In case you didn’t know, there’s more to be added to a stylish winter-weather wardrobe than just leather boots, knit stockings and infinity scarves.  Once the weather dips below 50, it’s time to consider your stockpile of suitable outerwear – and coats in particular.

First, a public service announcement needs to be made. Not all outerwear is created equal, nor should they all be categorized as “jackets” or “sweaters.” We often make this mistake, and designers would have us banished from New York Fashion Week for not knowing the difference (helpful hint: jackets cover only to the lower back, while coats are meant to provide more warmth down to the derrière and upper thighs).  Here to enlighten you further – and perhaps stimulate your need for early Christmas shopping – is a lookbook of statement coats every woman should have ready when the winter months come calling.

Animal print is often shied away from due to lack of proper styling (we all have that tacky, animal-print loving friend who does it all wrong, don’t we!?) Embrace your animal instincts this winter with coats that express your wild side – just be careful not to overwhelm the ensemble.  Keep it simple with complimentary tones and subtle accessories.

The winter weather may be monochrome with its grey and white skies, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be too! Don’t be afraid of vibrant blues, greens, purples and reds this season, as it lends to a much needed pop of energy and radiance during an otherwise dull solstice.  (Hint: nothing is off limits, including floral prints!)

So you’re a member of PETA? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Faux fur and vegan leather outerwear are a great alternative to the real thing, and we don’t have to tell you why! It’s easy to keep your conscience clear knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of these fine coats.

The post Cozying Up with Winter Coats appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Coats are a year round staple in San Francisco. Depending on the fabric weight, cut and color, you can find yourself wearing a coat in any of the Bay Area’s four seasons.

Here are five tips to finding a high quality coat that you will wear for many seasons to come.

1. The quality of the fabric is of utmost importance. One of the best materials for warmth and style is wool. Melton, a dense felted wool fabric, is one of the preferred fabrics for a coat. Melton is treated with heat and pressure to bind fibers together which makes it wind-resistant. Wool melton delivers comfort, warmth and elegance with a beautiful yet structured drape. Often wool melton fabrics are combined with a small amount of nylon for extra durability. Test the “hand” of the fabric or how it feels when touched. A high quality wool garment should be soft to the touch and not itchy or scratchy.

2. A coat should be well stitched. The top stitching should be clean, straight and evenly spaced. The seams should match and any pattern lines should line up.

3. Well-made coats include details made with luxurious materials like genuine leather, high quality zippers or buttons and breathable linings. Coats that are lined will hang better and last longer.

4. On the interior of the coat, high-quality coats are manufactured with a fusible that reinforces certain parts of the interior of the garment. This fusible will prolong the life of the garment as well as maintain its shape over the years. A coat should have a gusset or pleat on the back lining to allow freedom of arm movement and bending.

5. As for styling, look for a coat that is flattering to your shape. Make sure the sleeves are long enough so it looks like it was made for you, hitting you below your wrist and above the base of your thumb. Color is important, especially if you are looking for a coat to take you through several seasons. A neutral dark color is the most versatile. It can take you from day to night with a few accessory changes.

Available at jamytarr.com

Product photos courtesy of J’Amy Tarr 

The post 5 Tips to Finding a Great Winter Coat appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Your Perfect Pair of Jeans.

If you haven’t found your favorite pair of denim threads yet, then now is the perfect time to be on the hunt. Jeans may be in style year-round, but its usage as a warmth-inducing layer as well as a chic staple makes it all that much more essential to your winter wardrobe.

Even better, with so many variations in fits, cuts, colors, washes and brands it’s easy to find the pair that seems tailor-made for your body type – all you need is the time, patience and willingness to sift through a few pairs in the dressing room.

If you’re not sure where to start in your denim quest, the most ubiquitously flattering types are those with a medium rise and medium width, with either a straight or slightly flared boot cut leg. Another style that offers women of all shapes and sizes a sleek silhouette is the recently popular skinny jean (just make sure it doesn’t fit too tightly at the waist), as its snug yet stretchy material not only boosts your assets, but also provides the coziness of a veritable second skin.

Tights and Leggings.

These limb-warming necessities are crucial for layering and transforming your dresses and skirts into winterappropriate fashion statements. While you can never go wrong with dark, muted colors such as black, brown and grey, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures such as lace, fishnets, and other decorative varieties when implementing tights into your outfit. To keep your look sophisticated however, patterned and brightly hued tights should be the focal point of your outfit and not clash with any other statement pieces (such as a lively jacket, shoes or bag), so just remember to keep the rest of your apparel polished and simple. Tights and leggings look best tucked into booties and boots, or worn with flats and low heels. And remember, ladies – leggings and tights should never be worn as pants, at least not with tops that don’t fully cover your derrieres! Also, tights can be useful for providing extra heat without the bulge, and can be covertly worn under your pants for those extra cold winter days.

Statement Outerwear.

If you’ve been wrapping yourself in that dependable, black or charcoal-colored coat for more than a few years now, then this is the season to venture out of your pragmatic comfort zone and experiment with statement outerwear. With such a stunning variety of coat, jacket, blazer and cape styles available, colder weather is just an excuse to channel your inner celebrity. Military-inspired trends, belted trenches and the classic pea coat are among a few of the diverse options available. Bright colors – such as cobalt blue and fire engine red offer opportunities to highlight your figure against the backdrop of the cooler, fainter hues of winter, as do zoological prints such as cheetah, leopard and python. If you’re a bit reluctant about sporting such a bold look but still want to have a bit of fun with your outerwear, then look for these prints and colors in the detailing, such as the cuffs, collars, buttons or hems. Also, be on the lookout for faux fur embellishments to add an effortless elegance and luxuriousness to your appearance.

Knee-high Boots.

Boots are every woman’s best friend, and don’t worry knee-high boots may be the standard, but an inch or so above or below the kneecap are fashion-friendly as well. To keep this footwear as versatile as possible, it’s best to stick with neutral colors such as black, gray, mahogany and tan – you can always experiment with variations in buckles, straps, buttons and other adornments if you want extra flair in your step. Boots should always fit very snugly around your calves at least so there not a unflattering, wide gap around them where cold air can wander in. And if snow and ice and are regular visitors in your region, wearing flat-heeled, equestrian style riding boots or wedges can give to the comfort and stability you need to brace the elements. For a long-legged and streamlined appearance, you can tuck your slim cut bottoms into your boots or even drape wide-leg trousers over them paired with a bodyskimming top for added sophistication. Tunics, wraps, a-lines, empire-styles are best types of dresses to wear with boots, as long as there is a few inches of visible leg between the top of your boot and your hemline (covered in tights or stockings, of course!).

Chunky Knits.

No garment is more indicative of winter charm then body-enveloping, chunky knits. To wear these cozy pieces without looking puffy or bulky however, it’s important to make sure the rest of your clothing is closefitting, long and lean. Donning a lengthy knit sweater or sweater dress with either skinny jeans or over tights and boots are is an ideal match. To further emphasize your shape, create a focal point by cinching either a skinny or chunky belt around your waist.

By: Sara Ferrer

The post Winter Fashion Necessities appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.