Fashionable cold weather dressing

When the thermostat goes down, the layers of clothes go on. What is the best way to dress for cold weather? What fabrics offer the best protection from Jack Frost’s nip? Can you be fashionable and still be warm? Yes, you can and if you follow these few tips you will be as warm as can be and still be in the height of fashion.

Start dressing for cold weather at the top of your head. A hat is a fashion statement but it is also an important tool in maintaining your body heat. Your head is one of the main ways that heat escapes from the body. There are many different types of hats. You can choose one that is handmade, woolen, fleece or many other materials. Be sure that it fits well and feels good, otherwise, you won’t wear it no matter how cute it is.

Layers are the way to go in cold weather. Start with a blouse or turtleneck and then cover it with a sweater, hoodie or sweatshirt. You can add a wool or cashmere sweater in an over the head or cardigan style. Both of them have their place in your cold weather wardrobe. The good thing about dressing in layers is that you can add or subtract, depending on the temperature where ever you are.

Natural fabrics are a good choice in the cold weather. They naturally breathe and allow your body to breathe as well. Some of the warmest under clothing are made from silk which is, of course, a natural fabric. Silk is very thin and is the perfect fabric to use under other clothing items. Cotton, wool, and linen are also natural fabrics that perform well in the cold weather.

Cold weather clothes should fit a little closer to the body to allow for the least amount of heat loss. Woolen dress slacks are a warm and good looking choice. Jeans are always in style and if it is very cold, add the silk long johns underneath and you will be snug no matter what the weather.

Choose your outerwear carefully. If should fit well and be easy to clean. Fleece is a popular choice and comes in jackets, coats, and vests. Wool is always a good choice and the classic pea coat is a perennial favorite. Cashmere in a coat is a luxury choice but adds plenty of warmth where needed. 

Cold weather dressing would not be complete without a pair of boots or two. Flat boots in a tie style are practical when you need to walk in the snow or on the ice. For fashion and to cover any exposed leg if you are wearing a skirt, a pair of tall high heel boots are a fashion necessity. Go basic in color for at least one pair and if you can afford more then add some fashion colors.

Scarves are the perfect accessory. They help keep out the cold and they add some much-needed color to the basic cold weather wardrobe. You can buy matching gloves or go with a coordination color. Scarves are an inexpensive way to change the look of your winter coat or jacket. Buy several and experiment with color.

For those cold weather nights, a pair of flannel pajamas or a flannel nightgown is a must. Add some fluffy slippers and a fleece bathrobe and you are ready for anything Mother Nature dishes out. You can be dressing fashionably for the cold weather.

Turn a pumpkin into a jack o lantern

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Part of the fun of the season is choosing just the perfect pumpkin. This can be done at a farm stand or in a field where you choose your own. While a pumpkin is a fine decoration, it cannot compare to a jack-o-lantern. This is an age of tradition of carving a face into the pumpkin. It is quite an art form. While no two are ever identical, it is the pumpkin itself that determines its personality. With some simple steps, you will have no trouble turning a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.

Choose a pumpkin

There are two distinctive schools of thought when it comes to choosing the perfect pumpkin. Some people think that short and round is the perfect shape while others prefer and taller more lean appearance. The basic shape of the pumpkin will lend itself to what type of face suits it best. One thing that you do need, no matter what shape you prefer is a flat bottom. You want your jack-o-lantern to sit flat on the steep or table which will be its home on Halloween.

Take off the top

Now that you have chosen the perfect pumpkin you need to remove the stem. When you do this you create a top that will lift off of the pumpkin so that you can get to the inside to remove the pulp and seeds. Choose a spot on the top of the pumpkin and with a sharp knife insert it into the skin. You can draw a square on the top and just keep making small incision until you have gotten all the way around or you can do it freehand. Whatever you are comfortable with.

Scooping out the inside

Once the top has been safely removed you need a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp that is inside. The seeds are edible and make a very tasty snack. If you plan to roast them, have a baking sheet ready. You can wash the seeds and throw out the pulp. Add a little salt and olive oil to the seeds and place them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

Carving

Now the most important part, the carving of the face. You can purchase a carving kit it will have all the tools you need or if you prefer a more personal approach then use a kitchen knife and go freehand. You may want to draw a face on the pumpkin or you can buy a pattern. Start small, maybe an eye. Insert the knife into the pumpkin, this will take a little bit of strength and a sharp knife. Make sure the second cut overlaps the first and so on until you can push the piece that is now the eye, into the pumpkin.

Continue with the other eye and then the nose which is usually an upside down triangle. The most import feature is the mouth and teeth. You also have to decide if you want a happy face or a scary face. You can make the face as complex or as simple as you want. Every opening you make will be showing the light that you place inside so the more openings the more light that will be reflected.

If children are going to be carving they need to be supervised since it takes sharp knives and lots of pushing to get good results.

You can use real candles inside of the jack-o-lantern or use using battery operated lights. The good thing about the batteries is that they last longer and you can light the pumpkin for several days before or after Halloween.

You are now ready to celebrate Halloween with your family, friends, and neighbors. All that is needed is the trick or treaters.

Timeless fashion accessories

A timeless accessory is one that is as fashionable today as it was 10 years ago and will be in ten years from today. As the fashion icon, Coco Chanel once said "Fashion changes, but style endures.” A timeless accessory is one that is always in style.

Pearl necklace

A pearl necklace is an accessory that never loses its enduring value. It is a fashion investment. If you are not in a position to invest in real pearls, there are very attractive costume pearls or for a moderate price, freshwater pearls are available. The most iconic color is creamy white, but they are also available in black and some pastel shades.

You can opt for a choker, a single pearl on a chain or a long chain of pearls that can be wrapped around the neck several times. The fashion of the "Roaring Twenties" is hot at this particular time and a very long pearl necklace fits right in with that style. By opting for a clasp of sterling silver instead of gold, you can also keep the price more affordable.

Designer scarf

Another fashion investment is a designer scarf. Hermes is one of the most timeless; however, it is not within the price range of everyone. There are many other designers who offer great classic, timeless scarves that can be found at stores such as TJMaxx for a fraction of their retail price.

Try to choose a pattern or color that is not too trendy. This year’s trend may be next year’s flop. Take a good look in your closet and decide what color or colors would fit in with what you already own. If your clothing tends to be mostly navy or black, a white or red scarf would be a nice addition.

Black clutch

Every woman needs to own a simple but classic black clutch purse. For any dressy occasion from a wedding to a cocktail party, the clutch is a must. Depending on your lifestyle, you can spend a lot or a little. Look for one with a unique detail that takes it above the rest; a special clasp is one option.

Classic pump

A good pair of high heels is an important accessory that can take a woman from the boardroom to the bedroom. Black is the most classic color and most wardrobes will include at least one pair. If you just are not a high heel woman, the classic black ballet flat is another option that is timeless.

Watch

These days, many women don’t need a watch to tell time; the smartphone is perfect for that. However, a beautiful watch is a great accessory and can take the place of a bracelet. For a timeless look, choose a smaller face, but silver, leather or gold are all classic choices.

Sunglasses

Who can forget Jackie O and her wonderful large sunglasses? It was a signature look for her and is just as timeless today. Tortoiseshell is a timeless look, but you may opt for another color that suits your personal style better.

Large Purse

For every day, most women carry a large carryall purse that can go from work to a night out or a day at the beach. If leather is out of the question, there are many other materials available, but leather usually wears the best so think of this as an investment in years of style.

Timeless accessories will stand the test of time and should be considered an investment. Buy the best quality that you can afford and your investment will provide years of enjoyment and style.

Celebrity fashion icons

Celebrities have a profound effect on fashion whether they want to or not. What they chose to wear is copied by fans both young and old, and this is nothing new. It has been going on for hundreds of years. Over the last 50 years, there have been some major fashion icons whose style has been copied by their devoted fans, including Jacqueline Kennedy, who influenced an entire generation of women and in more recent times, Diana Princess of Wales. Not all celebs are from show business as these two women prove.

Jennifer Aniston

When Jennifer Aniston took the role of Rachel Green on “Friends”, little did she know that she would become a fashion and style icon. Who knew that women the world over would slavishly copy her hairstyle and great fashion sense? The good news is that Jen almost never makes a misstep and there are certainly few people who are always as well dressed and put together as she is. She is never ostentatious; she chooses styles that suit her figure and are appropriate for the occasion. She doesn’t hide behind her clothes -- she is the canvas and she always stands out.

Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge

When Kate became engaged to Prince William of England, she was immediately thrust into the limelight and her fashion was closely scrutinized. It was noticed that she favored British designers and was not opposed to re-wearing an outfit. In the hard economic times that have hit Europe, this is a very popular trend. Her clothes have caused a sensation and whenever she comes out with a new dress, they fly off the racks. She dresses with style and has the perfect body to showcase a variety of looks, all tasteful.

Victoria Beckham

Since her early days as Posh Spice, Victoria has always had a great sense of style and now she finally can give her fans exactly what they want: her clothes. Her clothing line, which is designed with the modern woman in mind -- modern and very slim, that is affordable and reflects Victoria’s personal taste and style

Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth has a very classic style that is understated but can certainly be glammed up for an evening on the red carpet. She has been a style icon for over 15 years and has shown that it is possible to be red hot and sexy without being trashy. Nobody wears a clinging gown on their very slim figure in a more glamorous way than Gwyneth. Now that she is a mother, her day clothes are a bit more practical but just as stylish, and she still shines when she is out on the town. With her great legs, it is not unusual to see her in a mini skirt or dress.

These are four of the positive celebrity fashion icons that are worth following. There are many others, especially among the young crop of Hollywood stars who are showing great promise of becoming the future celebrity fashion icons.