Chelsea's Glossary

Chicago Winter Survival Guide

Winter can be brutal, but it shouldn't cramp your style.

I asked my fellow Chicago #GirlBoss bloggers to share their tips and tricks for surviving winter. Check out their advice and must-have items for living in Chicago during the cold winter months.

Lydia of The Artful Attempt

"There are two things that help make Chicago winter bearable for me: cute coats and cute boots! Of course you'll need a standard super-warm parka and waterproof boots, but for the days that are slightly more forgiving, a (slightly) lighter winter coat and some stylish boots can help you feel a little fancier and maybe even convince you to brave the cold and get out of the house for a night out! I snagged this coat from Zara a few years back, but these boots are from Wolverine and I got them this season! Perfect for a day in the city."

Zara coat: similar ones here, and here. Wolverine Boots here: here.

Sabrina of Styles by Sab

"A must have winter essential = a poncho! I love having ponchos in every color! Perfect for cold nights in the city!" You can purchase it here.

Shannon of Something Shannon

"With the below zero temps in Chicago this January I’ve been doing all I can to keep warm (I’m sure you have to!) and this blanket scarf from the online boutique Monday Dress has been my go to on the coldest of days. With it’s gorgeous color combo it’s suitable for almost any outfit, it’s super soft and on top of that it’s absolutely huge! I can wear it so many ways while always keeping warm. You can find it here, and if you are interested in the blanket scarf trend, but don’t want to foot the bill check out my tutorial on how to ‘make’ a DIY blanket scarf here!"

Kristi of 522 Envy

"Blanket scarves are an absolute necessity in Chicago because they bridge the gap between fashion and function. Seriously, what beats looking super chic while simultaneously burrito-ing yourself in warm clothes? My classic plaid blanket scarf was my companion when I said yes to the guy, and then again when I said yes to the dress, and still all season long when I say HECK NO to this crazy cold weather!"

You can purchase the scarf from her boutique here!

Tamara of Broke in the City

"I've been in Chicago all of three years, but I know one thing to be absolutely true... Chicago winters are murder on your skin! Not only does it take a toll on your body, when you don't feel your best, it also takes a toll on your overall well-being. Papering yourself is an absolute must. For me, a winter without Lush baths just will not do. For as little as $4 a pop, it's a great inexpensive winter indulgence." Read her blog to learn how to make bath bombs last longer!

Olya of Little Too Much

"I can't be without fur coats. Real or faux. They keep you warm and definitely help to stand out from the crowd. It's just something chic about them. You can wear jeans and a sweater and still look like you dressed up for an occasion. I haven't adapted the bright colored fur coat trend yet, but maybe I'll get there at some point."

Chloe of Chloe's Cravings

"A lot of times I feel us fashionistas tend to sacrifice our comfort & warmth in the winter because we think it isn't as "stylish" to get bundled. So- I wanted to go against that and show how something as warm as a thermal can keep you looking as stylish as ever! It doesn't hurt that these tees were only $8 at Target- so not only are you staying warm- but you're saving some cash!"

Jessica Garcia of The Petite Diaries

"The one thing i can not survive without during Chicago winters are a great statement coat! I Love this one. It's no longer available but here is the link to a similar one. Also love a great coat like this because not only are you warm but you are also looking so very chic."

Hoda of Joo Joo Azad

"I realized I'm always horribly underdressed for the winter in Chicago (I'm Iranian!) so rather than suggesting a particular item of clothing, I'm just going to go with Persian tea--the only thing that can get me out of bed to actually attempt to brave the cold! This picture of me is not drinking tea but being under-dressed!"

What are your cold weather essentials? Comment below to share!

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Surviving the Cold in Blanket Scarves

I am counting down the days until summer in Chicago.

I have endured many days walking through snow storms and icy sidewalks in college, so I figured Chicago's winters would be similar.

However, commuting in Chicago is surprisingly different. I have learned to embrace outerwear more than I did in college. More than I have my whole life in Cleveland.

Let's start off by saying that blanket scarves are they key to success (thank you, DJ Khaled). However, this is true because they are not just warm, they are comfortable (hence the blanket part) making a morning commute bearable.

And then when the oversized-scarf trend goes out of style you can use it as a blanket. Great investment. This scarf is from American Eagle.

I paired it with this beanie from Old Navy which I purchased for around $3 during their 75% off sale. It is both grey and gold to match most of my wardrobe. I like the tiny polka-dots that give it a little something extra.

Even though it is freezing, the sun still likes to make an appearance. These blue mirrored sunglasses are from the Aldo Sale Shop on Ashland in Wicker Park. I got lucky, and found these on sale for $3.

My grey sweater is from Ann Taylor, and I wear this thing everywhere. It is very comfortable and a flattering color and fit.

The most important winter investment I made this year were these 'Joan of Arctic' Sorel boots.

These are the warmest, most durable boots I have ever owned. I highly recommend them. However, my feet are super sensitive to the inside so I have to double layer with socks.

These boots go with everything, and I love the fur detailing on the top.

Winter wear doesn't have to be bulky, you can be warm while still looking chic.

How are you keeping warm this season? Let me know what your winter essentials are!

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Fur Vest + Tribal Print

I love the fur vest trend for winter. However, I am usually too cold to only use a vest as outerwear.

Since it has been a warm December, I have tried to take advantage of wearing my light weight coats and vest.

I like this vest because of the black and grey tones in the fur which match 3/4ths of my monochromatic wardrobe.

This vest was one of those random online returns from Target that was found on the clearance rack.

It is seriously so comfortable, and since it was a return from online, it is a nicer quality than what you typically find on the store racks. I highly recommend looking through your clearance for those random finds after Christmas.

Underneath I wore this tribal print blouse in a neutral color palette.

I purchased this shirt from Hollister this past summer in three colors because it was such a good deal. I don't usually shop in Hollister, but these shirts were really comfortable and great for dressing up or wearing to work.

You can check out how I styled the others by clicking here, and here!

These black leather 'Chelsea' boots are perfect for winter, and look great with cuffed jeans.

I purchased these boots from Gap and wear them with tons of different outfits.

This outfit is comfortable for wearing during the day, and easy to transition into night if you're going out to dinner with friends.

What have you enjoyed wearing during this warm phase of winter?

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Day at Logan Square

Chicago still has a few sunny days left in it.

Around Thanksgiving we survived the first Chicago snow. It was a rude awakening of what the next 5 months will be like, but it is nothing that I haven't already experienced in college when walking to classes.

We have been lucky with some nice weather recently (who expected 60 degrees in December?!) To make the most of it, my friends and I decided to explore the Logan Square area of Chicago. It is a bit west of our normal stomping grounds so we weren't too familiar with the area.

Being the morning, we had to stop for coffee. We went to Intelligentsia coffee & tea, which is a very hip coffee bar. The names of the beans were a bit intimidating (I really only know Starbucks roasts). I got a simple pour over because I didn't understand what any of the other fancy concoctions were. Needless to say, if you love a good cup of coffee you should check it out.

We then ventured over to the Illinois Centennial Memorial column, also known as the Logan Square monument.

The monument was built in 1918 stands in the middle of Logan Square to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Illinois' Statehood.

It is in a pretty park-like area with views of downtown Chicago. The area is very trendy restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and the Logan theatre.

And among all of this, there is a giant 'Aloha' movie billboard that overlooks the square (sadly I do not have a picture to show it) that provides the perfect amount of irony and ridiculousness.

We then walked down some of the streets that had quaint apartments.

I definitely enjoy being able to spend time outside. I walk around a lot in the city (because I don't have a car) and weather is a pretty important factor for my commutes. It has played a huge part in acclimating to the city.

I can't believe it is almost the new year! So many more exciting adventures await as I get to know Chicago.

My Outfit Details

Until next time,

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