cold weather cute

Here in the not-so-sunny states, winter is out and upon us. It seems to me that most people that choose cold-weather looks for movies and magazines (i.e. stylists in LA), don't know how cold it actually gets in states that have a real winter. Like negative temperatures winter. Most of their looks are cute, absolutely, but for walking further than out of a car and into the mall, forget it. You'll be a popsicle. And although I have too many coats to count and even more scarves, I took it upon myself to find some really good, really warm winter clothes. Keep cozy!

{my go-to warm winter coat: j.crew's wintress puffer}

{coach cashmere classic legacy stripe scarf}

{sorel joan of arctic reserve boot for trudging through snow}

{patagonia's ultralight fiona parka in deep ruby}

{frye for coach fur-lined engineer boot}

little updates

There are many times in decorating when the complete overhaul of a room isn't necessary, but a change of pace is. Everyone has heard tips about using paint and pillows to freshen up a room with minimal investment and commitment, and although these are great suggestions, there are other small changes that can give a room a new feel. Here are a few of my favorites:

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

{sunny citrus trees make a presence in an otherwise bland entry}

PUT PRETTY IN EXPECTED PLACES

{vintage wallpaper lining drawers makes for a bright surprise}

TURN STORAGE INTO DISPLAYS

{jewelry hung on clipboards gives this nook a whole different feel than a jewelry box would}

All images via Pinterest.

early bird

I received Victoria's Secret swim catalogue in the mail last week. Although swimsuit season is far off for most of us, I couldn't help but browse their new selections. There's no harm in making summer preparations a bit early, right?

{this very sexy bandeau option looks great with a tan}

{love the floral bottoms and jeweled embellishment on this suit}

{this glam wrapped two-piece is worth the funny tan lines}

french breakfast muffins

As I'm sure is the case for many of you, Pinterest is an endless source of ideas and inspiration for me. A few weeks ago, I pinned this recipe for French breakfast muffins and finally got around to making them this past weekend. They were very simple and yielded a delicious result. Soft and flaky, buttery and sweet, they would make a wonderful treat at any time of the day, as long as they are fresh out of the oven. Some of their magic is lost upon cooling.

home life

I spent nearly all of yesterday in my pajamas watching TV- it must be the weekend. With all that time at home and the start of a brand new year, I started thinking about making some improvements to my own space. I'm not sure which room will be my next victim, but I started browsing for inspiration nonetheless.

{i love how fresh and open tori spelling's living room feels}

{this pillow from west elm is so whimsical and could brighten up a neutral couch}

{janie molster uses pattern and color to look formal, but not fussy}

{this fun antique mirror could liven up almost any little nook}

{wallpaper and a busy gallery make an entry striking, via absolutely beautiful things}

happy new year

For me, the beginning of a new year is a time for evaluating life and making a fresh start. I don't care much for resolutions (as I mentioned last year), but I love the idea of a clean slate and a year filled with possibilities for beauty and adventure. Happy 2013!

All images via Pinterest.