The Perfect Cold-Weather Jacket

Halloween is almost here, and with that comes cold weather.

The latest rain and wind storm got me thinking about the coming winter months, and about how it’s going to get even colder as time goes on.

Which brings me to the point of this post: how to find the perfect cold weather jacket.

Walking to class, I can feel the cold air peek into my quilted parka with the fur hood. I zip it up even more and continue on my trek, observing others like myself trying to keep warm.

I notice several trends. First, the pea coat is very popular on this campus, and is very warm and cozy ( I know this because I own a few myself). Pea coats also come in a variety of colors: I myself have one in blue, black, and plaid; I’ve seen many girls wearing colors such as green or purple. Best of all, scarves are perfect to pair with a pea coat…and pea coats are incredibly stylish as well as suitable for women as well as men.

Parkas (such as my green one with the fur hood) are also very popular. I’ve noticed many as I’m walking to class, and even a few in my classes. These jackets are great because they are usually waterproof, have a hood (which is perfect for us Seattleites), and are quilted, which means they are warm. Parkas are usually available in a variety of colors; this month’s Glamour Magazine is obsessed with the olive green parka, with designer Alexander Wang saying:

“Every woman needs an army-green parka. It makes even the girliest clothes look street chic.”

To find this perfect coat, look for styles that are true to your tastes, and don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your wardrobe. And soon you’ll find it’s cool to be colorful, comfortable, and warm, and all with a fashionable flair.

Comfortable Shoes on Campus

With fall now in full swing, flip flops are a thing of the past.

What is now needed are comfortable, cute, stylish, closed toed shoes to wear when treking across campus and beyond.

But while looking around campus for inspiration, I have found a troubling trend: many people are sacraficing fashion for comfort. And although it is tempting to simply put on the tennies instead of the brand new wedges bought specifically for school, one can look cute and still be comfortable.

I interviewed a student I found walking around campus in cute (yet comfortable) shoes. I noticed her feet when walking to class myself one day, the day I chose to wear extremely uncomfortable shoes (which I will never do again…my feet are still paying for it). Andrea Peterson, a senior, was sporting Uggs, the Australian-made “snow boots” with the sheerling lining and suade shell. (To go to the Uggs site, click here)

When I asked her what made these marvels of podiatry so comfortable, she simply replied:

“The inner lining. It’s so soft, and it keeps your feet warm on wet, cold days.”

Although some may argue that Uggs simply aren’t fashionable, they cannot argue that they’re uncomfortable. Just ask everyone around campus who’s wearing them…especially those who seem to wear them religiously.

If Uggs aren’t to your liking, plenty of other shoes exist that are cute, fashionable, and comfortable. Tips for comfortable shoes include:

• No stilletto heals
• No heal over three inches
• Break in your shoes before wearing them half way across campus
• Waterproof your shoes! We do live in Seattle

Stick to your own tastes…while also being fashionable. Nordstrom is a perfect place to look for any kind of shoe under the sun, as are many other department stores. (To go to the Nordstrom site, click here)

So remember: ditch those tennis or running shoes and invest in a pair of chic, comfortable wears for your feet. You’ll be surprised how put together you’ll feel.

Hello Readers

Greetings to all who will read this blog!

This is a blog about fashion: fashion on campus, off campus, in Seattle, in the suburbs, and anywhere else that fashion plays a role in daily life. I plan to focus on different aspects of the fashion industry, not simply “What’s hot and trendy right now” kind of a thing.

Expect the unexpected in this blog. Observations, excerpts from magazines, and moguls of the fashion world will all show up on some post here or there.

And don’t be afraid to comment or ask questions. I will do my best to answer them promplty and to the best of my ability.

I hope everyone enjoys this blog as much as I’m going to. The fashion world better be prepared for scrutiny, praise, and new ideas with this fashion blog.

Thanks and take care.

Stephanie Small

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!