A girlish beret from Urban Outfitters.

I dropped my favorite winter hat (a knitted beret-type thing) in my sister-in-law’s parents’ driveway on Christmas, so until my s-i-l gets around to sending it to me, I’m stuck with the second-tier hats in my collection–a floppier, flimsier knit beret, a classic wool beret, and a giant faux-fur concoction that makes me feel like an extra in Dr. Zhivago. (This is actually the second time I have lost my favorite chapeau–I bought another one after I lost the original within a few weeks of its purchase. As you can see I get attached to my hats.)

It drives me crazy when I see people on the street who have obviously given no thought to how their winter outerwear–coat, hat, scarf–looks together. Colors have no relation to each other, textures are at odds, styles are all over the place. Not that everything has to be all matchy-matchy, but there should be some harmony amongst the elements.

Cashmere cloche by Eugenia Kim.

Outerwear is a part of an outfit–in winter especially, a lot of people you pass on the street are never going to see your cute dress or your new sweater. All they’ll see is your coat, your hat, and your scarf. Hats are a very noticeable accessory, so it’s worth it to give them some thought and make a little investment. Whether you go for an ironic pom-pon hat or an elegant wool cloche, make sure it works with both your outerwear as well as how you’re feeling that day–playful, glamorous, or retro. That’s why it’s good to have several options ready in your closet. And with the holiday sales on now, you should have no problem picking up a few on the cheap.

Wishing you a happy holiday–whichever one you are celebrating this season.

Posting will be light for the next couple days. See you soon!

Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jeanne Steen, the owner of Figaro Antiques. A big part of her business involves finding and selling vintage fashion illustrations. Many are actual pencil sketches made in the 40s and 50s by illustrators for New York fashion houses, complete with scrawled notes and the occasional coffee stain!

Jeanne worked for ELLE and ELLEgirl magazines for about 20 years and was one of those lucky souls who attended the fashion week shows in Europe every season. For fun she’d trawl flea markets and antique shops, picking up art and making valuable connections–which came in handy when she moved back to Chicago and got into her current business.

The illustrations range from turn-of-the-century pochoirs, or hand-colored engravings, to lavish drawings by Rene Gruau, an artist who worked with such legendary couturiers as Dior, Balmain, and Balenciaga. There are even illustrations for movie costumes that Jeanne picked up during visits to California. Prices start at $100 (occasionally less) for an unframed sketch to up to about $1650 for a framed piece by a well-known illustrator (most are priced around $200-$300). I have my eye on a couple myself…hint, hint!

photo courtesy Tate Gunnerson Photography

photo courtesy Tate Gunnerson Photography

photo courtesy Tate Gunnerson Photography

Figaro has two locations: inside the Andersonville Galleria, 5247 N. Clark, and at Vintage Pine, 904 W. Blackhawk, both in Chicago. Call 773-835-0821 or go to figaroantiques.com.

The perfect holiday clutch is at Club Monaco.

Please excuse my amateur photo skills.

The beaded “Jen” foldover clutch comes in silver, gold, gunmetal (kind of a pewter shade, shown above), black, and burgundy. The shape is basic and elegant and goes with almost anything–from dressy casual to a cocktail dress. With two compartments (a main one and a smaller one along the side, with little pockets for a cell phone or a card case), It’s big enough to fit all the essentials and then some–a godsend to those of us who find it impossible to leave the house with just cash and a lipstick. Totally versatile, you can wear it with jeans or a cocktail dress. Best of all, it originally retailed for just $79 and is now *on sale*. Unfortunately Club Monaco does not offer online shopping, but if you’re looking for a clutch that can carry you through the season, it’s definitely worth it to stop in to a store and take a look.

Remember Carrie Bradshaw’s big flower pins in Sex and the City? Everyone was wearing them pinned to tops, jackets, and coats. I still like the look–particularly if they’re oversized or in clusters–but here are a few other ideas for your flower pins.

You can thread one through a skinny belt to make a cool on pants and jeans, or over cardigans and jackets. For more impact you could do several bunched together, perhaps of different sizes, shades, or textures.

For a quick hair ornament, thread the pin onto a narrow headband so it’s a little off-center. If you have some stray ribbons around, you could do the same thing, then put your hair up and wind the ribbon around your head a couple times for a very romantic look. If you’ve got a long neck, use the ribbon and flower as a choker. Get creative!

Assuming you haven’t been living in a cave, you know that the economy is in trouble and that the retail sector is especially desperate. Every day I get about a half-dozen emails advertising 30 to 40 percent off new items at boutiques, chain stores, and department stores, not to mention gift cards worth up to $50 off. This past weekend Saks held a fire sale on designer items–prices were slashed up to 75 percent.

It’s a great time to find deals or splurge if you’ve got the money. But I often warn clients to be careful about sales–that low, low price can blind you to the fact that it doesn’t look all the great on you or that you’ve got absolutely nothing to wear with it.

By all means, take advantage of the sales this season! But hang on to the same standards you would use if something is full price. Take a deep breath to clear your mind and ask yourself these questions about each item:

• Is it on your list of items of clothing you are actively looking for?
• Does it fit perfectly? Will it need complicated alterations?
• Does it go with at least three things you already own?
• Would you like it as much at the full price?

If the answers to these questions is “no,” it’s not really a bargain, no matter the number on the price tag.

The first major snowfall in the Chicago area yesterday means you were probably scrambling around in the closet for your sturdy boots or some sort of protective footwear to brave the snowy, salty sidewalks. If you’re realizing that your ten-year-old hiking boots don’t quite work with your fabulous outfits, here are a couple ideas.

La Canadienne knows from making chic yet weatherproof boots, being based up north in Montreal. Many styles are waterproof and have microfiber linings that are antibacterial and wick away moisture to keep your tootsies warm and dry. The Tula is a nice mid-calf option, while the Tracy is a good basic flat style if you’re going to be running around a lot. Added bonus: the company is very eco-aware and uses high-quality Italian hides that are left over from the food industry, eco-friendly dyes and protective sealants, and even boxes made of recycled paper.

If you don’t want to give up your heels, consider the Shuella. The name is a play on “shoe umbrella,” and basically they are galoshes that are designed to slip over heels. No more toting rubber boots! Choose from basic black or cheery yellow, pink, or green. They even fold up into a little bag for easy storage.

Plus you’ll be supporting a local business–founder Rebecca Miller is a Chicagoan!