Winter Blues? Keep Reading...

We all need a bit of a pick-me-up this time of year...and what better way to do it than with style! I was walking in the University of Washington red light district today (great for vintage and second-hand shopping i.e. Buffalo Exchange) and started making a mental list of the essentials for this winter, and fun ways to cure the blues. Here it is...mixed in with some great places to visit in Seattle, original pieces of tattoo art, and photos that just spark creativity and happiness!

♡Happy Feet These are my new Hunter 'Original Tall' Rainboots...can you believe I have lived in the Seattle area for over 17 years, and this is my first pair of rainboots?! These are great for sloshing through those puddles that other Seattleites (definition: "easily agitated when tourists ask to see the original Starbucks, Microsoft, or Kurt Kobain's house") avoid at all costs. I would recommend a rainboot like Hunters—a tall boot that comes to the knee...and there are plenty out there with cute patterns, prints and embosses that keep the water out while also making you feel playful and chic. Pair it with either above-the-knee socks and a dress with trench coat, or super skinny jeans in a darker wash (forgo the 'boyfriend' jeans with these boots since skinny jeans tuck easier and appear more sleek).

♡Flashy Flannels There has been a huge resurgence in flannels this year...as Im sure all of you have noticed. Boys, girls..everyone is wearing them, with lots of layers. They have come back with flair- so many great color combinations, and the convenient part is they are sold virtually everywhere. Some favorites I've seen are from UO and one from Hollister Co. that is a red flannel with studded shoulders...just adds that little bit of edge to an otherwise classic style. Pair it with chic nerd glasses (like model in photo) and you are ready to battle winter in style!

♡Red Rebel Why not switch up your usual black eyeliner with some fiery red instead? This is Kandee Johnson (make-up guru) who had the brilliant idea to use lipliner in place of a pencil...a good one to use is 'cherry' by MAC. It will make your eyes pop! Just do a nude lip, line your inner eye with black liner, add some mascara and your ready to face the world!

 

 ♡Hair Hazard Time to switch up your regular do... if you normally wear it straight, curl it to give yourself voluptuous Victoria's Secret-like mermaid hair. If you usually wear your hair down like me, tie it up in a chic chignon paired with red hot tamale lips...even just add a beaded or feather headpiece to give your hair some oomph! Really bad hair day? Slip on a beanie from Neff and problem solved. If your really daring, put a streak of color in the underside of your hair— try Streakers temporary hair color in blue or pink— every girl who owned a 'my little pony' was jealous of its pastel mane (I know I was) and now it's your turn to be envied!

♡Temporary Tats Don't want the real thing? Chanel models rocked the runway at Karl Lagerfeld's SS10 barnyard hayromp, sporting these tasty tats. Available in February, you can buy them for around $75 a pop— may take a chunk out of the wallet, but it's a lot better than waking up with your boyfriends name tattooed across your tummy...that you can't remove when you break up next week.

♡Art Walk Visit your local art museum, like SAM (Seattle Art Museum) and explore the endless treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces inside. Ask for an explanation on an interesting work of art from the knowledgeable museum staff that are constantly walking around, and lose yourself for a couple hours in this magical maze of creativity. When you tire of walking around, pop next door to Taste Restaurant to satisfy your tastebuds. The best part is you can do all this for free! The first Thursday of every month is free admission— check your local art museum for similar deals.

Parting Shot:

 

♡ Inked Tattoos can tell a story, remind you of a special memory, or mark a period in your life. The best part is, it is all your own, and a beautiful piece of art that will stay with you forever. SuicideGirls is a lifestyle brand that has redefined the concept of beauty and features naked girls and their tattoos, like the one featured above.

Huge hugs! Lindsay

Thank you to We♥it, Kandee Johnson, SuicideGirls and Tumblr for the pics.