{Zara Elbow Patch Blazer (similar here and here), Chas Mackenzie Vest (LOTS of options here), Uniqlo Sweater Dress, Lanvin Boots, Louis Vuitton Handbag}

I usually shy away from serious layering for fear of my outfits looking too bulky.  But when the temperatures dip, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

I started with one of my favorite sweater dresses from Uniqlo.  It’s cut slim enough to be a little sassy, but it’s still very forgiving and flattering.  I also have it in navy, and I could just kick myself for not scooping up a black one when I had the chance.  After that, I topped it off with a smart tweed blazer and a shearling vest for extra warmth.

More Faux Shearling Vests :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

{Juno Jacket (similar here and here), Zara Faux Fur Stole (similar), Neiman Marcus Hat (similar), J. Crew Fluted Skirt (similar), Cappelli Fleece-Lined Tights, 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Handbag, Coach ‘Lenora’ Boots (old, but you can still nab a pair on eBay.  I also like these from LL Bean)}

It’s freakin’ frigid in my neck of the woods, so I’m doing all I can to stay warm and toasty.  Not gonna lie, some days I go full on marshmallow-mode with a knee-length down parka and Uggs.  But most days I try to stay stylishly cozy.  My secret weapons are as follows:

• Warm Hat: Bonus points for ones that cover my ears!  This hat I’m wearing comes with a nice fleecy lining around the brim that keeps me extra warm.
• Furry Scarf: I picked this faux fur stole up at Zara on a whim, and I seriously think it’s my best cold-weather purchase in the past two years.  It adds an instant touch of glamour, and looks and feels surprisingly realistic.  I couldn’t find this exact one online, but I’ve seen them in Zara stores recently (and it also comes in leopard!).
• Hands-Free Purse: When the temps dip well below freezing, it’s nice to be able to stuff my hands inside my jacket pocket.  This crossbody style purse helps me do just that.
• Fleece-Lined Tights: Pretty much the greatest advancement in women’s hosiery in the past 10 years.  I’ve stocked up on a few pairs of these and much prefer them to pants or regular tights for keeping the winter chill at bay.
• Snow Boots: I do a LOT of walking in the city, and it’s very easy for my tootsies to get cold.  Also, there’s nothing worse than ruining a good pair of shoes in the mucky slush and salty pavement.

So those are my tips, but what do you guys do to stay warm?

{Banana Republic Faux Fur Pullover, Zara Riding Pants, Kyi Kyi Hat + Fownes Leather Gloves via Century 21, Celine Handbag,  Born ‘Cady’  Boots}

I’m still poring over mounds of pics from my recent trip to Italy, so stay tuned for a FULL recap.  In the mean time, here’s a pic of what I wore my first day back in the city.  The weather turned pretty chilly while I was away, so I got nice and toasty in this plush pullover and my new obnoxiously huge pompom beanie.  I had on this sweater underneath, but it was way too cold to remove my topper (so you’ll just have to take my word for it).

I hope you’re staying warm in your neck of the woods.  Rumor has it that I might get a snow day tomorrow.  Keeping my fingers crossed!