Since moving to Texas, I like to think I’ve been in a kind of twilight zone for five months.  The weather hasn’t really changed, I’ve never been so busy, and there’s always something new to do.  And, in said twilight zone - the typical feeling of winter and Christmas hasn’t hit me at all.  In New York - regardless of whether or not there was snow, Christmas meant there were more tourists than cabs, and everyday shopping was like Black Friday.   New York is so romantic during Christmas, the lights and the bundling up, the Mexican hot chocolate at La Esquina - oh the grass is always greener.

So, to compensate with the varying 75 degree days -  I’ve made a conscious effort to not wear a jacket out, go without tights, and enjoy this paradox called Texas. This past weekend I even spent all day sitting outside drinking bloody’s with the girls, actually feeling hot.  As a native northeastern girl, this is incredibly novel and totally messes with my head.  My mom has always said that she thinks southern girls must be so smiley all the time because it’s always sunny - and I’ve found she may be right.

As there is now a total lack of cabin fever chic in my dress as well as my state of mind, to curb my nostalgia as I spend Christmas in another totally unseasonal city (New Orleans) - I’m going to have to take it up a notch.  Fairisles, shearling, and buffalo checks are what first come to mind, but there is so much more to it than a few textures, patterns, or finishes.  Fairisles should be kept tonal or monochromatic - as pastel fairisles are majorly matronly.  When it comes to shearling, don’t over do it with a too detailed boot.  I like the simplicity of an ugg, camel colored leather, or a Michael Kors type of bootie - stay away from heavy buckles or laces.  When you hit the slopes - or your living room this Christmas, I recommend channeling a British royal.

Urban Outfitters $78

Spiegel bootie $59

Dillard’s shearling cocktail bag $14

American Eagle buffalo check coat $129.50

Old Navy knit bracelet $2.50 each

I am in desperate need of a new bag. I used to do nothing but spend my cash on frivolous accessories, and I used to think it was a serious problem because I couldn’t buy anything I actually needed. I still try and change my bag once a week, but the scenery is old school. Now that I’m in a new environment - and H&M isn’t a guilty pleasure on the way home from everywhere I go - my checking account has been doing fabulously, but my insides that get really excited about accessories have been wilting. It’s like all I see on the girls here are Chinatown bags - played off as cute and trendy, because nobody knows that yeah - that quilted kiss lock bag with the chain strap, is Marc Jacobs most well known bag, and it’s all over the 5 boroughs like a virus. I could get a way with a faux Hermes here in a second, and maybe I should.

First thing’s first, I need patent. Patent has been a strong finish in my closet since my time at V, and I think of it as a really classic element. I remember every single bag we got in was patent, and of course in that office things move at the speed of light - so it was one big visual trip of high gloss Valentino & Vuitton. Patent just seems so delectible, so smooth. And I do mean smooth, I’m not into cracked patent, even if it’s Chanel - it’s just not as polished - the great thing about a patent bag is that it’s on trend (not trendy), sophisticated, and usually structured. You can be on the Upper East and fit like a glove, have it as a great work bag, or as a key piece to your weekend shopping stroll. Weekend shopping outfits in New York are what I like to call silent fashion face-offs. It’s almost as good as the other game I call out-shining the bride. Joking.

Anya Hindmarch for Target $49.99

Newport-News $29.00

Spiegel $49.00

Nine West $14.99