Sweaters with an agenda

Perhaps spurred on by this darling (but costly) sweater, I've found myself on the lookout for a cute graphic top that doesn't cost a ton.  Because let's be honest, a sweater with a giant word or a picture splashed across the front of it probably isn't exactly an investment piece.  But it sure would be fun, wouldn't it?  Eight ideas that won't break the bank (and just for kicks, one that likely will):

Hello Red Champ Pullover, $50.

Old Navy Love Pullover, $25.

Homage Insanely Great! Tee, $28.

Asos Vila Pop Sweater, $60.

Stripe by N Bonjour Striped Pullover, $79.

Wildfox Queen of Hearts Sweater, $148 (or a sequin version here).

Asos A Wear Lip Print Sweater, $55.

Hive and Honey Frankie Frenchie Sweater, $59.

Marcus Lupfer Sequin Feather Sweater, the splurge at $435.

(Top image via The Blonde Salad.)

Transitioning from this . . .

. . . to this:

And I'm not going to lie: it's sort of rough.  After a few days in pretty San Diego, I'm back in Chicago and gearing up for what sounds like it's going to be a decent snowfall.  We've been spoiled lately -- six inches sounds like a lot these days, whereas when I first moved here, six inches felt like it hardly even merited a mention by the weatherman.  In preparation, my two most important schlepping-around-on-a-snow-day-essentials:

This long, puffy, North Face coat that makes you look and feel like you're wearing a sleeping bag . . . 

And these completely waterproof, really warm Sorel boots that I've convinced myself are cute in a Scandinavian-skiing-girl kind of way (lots of fun colors to choose from, too):

So in review:

Cons: California vacation is over and I'm back in the frozen midwest on the eve of a snowstorm.

Pros: winter gear is on sale because it's almost over.  And it's the eve of Oscars weekend!

(Top image is from my Instagram; bottom image by Chicamguy on Flickr.)

To camo or not to camo?

Yesterday, while checking out the postage-stamp-sized tall section at Topshop, I found a casual parka with a fur collar. It was on sale.  It fit.  It was warm.  Hooray!  But it was camo, and that's one of those things that I always assume is best left to others, like these stylish ladies.

I like it, but I fear I will look like a nutjob in it, as I do in most hip, trendy styles.  What do you think?  Is camo best left to experts, or can the rest of us pull it off by following their lead and keeping everything else really polished-looking: ladylike flats or pumps, chic sunglasses, and red lipstick?  Weigh in while I'm busy trying out the jacket with multiple outfits and convincing myself not to wear it out of the house.  (Everyone does that, right?)

(Top photo by The Sartorialist; bottom photo by Atlantic-Pacific.)

Brrrrrrr.

It is downright freezing and unpleasant outside.  If you too are a Burrito of Sadness, a few things to help you cope:

The Mindy Project.  It is laugh-so-hard-you-wake-up-your-sleeping-dog hilarious.  (And you can watch it burrito-ed into your couch.  Mindy would approve.)

I've been using Vitamin E oil to moisturize my face (I read about this trick here).  It is heavy, and I don't know that I'll keep it up once I have my heater dialed down and there is a drop of moisture in the air, but for now, it feels fantastic.  For the rest of your parched winter skin, Kiehl's Creme de Corps is a splurge, but so very worth it. 

And if all else fails, drink.  These Winter Sun cocktails are citrusy (fights scurvy!) and a great pick-me-up for when you feel like winter is never, ever, ever ending (warning: your kitchen might end up looking like this).

(Top illustration by Jillian Fleck, via The Daily Muse; Mindy Project image via Vulture; skin photo by Yulia Gorbachenko; Winter Sun cocktail images by Two Tarts via Cup of Jo.)