Hot 'n Cold: My Winter Favorites

It's getting cold outside and although I love to hang out under the sun and roast, this is my favorite season in terms of fashion.

These are some of my favorite winter/cold weather accessories...

Colorful tights and leggings

RSAST Shiny Stirrup Tight in Sangria, $14 at American Apparel

BP 'Turn Back' Stretch Cotton Leggings in Adrenaline, $7.90 at Nordstrom

I'd like to make clear the difference between tights and leggings as I have seen way too many privates as a result of getting these two mixed up.

Leggings are opaque and can be worn as pants as these are usually made of thicker more durable materials that do not allow embarrassing see-thru. Tights (even though some are pretty opaque too) become very see thru as they stretch and therefore are not intended to be worn as a pants substitute, but rather to cover your legs from the cold weather.

Funky Coats

Houndstooth Trench Coat, $46.99 at Charlotte Russe

Shield Button Coat in Royal, $39.80 at Forever21

I love color and wearing patterns that pop. Why wear boring coats?

The 3 for $10 Pashmina

Who doesn't own one of these? The best part of acquiring a pashmina in NYC is getting to bargain with the Chinese vendors.

What are your winter favorites?

Happy Shopping :)

Dialogue: The Menswear Trend

What do you think about the "menswear trend"? Oversized blazers, oxford shirts, trousers...

Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, Gap and many other retail stores have defined it as one of this season's hottest trends, but how moved are you to actually add it to your fall wardrobe?

Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, Gap

Love it or hate it? Comment below.

Scarves Around Your Neck

If your workplace/studyplace is as freezing as mine, scarves will be a must even earlier this fall.

Below is a collage of some trendy and budget-friendly scarves. Gotta have them all!

Lorena Abstract Scarf, $7.80 at Forever21

H81 Antique Floral Scarf, $7.80 at Forever21

Scarf Thai C, $14.90 at Mango

Copia Printed Scarf, $20 at Urban Outfitters

Apt. 9 Leopard Scarf, $11.25 at Kohls

Americana Plaid Scarf, $19.50 at Guess

Blurred Ikat Scarf, $8.99 at Charlotte Russe

Animal Print Silk Scarf, $10.80 at Forever21

Happy Shopping :)

What to Wear: For Work

Business Casual 

I've had a couple of requests from readers who would like some suggestions on how to dress for a "business casual" work environment.  It's a lot easier than it sounds and there really is no excuse to look your best at work and stay on a budget.

I developed three basic looks that will take you through the week without spending a fortune. 

The Flirty, Chic and Professional Dress

This dress will fool your co-worker's eyes in many ways. First, it's a one piece dress and second, it is so affordable you'll have people lining up at your cube to ask where it's from!

When wearing a dress to work, please keep in mind the following:

• Make sure your cleavage and back are well covered. Leave the strapless dress outside your workplace, if you want to flirt with your boss you're going to have to wait until after 5 pm. 
• Keep your dress's length right above the knee. No one wants to see your privates when you bend over to pick up the documents you dropped on the floor. 
  
• Don't be afraid of bright colors! Use them wisely and moderately. Remember you're not  a circus clown, but you don't need to match the office carpet either.

Get this look:

Sequin Hearts 2-Fer Chiffon Dress, $32.88 at Dillard's 

Double Pearl Necklace,$6 at Charlotte Russe

Mirror Bangles Set, $24 at Topshop

Framed Patent Tote in Scarlet, $44 at Newport News

I Wear the Pants at Work

At work, you want to be both chic and comfortable, this easy and affordable business casual look is the trousers and top look.

When wearing pants and a top to work, keep in mind the following:

• No tight pants. Leggings and stretchy, body clinging bottoms will not lead to a  promotion.  You have plenty of time to show off your tush après work. Go for the wide leg, curvy styles.
• Buy neutral, easy to iron trousers that you can easily mix and match with cute tops.
• Make sure your twins are hiding under that nice flirty top. Youcan be sexy and feminine   without showing the world that pair of DD's.
• When wearing a tank top, like the one on the picture, wear a cardigan or jacket on top to go from casual to business casual. 

Get this look:

Breezy Idyll Tank, $39.95 at Anthropologie 

Pointelle Cardigan in Apple Green, $24.99 at Charlotte Russe

Wide Leg Trousers in Dark Green, $59.59 at Gap

Lauren Ralph Lauren "Alhambra" Multi Bead Cascade Earrings, $38 at Bloomingdale's 

Blu Bijoux Gold Circle Bangle Set, $17 at Max & Chloe

Deena & Ozzy Tweed Chain Bag in Brown, $42 at Urban Outfitters

Karmel Pleated Wedge, $22.99 at Payless 

The Classic Pencil Skirt

These are some classic, must-have pieces that are perfect for business casual attire. 

When wearing a pencil skirt and button down shirt to work, keep in mind:

• The skirt shouldn't be too tight, nor too short.
• Make sure you're not popping out of your shirt, you don't want to blind someone with a flying button. Use a small safety pin to close any gaps.

Get this look:

Essential Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt in Pitch Black, $39.50 at Express

High-Waist Pencil Skirt in Bold Bloom, $34.75 at Express

Black Patent and Croco Bag, $39 at Newport News

Sterling Silver Shell Pearl Stud Earrings, $7.99 at Kolh's

Peep Toe Pump in Natural/Black, $49.99 at Nine West 

Happy Shopping :)

Designer LookAlike: Burberry

From the House of Griffindor to the House of Burberry 

Harry Potter star Emma Watson is Burberry's new celebrity spokesperson. Featured in fashion magazines around the world, the ad campaign shows how Emma has grown from a muggle-blooded young wizard into a sexy and sophisticated woman. 

Emulate Emma's Burberry style for less!

Belted Trench Coat in gentle fawn, $49.50 at Old Navy

Deux Lux Harness Tote in grey, $39 at Urban Outfitters

Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer in black, $78 at Urban Outfitters

MAJE Black Satin Blouse, $45 at YOOX

Urban Renewal Chain Necklace, $38 at Urban Outfitters

Finish Emma's look by threading a piece of black leather string on this Polished Toggle Chain Bracelet, $4.80 at Forever21

Happy Shopping :)

Birdie Feathered Hair Accessories

A little birdie told me you were looking for feather headbands...

I was wearing this guinea feather headband today when I was approached by a young gentleman whose best-friend has been looking for similar hair accessories. 

Of course, as FashionGypsy I felt compelled to dedicate this post today to this gal, and end her quest by featuring some of my favorite online shops and designers for feather hair accessories.  These can be worn day or night for both play, work and even on your wedding day. (Think Carrie Bradshaw.)

Finding these quirky hair accessories can be a bit of a challenge when you encounter price tags of  $150+. However, you don't need to fly all the way up there for some of the most interesting designs. 

Camden Town - Black Duck Feathers, Peacock, Green Goose Biot Feathers, and Black Marabou Hair Clip, $60 at Feathered by Blair Nadeau

The Aphrodite - Ostrich, Hackle, Pheasant, and Guinea Feathers Hairpiece, $45 at LoveBIRDS by Loren

Diana - Guinea Feathers on Thin Metal Headband, $18 by LiveInStyle at Etsy

Ribbon Wrapped Feather Headband in Stripey Tan, $24 at Urban Outfitters 

Exaggerated Feather Floral Headband in Turquoise, $39 at Bebe

Happy Shopping :)