Club Monaco Jacket {similar here {S & L here}, here and here} // Cuyana Work Tote + Tassel // Daniel Wellington Watch {save 15% when you use code CHARMINGLY15 at check out!} // Pixie Pants // Madewell Heeled Boots {similar medium height heels here and here, high heels here and here}

So…I guess it’s officially winter in Chicago, eh? We put it off as long as we could, but the last few weeks have been crazy, freeze-your face off, everything is frozen type winter cold. Yesterday felt like -15 degrees outside, so I spent the day sleeping in later than usual, cleaning my apartment, catching up on life and desperately attempting to avoid going outside at all costs. It’s a little crazy when it’s so cold outside that you loose the will to leave you house, but there gets to be a point where it’s just easier to stay in PJs, get cozy, pour yourself a glass of wine and accept the fact that you’re snowed in.

But then there are days (aka, Monday though Friday), where no matter how cold it is outside how much you’d really just love to stay in your PJs, you have to go outside and deal with the freezing temps to get to work. Winter is officially the time where I’m jealous of anyone who works from home, because bundling up to walk to the L and then to work, is really a bummer. I desperately hide under my blankets and hit the snooze button more than usual this time of year because it’s just too damn cold. But somehow I rally and make my way to work every day this time of year, so I guess maybe Christmas miracles really are a thing.  One thing that helps me get out the door is knowing that I have a warm {and stylish} coat from Club Monaco to keep me from freezing on my walk to the L every morning. I snagged it on super sale in the fall {the store manager found it from last year in the backroom and put it in the sale section right as I was walking in!}, and I’ve been wearing it on repeat when it’s freezing outside. The faux fur makes it feel extra cozy, and I love that it’s navy to break up all the other black coats in my closet. Navy totally counts as a color, right? My new favorite wear to work accessories include this new tote from Cuyana and a Daniel Wellington black collection watch. I knew I needed a new work tote since my 7+ year old Longchamp had to officially retire after pens started falling out of the holes at the bottom, and I wanted to get something I knew would be sturdy and durable. I immediately fell in love when I first discovered this black version when I saw it at Cuyana’s pop-up shop in Chicago, and I knew I had to have it. I added a tassel to keep it chic and feminine, and I love that it’s the perfect sized tote for my work essentials {and it even holds my laptop!}. If you’re looking for some last minute gifts in Chicago, make sure to stop by their amazing pop-up shop on Armitage – it’s basically my new favorite spot for gifts for my girlfriends.

While I’m not usually a watch girl {that’s what phones are for, right?} I realized the error of my ways when I discovered Daniel Wellington’s stylish watches. They recently launched their classic black collection, and I love their large Black Sheffield watch that I’ve been wearing on repeat since I got it over Thanksgiving. While I used to not think watches were all that useful anymore, I’ve found myself constantly checking the time, which actually helps me get to work earlier and get to all my meetings {almost} on time. Plus, even if you’re not a watch convert – it’s a pretty killer accessory no matter what! I hope you’re all staying worm despite this crazy weather in the Midwest – and if you happen to live in a perpetually warm environment, please invite me to come stay with you! I’m only half kidding….I could easily be persuaded to take a trip to California or Florida right about now 😉

Also, don’t worry – I’m not totally crazy, I definitely wear a crazy large scarf, hat and gloves on my way to work everyday. It wasn’t quite photoshoot worthy, but it’s definitely “wear to the L so you don’t freeze your booty off worthy” 😉

Thanks to Jules Kennedy for the photos! xx