#CITIZENBLOOM: 3 Ways to Bloom Madly for Winter

Baby, it’s cold outside! Right now, you need to be bundled up to stay warm, and often times that means you've reduced your outfit to  a drab ensemble consisting of  a lumpy layer of sweaters, black socks, with black boots and some practical no-nonsence outerwear.  Presently, I'm very  guilty of this, and in dire need of some bright #citizenbloom! I need to keep warm, but have got to add some more colorful bloom to my dress. So while you're all bundled up in that tasteful 2 ply cashmere sweater set, and a bulky yet functional pair of lined wool slacks, here are three ways you can add color and character to your winter wardrobe. 

• Hats
• Arm Candy
• Colorful socks

Vintage hats + toppers available at citizens-of-rosebud.com

TOP IT OFF WITH A STYLISH HAT. When it comes to winter dressing by all means, put your thinking cap on! Hats can add warmth, as well as a dash of style flavor to your outfit. Think wool knits, felt and fur. I love a good vintage topper, and vintage hats are just the thing to brighten up my day! Your head will stay toasty in a wool felt pillbox or a whimsy, AND they add loads more class than my usual toque. You can still look jaunty and keep your head warm.  Look for hats that offer sophistication as much as they do warmth, and you’ll stay stylishly on top!

SWEETEN UP AN OUTFIT WITH A STACK OF BANGLES.I love the feel of a stack of thin bracelets all piled up and over each other. For winter, to stave off any added chill of cold metal, I look for bracelets made from vintage plastics and resins. While there’s nothing like the feel and sound of a stack of Bakelite bangles, a more affordable option maybe to pile on some Lucite plastic or celluloid bracelets. One of my favorite bracelet to wear is a winter white vintage 1930s celluloid rose carved bangle, a gift from a stylish friend. I love it mixed with my stack of Indian aluminum bracelets, as they heat up with my body temp fairly quickly so I can enjoy some winter-ready arm candy without feeling a chill.
SOCK IT TO ME: colorful socks add character while toasting your tootsies.Say it loud and proud with a colorful sock! I love the look of a slightly conservative ensemble paired with a pair of bright socks. Pick a pair of hot pink angora, a wicked red cashmere, or an adorable wool stripe to liven up a gray cold winter day. I nearly live in these wool multi-stripe over the knee socks from J. Crew. So much so, that I own 3 exact pairs of them!  They probably match nothing, but seem to go with EVERYTHING. Striped and colorful socks are cute with flats, quirky with wedges, and essential for boots. Don't take MY word for it- just listen to Mr. Kibbles. In fact, 4 out of 5 cute gray kittens prefer strangers who wear lively socks, and so do I. 
Remember, there’s always a place to bloom. Including your winter wardrobe.
Linking up to Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday