Combat the Cold!

Parka with Fur // Leather Gloves // Bright Lips // Embellished Beanie 

// Thick Sweater // Cashmere Scarf // Camp Socks 

You guys it's been just miserably cold up here. Womp, womp. We are talking windchill temperatures of -40F, MINUS FORTY! This is the first time my poor southern California raised bones have ever experienced anything like this! Ultimately it is what it is, complaining can't change to the outside temperatures, however you need to be safe if you venture out! Layer, on layer, on layer - yesterday I wore tights under my pants, 3 pairs of socks and just as many tops & then a thick sweater! :) Just can't not do it... frostbite is real!

I know not everyone lives where the temps are this extreme, but it needs to be known the gorgeous street-style photos, blogger outfit posts of "this is what I wear wear in the winter" aren't real or realistic (like above, which I love & would wear in a heartbeat!). I'm sorry but (even in mid 30 temps) you don't walk around with your coat draped over your shoulders, wide open, gloveless or shoes/booties without socks! You might in the lower half of the country but not up north! You can't! It's a a smoke and mirrors situation - I get it, you can see the sweater or cute tops underneath, but they are staged. If you are in my camp, you might even say goodbye to caring what goes with what, because warmth is key! I just hope you all know that, and if you didn't realize I apologize for bursting your bubble. But don't worry getting dressed for winter isn't the worst thing in the world. I actually enjoy it!

Bundled up can still be hot! Evidence:

*Now, we can't see her bottom half, and that looks like chiffon, but for demonstration sake, we'll pretend she is wearing fleeced lined leggings under there and boots and thick socks! :) 

The best advice I can give is stock up on basics {Hat/beanie, gloves/mittens, scarfs, and of course outerwear} so you have options! Options make it fun! And as this stunner above shows us, not everything needs to match. And some great hair and a bold lip, no one will be the wiser! That's the motto I've been rocking for the last 3 weeks! Yes, me in lipstick! :P 

How have you been combating the cold? What are your tricks? 

Here are a few layered combos, with items I love, to inspire you!