (We all do it!) Light and portable, they’re easy to tuck away into an evening bag or clutch. While they don’t provide much support, they’re sure to relieve achy feet from four and five-inch heels during formal events and functions.

Help your pal make the most of the shoe collection she already has by giving her a pair of shoe clips. Shoe clips are an easy way to add new life and flair to a plain pair of shoes. Try Absolutely Audrey or Shoeworthy – some are even made out of vintage brooches and pendants!

Get the whole scoop »

Previously I’ve shared some of my favorite fireplaces with you. In yet another episode of my pyromaniac fantasy, I want to show you some additional options for bringing flames indoors during this cooler time of the year.

Add a campfire to your coffee table. From left Carl Mertens’ Fireplace for the Tabletop, Table Fire Tavolo, Fire & Ice Coffee Table, and Really Hot fire furniture.

It’s that time of year again…when the jolly man dressed in red sneaks in during the middle of the night to leave gifts under the tree. It is also the time when people start dropping hints to friends/relatives about what they want for Christmas.

What happens when the friend/relative doesn’t drop hints and they are the type of person who isn’t into the latest American Idol Winner CD or fuzzy slippers as gifts? You know, the loved one who walks to the beat of their own drummer and is of the creative mindset. What do you do then?

I have been wandering the Internet for the past few weeks looking for inexpensive gift ideas for those types of people because, well, being a photographer, I am one myself. So let’s see if I can help you out a bit.

For The Artist:

These colored pencils are made out of recycled Chinese newspapers! The come in their own tube for storage and are fun, as well as functional. They are also only $10!

This book offering tips on how to be creative when making cards and envelopes for postal mail is perfect for those artists who love to keep in touch with faraway friends. It has 25 different creative projects for those who love to write snailmail and is only $20.95!

For The Writer:

Every writer, professional or someone who just loves to journal, loves to have a place to write down all their thoughts and ideas. Why not get them a classy blank book to capture all the ideas running around in their heads? This blank, unlined, moleskine journal is only $15.00.

This book is for the writer who wants to publish their own books, zines, graphic novels, or any other form of book on their own. It is full of ideas and resources to get the writer published and it is only $21.95.

Get the whole scoop »