FIND YOUR WINTER STYLE. TRY PRAIRIE SPARKLE.

Start a Trend. Winter Sparkle.

I've learned a lot about dressing warm by living in the great state of Minnesota. Minneapolis is my current home town; a city that provides me with fashion challenges. There are many inches of snow on the ground. Ice on the sidewalks, parking lots, and streets. It is easy to throw on snow boots, which can be very adorable, jeans, heavy sweater, scarf and hat and just call it an outfit for a few months. 

But what is the fun in that?!!!

Start a trend.

BEHOLD:  The sparkle lumber jack. 

A warm rugged look that is not afraid to be chic. 

When I remove the winter coat, that I tend to wear everyday, I want there to be something to look forward to.  The addition of a silky, a little bit fussy, navy blue and white polka dot scarf, just felt appropriate today.

So how do you add real style to winter outfits? 

I like the idea of pairing a very classic, traditional, middle America staple item and pairing it with something unexpected.  So unexpected that your mother would say, "You can't wear that! Its for the opera!"

My seasonal rut is shaken up by taking two extremes and smashing them together. 

If anything, it is a fun experiment.  

THE MAIN INGREDIENTS:

A soft, very warm, flannel from Land's End. 

A black sequined capelet from Laurence Kazar, the Godfather of sparkle!

Both items found at thrift stores.  Ironically the flannel came from Goodwill in Los Angeles.  Not as much need for a really warm flannel. The Laurence Kazar capelet style jacket is from Blacklist Vintage in Minneapolis.  

I'm wore this outfit to work.  I got an "Oh, sparkly!" comment. Ha.
And then out on a dinner date with an amazing man who really appreciates my efforts.
Black Sheep Pizza!  A downtown Minneapolis favorite. Please go there.

Jeans are Banana Republic, from the super sale rack. 

I don't usually go for the boyfriend jean or a faded shade of denim; my shape does not always fit well into this style.  But on this day, I felt like taking the chance.

These jeans are so soft.  

Midwest classic with a dash of chic. I like the way this outfit makes me feel. 

I realize some folks might hate it; but its a chance I want to take. 

I always obey that little style voice inside my head. Ha. 

I think I will return to my closet and figure out how to continue this fun new theme.