Stay Warm in Style

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor Andrea E. McHugh

The temperatures are starting to drop and the layers are starting to pile on, but there’s no reason to take a cue from Ralphie’s little brother Randy and his I-can’t-put-my-arms-down snowsuit in A Christmas Story. Being fashionable and functional are by no means mutually exclusive. Here are five hot trends that are fabulous, affordable and local:

1. Sweater Dresses

V-neck, cowl neck, chunky and comfy or sleek and slim, the sweater dress seems to be the ubiquitous fall/winter transition piece. We love this one (right) by Milly at ZuZu’s Petals (locations in Providence and East Greenwich) made of 100% Italian Merino Wool woth exquisite black tipping detail and a charming fixed bow at true waist, retailing for $298.

2. The Boyfriend Blazer

Hermione, Harry and their Hogwarts cohorts rocked the fitted blazer and there has been no shortage of celebrities embracing the preppy look. Look for fitted renditions in heavier gabrics, like the charcoal brushed wool women’s boyfriend blazer we found at Berk’s on Providence’s Thayer Street with seam detail at the cuffs finished with antique brass buttons, retailing for just $70.

3. The Bomber

Bomber jackets seem to have never gone out of style. We found this one for women, with a little bit of a rock n’ roll twist, in tumbled faux leather, zippered at the front and trimmed with rib-knit detailing at Urban Outfitters in Providence, Fully lined for winter warmth, retailing for $138.

4. Leg Warmers and Over the Knee Socks

It’s a look that’s decidedly hip and is best pulled off with a certain swagger, but 80s-influenced leg warmers and over the knee socks are stocked everywhere. We spotted classic gray and black slouchy leg warmers by Calvin Klein at Berk’s in Providence and ruched soft knit over the knee socks from Urban Outfitters, all under $20.

5. Eye-Catching Scarves

This year-round accessory can completely change the impression of your ensemble, especially considering most outerwear comes in a subtle shade of black, gray or navy. We spotted more than we could count at big box shops including J. Crew and Old Navy, as well as sassy styles at Garbolino on Atwells Avenue in Providence.

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