Winter Chic: Handbags for the Cold

We have now had our first snow of the winter season  here in New York City and this time of year just yearns for stylishly winterized apparel.  Undoubtedly, looking ‘winter chic’ is harder than it looks.  Winter months mean multiple layers and finding the perfect balance without looking stuffy and feeling like a balloon under all the warm garb. It requires a strategic style plan.  Transitioning our closets to properly greet winter is simply a matter of opting for quality layers that will keep you warm.  Insufficiently layering can be disastrous on a cold day and on the flipside, so is being over bundled. So, where is the balance? Everything from finding the perfect coat (yes, you really need only one!), to the right jeans, sweater, boots, and bag are all pieces of the winter wardrobe puzzle. The quintessential winter wardrobe begins and ends with the right (stylish and sensible) outerwear, coupled with bold accessories (think one cashmere scarf). Key pieces to be thoughtful of, include: a decidedly warm winter coat that is both fashionable and functional, a killer pair of lace-up leather boots, an oversized chunky knit in a neutral tone to pair with dark denim jeans or a mellow colored trouser, and lastly a boldly colorful, stand-out handbag. When layering, think about the look in its entirety and opt for comfortable, transitional pieces like blazers, boyfriend cardigans, and fur vests. And lest we forget! A strong play on fabrics is essential here. Lush cashmere sweaters (instead of a plain cotton hoodie), fur vests (rather than a simple cardigan), a tweed blazer or set of wool trousers (to give another option to the denim norm) and heavy knits and velvets to add texture. The rule book on winter colors are no longer really at play, with all the brights, neon’s, and color coated ensembles being showcased, always begin with a classically neutral palette.  Navy’s, hunter green’s, dusty pinks, plums, and wheat’s (and of course blacks) are always a wise starting point. Accessories can also take your winterized look up a few glam notches, so be sure to choose wisely when searching for the perfect knit hat, scarf, boot or handbag.  Here are a few of this weeks favorites:

Lancaster Paris Black Mademoiselle Tote

Lancaster Paris Kyla Crossbody-Soft Vintage