Red Hot Florals :: skirt + black turtleneck + cobalt bag

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. 

Florals? For winter? Hmm...actually kinda sorta groundbreaking. Maybe I should go ahead and tell Miranda Priestly ;) But seriously, although florals might not actually be groundbreaking per se, they're not something you see every day in the wintertime. BUT that doesn't mean you can't make them work! 

Gahh, I know! I'm wearing another skirt. And it's January. But look at it! It's just too gorgeous NOT to wear. I'm telling you, whenever I wear this beauty I get stopped, STOPPED! People are in love with it, as am I. The look-at-me color is one thing, the pattern is another thing, but what I can't get enough of is this endlessly flattering a-line shape; it's a game changer. 

I used to make fun of turtlenecks. True story. I thought they were silly and unflattering and just for moms - you know, like mom jeans. But I am so happy to stand before you today and say that I have changed, I have seen the error in my old ways. Turtlenecks are actually pretty amazing...and warm! And fantastic layering tools! You can wear a black turtleneck with anything and feel powerful and chic - just ask Steve Jobs. 

We all have realized by now that this girl loves a good skirt - even if it's 32 degrees outside. And let's be honest, wearing tights is not always my jam. Why? Because I enjoy a little thing called comfort. So one of my kind of brilliant solutions to wearing skirts in the winter without freezing is to wear them with super tall boots that cover most of my legs anyway! ...Okay, it's not actually that brilliant and it doesn't actually keep me that warm. But it looks fierce so it's ok! You can't argue with a pleasing aesthetic.  

At first I hesitated wearing this purse with this outfit, I thought I should play it safe and go with a black bag. But you know what? That's boring! Experimenting with color and creating unexpected combinations is my favorite thing about fashion. In conclusion: if you like the cobalt purse, wear the cobalt purse and make it work! 

A light, geometric necklace like this makes a modern addition to such a bold look. I immediately fell for the clear crystals and clean design. It's such a beautiful piece and has instantly become a classic in my collection. 

Sometimes I think I like silver better, sometimes I swear by gold. It really just depends on my mood and my outfit. But I chose gold for this look because it brought a warm glow to the ensemble and brightened up the moody, red & black vibe. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[skirt: Gap // turtleneck: Ann Taylor // boots: Ann Taylor  (love this pair)// necklace: Kate Spade // purse: Kate Spade // earrings: Ann Taylor // gold knot bangle: Kate Spade // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // lipstick: 'Shame' by Urban Decay]

I love flowers any time of year and you should too! Wearing them when it's freezing outside can be a bold move but it can also be a very easy one, all you have to think about is balance. Wear your florals with weather-appropriate pieces (i.e. a turtleneck), but that's pretty much a no-brainer unless you want to get hypothermia.

Another thing to keep in mind is color. I'm not saying pastels don't work in the winter, but I am saying that flowery pastels may make you look crazy when there's snow on the ground. Save the overly sunshiny combos for after daylight savings begins (hint, that's March 13th this year)! 

My lesson to you: don't shy away from florals in the winter - sometimes you need something the most when it still seems so far away. And on that note, everyone stay safe with this crazy winter storm on the horizon! 

SHOP ::