Aprés Ski

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Guess what guys?!

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Larry (our pup) learned a new trick last tonight. Bang! Bang! Play dead. He’s pretty much a genius child.

But lets move on to bigger and better topics. Parka glam.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Yep. If you live in the midwest, every woman faces the inner battle between staying warm and looking cute. The struggle is real. And Chi-beria is around the corner.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Did you know I had a North Face winter parka for 8 years? 8 years! But it was the moment I added a paper clip to the zipper (the handle fell off), I knew it was time for a new one. It was so bad, I had to shimmy it down to my ankles and step out of it like a dress. Oh and I wore it like that for a full year. Embarrassing. Luckily I had a cool co-worker who loved me for who I was.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Well, great news for me. I finally got a new winter coat! I may have splurged. When you are an adult and save up, you get to do things like this. Given my excitement, I asked Brittney, my BFF and stylist, to help put together something warm and fashionable.

Here is the magic formula.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

How To Glam Up Your Parka

  1. Grab your parka. A fur hood adds extra glam.
  2. A bright fair isle sweater. A fun color and print adds dimension and depth to a neutral colored coat. This Old Navy sweater is so last season, but there are many great ones out there. {Steal, Bang For Your Buck (love this one!), Nautical, Splurge}
  3. Don’t be afraid of statement necklaces. I never would have considered a fun tassel over a sweater & parka. But this dresses it up a bit don’t you think? Found this at my new favorite boutique, Kie & Kate.
  4. Booties! Flat boots are a given, but put on a heel for a change. Especially if you are still looking for your future husband. He could be anywhere! And you must look the part in case he sweeps you off your feet.
  5. Accessorize. I loved playing it up with a chunky scarf (another Kie & Kate find) and my new winter studded hat. Vera Bradley is killing it this year guys! These add layers, which makes for a more put together feel. Oh, and it keeps you nice and toasty too. You know, that whole staying warm thing.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

After Brittney showed me the ropes, I pretended I was on my way to a chalet for a hot toddy, after a long day of hitting the slopes. But then reality set in and I went for a water at my dining room table to finish up some work. Buzz kill.

canada goose, kensington parka, parka, midwest style

Get The Look: Canada Goose Kensington Parka || Old Navy Fair Isle Sweater {old but updated version here} || Black Paige Denim Jeans || Tory Burch Booties {old but updated version here} || Vera Bradley Micro-Stud Hat c/o {matching gloves and scarf too}|| Scarf and Tassel Necklace via Kie & Kate

Speaking of Apres Ski, has anyone seen that new Bravo show? Worth watching?

Thank you Brittney and Kie & Kate for playing dress up with me and snapping these pics. Such a fun day!