Nice leg...gings?

Today I'd like to give you all some insight about my latest secret fashion obsession.... Leggings. Yes, I realize that they're just stretchy cotton that stops at your ankles but let's face it they're the most comfortable and variable piece of clothing that every fashionista should have in her closet. For a while I had my qualms about this particular trend, I mean done the wrong way it's gonna give you all the wrong bumps in the all the wrong places. However done the right way they're a great alternative to jeans.
So do you want the good news or the bad news first? Oh, who are we kidding? I'll let you have the bad news first because there's not a lot of it.
The bad news?
Leggings under a jean skirt is so totally 7th grade. Please save me from talking about your lack of fashion sense behind your back and avoid this trend like the plague. I mean, we were wearing leggings under jean skirts when I was a 7th grader, and I'd like to point out that that was well over 6 years ago. Observe the side picture. Absolutely awful. Honestly, I say go with tights. Leggings are virtually pants so to wear them under a jean skirt makes me shiver with disgust. Does anyone remember the times when we wore skirts over jeans? I remember going to an 8th grade dance with my best friend and we thought we were so hot in our skirts over our jeans. Just awful. Please, spare us all and don't wear your leggings under jean skirts.... or any skirts for that matter.

Well, now that we've taken care of that little bit of bad news let's talk about how to rock those leggings.

I just adore the oversized t-shirts with tanks underneath put over top of leggings paired with bejeweled ballet flats. Absolutely adorable. PLEASE DO THIS!

TUNICS! Another favorite trend of mine that looks just perfect over top of leggings. I'm a fan of tunics on every body shape and size and think of it this way if it's a little bit short once you pair it with the leggings you can have no fear about your parts hanging out. And as we know from my Halloween post, that's a BAD thing.

It's safe to say that I'm a fan of leggings as pants as long as the shirt you're putting over top of it covers your...special area... you know what I'm talking about.

One last DON'T before I go... METALLIC LEGGINGS. You are not a stripper... I hope. And you're not Beyonce. So just say no. I am officially banning these from your wardrobe, that's a big fat veto, baby.

Go forth my fashion soldiers to help me fight the war on bad fashion. If you see the enemy violating the rules I've given you today do us all a favor and say something. Friends don't let friends dress badly.

Brrr... Time to Bundle Up, Fashionably!

Alright my little fashion darlings, the weather is starting to change, unless you're one of the fortunate ones who live where the sun is always shining and snow and winter coats are a thing of imagination. But for those of us who are going to brave the harsh winters I'm here to give some insight about coats. If you're wearing a super amazing outfit why cover it up with something that resembles a burlap sack or a marshmallow? Top that outfit with another fashion statement. Remember what they say, first impressions are everything and in the winter everyone you see will see your coat first so make a good impression to begin with.

There are 3 essential components to picking out the perfect coat for you.

1. Color
Neutrals- Browns, white, black, gray, cream. Always a good option if you want a coat that will go with anything. Can sometimes be construed as dull and stiff, though. If you're gonna go neutral be sure to add a pop of color.

Colors- J'adore bright colored coats. Kelley greens, plum purples, fuchsia pinks and royal blue, it's always nice to see a bright colored coat walking towards me as I walk across a snow covered campus. My only concern is that you choose a color that looks GOOD on you. Red haired beauties with red undertones to your skin do us all a favor and avoid that tomato red peacoat you've been eyeballing. Yes, the color is fabulous but not for you, sweetheart. JUST SAY NO!

2. Length
This can easily be broken down into Long or Short

A. Long- long coats always scream sophistication. They're delightfully classic and elegant. However, I have a rule about your skirt being longer than your coat. though I must admit that like every fashion rule this one has it's exceptions. If you're coat goes past your knees I don't expect you to run around in a floor length skirt but have a little respect for yourself, ladies.

B. Short- Definitely for the more casual fashionistas. I'm a fan of the coats that hit right at your hips. Perfect length. Not too long not too short. Try to avoid those puffy coats with a stretchy bottom. They make you look large, no offensive to the girls of the world rocking this look.

3. Pattern? For the more adventurous sort, to be sure. I love a chic pattern coat done right. A mid-thigh houndstooth coat is the ultimate for me. Plaid is one of those patterns that just won't quit these days but one you should be wary of to be sure. Too much plaid is a no, no, no, my darlings. If you're gonna do a plaid coat you need to do solid color coordinating accessories. Don't overwhelm your look with a plaid skirt topping your plaid coat. And leave the polka dot coats for the children, please.

So, now you've got the perfect coat but like any great outfit accessories can make or break it. Plus, you want to stay warm and sometimes a coat just isn't enough.

Make sure you're taking into account the color of your coat when choosing accessories. If your coat is black spice it up with some bright colors. Maybe a bright pink scarf with a matching hat and black gloves. You don't want to completely overpower the classic feel of your black coat with color but you also want to make sure your accessories match the style.

DON'T pair yellow earmuffs with blue striped gloves and a purple hat. Pick one color for accessories and stick to it.

Baby, it's cold outside so heat of your wardrobe with fabulously hot fashion trends. There's a style for all of you. Whether you want to stand out or blend in. But let's face it, who really wants to blend in?!