{Shopping} 9 Must-Have Coats

Depending on where you live and how big a role winter-wear plays in your life, you'll know that January is the best time of year to pick up a new coat (or two). Sale season is in full swing, which means stocking up on cozy outerwear like it's going out of style... So to speak, of course. Right now I'm into fleshy tones, prints and basic blacks in the coat department, so when French Connection asked me to round up my favourite coats from their current (and reduced) collection, I couldn't help but narrow down my focus to those three categories. I find that pastel or camel outerwear generally take an outfit to the next level, while printed coats shine with bright pops of colour or complimentary prints. I save black coats for particularly crazy outfit days to minimize the amount of puzzled stares I generally get, or when a girl just needs a little something something to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette... And considering that most of us just ate our weight in holiday treats, this last option is looking mighty appealing right about now.

From left, Flesh Forward: Neat Weave Zip Through Coat | Santorini Coat | Divine Dorothy Coat 
Prints Charming: Electric Checked Oversized Boucle Coat | Checked Bunny Coat | Penelope Pop Checked Coat
Basic Black: Ali Faux Fur Coat | Ombre Dustls Coat | Queen Coating Flared Coat


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Shopping} Knitwear 101

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Now that the holidays have wrapped up (where did the time go?!) and boxing week is officially upon us, I figure a little retail therapy is just the ticket for getting through a nasty case of PCD (or Post Christmas Depression). And since it's cold outside, a fully-fortified sweater arsenal is always a good idea. That's why I've become something of a hoarder when it comes to knitwear this year, finding any excuse to bring a new sweater home with me... Pied Piper style.

So if you find your jumper-stash running low, I say invest in a couple loose-fitting numbers rendered in black or neutrals first (like these ones from French Connection), adding colour, print and embellishment as you go. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither should your wardrobe.

This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Christmas Week} Gift Guide Under $100

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Christmas is literally around the corner, so if you find yourself in need of some gift ideas for all those stylish ladies in your life, I've got you covered � and for under $100 no less! From cocktail rings and leather gloves, to horse-emblazoned clutches and pom pom-topped beanies (adorbs!), I would be pleased as punch to open any one of these items from French Connection come Christmas Day... Wouldn't you?

Happy shopping! xx
 
Necklace | leather gloves | T-shirt | leather belt | scarf | cocktail ring | Eau de FCUK | beanie | clutch


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Hats Off

Hat- French Connection | turtleneck- Zara (old; similar here) | plaid cape- Urban Outfitters | ring- Michael Kors

In keeping with last week's winter-fuelled Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought I would pay further homage to one of my favourite cold-weather accessories: The hat. The eternal warmer-of-heads and disguiser-of-bad-hair-days (you know what I'm talking about), the hat is the most versatile and transformative accessory at your disposal� and don't you forget it. And by you, I really mean me, because I'm the worst for neglecting even my most beloved accessories (#hoarderproblems). But that's why I love both you AND this WW column � you guys keep me honest.



If you're looking for some good, winter appropriate hat options, I really love this Catarzi wool hatand this Brian Lichtenberg beanie (case in point)... Happy (Wardrobe) Wednesday, friends! xx


Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{Style} Vague

Moto jacket- Club Monaco (love this version) | T-shirt c/o Purple Label | trousers c/o French Connection (eying these floral ones) | cap toe pumps- Zara | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | beanie- Zara | lips ring- CC Skye | necklace c/o T&J Designs | bracelets- J.Crew


Photos by Kastles

{Style} Bundled

Coat- French Connection | striped shirt- Saint James | faux leather skirt c/o Forever 21 | double-sided scarf- Zara (similar style) | booties- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | lips ring- CC Skye | necklace- J.Crew Factory



Layers are a non-negotiable this time of year, but there's no reason not to spice them up with a little print-on-print (on-print-on-print) action. For me, that means stripes, plaid, houndstooth AND leopard, but hey, that's just how I roll. And even though it may sound like a seizure-inducing hot mess on paper, the visual is far from it... Or so I like to tell myself.

Happy Monday, friends! xx

Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Don't Sweat It

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It's no secret that sweatshirts have become my go -to this season � in fact, they've creeped up in outfit posts at a rate that would have alarmed 2010 Vickie. That's right my friends, only a few short years ago I would have turned my nose up at such items, scoffing at the very idea that sweatshirts could even remotely be a thing... Boy was past Vickie wrong! Now my collection seems to be growing by the day (don't worry Mr. AiF, it's just a figure of speech), so I figured I would show you all my current faves, plus a few that I have my eye on... Hey, you can never have too much of a good thing, am I right?

{Style} BRKLN

Moto jacket- Gap | tshirt- Rag & Bone | trousers c/o French Connection | pumps- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | beanie- Aritzia | necklace- J.Crew | ring- CC Skye | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors



Happy weekending! xx

Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

{Style} Birthday Dress...

I bought this dress last week with my birthday in mind, only plans change, and I didn't actually wear it in the end. Regardless of this � oh let's go ahead and call it "minor" � detail, this dress shall forever be known as "the birthday dress" in my mind and in my heart... Sniff sniff.

Thanks for all the birthday love here and through my platforms yesterday � I definitely appreciate all the love and well wishes! You guys are the bestest... xx

Outfit details: dress- French Connection; sandals- Tahari; clutch- vintage; ring- J.Crew; bracelets- Joe Fresh + Forever 21