Surviving Winter

Anyone who knows me knows that I DESPISE the winter season. Living in Minnesota seems like an absolutely ridiculous thing for someone like me but I don't have much of a choice about it. Winters here are looooong and coooooold (last year we had 6 days off of school because it was too COLD to go outside--like -30 too cold) and can really bring a gal down. Pretty much the only thing I kinda enjoy about this season is the fact that I can wear all my favorite pairs of boots for a really long time. That's about it though. I don't like to drive in it. I don't like to dress for it. I don't like what it does to my skin and hair. I really am not trying to be a Debbie Downer here...just keeping it real folks. Maybe it would be different if I enjoyed some winter sports or hobbies but I am not into anything that requires a temperature below 32 degree Fahrenheit to be successful. I can't guarantee that I will stop complaining about the winter weather altogether (sorry babe) but I have made it my goal to make some sort of truce with winter this year. Someone once told me that there was no such thing as inappropriate weather, just inappropriate clothing. Well....here are my tips for surviving what could be a long winter.

1.  Invest in a good coat. 
For me this meant owning a dressy and functional coat that were both warm and fashionable. I scored this season and found this adorable wool polka dot coat from Target on sale. What you can't see from the picture are the amazing, vintage style buttons all down the front of the coat. My other more functional coat is a Michael Kors puffer coat in navy that I got on major sale at Burlington Coat Factory. Key factor with both of these coats is that they cover my bum!

2. Boots
I can't live with out my Bogs. These boots are rubber outsoled and are guaranteed to keep your tootsies warm to below zero! They are essential for running errands after a big snow. My feet stay perfectly warm and dry. They look adorable with skinnies and leggings too. I also recently invested in a pair of Uggs. I'll be the first to tell you that I don't think they are very cute. However, they are super comfy and unbelievably warm. I wear them to work and then change into my flats or heels once I get to school. Warm feet go a long way in keeping me winter happy.

3. Winter Accessories
Now that my feet are warm my hands are getting jealous. I am one grumpy camper if my hands get too cold in the winter. I swear by my Eddie Bauer mittens and have gone through at least two pair over the last few years. I also have a pair of glittens so I can expose my fingers for my smart phone. The last thing I throw on to stay perfect and toasty is a chunky knit scarf---my faves are from Old Navy or I do knit a few for myself. For me, a scarf adds a good ten degrees to my overall winter temperature. I never leave the house during the winter without one! Here's to maybe not just surviving but actually thriving this winter!

Share in the comments below how you survive winter!