Perusing through the pages of Vogue

As we slowly bring ourselves back to doing work again and waking up from the vacation we were basking ourselves in, it's hard to leave behind all the little things we were able to do. For instance: nonchalantly perusing through issues of Vogue only to read about the latest and "greatest" art or the trends for this month or even political news that we so often see peeking in behind an advertisement for Rolex. And as I flip through each page looking for a valid reason NOT to do work, I came across a stunning advertisement for Saint Laurant, formerly called YSL or Yves Saint Laurent (however, you may have perceived this brand to be). The mysterious woman, slightly covered by her tipped hat along with the shadow coming from out yonder, and the black and white ensemble (so effortlessly styled, might I add) created a simple way to evoke sensuality and beauty. Before, I go off on a complete tangent or I start spewing out a string of words that don't make sense, the advertisement was instagrammed for those cool fashion side effects.

We might not know who this model is (Linda Evangelista? Caroline Murphy? Kate Moss? Liu Wen? Miranda Kerr? Hilary Rhoda? Kate Upton? etc etc), but the sensuality and beauty is evidently evoked through the clothes. The shimmer and shine of this coat and the ruffles all seem to feminize yet bring out a strength in the clothes. Call this what you may, this outfit tells a tale of what's to come for the brand.

Cold As...

Freak-a-zoid! Never in all of my life have I ever experienced cold like this in Albany or anywhere else for that matter...But to cope with all this bitingly cold weather in a way that guides me to a healthy, non-food coma induced state, Argan oil, Goji berries, and a boat load of tea in a traveler's mug is a way to go.

Except we can't forget that layering in a fitting manner, Man Repeller's motto for life, is the way to survive these harsh arctic blues. When I walked into Bloomingdales in the middle of December to check out the Canada Goose coat, the coat connoisseur said to me "That's a lot of coat!" My response? "Yes, it is." And then I questioned purchasing this coat- was it a necessity or just a coat that I'd be buying on a whim? Well, whim or not, Canada Goose has been a coat that consumers, especially fashion lovers, find to be warm and cool (just like the staple Isabel Marant wedge sneakers). With wild duck down, zippers and buttons galore, you are for sure to get lost in this coat, but it will also keep you warm and away from the big bad winter blues. If you were and have tried this coat on before, you will understand how "a lot of coat" this is. And while the price is a bit steep, it is quite the investment if you can barely stand the frost for more than a minute.

Montebello Parka. [Canada Goose]

But winter gear just doesn't stop at the coat. Layering your shirts and your patterns in some fantas-mical way is the utmost goal of any Man Repeller follower (see Leandra Medine!). Plaid shirts, cable cashmere sweaters, printed t-shirts, frilly peplum tops abound can all be worn in just one sitting to not only create a whimsical look, but a warmer style. Sometimes, fashion is all about how you feel and what you feel at the moment that creates a good look.

In other ways to stay warm and less of a frozen walking snowperson, eat goji berries and wear Argan oil to keep your body alive and fueled up during this time of frost. And if all else fails, hot chocolate. Dark hot chocolate.