Funky and fabulous accessories for winter

ThirdCoast Digest welcomes Valerie Moody as a new monthly contributor to Threads! Val is a professional in the Marketing and Design field with over 20 years experience. She originally started her education in fashion design before finding her way to Marketing and Graphic Design. Even though she departed from fashion, her fashionista side lures her to the latest trends. She is an accessory freak and feeds her addiction with unique, fun, and sometimes funky accessories.

I base my life and fashion sense on this thought: “Don’t be afraid of what others think. Break the mold!”

Society has a quiet way of telling us how to act, what music to listen to and how to dress.  Among other social and personal implications, this sort of homogeneous mentality takes the fun out of life, and we find ourselves saying “no” to the things we like. “I can’t wear that bright colored nail polish, can’t have a sassy streak of color in my hair, can’t wear that fabulous blingy ring that calls to me at the store; I can’t pull that look off.”

Whatever it is, I’m here to tell you to break the mold yourself, have some fun and do it!

To be clear, I’m not advising to do “it” all at once, or to put yourself and everyone around you into sensory overload. I’m saying to wear what makes you smile. It doesn’t matter if you’re an accountant in a sterile environment, a woman in her forties, a teenager in high school, or a good ole’ Wisconsinite. Pick a unique piece or two that transmits the real you. Dare to wear something that might attract a little attention — it will brighten your day and boost your confidence.

These are a few of my favorite things

About this time each year I’m pretty antsy for spring to come, especially since the last week has been teasing us with plenty of sunshine and record high temperatures. But Mother Nature is fickle, and there are plenty of cold, snowy days before the first flowers bloom. At this time of year, we all resign to drab layers and clothes that are more practical than fashionable. Thanks to the style gods and the obscene amount of online shopping resources (thank you, Cloud!), there are plenty of options to add some pizazz to tired winter looks.

So long, bulky sweaters with-Ugg boots-over jeans.  Hello, fun!

Scarves. There are way too many fun options around. I love all of them for one reason or another but I’m not going to lie: this Rabbit Fur PomPom scarf is my absolute fave. It is oh-so-soft and is available in a variety of bright colors. It kinda makes me laugh because it has a Star Trek Tribble-esque feel.

Cowl scarves are a great alternative to the traditional scarf, and with great textures and chunky knits they’re as functional as they are fashionable. Hooded cowl scarves like this one on Etsy are even better — a scarf and hat in one! Ultra cute and stylish.

Boots– Change it up from the Ugg type boots even your grandma owns and get funky with a pair of high heeled winter boots. Just because it’s snowy outside doesn’t mean you have to give up style.

Nail Color– Nail color is a great way to spice things up. Boy did I jump for joy when O.P.I. came out with a new line of Glee inspired polish! Not just because I’m a Gleek, but because they come in an array of fun colors and have awesome names. I mean really, who wouldn’t like to say “I’m wearing Miss Bossy Pants!”

 

Gloves– I love my iPhone but these recent subzero temps had me hunting for the perfect pair of touch gloves. Although this isn’t something that will spice up your wardrobe, it is a winter wardrobe staple in my book. After test-driving several products, I found these fabulous things called Digits. You can put them on any gloves you already own and voila! Style and function!

Handbags– Update your look by adding a fun handbag. One of my favorites is the Coach Sequin Poppy Bag — sparkly and fun with plenty of glam power to perk up even your most casual outfits. Yes, it radiates, but what the heck. Live it up!

Lip Color– A quick way to perk up your winter look is to incorporate the upcoming spring season colors in your lipstick. Liven up your lips with fuschia, bright oranges and corals. Sometimes,all it takes is a little color to boost your mood in the dark winter months. I suggest M.A.C. lipstick in “Full Fuschia.”

For more style ideas, check out these links:

The Fashion Spot —Brighten Up a Winter Face with Bright Lips

Etsy — Winter Accessories

Squidoo — Funky and Funny Fleece Hats

MillionLooks.com — Shoe Trends Fall/Winter 2010/2011