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.

By now you’ve put away your beloved sneakers, your tattered flats, and your sun-soaked sandals (except for Floridians, of course). It might be a struggle for you to part with your fall favorites, but with the changing of the weather inevitably comes the changing of our footwear. And while most find this time as an excuse to purchase the latest and greatest in fashion-forward designs, be sure to follow our guide to fun and functional kicks for the whole family this winter season.

Shoe shopping for kids is always tough; are parents supposed to choose between affordability and utility? Between style and comfort? Why not opt for all? We suggest a shoe by Primigi, which has all the modern styles combined with Italian craftsmanship to give children ranging from preschool to high school the very best in fashion footwear. 

With the latest and greatest technology and innovation, Primigi has created a line of shoes introducing Gore-Tex, a super-durable, highly-breathable, and not to mention waterproof protection guaranteed to outlast even the toughest of tots. Styles including ‘Adel’ for girls and ‘Anders’ for boys make the perfect gifts this holiday season. 

Tweens and teens can be the pickiest of shoppers, especially when it comes to shoes. Keeping up with the latest trends can be hard, but Primigi makes it easy. From sneakers to slip-ons, from boots to back-to-school flats, Primigi has all the styles your kids are looking for, in the perfect size and color.  Styles including ‘Giulio’, ‘Arnad’ and ‘Choate’ are sure to please teen boys, while girls will step out in comfort with a pair of ‘Jamielee’ boots or ‘Phoebe’ flats.  

As for men, it’s time to ditch the clunky, faux leather lace-ups that have stepped out to one too many Christmas parties in the past. Switch things up this season with a stylish and ever-so-classy pair of brogue boots. Nothing says “I’m a gentleman” like a streamlined wardrobe complete with a slim contoured shoe, free of bulky soles and thick laces. Try this boot in a high-top style to keep warm wherever you are this winter. 

Not a fan of laces? Neither is the loafer. If you’re too busy to bend over and tie your shoes, try slipping on a refined pair of penny loafers to complete your look. This just happens to be the perfect in-between shoe: admittedly not as fancy as dressy lace-ups, but not nearly as casual as a pair of sneakers. Designers such as Cole Haan, Perry Ellis, Donald J Pliner and Salvatore Ferragamo have mastered the loafer, adding modern flair that updates any tired look. Though not the best if planning a trip to the snow, these shoes do provide ample support, flexibility within wardrobes, and can be worn year-round if properly polished on a regular basis.

Military/combat boots are making a serious comeback in men’s fashion, but don’t be fooled by faux-leather and over-the-top hardware. Get the hardcore edgy look by opting for a vintage, worn-leather pair of skinny lace-ups with a touch of luxury and class perfect for guys who know a thing or two about fashion. Black or brown, it doesn’t matter. Just be sure to not lace them up too tight; keep things loose for a trendier look. Our favorites include those by Steve Madden, Robert Wayne, John Varvatos and Frye.

Think all boots are created equal, ladies? Think again. Don’t stock up on cheap knockoffs this winter, it never pays off. We suggest thinking of boots as an investment opportunity; the “hand-stitched” detail and the ornate embellishments that lure you in can’t mask their inability to make it past the first harsh-weather season. Snow, sleet, and rain can wreak havoc on your footwear, especially if the product is not up to par. 

This season, remember to armor yourself with stylish, comfortable and reliable footwear to battle the frigid temperatures, while still adding flair to any winter wardrobe. 

Looking for luxury? Snakeskin booties may be the best choice for you. Try a pair by Zara or Rachel Roy for the very best in fashion-forward footwear. Want to kick things up a notch? Go bold or go home with a pair of studded biker boots perfect for when heels just won’t do. Sam Edelman, Rachel Zoe and Swildens have all the bad-ass looks to get your through the cold in serious style.

Need help choosing the boot that’s right for you? Take a peek at our favorite winter-wonderful boots to put on your Christmas list this year: 

The post Putting Your Best Footwear Forward this Winter Season appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Knee High Boot With Fur Trim In Camel
www.marksandspencer.com

Tall Black Wedge Boot
www.tamaris.com

Leather Riding Boot
www.georgeatasda.com

Wellington Boot
www.brantana.com

Black Lace Snow Boot
www.shoezone.com

Mountain Boot
www.headoverheels.com

Cleated Fur Wedge Lace Up
www.internacionale.com

The post Warm Winter Boots for Every Occasion! 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.