wish i was wearing

I love the new printed pants trend that has been everywhere lately. Unfortunately, I haven't found a pair that fits me just right. The jeans seem like they should be looser and the trousers seem matronly. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair, though! I'm also crazy about mixing floral with animal prints. It seems outrageous, but when done right, it looks so fun and glamorous. This J. Crew bag is perfect for the seasonal transition.

I'm also happy to announce that I am officially retiring my down puffer jacket! Despite the fact that it's still pretty chilly at 4 a.m. when I get to work, I think I can swap out my winter coat for a lighter jacket. March is awesome but tricky at the same time because it's definitely not the dead of Winter anymore, but it's not full-fledged Spring. I like to ease into my warm weather wardrobe by replacing Winter staples, like gloves, boots and tights with lighter layers, such as blazers, cropped pants and bare legs, but sticking with some sweaters, tweeds and light scarves. I also mix some lighter colors, like mint (and maybe yellow!) in with the Winter standards like gray, forest green and black. In a few weeks, my closet will be fully transformed into its Spring glory.

valentine's date

Did you ever see that episode of Friends where Rachel accidentally wears a silk chemise out to dinner with Ross' parents? Ever since then I've had this weird obsession with wearing slips out and about. Don't ask me why, but I can't stop thinking about fulfilling my fashion fantasy by wearing a lingerie-inspired dress as a Valentine's Day outfit.

Most people are probably thinking about pink and reds for the holiday of love, but I love the idea of mixing super-sexy and edgy. I mean, that's probably more appealing to a date than candy and hearts, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm probably the girliest dresser you'll meet, but I think there's something cool about looking just plain hot on a day where the rest of the world celebrates mushy romance. The slip can be toughened-up by throwing on a leather jacket, tons of funky accessories and studs. Include some more "typical" Valentine's Day pieces with bow detailing on shoes and heart shaped jewelry. Even better, use it as a chance to swap out your standard gold pieces for rose gold jewelry.

All Saints Walker Leather Jacket (similar)
Jean Yu Mini Satin Chemise
Elizabeth and James Selby Pumps
Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Rose Gold Bangle
Alexis Bittar Black Alexandria Gold Feather Pendant
Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch
Elizabeth and James Rose Gold Ring
Marc Jacobs Heart Stud Earrings
House of Harlow 1960 Val Clutch

ski bunny

Skiing is one of the few things that keeps me from hating the winter all together. Unfortunately, it's been a while since I've hit the slopes. My boyfriend and I have been talking about going skiing for a few years. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it sounds to find a pair of size 16 ski boots. Yeah, size 16. It's an unusual affliction, having freakishly large feet. I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum with teeny, tiny 5 1/2's, but worse comes to worse, I can rock kid's footwear all day.

Luckily, the ski gods pulled through and after months of online searching and calling, we found a place that has boots up to size 17 (!!) to rent, and I am so excited to get on the mountain. Of course, I have to have the perfect outfits for my snowy excursion!

Sure, the trip is all about the skiing, but I may be as excited about the lounging and drinking and eating. I'll be wrapped up all weekend in cashmere, fur-lined boots, down and quilting. I'd do anything for this Michael Kors cashmere sweater which brings some color to winter dressing, and top it with a warm animal print scarf.

Before I get to the actual skiing outfit, let me just say, I can't believe I ever gave my parents a hard time about making me wear a helmet when I went skiing with them. At the time, I think I actually shed some tears over the injustice of such horrible headgear and hid in shame when the beautiful skiers, with their ear warmers and flurry-covered braids waltzed past me in the lodge. Now, I'm trying to dig through our garage to find my old helmet! I can't believe I gave my parents a hard time for protecting my little noggin while I was zipping down a tree-lined mountain! Anyways.... I pretty much would ski naked if I could have this Chanel skis. They're absolutely fabulous. A Stella McCartney for Adidas jacket and sporty Prada sunglasses and I'm pretty sure my chic-ness would cancel out any unfortunate headwear.

Michael Kors Ribbed Cashmere Sweater
Rag and Bone Belfast Coat
Michael Kors Belted Shearling Vest
Rag and Bone Skinny Leg Jeans
Boutique 9 Destin Wedge
ASOS Quilted Molly Bag
Mulberry Braid-Trimmed Leather Gloves
Alice by Temperley Sand Animal Print Scarf

Vince Ski Pants
J. Crew Cambridge Cableknit Turtleneck Sweater
Parajumpers The Bear Black Down Vest
Adidad by Stella McCartney Quilted Ski Jacket
Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses
Kate Spade Bow Ski Hat
Isotoner Gloves
Lange Exclusive 80 FR Ski Boots
Chanel Sport Signature Skis

holiday hangover

This is how I will spend my next two days. Isn't this a sort of gloomy weekend? New Years was last weekend and Christmas was the one before. It's officially not the holiday season anymore. Instead it's just... January. The second to worst month ever (February's the champ of that contest).

I see lots of sushi, movies, coffee and slippers in my near future. Maybe a good day of organizing and cleaning! Party onnnn.

christmas countdown

I went to Catholic school for 14 years, so I'm a firm supporter of an Advent calender that doesn't involve cardboard and old chocolate. Etsy store EcoMonster's DIY Advent calender kits are the perfect, modern alternative.

Every day leading up to Christmas, open an envelope filled with little craft supplies, like beads, glitter, stickers and stamps. The insides aren't the only treats, as the clothespins and envelopes give Christmas decor a nostalgic twist.

For those that aren't as religious (or are just behind the ball!) there's even a "12 Days Till Christmas" version.

back to december

I feel like I crossed some sort of barrier about a year ago where time now flies. I can't believe it's already December. Recently, I've really developed mixed feelings about the winter.

I've confessed before that I prefer warmer weather, but nothing completes this month like a little snowfall. Until I entered the "real world," two years ago, snow has meant a day off. And I always took full advantage. Unfortunately, I work in broadcast news, so now snow means the exact opposite. You see, if there's snow expected, we start doing 24/7 coverage. While we're advising people to stay home, I'm trying to get to work when there's three feet of snow, working overnights on the weekends, having extended shifts... you get my drift. When everyone else is celebrating "optional telework," and days off skiing and day-drinking, I'm that sole idiot hydroplaning on the roads, trying to make it in alive, working harder than I do all year.

So while part of me thinks a cold and gray holiday season is nothing short of depressing without some flurries, the other side of me knows I certainly won't be that girl leaving a party with bare legs. I'll be more like the girl getting drunk dialed while she's at work all weekend (which happens more than you'd think considering my regular shift is 4 a.m. to noon).

Fortunately, there are lots of other perks of December. A chic winter jacket, the onslaught of delicious foods and the general holiday spirit are enough to make up for my snowy schizophrenia.

winter formal: bow pumps

I love bows. In my hair, on my clothes, I'm never one to shy away from this girly embellishment. For a high school formal, a high pump with a bow is the perfect shoe to add to a festive dress.

As a petite lady, I don't believe I ever removed my shoes at a dance. Why would I? I love my shoes, and they're a part of my outfit... I just never got that whole thing. I guess it helps with the dancing, but the last thing I want when I'm dancing is to have my bare foot pierced by someone's stiletto! Therefore, the shoes should be comfortable. This doesn't mean a kitten heel. Please, never a kitten heel with a party dress. Ankle straps, platforms and high quality shoes can help with this.

Don't be afraid to let your shoes shine, either. Just because a dress has sparkle, or print, doesn't mean the shoes have to be dull. Just don't contrast with the dress (unless you're a master fashionista and want to do like, a polka dress with a leopard shoe or something, in which case... do it!).

knee jerk reaction

I already alluded to my attraction to over-the-knee socks with knee high boots when I thought about wearing them with a plaid mini.

The latest trend I've been noticing, and loving, is high boots with higher socks over jeans, pants, leggings or tights. It's a cool way to layer without adding bulk or being uncomfortable. I think the outdoorsy/preppy look is darling and it's practical for the cold weather.

The easiest way to emulate this look seems to be gray socks with brown riding boots. I also love the more risky versions, like black boots and pants with white or gray socks, mixing in colorful Hunter boots and playing with neutrals.

proper presents: beauty babe

This installment of Proper Presents focuses on gifts for the girl who loves to get gorgeous. These presents are all under $150! Giving beauty gifts can be difficult because every gal has their own routine, but these are all universally helpful items that any girl would be happy to have in her get-glam arsenal.

1) Bliss Fabulips Treatment Kit
2) Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Age Defying Hand Remedies
3) Clinique Total Moisture Set
4) Lancome Powder Blush Maison
5) Estée Lauder Compact
6) Bobbi Brown Mini Brush Set
7) Butter London Holiday Collection
8) Sedu Revolution Pro Tournaline Ionic Hair Dryer
9) Clairsonic Mia 2 Next Generation Sonic Cleansing System
10) Forever 21 Cosmetic Bag

proper presents: fit friend

Gift giving can be expensive and exhausting. Sometimes it's easier to just give up, and get generic, impersonal gifts for the special people in your life. But the best part of Christmas shopping is knowing you can make your loved ones feel special! Over the next few weeks, Doux Rousse will be featuring gift guides that focus on different categories of presents. Hopefully it will be the inspiration you need!

There are sure to be guides like this all over the blogosphere, so Doux Rousse will provide a unique selection at a variety of price points, from retailers that are easy to access and order from.

The first round of Proper Presents is all about the fitness fiend. Encourage a friend or family member's enthusiasm for exercise with fun, feminine, workout-friendly gifts that range in price from just $13 to $560.

1) Nirve 3-Speed Women's Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
2) Adidas by Stella McCartney Running Snake Anorak
3) Victoria's Secret Water Bottle
4) LeSportsac Patent Round Shoulder Duffle
5) Sports Aunthority Stamina Folding Mini Trampoline
6) Transform Exercise Ball
7) Target Savasa Hand Weight Set
8) Crescent Moon Faux-Croc Mat Sling

girl crush: taylor thomasi hill

Taylor Thomas Hill has been a girl crush of mine for a while. I thought it was appropriate to feature her now because she just announced her move from her position as accessories director at Marie Claire to a job as art director at online retailer Moda Operandi. The website was founded by a former Vogue editor and former Gilt Groupe executive. Apparently her new job will involve creating magazine-like displays, a.k.a. eye candy, to entice and inspire shoppers.

Taylor is no stranger to inspiring style images. This rousse is undoubtedly one of the biggest street style superstars. Pictures of Thomasi Hill during fashion week are often just as trendsetting as the runway looks.

There are a plethora of pictures of this fashion goddess, so I decided to focus on her cold weather styles. Black and gray are her go-to colors when the temps get chilly, but she never looks drab or boring. She incorporates pops of color and fabulous prints such as snake, leopard, native American-inspired and even Fair Isle. She spices up her looks with interesting textures and lots of leather and fur. In fact, there's a surprising amount of sweatshirts in her fashion arsenal. It's a flawless example of incorporating casual edginess with high fashion. It's also nice to see another fashion icon who's not afraid to re-wear pieces. Her fringe skirt always looks new with different tops and, of course, accessories.

winter formal: short sleeves

One of the main pieces of advice I give my sisters when helping them shop for events is to avoid the obvious, think about what other people would wear, and choose something different. It's not meant to be rebellious, I just feel like if you're going to put time and effort into shopping and getting ready, it's better to look unique and be a trendsetter than to blend in with all the other beautiful girls. Last week, I talked about color and material and showed a variety of metallic and sparkly dresses. Today, I'm focusing on sleeves as part of a silhouette.

These dresses all have short or cap sleeves and still look young and fun. A short sleeve is a cute option because it's kind of tongue in cheek. Most high schoolers' fashion sense is based around being hot. They're all "Ooh look! I have a grownup body now but haven't gone to college and drank 5 lbs. onto my thighs." It's all about pushing up the boobs and covering the legal minimum of leg. I hate it because telling a highschooler to wear actual sleeves to a formal is like telling them to put on a turtleneck. On the other hand, it gives the stylish highschooler an opportunity to stand out. It's always the fashion-forward dresses, not the slutty ones, that get the attention and compliments. I swear, nobody will even notice the extra two inches of covered skin.

P.S. Like all Doux Rousse posts, the photos are all linked to their original source. In many cases, that is the retail site where they can be purchased.