THE CITIZEN INDEX

Monday, December 16, 2013

#CITIZENBLOOM: 3 Ways to Bloom Madly for Winter



Baby, it’s cold outside! Right now, you need to be bundled up to stay warm, and often times that means you've reduced your outfit to  a drab ensemble consisting of  a lumpy layer of sweaters, black socks, with black boots and some practical no-nonsence outerwear.  Presently, I'm very  guilty of this, and in dire need of some bright #citizenbloom! I need to keep warm, but have got to add some more colorful bloom to my dress. So while you're all bundled up in that tasteful 2 ply cashmere sweater set, and a bulky yet functional pair of lined wool slacks, here are three ways you can add color and character to your winter wardrobe. 




  • Hats
  • Arm Candy
  • Colorful socks
Vintage hats + toppers available at citizens-of-rosebud.com

TOP IT OFF WITH A STYLISH HAT. When it comes to winter dressing by all means, put your thinking cap on! Hats can add warmth, as well as a dash of style flavor to your outfit. Think wool knits, felt and fur. I love a good vintage topper, and vintage hats are just the thing to brighten up my day! Your head will stay toasty in a wool felt pillbox or a whimsy, AND they add loads more class than my usual toque. You can still look jaunty and keep your head warm.  Look for hats that offer sophistication as much as they do warmth, and you’ll stay stylishly on top!


SWEETEN UP AN OUTFIT WITH A STACK OF BANGLES.  I love the feel of a stack of thin bracelets all piled up and over each other. For winter, to stave off any added chill of cold metal, I look for bracelets made from vintage plastics and resins. While there’s nothing like the feel and sound of a stack of Bakelite bangles, a more affordable option maybe to pile on some Lucite plastic or celluloid bracelets. One of my favorite bracelet to wear is a winter white vintage 1930s celluloid rose carved bangle, a gift from a stylish friend. I love it mixed with my stack of Indian aluminum bracelets, as they heat up with my body temp fairly quickly so I can enjoy some winter-ready arm candy without feeling a chill.

SOCK IT TO ME: colorful socks add character while toasting your tootsies.  Say it loud and proud with a colorful sock! I love the look of a slightly conservative ensemble paired with a pair of bright socks. Pick a pair of hot pink angora, a wicked red cashmere, or an adorable wool stripe to liven up a grey cold winter day. I nearly live in these wool multi-stripe over the knee socks from J. Crew. So much so, that I own 3 exact pairs of them!  They probably match nothing, but seem to go with EVERYTHING. Striped and colorful socks are cute with flats, quirky with wedges, and essential for boots. Don't take MY word for it- just listen to Mr. Kibbles. In fact, 4 out of 5 cute grey kittens prefer strangers who wear lively socks, and so do I. 

Remember, there’s always a place to bloom. Including your winter wardrobe.

Linking up to Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday

17 comments:

Patti said...

Mr Kibbles - he has good taste! Love these tips and I am actively looking for more interesting socks these days. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you rock. xox

Gracey the Giant said...

Hah! Mr. Kibbles face is great. And so are those socks!

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Mr. Kibbles approves!!! (and so do I!) :) Winter = more layers = more opportunities for things to be fun. Gorgeous examples, Bella! xo

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

There is always a place to bloom!! You and Mr. Kibbles bloom madly!

Unknown said...

Nothing betta than a pair of colorful sock to brighten a day! xoxo

Becky said...

Bracelets are a go-to for me :)

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Those flowers are magnificent! Am I imaging things, or are they blown glass? Maybe I just have Chihuly on the brain because you are in Seattle.

For me it's all about the hat, and your hats here and on your Etsy are the best!!!

Mr. Kibbles would probably love hats too, if he had the right vantage point.

Vix said...

If the legwear attracts cats then its a winner in my book! xxx

Tamera Beardsley said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous You!!!

Forest City Fashionista said...

Mr. Kibbles is obviously a stylish feline with exquisite taste. I'm a big fan of colourful tights and socks in the winter.

Please may I? said...

Bless mr Kibbles has fabulous taste.

X x

Please may I? said...

Bless mr Kibbles has fabulous taste.

X x

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

Heh. Kitteh style blogger :D

Great tips! DH surprised me with a plane ticket to NYC, and I've been thinking about my very small capsule wardrobe (I travel light), which is, sigh, all black. I plan to add a vintage pearl collar, a multi-chain necklace, and a gorgeous scarf to liven up all the dark practicality. You know I long for hats - but very few fit my big ol' noggin.

LV said...

Mr. Kibbles:-) Great tips! I need to find some cute socks to wear this winter, but it doesn't get cold very often where I live.

http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com

thorne garnet said...

a favorite thrifting moment: rifling through sweaters, acrylic, cotton, itchy wool, cashmere.....my hand stops and says "Awe"

Unknown said...

Hard for me to imagine you gray and grim. Know you don't let it last long! Great tips, and will add them to my bag of tricks ... thinking of you when I try them!

No Fear of Fashion said...

Just bought a hat for winter. Because Judith inspired me. And you are adding to that by wearing a hat so often.
Greetje