Accessorize Your Winter

Winter Accessory Trends at the Jersey Shore 2010 / 2011

By Jillian Y. Jaques

Penelope ~ Where Couture meets the Shores

88 Leonardville Rd

Belford, NJ

Winter in New Jersey...

Oh how we pine for  the dog days of summer. The gentle breezes and lazy afternoons. When the bikini is hung to dry in the shower and your flip flops fit ever so perfectly to the mold of your foot.  Unless you' re a snowbird traveling to somewhere exotic and making your friends and co-workers jealous via your Facebook updates, your here at the Shore, freezing your not so tan cheeks in Chillytown.

Here are five tips to help you stay warm and stylish into a crisp new year at the Jersey Shore. 

Hats:

The more the economy mimics the 1930s Depression, the more ‘30s fashion seems to be in style. There is a boatload  of options to choose from including: berets, pleated style turbans, paper boy caps, knit beanies and wide-brimmed fedoras. Dig through your winter storage and try on a few hats. Pull out the toque (tassel hat with ear flaps) you picked up on a trip to Canada or that knitted hat with the fur pom-pom on top. What you wore 25 years ago (with that perm!) may fit your current style even better today.

Vintage (Vintage inspired) Jewelry:

The vintage look has seasoned over the years and is not going anywhere soon, especially in terms of jewelry. Big, statement necklaces (once referred to as “costume jewelry”) are still popular for the winter season, as are multiple bracelets and noticeable earrings. Perhaps it’s the stale economy that makes jewels appealing --whatever the reason, jewelry (even inexpensive baubles) is worth taking good care of so that it’ll last multiple seasons.

Scarves:

By wearing a solid colored sweater, a classic plaid scarf or one of a blended color pallet, up-notes  a basic look. Wearing a scarf adds a “collar” you didn't have before and  frames your face, which in the cold months may be the only skin we get to show. Also, we loose a lot of body heat from our neck so scarves are great for keeping us warm.  The versatility of scarves is also appealing. If not worn around the neck, they can also be used as a belt in a pair of jeans or tied around hair, as a headband or ponytail holder depending on its texture and the way its tied..

Fur (Faux Fur):

We all aim to be elegant and a simple accent of fur will do the trick. There are many style options in both real and faux fur, which means you can have all the warmth and coziness even if you don't like the idea of owning a real pelt.  With earmuffs, headbands, trims at the bottom of a hemline, removable collars and even handbags, fur textures show their true identity in the dead of winter (no pun intended)!

Leg Wear:

“She got legs!” but how can we see them when their hiding under a pair of jeans. Boring! Leggings and tights have become all the rage the past couple years. With a multitude of colors, styles and textures,  there is something out there for everyone! One popular style this season is fleece lined  (like the inside of your favorite sweatshirt). Semi-sheer on the outside and lined with fleece on the inside! So deceiving yet so stylish and warm, one pair will not be enough for your sock draw.

With all the styles and layers to play with,  winter is a great time to try new things and find fresh ideas for old garments.  So have fun with Jack Frost and we'll be hanging that Bikini in the shower in no time. 

Happy Holidays,

xoxo ~ Penelope