Tag Archives: winter

Your New Go-To Guide for Trendy, Affordable Winter Clothes

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Even if you’re out of ideas on how to create a new look once the weather outside gets frightful, or if you’re wondering what to wear in winter to break out of your slump, read on for our top suggestions on what to do with your winter clothing!

Back to Basics: What to Wear in Winter

Cold-weather wardrobes aren’t always easy to build. With so many options, you could get lost under a mountain of ideas! Don’t get intimidated—just keep in mind a few basic, affordable winter clothing items that will help you through and make sure to layer up with the right materials.

Layering Up

Layers are the go-to style choice for fall and winter to help every girl stay chic and cozy at all levels of cold. It’s almost like you have three different looks in one day! Your indoor look is your base layer, your mid-way look adds a cardigan or blazer, and your outdoor look is fully covered with a coat, scarf, and hat!

Some of the best affordable winter clothing layering pieces include leggings, skirts, vests, ponchos, and tunics! Add all of these to your closet to ensure you have tons of ensemble options without busting out the dated basics!

The Right Materials

The right materials are crucial to ensuring you stay warm all winter long. When dealing with the chilly winter air, it’s best to avoid outer layers made of moisture-wicking, breathable, and aerated fabrics. Instead of keeping you cozy, these fabrics let in even the smallest of breezes. To stay toasty, go for options like:

  • Polypropylene
  • Wool
  • Silk
  • Suede (vegan)
  • Velvet
  • Fur (vegan)
  • Down (synthetic)
  • Cashmere

You may think some of these sound uncomfortable and scratchy (we’re looking at you, wool), but when you get merino wool or a wool blend, you’ll enjoy a softer touch than you’re used to. Knit wool is also an amazing option for cardigans and sweaters, while velvet, faux suede, and synthetic down allow you to play with texture while keeping your winter clothing affordable!

The Perfect Jacket

Jackets are the final piece that complete every ensemble. Stay inspired by including basic styles in your wardrobe, but adding a little twist to each one with unique colors, cuts, and patterns!

Moto Jacket

The moto jacket used to be for biker chicks only, but now its market has expanded to include anyone who wants to don something a little edgy and sharp. You can find plenty of vegan leather options in black, burgundy, and navy to add a sleeker silhouette and some rocker embellishments to your outfit. Moto jackets have definitely found their niche in the winter clothing market.

Military-Inspired

Military inspired jackets provide both casual and formal options. Choose an army-style jacket for utilitarian activities, like hiking, and go for a trench coat when you want a little more stylish protection from the elements. Both are the perfect affordable winter clothing for any outdoor occasion!

Pea Coat

While the pea coat is also a military-inspired outerwear piece, it deserves its own category simply because of all the varieties that are available today. From hundreds of prints, patterns, and colors to tons of cuts, embellishments, and lengths—the pea coat is the most versatile outerwear around!

Accessories Galore

No, we’re not talking about jewelry here—we mean scarves, gloves, hats, and socks! If you’re wondering what to wear in winter to really keep you cozy, boutique accessories are EVERYTHING. They also add the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble.

Scarves

There are so many styles, materials, and colors of scarves that you’d have to work extra hard not to find one that matches your look. For something a little lighter, choose an acrylic blanket scarf, and if the wind is REALLY blowing, always wear that large knit wool scarf!

Gloves

While not every winter needs gloves, if you’re living in a place where it dumps snow all the time, these are a closet essential. We recommend going with basic black, but if black is a staple in your wardrobe, it may be time to add a pop of color with green, blue, or burgundy in faux leather.

Hats

For affordable winter clothing that is really the MVP of cold weather accessories, you can’t go wrong with a beanie. Beanies no longer mean skater-boy chic—now they have pom poms, ears, flowers, and more to make them feminine and fashionable. You can also really step it up with a ski hat, bomber hat, or furry headband or Cossack.

Socks

You might not have considered socks as a cute winter accessory, but if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, how are you going to spice up a pair of boring leggings or tights? Patterned ankle high socks can really pump up your look, while a pair of modern thigh-highs keep you warm and chic.

Stylish Bedroom Decor Ideas To Stay Comfortable in The Winter

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It’s no secret that winter is a time of year where people can get cold, and with the colder weather comes more time spent indoors.

A bedroom is one of the most rooms you will spend time in especially during winter. Decorating your bedroom in the winter is not only a great way to stay warm and cozy, but also stay in style during the colder months.

One of the most stylish things you can do when it comes to decorating your bedroom is using textures. In the winter, you’ll want to bring in as much texture as possible to make your bedroom feel warmer and inviting for when you sleep.

You can do this by using plush rugs on the floor, heavy curtains to keep the drafts out, and adding a lot of pillows and throws to your bed. These additions will help you snuggle up in your bedroom during the winter and stay comfortable all season long.

Here are some others tips for your project:

Get Rid of Clutter

One thing many people don’t realize when they start decorating their home in the fall is how much clutter accumulates over the course of winter. This often includes things like blankets or clothes which were used outside during warmer months but now are too bulky to wear inside. Consider storing these items elsewhere until spring arrives so they don’t take up valuable space in your bed or dresser drawers.

Stay Cozy with a Duvet

A linen duvet cover is perfect for winter as it will keep you warm and comfortable while still looking stylish. Unlike other types of bedding, linen duvet covers can be easily removed and washed so you can keep your bedroom looking clean and fresh.

Add Warm Colors

When the weather is chilly, it’s nice to have colors in your bedroom that remind you of warmth and comfort. This can be done by incorporating pieces of furniture in shades like dark red, orange, or yellow, or simply adding warm-colored accents like throws, pillows, or rugs.

Add Some Plants

Adding plants to your bedroom is a great way to improve air quality and create a natural aesthetic. Not only do plants look good, but many of them also release oxygen at night which can help you sleep better. Try adding some potted plants near your bedroom window or on your bedside table for the perfect finishing touch.

Keep it Organized

One often overlooked aspect of bedroom decoration is organization. Storing things like clothes, blankets, and linens in an organized way can help you stay on top of your routine and make cleaning up a less daunting task.

Use Candles

Candles are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to any room, and they can be especially helpful in the winter months. Consider placing a few candles around your bedroom, or on your bedside table, to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

Add Some Personal Touches

The best thing about decorating your bedroom is that you can make it uniquely your own. Add some personal touches like photos, artwork, or souvenirs to help make the space feel like yours.

Keep it Clean

One often overlooked aspect of keeping your bedroom organized is keeping it clean. Keeping on top of your cleaning routine can help you avoid nasty surprises in the future and also ensure that your bedding or other items are ready for use whenever you need them.

Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas when it comes to bedroom decor. If something isn’t working, or you simply get bored of a certain look, feel free to switch things up.

Keep your Bed Comfortable

Finally, one of the most important aspects of keeping your bedroom cozy is ensuring that your bed is comfortable. Investing in a high-quality mattress or sleep system can not only boost your comfort but also help you feel more rested and refreshed after waking up.

With these tips, you can create a stylish and comfortable bedroom that will be perfect for relaxing during the winter months.

Avoiding Winter Burnout at Work and Home

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Image Source: Unsplash

With winter officially here, it can be easier than ever to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and even depressed. About 5% of adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), making this time of year hard enough to deal with, already.

On top of the typical pitfalls of the winter season, this year has truly been unlike any other, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still going strong for many people across the country.

Between the aftermath of the holidays, the cold, dark days, the endless negative news cycle, and feeling overwhelmed at work, it’s easy to experience burnout. That can leave you feeling tired, gloomy, and unmotivated.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to avoid burning out both at work and at home. Giving your mental and emotional health a boost can help you to get through this season, and even learn to enjoy it. Let’s look at a few ways to accomplish that this year.

Learn to Manage Your Stress

Everyone deals with stress. So, it might feel impossible to get rid of it, completely. But, too much stress can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, contributing to everything from heart disease to high blood pressure. Excessive stress can also lead to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

While you may not be able to eliminate stress and anxiety from your life this season, there are ways to reduce them. One of the best things you can do is to avoid as many triggers as possible. Determine what it is that causes you to feel stressed and anxious. Some common causes include:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Family
  • World issues
  • Money problems
  • Health problems

Problems with work or even the death of a loved one can also contribute to stress and anxiety. This year, more than ever, many people have experienced multiple triggers on that list, as well as more personal factors that have contributed to higher stress levels.

If you can’t completely avoid these triggers, finding ways to reduce your stress levels is important. Keeping your home clean and organized can help, as well as spending time with family members and other people you love (safely). Being able to talk about how you’re feeling can make a big difference, so don’t hesitate to create a plan of action when it comes to directly battling stress.

Make Your Home a Sanctuary

Many people have had to combine their work and home lives this year. You may have had to start working remotely for the first time. While that can sound appealing at first, it can be difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance when your office is in your living room. One way to spark creativity and make you feel more motivated about working, whether you’re home or in your actual office, is to make a few simple upgrades. Get a standing desk to keep you moving throughout the day, or decorate your office in a way that inspires you and makes you feel more energetic.

If you’re working out in the field, or you’re a frontline worker of any kind, it’s extremely important to be able to separate your work life from your home life. Many frontline workers, like nurses, have to deal with immense amounts of daily stress as they see the firsthand effects of this pandemic. One of the ways to manage that stress is to get a full night’s sleep.

Whether you need to separate your remote working life from your free time or you’re an essential worker who needs to feel relaxed at home, taking the time to turn your living space into a sanctuary can be worth it!

You don’t have to make major changes to your home or routine to achieve a spa-like experience. If you’re trying to find more ways to relax and pamper yourself, consider:

  • Aromatherapy and bath oils
  • Body scrubs
  • Clay masks
  • Hand and foot care

Turn on some soothing music, draw a warm bath, and light some candles. By creating an environment of pure relaxation, you can almost immediately reduce your stress, feel more energized, and get better sleep, which can keep you going throughout the day no matter what career path you’re on.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care has become a popular buzzword over the last few years. Unfortunately, because of its popularity, it’s lost some of the true meaning. Self-care is more than just an idea, it’s something that needs to be put into practice. It also might look different for everyone, since we all enjoy different things.

Taking care of yourself can help to reduce stress levels and promote mental and emotional wellbeing. Again, it’s different for everyone, but there are a few common threads of self-care that can benefit almost anyone, including:

  • Eating well
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Drinking plenty of water (yes, you still need it in the winter!)
  • Keeping up an exercise routine
  • Being aware of any deficiencies in your diet

By taking care of your mind and body throughout the winter, you can beat the fatigue and exhaustion that sometimes tries to pull you down.

All of these solutions are beneficial when it comes to managing the winter blues and feeling as though you could burn out at any moment. While this year has been harder than most, these tips can still help you to get through the snowy season, so you can feel more energetic, motivated, and upbeat.

Snowman Table Setting

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snowman settingWith a salad plate and a dinner plate add snowflakes, M&M’s (for eyes, mouth and buttons) and a napkin folded for the bow tie.  Add a carrot for the nose and (not pictured) add a paper cutout of a top hat. I love the table runner of large snowflakes.