Pajamas Are Not Okay In Public

pjs by girlseeksstyle! featuring stretch sleepwear

Eberjey Prima PJ set, $110
Kelham Hot Water Bottle, $36

When I started Girl Seeks Style, I swore that I would only focus on the good. Because there are always two sides to any story, I intended to be positive and ignore any misguided fashion trend. For every beautifully tailored trouser, there is a pair of metallic harem pants. Every Louboutin has an opposing set of Crocs. I don't like being the voice of negativity, but this time I can't sit idly by and allow the following to go unmentioned.

Last night I saw a commercial that left me at a loss. Someone, somewhere decided that regular pants just weren't comfortable enough. What would happen if socially acceptable bottoms were combined with something cozier, softer...something you could sleep in? Enter PajamaJeans.

Denim patterned pajamas. Good people of the world, please do not think that it's okay to leave the house in these. It doesn't matter how much they actually look like jeans; they are not. Pajamas are not meant for public eyes. Maybe I'm too critical. What do you think?

Go Open-Toe

I recently participated in a discussion on WellCommunityChicago.com about appropriate formal footwear for winter. Take a look: 

Open-toe can definitely be done in winter, and even more so for a formal event. As with many fashion dilemmas, it's all about picking the appropriate style for the situation. Instead of a wide open-toe or strappy shoe, aim for more of a closed peep toe that will be substantial enough for colder months. Take a look at these Christian Louboutin Peplum 100 suede sandals for inspiration.

Material is also important. Try a classic wintery option such as suede, velvet, or even a festive metallic. Make sure to plan well if you're going to be walking outside since snow and salt can easily ruin certain fabrics and put a damper on your stylish outfit. Also, don't rule out legwear completely. The right combination of stockings and peep toes can work really well and will definitely be a warmer option than bare legs. Take a cue from the Chanel runway from the Spring 2009 Paris Fashion Week and make your own match.

Put a Ring On It

Every winter I struggle with catching my jewelry on the layers of scarves, gloves, and earmuffs I pile on. An earring snags a couple threads of my beloved Echo throw; embellished rings leave knit gloves looking like victims of closet moths. French jeweler Marie-Hélène de Taillac has relieved my fashion frustration with her new line of faux-bejeweled cashmere gloves for E+J. Her designs are currently featured in The New York Times Style section, in a slideshow entitled, "Exotic Rocks: Jewelry Finds Inspiration From Around the World." Have a look for yourself--presto, problem solved! I love a good 2-in-1 solution.

By the way, check out Marie-Hélène de Taillac's site for her other outstanding designs. Her collections can also be found on several sites including Net-a-Porter  and Shopstyle.

Marie Helene De Taillac by girlseeksstyle! featuring amethyst rings

Cabochon amethyst ring, 2,710 GBP
Marie Helene de Taillac Yellow Gold Pendant with green enamel frog..., 150 GBP
Marie H?l?ne de Taillac 22K Gold Ring with Quartz Stones, 1,960 GBP
Marie H?l?ne de Taillac Smokey Quartz Earrings with Spinel Stones, 1,610 GBP
22k gold tourmaline bracelet, 6,060 GBP
Princess Rubelite ring, 6,960 GBP
Marie-Hélène de Taillac Mini Love amulet pendant necklace, $870
MARIE-H, 330 EUR

Italian Beach

Doesn't this just make you want to jet off to the Amalfi Coast? A girl can dream...

Holiday Wish List

What are you giving your favorite fashionista for the holidays? Here are some of the top picks this winter at Girl Seeks Style.

Holiday Wish List by girlseeksstyle! featuring a patent bag

LIESA CARDIGAN
J.Crew Naomi feather and sequin silk skirt, $485
Oscar de la Renta Embroidered suede ballerina flats, $560
Y-Mail Coin Purse in Black Patent, $175
Faye Earrings, $100
House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Tribal Cuff in Turquoise, $220
City Scape Venice Scarf, $298
Bobbi Brown Crystal Eye Palette, $45
Amazon.com: OPI Burlesque Holiday 2010 Nail Lacquers: Beauty, $5.10
Amazon.com: OPI Burlesque Holiday 2010 Nail Lacquers, Glow Up..., $5.10
Amazon.com: 7.5' Pre-Lit Pretty In Pink Artificial Christmas Tree -..., $300
H&M Shop Online
The Little Black Book of Style, by Nina Garcia of Elle Magazine and...
Perfect Christmas Gifts - Best Christmas Presents - Nina Garcia -...
Vogue España | Find the Latest News on Vogue España at Vogue Archives
OPI Burlesque Nail Lacquers, Sparkle-licious
text 3 Marie Claire 01.2011 (UK)
article

Under Wraps

Anthropologie Scarves by girlseeksstyle! featuring blue tops

Blue Acne Space Print Tank, 95 GBP
Proud Plumes Scarf, $54
Stories Untold Scarf, $158
Fill-In-The-Blanks Scarf, $78

If I'm going to freeze the moment I walk outside, I want to at least look good doing so. Scarves are so necessary this time of year, and Anthropologie's stylish wraps make braving the cold a little less painful. I prefer long, substantial scarves like the ones above. The great color contrasts and patterns will make these pieces pop in any outfit for sure.

Layering

Dressing for extreme temperatures can be frustrating. Sub-zero winds outside send me into a heavy-sweater frenzy, but 10 minutes next to an indoor heater leave me in a tank or t-shirt. The key to staying comfortable in all kinds of weather is layering--add or subtract pieces as you go! I love to pair a cashmere cardi and a blazer for a soft-meets-structured look, like the pieces in the Polyvore set below. Try this combo with skinny pants to balance out the top layers. Boots are my footwear of choice for this, especially in chilly weather. They ground the outfit well, adding a little more substance, but flats or heels definitely work. What is your favorite way to layer up this winter?

Layering by girlseeksstyle! featuring skinny pants

Tucker Printed silk-blend blouse, $278
Rag & Bone / Knit / Winter Cardigan, $195
Agatha cotton blazer, $90
Vince Skinny jersey pants, $172
Frye boots