How to Style A Maxi Dress for Winter

DRESS:: Baum Und Pferdgarten (on sale) // SHOES:: Ann Taylor (old) // JACKET:: Driftwood (similar here) // EARRINGS:: Asha // BAG:: Chanel 

I wear maxi dresses all year round. They are my favorite option for the colder months but are often viewed as a summer only style. Styling your maxi dress for winter is super easy. Here is what I do:

1. Swap out your heels for boots or booties. Yes, I know I'm wearing my heels in these pictures. This post wasn't originally intended to be a "How To" post but a reader messaged me asking for ideas on how to style her Mango maxi dress that she bought on my blog for winter (it's on sale for $70!) and I thought I'd give a quick how to today!  I wore the maxi dress pictured in these photos out to an event on Wednesday and it was freezing that night. I traded my heels for my Stuart Weitzman sock booties and it was perfect (love these booties on super sale for $48). I even tried on my dress with my over the knee boots for some extra warmth and I loved the way it looked.  

2. Layer, Layer, Layer. All the layers. Maxi dresses are perfect for layering. On chillier days and nights, throw on a pair of tights or stockings underneath for extra warmth. You can also add a cardigan or pullover sweater on top for a more relaxed vibe. A pullover style instantly turns your maxi dress into a maxi skirt. I also love the look of a fitted refined blazer paired with an uber feminine maxi. 

3. Choose the right outerwear.  You can never go wrong with a cropped style coat or jacket and a maxi dress but I know sometimes you need a little extra warmth. I'm on the shorter side and a coat that hit me right above my knee just made the outfit look choppy. A longer style coat that hit below my knee looked just right. 

I snapped a few quick pics of my maxi dress "winterized." Check them out plus a roundup of my favorite winter maxi dresses below! Happy Friday, everyone!

PS: not the best quality photos below- that's why Julia Dags gets paid the big bucks :)

Styled with sock booties, suede Moto jacket and oversized cashmere scarf 

 Styled with Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots and Line & Dot fuzzy sweater (in white here)

Styled with Givenchy Elegant booties (style steal here), black tights, and an old H&M v neck sweater

Net-A-Porter Friends & Family

ULLA JOHNSON dress (short version here and similar style and length here)

My laptop is magically up and running somehow after having a black screen for two days. Fingers crossed it stays this way for some time but I have a feeling it will need to be replaced in the very near future. Santa?!

There are loads of fresh sales happening right now but most notably is the Net-A-Porter Friends & Family sale. You can 25% off a selection of amazing designer pieces. Lots of Jimmy Choo and more. I've rounded up my favorite below and I apologize if some pieces are already sold out- I linked everything Monday but couldn't post until today :(

I love Needle & Thread dresses for this time of year. If you have any weddings or fancy events you need a dress for you need to check them out. I think this would make a pretty dress for Christmas and if you have a black tie wedding or event coming up, how gorgeous is this gown? And this dress is a totally different vibe but equally as beautiful.

Saks Off 5th

COAT:: Club Monaco (very old) // BOOTS:: Stuart Weitzman (on sale!)

Hello, hello! Popping on quickly to let you know about the promo Saks Off 5th is currently running. I love checking Saks' outlet site every few weeks because I always find such amazing deals on designer pieces. They always have a few different promos happening but the best one right now is an extra 40% off select boots. They have an amazing selection of Stuart Weitzman boots. I bought these warm boots two years ago (I think?) and they are so warm and cozy. They somehow got lost in the shuffle during our move and I'm praying I come across them before temps really take a dip. These boots also look super warm and comfortable. I'm currently in the market for a nice pair of black sock booties (basically fitted booties) to wear with my cropped denim, dresses etc. I love this pair and this pair.

Interior Tuesdays :: Entryway

TABLE:: John Richard // MIRROR:: CB2 // LAMPS:: Aerin via Chloe Winston // ENTRY LIGHT:: Avenue Lighting via Chloe Winston (c/o) // CANDLE:: Jonathan Adler // VASES:: Megan Molten Shop // BOOKS:: Dream Spaces, Houses That We Dreamt Of, Atmosphere // HEARTS:: Nantucket Looms (similar here)

Hello, hello and happy Tuesday! I'm working on last week's Q&A- there were a lot of questions and so many I really had to stop and think about. Instead of rushing through it, I thought I'd share a less complex but equally as exciting (for me!) post with you today. Our entryway is coming together with the addition of this oversized mirror, console table, lamps and entry light.  My favorite piece and the first thing we bought for our entryway was this John-Richard Loftus console table that I had had my eye on for a very long time. I waited and waited until I found it on significant sale at Kathy Kuo Home- love their online selection of home pieces.  It's also available here and it is slightly less expensive plus you can save 20% with code 20over2000.  The table is extremely well made. It also has a hidden single drawer for stashing keys and random clutter. 

One of the things that bugged me about our home when we were looking at it was the funny little mod staircase. I'm guessing that was the look the builders were going for when they built the house years ago but every time I look at it, I just think why, why, why? The little railing was stained the same color as the floors from the previous owners and we just had it high glossed white and I think it makes it blend right in and I don't notice it as much anymore.

Right now we don't have a significant entry rug. We have a smaller one that was made from remnants left over from our stair and hallway runner and it serves it's purpose for now. It might be nice to have something a little larger in the future but for now we are sticking with our small one!

Lighting. I spent way too much time obsessing over lighting online when I really should have let the professionals help me out. Emily and I took a trip a few weeks ago to Chloe Winston in Norwalk to scope out some lighting in person. I talked a bit about Chloe Winston in a prior blog post but for those of you who aren't familiar: Chloe Winston is a super chic lighting showroom with the best selection of light fixtures at various price points. There were a few rooms that I needed help with finding some light fixtures for and Candace and Rina (the owners and lighting experts) were so helpful and guided me in the right direction. We chose a really cool globe pendant for the entry light which meshed well with my previously purchased Cedar & Moss sconces. And we knew we wanted two lamps for the console. We loved the new Aerin Lakmos lamps and thought they fit the space perfectly. My one piece of advice when choosing lighting, let the experts help you! Lighting can be very tricky. Between Emily, Candace and Rina we found the perfect pieces for our home.

SHOP THE POST::

Momiform

COAT:: Bernardo (more options here) (c/o) // TURTLENECK:: ATM (love this option and this one, too) // JEANS:: Citizens // SNEAKERS:: Golden Goose // HAT:: White & Warren

I've gotten some requests to post some cute and easy "Mom" outfits and this right here, is it. This is basically my mom uniform once temps take a dip. Oversized comfy sweater, jeans, sneakers, and an easy and durable coat. This puffer is by Bernardo and is pretty much the perfect coat for running around in. Not only is it incredibly warm, but it's lightweight and doesn't make you feel like Randy from A Christmas Story. It's also packable and folds up into a tiny bag! Perfect for travel. It comes in a ton of colors and is currently on sale for under $100. I have the Opal Grey but I also love the Flax. Bernardo has a really great selection of coats and extremely reasonable prices- I have a blush boucle one from last year that I LOVE!   

As much as I love my shorter, boxy sweaters, sometimes you just need an oversized, comfier fit. If you are like me and super sensitive to wool and sometimes even cashmere, finding something that doesn't irritate you can be tough. This ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Chenile turtleneck sweater is basically like walking around in a bathrobe. It is so incredibly soft and I would sleep in it if I could. It also has a great length and covers the bum. Another alternative, is this Cobble Hill Dudley Stephen's turtleneck. I have one in the Natural blush but I'm thinking about picking up the white one, too. I wear my Natural Blush one multiple times a week! Scroll down to shop some more mom friendly pieces! Xo

Thank you to Bernardo for sponsoring this post!

SHOP THE POST::

Sunday Shopping

I was trying to find a picture to post for today's sale round up and decided to go with this completely random pic I snapped of the most beautiful assortment of ornaments at Hoagland's (a local home store that I love). They always have the most beautiful holiday decor and I'm not one to shy away from decorating early for the holidays. I love this time of year and want to soak up every minute I can because the holidays go by way too quickly. PS I miss the simpler days before Instagram was a thing and when we posted random snaps on the regular.

Anyways! I wanted to share a few quick sales that are going on right now:

MANGO:: 30% off everything with code SHOPPING19! You know this is one of my favorite sites for style steals. I love this ruffled knit sweater. I'm kind of digging this sequin shirt from the Leandra Medine collab. And of course, this fan favorite floral dress.

GAP:: Yes, the Gap! I haven't looked at the Gap in a while but got a notification that they were having their friends and family sale and decided to take a look. 40% off (code GAPFRIEND) and an extra 10% off (code FORYOU) I picked up this dress for Lila. This one is cute for the holidays. I also ordered this teddy coat for me! I'm actually loving their outwear selection at the moment.

BANANA REPUBLIC:: 50% off everything! I ended up checking out BR after Gap and I was pleasantly surprised. I like this fuzzy long cardigan. How cozy does this look? This dress could be really pretty come holiday time/winter wedding.

SEPHORA:: For Rogue members this weekend, everyone else next! 20% off with code HOLIDAYSAVE. I'm taking this opportunity to stock up on some favorites like my shampoo and conditioner, my concealer, my eye cream, everything Indie Lee. It's also a great time to buy Christmas presents. This perfume is supposed to be amazing... it should be though with that price tag :)

Leather Jacket Season

JACKET:: Club Monaco // SWEATER:: Autumn Cashmere (another color on sale here) // JEANS:: Citizens (this wash on sale) // FLATS:: Club Monaco // BAG:: Brahmin (c/o) // EARRINGS:: Lizzie Fortunato   

One of my favorite combos for well over a decade now is a good a leather jacket and skinny jeans. I saved up and bought my first leather jacket in college. It was by Vince and I remember waiting for it to go on sale. I actually still have it! This one is from Club Monaco and what makes it so special is the color and the fit. It is a really beautiful deep brown and it has a bit of a longer length which is perfect when you want some added coverage. It was sold out in most sizes a week ago but it looks like almost all sizes are now back in stock! My flats are also from Club Monaco and a sweet reader messaged me letting me know they finally have them listed online. I bought mine in stores a few weeks ago and they told me they were in store only. I love the texture they bring to an outfit!

I'm getting to work on the Q&A post- lots of questions- and some are kind of tough! I also wanted to ask what you would like to see more of on the blog? I want to make sure you guys are getting what you need from this space, especially with the holidays coming!