Amira Says, "These are your Winter Essentials"

Ever since the hurricane and the nor'easter, it has been getting chilly here in New York City. I miss the days that I could just slip on flats and walk outside. Now I have to actually bundle up. Ugh. It's so much work trying to find different things to put to together and layer up with. It's been making me late for school a lot now. But, you know what I decided I'd make it easier on myself

and my dolls who requested a Winter Essentials guide.

You ever had those days where it was very chilly outside, but you were not staying outside, but instead going indoors? Meaning that you were going somewhere with heat, but you had to bundle up to  trudge through the icy winds outside to get to your destination. And then when you got to your destination, you would feel stupid for dressing like a snowman and it was so hot indoors. Yes, that happens to me everyday. I bundle up and I feel so smart as I watch others freeze with summer clothes on outside and then I get to my steaming school and I feel stupid.

Well, feel stupid no more because the best advice any one could ever give you to solve this issue is to layer up. Put your clothes on and bundle up and easily peel them off later. And you can do this easily with everything listed in this guide:

Sweaters and vests- They're warm and cozy. You wear something under them to stay warm and when your start sweating you just unzip or unbutton and take it off.

Leggings/Tights- We all have those days when we're in the mood to wear dresses, but it's freezing out. Especially, if it's a party, we'll most likely freeze our butts off to look fancy. So just make it easier on yourself and wear nice tights under. They come in different patterns and colors to fit your mood and style.

Chapstick- I don't know how anyone can live without any type of moisture on their lips. I know I can't. I go crazy with having to lick my lips every second, so I always make sure to have either Chapstick, Blistex, or Vaseline with me.

Casual boots/Wedge boots- I have both of these: the casual boots with laces and wedge boots. When you buy boots make sure you have at least one pair that is made for the snow, so you don't slip and fall. The wedge boots, on the other hand are for the purpose of fancy events. You want to look cute, but it won't work if you're freezing. So wear warm furry boots.

Gloves/Scarves/Jackets- These you will definitely need outside, especially if it's snowing. But, you can also make these work indoors, especially scarves. Scarves are my favorite key pieces in my wardrobe. Gloves can also work depending on your style (ex. skater chick). If your jacket is big (ex. North Face), I would recommend that you do not wear it indoors unless it's absolutely necessary. But, fall jackets or biker jackets can always work.

If you have any request ask me on twitter: @vraifashionlove or click on the first link in the sidebar. And I hope you dolls enjoyed your Thanksgiving. What were you thankful for? I'm thankful for living another day, my family and fashion.

What's In My Bag?

Hey, dolls! Lately, I've been so busy with homework and college stuff, that this stuff has been getting to me. I'm been so tired and even my school bag has been wearing me down. It's so heavy with school stuff, college stuff and personal items. So I decided to let you guys in on what's on my bag, well the most important things. To make sure your bag is not making your shoulders hurt, you just have to make sure you only bring along the important items. Yes, every situation has its own bag with specific items. But, these are items that you may need in any situation:

This may be surprising, but you should always carry some type of notebook or even a notepad. There are always situations where you may need to write something down. For example, what if you meet someone who could be your key for an opportunity of a lifetime and they want your number, but they don't have a phone on them. You'll need a book and a pen to give it to them or you'll just miss that opportunity. Maybe, that wasn't a great example, but leave home without a book one day and you'll see what I mean.

I always carry an umbrella and scarf with me especially when the seasons transition. New York's weather is always up and down and you never know what to expect. This morning it was very chilly and I had fall jacket on, after I left school, I had to take it off and wear my cardigan because it was hot. Carry an umbrella for an unexpected rainfall and chilly change in weather. A scarf can even be helpful for those days when you accidently spill ketchup on your shirt and you want to cover it up.

Lotion  and chap-stick is especially good for the winter when you skin gets dry. Get good smelling lotion for the days that you feel like you smell funky and you need to cover it up.

Your wallet is one of the most important things, you need in your bag. Keep extra money in there for emergencies, metro cards, IDs, and other small things that you don't want to lose. Don't forget your keys unless you enjoy being locked out of your house and wait for someone to open the door for you.

Lately, I've had an obsession with Doublemint gum for some reason. But, other than the reason to satisfy my obsession, gum is good for the days that you add garlic to your pizza and your breathe smells. Or you can buy the gum that cleans and protects your teeth.

*This was my first diary entry for my new feature Amira Says: Tips, Tricks and Secrets. So if you enjoyed it or you need advice on something just click the button at the top of the sidebar to leave your requests.