Embracing the Season

JANUARY 2014

Attitude is everything and, beginning now, we’ve decided to take on a different outlook toward this snowy season of ours. Last winter was long and somewhat demoralizing. It dragged on for months, with a new snowstorm each week to remind us that spring was nowhere to be found. We must say, the remembrance of last winter made us rather dread the season this year. You never do know how long or severe a winter might be. However, this year, we decided that it was about time to embrace the season. We’ve been living in Minnesota long enough to stop fighting the constant bouts of snow and cold, and simply learn to live with it, maybe even to enjoy it. So, this year we are layering up, buying some good boots, staying warm, and appreciating the beauty of a season that will be here for a while, whether we like it or not. And we’re determined to look cute while we do it! So, here are three tips for how to stay warm and look cute during a long Minnesota winter!

1. Buy a brightly colored coat. In a sea of black puffy coats {which are always good to have for the most extreme days}, a colored coat will not only set you apart from a sea of similarity, but it will boost your spirits. A pop of color does wonders for your outlook, brightening even the dreariest of days. Plus, a colored coat in a good cut can feel a lot more like a classy dress that a coat, with the added bonus that you can still have a fabulous outfit on underneath when you take off your coat! Voila! Winter blues extinguished.

2. Invest in a variety of hats and scarves. Chances are, you don’t have too many coats to cycle through, but it’s nice to change up your look once in a while. During the winter, hats and scarves are great ways to spice things up. When it comes to hats, you could go for a stocking cap with a big pom-pom one day, a slouchy beret another, a cute knit headband to pair with a top bun, and even a felt fedora or baseball cap on days that your ears don’t need to be quite as snug. As for scarves, they come in every color imaginable, and you can opt for super chunky knits on the coldest of days, or a lighter, gauzy print scarf on a warmer day. And there are infinite styles to choose from: the cowl, the infinity, a straight scarf with or without tassels. Basically, what we’re saying is, there’s no reason you need to wear the same accessories every day when you’re already wearing the same coat. Switch them up depending on your outfit or mood, and you’ll find you dread winter-wear a lot less. A little variety does a lot of good for your winter morale!

3. Opt for functional footwear. Though we’d all love if you could wear ballet flats or heeled booties all through the winter, you’ll find that you’ll be much happier if you opt for function over sheer fashion. A good pair of warm, waterproof winter boots are a must in Minnesota. But that doesn’t mean they have to be ugly! Minnesota Monthly did a great round-up of super cute but very functional boots here. You can always bring a different pair of shoes to the office, but trekking through the snow is always best left to a big pair of boots and a thick pair of socks.

Once you’re properly layered and wearing things that are not only warm, but cute, {and don’t forget the lipstick!} you’ll find that winter is much more bearable–even enjoyable! You may even want to spend more time outside, enjoying all of the activities available to us in the Cities. Not only are there endless ice skating, cross-country skiing, and tubing options, but the St. Paul Winter Carnival is coming up! You could even host a hot cocoa + sledding partyto really get in the winter spirit! So, we encourage you to explore all that Minnesota has to offer this winter, and learn to stop fighting the season, but fully embrace it!