Black Friday may elicit nightmarish visions of dragging yourself out of bed at 4 a.m. only to find yourself in the middle of a shopping stampede. So this year, why not beat the crowds and do your shopping online. Below, I’ve put together a list of five staples you’ll need to get through this season in style–a fur-trimmed trench coat, a hobo bag with hardware, over-the-knee boots you can actually walk in, a sequined holiday dress, and a cozy, cashmere sweater–with a great option for every budget.
A FUR-TRIMMED TRENCH
When investing in a winter coat, go for something classic with a trendy twist. This season, I’m loving all the fur-collared trench coats I’m seeing. The trench is a classic piece everyone needs, but a real or faux fur collar updates it for Fall/Winter 2010. My favorite is this durable Rag & Bone driving coat. It’s a smart investment piece that you can wear for seasons to come, and the collar is removable so you can even wear it in warmer weather. If you want to spend a bit less, this Marc by Marc Jacobs coat is super chic and expertly tailored. For a total steal, try this feminine, empire waist trench from Charlotte Russe.
Rag & Bone driving coat, $525
Marc by Marc Jacobs Marley Fur Collar Coat, $598
Charlotte Russe wool coat with fur collar, $49.50
A HOBO BAG WITH HARDWARE
Slouchy hobo bags accented with industrial hardware such as studs and chain are having a fashion moment. From a more practical perspective, these roomy bags also make great carry-alls for moms on the go. Stella McCartney’s thick chain-trimmed Falabella bag is a hot seller this season, as is CFDA-award winner Alexander Wang’s pebbled leather Darcy hobo, which is embellished with studs on the bottom. For a less expensive option, I like CC Skye’s iteration, which also boasts studs.
Stella McCartney Falabella chain-trimmed bag, $1335
Alexander Wang Darcy studded hobo, sale price $595
CC Skye Grace studded hobo, $270
OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY WALK IN
Over-the-knee boots are one of the biggest trends this season. While last winter we really only saw high-heel over-the-knee options, this year designers have made these thigh-high boots more functional. Choose a pair that has a low wedge or heel to add a bit of height but that will still allow you to remain mobile enough to run after your kids. Givenchy’s low-heeled, over-the-knee kicks have a cozy, sock-like cuff that allows you to scrunch them down or wear them high. Loeffler Randall and Steve Madden both have low wedge versions that are sure to become your go-to boots to pair with skinny jeans, leggings or dresses all winter long.
Givenchy over-the-knee cuffed boots, $1390
Loeffler Randall over-the-knee boots, sale price $577.50
Steven by Steve Madden Intyre over-the-knee wedge boots, $229
A SEQUINED HOLIDAY DRESS
Whether it’s for a holiday soiree or a New Year’s Eve bash, a sparkly dress is a must to have at your sartorial disposal. I love Maxime Simoens’ festive, black and gold sequined dress. The sequin pattern reminds me of a New Year’s Eve firework. For those who prefer more subtle shine, tone-on-tone black sequins are always a chic bet. Try Alexander Wang’s sequined tube dress and pair it with a black, faux fur vest for added warmth and sophistication. For boyish figures, the plunging neckline on this sequin A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz dress creates curves and is super sexy.
Maxime Simoens black & gold sequined dress, $2925
Alexander Wang sequin dress, $780
A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz sequin deep v-neck dress, $248
CASHMERE SWEATER
We all need a soft sweater to cozy up in on cold winter days, and in my opinion, a great cashmere sweater is a necessity, not a luxury–especially if you live in a cold climate where coarser fabrics can irritate dry skin. My picks are all slouchy options that are somewhat voluminous, so pair them with skinny or straight leg jeans and boots to balance out the proportions. Chan Luu’s bell-sleeve sweater is the perfect shade of winter white, and I love the unexpected low back on 360 Sweater’s cashmere Alex sweater. For a major deal on cashmere, scoop up Aqua’s dolman-sleeve sweater.
Chan Luu cashmere sweater, $345
360 Sweater cashmere Alex sweater, $240
Aqua Cashmere Dolman-Sleeve cashmere sweater, $131.80
