I shot this with my Iphone while pumping gas before my thirty-minute ride to Newbury St. in Boston. This was the week we had weather in the teens and lower in between two Nor Easters. I notice as the temperature drops in New England the more horrific people’s attire is. If you have lived here long enough you know it gets cold and stays cold during our winters. That is why it is of the utmost importance to have appropriate garments to protect you from the elements as well as fashion ridicule. I’m sorry but this must be addressed.

1. A winter coat. If you live in New England or anywhere where the temperature drops lower than 20’ F you should own a quilted coat. This year I purchased a great Steve Madden quilted coat, which has, pockets (an absolute necessity) and is fitted through the middle. That is my favorite part about this coat, is it doesn’t make me feel like a brown blob and I am warm and well outfitted for defending myself from Mother natures worst winter blasts. It also has double zippers, which is great for driving.

   

   
   
   
   
2. Hats. I will say there truly is not enough selection out there. I am a hat fanatic. Last year I coined the term (or so I believe) "it’s Fedorable!"  I have said it before and I will say it again and again, try on as many hats as you can get your hands on they are an instant upgrade to any outfit! It is so rare you find someone rocking a hat, and I’m sure if you think back to the last person you saw wearing one, more than likely you thought, "ooh I like that hat."
   
   
3. Scarves. I think my generation is just getting the memo on scarves. There are so many kinds, so many ways to wear and tie them. I’m always surprised I don’t own more of them. Another ultra chic wardrobe upgrader. The scarf I have on here was knitted by my Grandma, she made it especially for me in Tiffany’s blue. Knitted scarves can be warm and stylish. I love this color blue paired with chocolate brown. They blend well together and they make me feel like spring is close by with a reminder of beach waves and blue sky’s.
   
4. Gloves. Leather or thick wool, are the best way to keep your phalanges from freezing off.
   
   
5. Boots the final step (literally) for a fully functional frigid weather wardrobe. I find the best kinds of boots for trudging through snowbank trenches are nylon waterproof boots. They look polished and utilitarian at the same time. Isn’t that what we all want? Fashion that works for us.
   

   

   
   Mmmm Delicious Dior Moon Boots!!!
   
   These 5 items are my winter essentials for a stroll down Boston’s Fashion Mecca on a chilly January Monday.  Stay Classy and Cozy Boston ; )

Deep into the 20 10’s I hope to see American's  shed their casual closets and emerge into a more clean cut defined sense of style. This year I pledge to use this platform as a way to weed out bad style from good and help my fans deter from just "ok" clothing.

Since I last left you, I became an All Star Personal Stylist. The highest selling award given by my current company. I have been specializing in men’s wear more recently so my first post of 2011 goes to the guys.

Fall 2011 Menswear seems to be a mish mosh of mixed messages. Designers like Miharayasuhiro are still playing up what I like to call "disheveled chic." This look gives my ADD nightmares. Where do I look first? It’s like Siamese Twins but in clothing.

Other’s had me slightly more disappointed. Christopher Bailey, you are a fashion genius so why would you put our men in oversized boxy Burberry Porsum. Where is that heritage clean cut guy that makes me swoon for a knight in tightly knit plaid?

But with a sigh of relief you can always count on Dolce and Gabbanna to stay classic and true to themselves. These guys have encompassed my favorite menswear trends in one runway show. Clear glasses, graphic T’s and suspenders, and the perfectly tailored suit.

Recently to my great delight I found my first pair of suspenders in our men’s section. Brown leather with black elastic and silver metal just what the fashion doctor ordered to add a little extra something to my casualwear. A piece of my collection I have already begun to enjoy.

Today’s lesson: Guys don’t fuss with extra frills. Find the perfect fit first, be true to your personal style whatever that might be, and own it. There is nothing sexier than knowing exactly who you are and advertising it with your personal image.

Paying homage to that lesson take a que from Tom Ford.  A man who know's exactly what he wants and goes for it with such conviction.  His clothing speaks for itself and it says "Yea I've got style, what are you going to do about it?"