So, this little lady recently got a promotion at work! (you should check out the site I work for, Brads Deals!) So in honor of my new title and in order to look top notch in my new position, I decided to treat myself to a little winter shopping spree for office attire (and presents for myself…) Here’s a summary of my must have items this winter.
Winter Footwear
I decided that, as I am working in an office and will soon be meeting with clients, I should stop dressing like a college student who can’t let go of her ancient Chuck Taylors (don’t worry, I still have them). Also, I am quite a short person so in order to be treated like an 
associate (and not a babysitter) I figured I should start wearing heels (dun dun dun!) I’m starting out slow, however. These Rock N’ Roll block heeled booties from Forever 21 are super comfortable, appropriate for winter, and have just the right amount of edge with the gold studded details.
Find these studded booties here
For days when heels seem like too much to handle, instead of slipping on some ratty ballet flats, I went for these studded loafers from Charlotte Rousse. They’re a great way to dress up skinny jeans (thankfully my office has a casual dress code) and are more durable than your typical ballet flat. Not great for snowy Chicago days but perfect to slip in your bag and change out of your rubber boots once you get to the office.
Find these rad flats HERE
Finally (footwear wise) you can’t live in Chicago without having a pair of knee-high black boots. They go with everything, you can dress them up or down, and they keep your feet nice and toasty (esp. when paired with adorable boot socks.) These are my go-to’s. Get some.
Here is a similar (more affordable) pair from Forever 21
Winter Fashion
I am quite the frugal shopper when it comes to buying trendy clothes. Forever 21, Target and H&M are my go-to retailers for pretty much everything (it doesn’t hurt that they’re all next to each other on State Street in Chicago.) With my new position I will be working with clients so I needed to stock up on long sleeve tops and dresses so as to disguise the fact that I’m a heavily-tattooed-wannabe-artist outside the office 😉 Here are some of the picks I made to up my class factor. (Click on the photos to head to the retailer’s site.)
Striped Sweater
H&M
I also got this one in Black (duh)
Striped Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress
(Forever 21)
Black Babydoll Dress
(Forever 21)
(with a cardigan over, naturally)
Zipper Front Patterned Dress
(Forever 21)
Sorry for the poor image quality!
Black Leather Studded Carryall
(Urban Outfitters)
I am in love with this bag. This was my big splurge for the season from Urban Outfitters. This beauty can be used as a tote, a cross-body, or as a clutch as there is a secret mini-purse inside the bag that you can attach the shoulder strap to when you’re just running out to lunch or to the ladies for a touch up. I couldn’t find the link to this one but here is a comparable (and way more affordable) option from Forever 21.
So. Many. Hats.
Carhartt, Obey, Forever 21
I am such a sucker for beanies. I’ve been trying to steer clear of the pom-pom hats but I’ve just ended up gravitating towards the hip alternatives of Obey and Carhartt. Whatever. Keep your head warm.Â
Around the World Watch
Urban Outfitters
Since posting my Fall Style Guide I have received a ton of requests about where I found my Around the World watch. I mean, it is pretty rad. With its genuine leather band (which comes in three colors) and the number-free map face (ooo classy), AND its affordable price tag, who wouldn’t want to rock one of these bad boys. Head to Urban Outfitters (I found mine in store but it is also available online- link in image) and wear the world on your wrist.
Note: In Chicago, one can never own too many pairs of thick cozy socks and tights. I live in wool socks from October to March (sexy, I know) but when layered over a pair of black opaque tights and a cute pair of boots, you can stay cute and cozy all day long.
Winter Beauty
Now, I don’t know about you, but my skin gets so dry in the winter that I can feel myself shriveling like a raisin as the season progresses and the temperatures drop further. I have recently discovered the miracle that is a humidifier and I highly suggest you invest in one. My blemishes have cleared up, my skin has stopped itching; even my hair feels healthier! Here are some of my favorite things to help you keeping your skin, lips, and nails beautiful and hydrated all winter long.
Rosebud Salve
A Rose Scented Miracle Worker
I’ve been using Rosebud Salve since my brief time as a Colorado resident. My sister introduced it to me and I’ve been hooked ever since. Forget your egg-shaped lip care (sorry, EOS) for this salve is so much more than chapstick. Use it on dry nails, cuticles, small scrapes, elbows, and any other rough patches you come across this winter. Sometimes I even use a tiny bit to tame fly-aways from wearing so many hats! I cannot recommend it enough!
Benefit Skin Love Potions Kit
Makeup Heaven
This little box of miracles has all my favorite Benefit skin products. With eye cream, bronzer (powder AND gel), the most badass mascara, primer, highlighter (two kinds) and pore minimizer, your purse’s makeup kit just MAJORLY stepped up its game. The best part about these products is that, even though they’re travel sizes, a little bit of each of these wonders go a long way. You will be amazed with how good your skin will look with the help of Benefit’s Beauty Potions. Ugh. Obsessed.
And, of course, I had to grab a couple awesome nail polishes.
Mmmm. Butter.
There you have it y’all. Stay warm and stylish this winter; now you have a few ideas of what to put on your Christmas lists 😉Â
Stay Gold (Not Cold)
stay gold with grace 