Five winter statement pieces

December is the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. If you love holidays like I do then you might agree with that statement. It really just depends on whether the winter festivities outweigh the awful weather, especially in Chicago.

I can’t really complain because it hasn’t been too bad thus far. But to boost holiday morale and distract from the brutal blizzards to come, I’ve found myself window shopping during this holiday season.  So here are the five things I think you must have to survive this dreary December weather.

Flashy Heels

You really can’t survive the holiday season without a pair of sparkly heels. They are the absolute cherry on top of an already stunning New Year’s Eve outfit. Plus, everyone will be wearing extra sparkly dresses on New Year’s Eve, so stand out in the crowd with a black bandage dress and heels that are sure to steal the show.

Metallic Printed Skirt
I’m simply obsessed with the idea of a cute metallic skirt to flaunt during the holiday season. I'm a huge fan of the ones that have a floral curtain pattern in them as well. December seems like the best time to shine, especially at work. A cute gold skirt with tights is the perfect way to get noticed by that cute guy from the 22nd floor at your company Christmas party.

Classic Work to Cocktails Dress
Everyone must own at least one. At the office, this dress shows off your stylish but professional side and at after work drinks with your girls, it shows that you’re a working girl that not only dresses amazing but you look like a classy girl to bring home to mom.

Statement Necklace

These neck candy fashions are just so hot right now. They work well with any basic top and add a hint of glamour to your basic every day outfit. So you don’t always have to be sporting your holiday sparkles head to toe to get noticed, you can just throw on your favorite statement necklace.

Ugly Christmas Sweater

Last but definitely not least, I cannot imagine a holiday season without pulling out an ugly Christmas sweater at least once. There is just something so amazing about dressing up like a 90’s elementary school teacher on the day before Christmas vacation. Did I add it’s also a plus if you get to drink hot alcoholic beverages?

Heels - Nine West, Skirt - Forever 21, Dress - The Limited, Necklace - Kate Spade, Christmas Sweater - Goodwill.

Five fall wardrobe must haves

Goodbye October! Hello November! We are finally in the heart (and maybe even the end) of fall and I can no longer deny how cold it is. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t obsessed with summer, but fall is definitely my favorite season. 

At first it can be hard getting in the swing of things as the weather gets colder. One of my biggest issues in the fall is deciding what shoes to wear, especially in September when you’re in denial and still sporting flip flops.  Now that I’ve come to terms with the fact that once again summer is over and it REALLY is fall, I’m all for it. I’ve got my cold weather wardrobe essentials ready to go. So if you’re anything like me and just now accepted that it’s time to box up your neons and cut off shorts, I’m here to help.

Here are the 5 things I can’t live without this season:

Colored Tights

Everyone is so obsessed with color this year, so why wouldn’t you carry the color blocking trend into fall. Tights are the perfect way to incorporate some amazing bold colors into your wardrobe. If you’re like me and refuse to give up wearing skirts and dresses, tights are the perfect way to keep warm and still look amazing. 

Wool Skirts

They used to seem so out of date, but now they’re back in style and just in time to keep warm this season. Whether you choose patterned, solid, pleated, pencil or all of the above, a wool skirt is a great addition to your fall rotation. Personally, I'm a big fan of the pleated and patterned.

Flat Boots

These are a staple for any season. You can never have too many and it’s good to have a pair in every color. Grey, black and chestnut brown are my favorites. Chestnut brown is perfect for any outfit, I love that it goes with navy, brown and even black. Flat boots are amazing because they can be completely flat or give a little bit of height with a small wedge, and you can dress them up or down.

Girly Blouse

Everyone needs a casual-to-dressy blouse, whether it has jeweled buttons, lace detail or a scalloped collar. There is just something about being able to wear a blouse to work and then out for drinks with your girls later. It’s something that can be worn tucked into a skirt for a dressier look or with jeans, when you’re trying to go for a more relaxed look. 

Cable-Knit Sweater

For some reason I’ve always been drawn to cable-knit sweaters. They are classic, preppy and perfect for fall. There are so many types of cable-knit sweaters, so you don’t have to be married to the basic preppy crew neck version. I’m a big fan of the slouchy cable knit that is perfect over leggings or jeggings for a casual Sunday brunch or a weeknight happy hour.

Tights- Target, Skirt- Love 21, Forever 21, Boots- Chinese Laundry, Blouse- Francesca's, Sweater- H&M