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?

That makes buying accessories difficult. I always want the latest “It” bag or shoes (who doesn’t?), but I absolutely do not have the budget to buy them. I find interesting ways to compensate, though, namely what I like to call “designer-inspired goods”.

Designer-inspired has a much better ring to it than the more common “knock-off,” and really, they’re nearly as fun as the real thing. As long as they come from reputable sources…NOT street vendors. You can rest more easily knowing that your designer-inspired look came from Steve Madden, not a street vendor in Mexico selling goods stolen from unsuspecting tourists.

Want a piece of the action? Check out the following:

These YSL tribute pumps are actually being sold from Bluefly, which makes them marginally less expensive than buying straight from the source. But, sadly, marginally less expensive still means you’ll need to pay $528. Sigh.

BUT: do not despair that you cannot own one of the most sought-after shoes of the past year or two or three. because you can own something inspired.

Starting from the left, these Steve Madden Laveda’s are a pretty good inspired look. I love the sexy stiletto heel. The Xhilaration Sveta pumps from Target are only $19.99 and come in four different colors. I liked the red and brown, but not the black: it looked a little cheaper than the other shades. BCBG is one of my favorite designers, and their BCBGirls line is less expensive and much more accessible. These white and black platforms also come in a sexy, vampy red. My favorite pair of YSL-inspired pumps are Nine West’s electric blue version. Steve Madden also makes a pair of pumps called the Reede, and this version has a more classic styling/vintage feel than the Laveda’s. But, the most true-to-Tribute pair you can buy? Jessica Simpson’s Miami Maryjanes. They are nearly an exact “inspired” match for the YSL Tributes…and such a great deal, too, at $50.

_____________________________________________________________

Lanvin flats are a celebrity/rich people favorite. You see celebrities wearing them constantly and I don’t blame them. They come in all sorts of colors, some patent, some suede, some with mary jane straps. I prefer the classic, elastic style like the ones pictured above. But, come on…$600 for flats? Ha. Whatever.

I can vouch for the first pair pictured here on the left. They are by Charles Albert, and apparently he thought they looked so much like genuine Lanvin flats, that he named them “Lanvin flats.” I own two pairs (in nude pink and gray). They are a crazy deal (only $9) and extremely comfortable. The TopShop pair has a great elastic band making for a comfy–not tight–fit. The Xhilaration flats from Target are also a complete steal at less than $13 per pair. They come in lots of different colors, but I like the black and red best. And, for the deal of the day, Piperlime is offering their Unlisted by Kenneth Cole flats on sale for $19.99 in two great shades.

_____________________________________________________________

Christian Louboutin makes me angry. His shoes are SO beautiful, the curves SO amazing, that for one split second, I can justify spending $900 on shoes. Then, in the next second, I can see the look on THF’s face as he wonders how any shoes can be worth $900. Fortunately, because there are so many similar styles to this classic platform pump, I tend to agree with THF’s shoe theory: if it looks good, who cares how little you paid?

You may not be a fan of Jessica Simpson herself, but you must admit that her shoe line is fairly genius. The first pair pictured here (starting from the left…hopefully you’ve gotten the idea by now!) are Simpson’s Josette pumps. They come in black and white and have a sexy d’Orsay cut-out on the side. I like the wider peeptoe on these, too: sometimes small peeptoes can cramp your toes all together. Once again, BCBG proves why I love them with these sky-high platform slingbacks. If you can’t handle all that height, this Naturalizer pair is slightly less high, and probably more comfortable since it’s well, Naturalizer. Nordstrom also offers a pair of slingbacks at a pretty decent price and with a sexy patent finish. My favorite pair of this set is Nine West’s offering. It’s cut well, got a great high heel and has all the necessary curves to pull off a Louboutin-inspired look with flair.

Which designer “It” accessory would YOU rob a bank for?

I’d buy a Chloe purse, like this one.