Keep warm in style without breaking the bank

Today is December 21st... not only my husband's birthday, it i also the first day of winter.  I am already shopping for my warm weather trip in February... which means I am getting sick of the cold weather.  One way I always beat the winter blues to get a winter coat that I LOVE and enjoy wearing!  

This season there are three jacket styles that are chic and cozy!  All three  were originally designed by European Fashion brands and could have you shelling out around $3,000 for each coat. Sometimes I don't feel like making such a major investment in a piece that I may not find myself loving next season!   I have done the research for you... here are this seasons key coats that won't damage your wallet.

The Aviator Jacket
This shearling lined flight jacket usually metal buckles at the hem and the collar.  This is the winterized version of the bomber jacket. You probably have seen this jacket by Acne Studios  that retails for $2,700 on celebs.

These are the best Aviator Jackets around that don't cost an arm and a leg.

The Asymmetrical Puffer Jacket
This is not your run of the mill down jacket.  The asymmetrical puffer jacket keeps you warm while making a statement.  This is Balenziaga's puffer that costs $2,850.

These are some perfectly priced puffers.... now say that three times fast!

The Fur Lined Parkra
I completely went GAGA for this jacket last year when spotting a MR & MRS Italy fur parka last year in a local boutique.   I looked at the $7,000 price tag, rolled my eyes, and stored the information in my brain for later internet perusing... give the girl a fashion mission and she will achieve it!  

Here are a few great options whose price tags don't cause an eye roll. 

Want more great tips on how to great and not break the bank sign up for my newsletters better yet contact me at melanie@melanielippman.com for personalized pieces to enhance your wardrobe!

Should I buy it?

Right now is spring’s version of black Friday… stores of putting their spring / summer clothing on sale and they are slashing prices.  Barney’s, Bergdorf’s, and Saks are having up to 60% off, and net-a-porter is up to 70% off,  It can get very overwhelming and want to make sure you are thinking clearly when you are in the fitting room or hitting that add to cart button.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before decide add something new to your wardrobe.

Does it enhance your current wardrobe?
Is this something that you have been looking for when you are getting dressed?  Does it go with the color palette you have in your wardrobe?  Will you wear it at least 5 times? 

Does it fit your current lifestyle?
Is this piece for your life at this exact moment… not pre-kids, not if you lived on a tropical island, or if you suddenly became a philanthropist that attended 15 galas a year?  You should only be investing in pieces that when you now… not who you may be if you had this piece hanging in your closet :)

Do you already have it?
Admit it.. you have 4 white shirts that look exactly alike, 3 dresses that you mistake for one another, and a handful of grey sweaters. We all do it… buy the same thing over and over again…because they look good on you, because they are useful, because we love them!  If you already own it…. Put it back!!!!

Does it enhance your look? 
Sometimes we fall in love at first sight … we can’t believe how amazing it is and that is actually in your hands… this happens very often when an item is on sale.  When you try it on you are already so attached to it that you don’t take the time to consider that it may not look so great on you.  You have to ask yourself do you want this pieces more than you want to look good.

Will you regret it if you leave the store without it?
My clients are the most hardworking and giving people I know… they usually put themselves last and don’t would rather buy something for someone in their family rather than themselves.  Sometimes it is my job to allow them to spoil themselves just a little as a reward for all of their hard work.  So ask yourself what will you be thinking about this item in a few days if you leave the store without it?

Click here to find some terrific classic pieces on sale

Stop saving your clothes for "good".... enjoy them now!!

 I always worked really hard to be able to buy really nice clothes.  So when I would finally acquire the items, I didn’t want to mess it up.  I would end up keeping them “for good” and never got the most possible enjoyment out of these investment items. 

There were plenty of times I forgot that I had these precious items.  When the occasion was finally right to put on such a piece sometimes they didn’t fit as well as they did when I purchased it or it was out of style and it didn't look current. 

Moral of the story… there is no day like today to put on something special! 

Here are a few tips to getting those items in your outfit rotation

• Pull out 3 items you save for “good” hang them on the door or in the front of your closet and wear them within the next week.

• Dress down a piece if you feel it’s a little dressy for your daily life with casual basics like a white tee, jeans, or sneakers.

• It’s finally getting warmer out so pair a frilly dress with a pair of flat sandals and a denim jacket... go out and have some fun!

This is now I have been enjoying some of my "good pieces"

Click here to see or purchase items pictured below

Stylish shoes don't have to be a sore subject

I love shoes!!!!  They are probably my favorite thing to shop for myself and for clients!!!  Shoes still fit if you gained you gained a few pounds and if you take good care of them they will last a very long time so I don't feel guilty splurging on them!   My clients love shoes too...but recently they have been a sore subject ( did you know I was that corny?)  I’ve had lots of conversations about foot pain, heel height, blisters... I could go on and on!

I know a thing or two about foot pain… I am 5 feet tall , moonlighting as someone that is 5'5.   I've spent my life walking many avenues to the closest subway, standing at events for 10 hours, and walking for miles on end at trade shows .  Instead of being in a constant state of pain, my vain self has learned to shop for shoes that are comfortable.  I refuse sacrifice style for comfort, so it’s a good thing that there are so many great comfy stylish options this season. 

Click here to see my picks for comfy stylish shoes

I’ve also included a bunch of closed toe options for ladies who need to keep it a little buttoned up at the office.