bare essentials

Lately, I've been trying really hard not to get into the habit of wearing my usual uniform of black skinny jeans and boots.  Regardless the industry you work in, the circles you hang out with, or the schedule that runs your life, routine  tends to set in.  Whether it's the same pencil skirt and heels (add tights in winter) to the office or comfortable black skinny jeans for a quick drink with friends, routine is easy, but tends to become mundane over time.  So adding texture and pattern to change things up is my solution of making something old seem essentially new again. As far as oversized pieces go, they're always in rotation for me regardless of the season, but during this time of year -- when New York starts wearing white and night falls earlier -- I especially love bundling up in cozy knits that are bright in contrast to the snow.  And even though skin exposure is almost an impossibility, the warmth of layered pieces make it all the more bearable.