OUTFIT: Winter accessories

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Jacket: thrifted (similar)
Tee: Lands' End (similar)
Jeans: LOFT (similar)
Boots: Calvin Klein via ebay (similar)
Bag: Coach (similar)
Hat/gloves: via Marshall's (similar, similar)
Scarf: Gift (similar)

In honor of the "severe weather" here in Texas right now, I'm finally sharing my idea for making winter weather outerwear fun.  I wish these photos showed the current snow on the ground (a tiny dusting), but this was taken on a past very cold but not snowy day.

Having spent decades in a Wisconsin climate that included actual severe weather (like 5-6 months annually of it), I understand the reality that most of us do not own many different winter outerwear options.  If we buy one good quality down coat, we're probably going to be wearing that same coat every freezing cold day for a couple of years (at least).  So, how do you make it different so that you don't go crazy having to wear the SAME coat one more day?  (We've all felt it!)  The answer? Accessories!  Hats, scarves and gloves/mittens are much less expensive than a new coat, and they are an easy way to change up the look of your coat.

Check out discount retailers like Marshall's and TJ Maxx for fun options at good prices, or occasionally splurge on an item you love, like a beautiful wool scarf or handwoven mittens (I once had a pair of mittens woven from shedded samoyed hair - although I can't really recommend those, however, due to the crazy reaction from other dogs...).  I have even found really nice wool and cashmere hat and scarf sets in perfect condition at thrift shops (probably gifts that people never used much?).  In any case, very affordable.  If you get one or two hats and/or scarves a season, by the end of a few seasons, you'll have a variety to choose from each wintery day.  Take that winter fashion blahs!