Let's talk about flannel.  And I mean, let's ALL talk about flannel.

When I think flannel I automatically think of hipsters, punks, creepy guys who live alone in the woods and frequently star in horror flicks, lumberjacks, picnic blankets, and Jay Leno (I wish I could explain that mental connection, but I'm just going to chalk it up to a repressed childhood memory and call it a day).  Because of these immediate associations, I naturally assumed that if you couldn't fit neatly under one of these categories, wearing flannel was strictly off limits under punishment of weird looks and/or a job in the logging industry (considering even thinking about The Lorax makes me feel guilty, I wouldn't do too well here).

OH GOD THE JUDGEMENT
Courtesy: squidoo.com

Still, even though I fear change like dogs fear the V-E-T, I found myself increasingly drawn to the style as I got tired of my staple cardigans.  If we ignore all of flannel's mental associations, there's no arguing that it's a soft, warm, and pretty darn cute look (maybe not on the creepy guys who live alone in the woods, but let's not nitpick here).  So, after a few days of debate, tears, and identity crises, I finally bought a flannel jacket from urban outfitters.  And, after throwing it over a feminine dress, it turned out to be basically the best thing ever.

Sure the jacket's cute, but have you SEEN the model?! IN. CRED. IBLE
(Ignore any similarities between this person and the person writing this post, it's probably just a coincidence)
(I'm unbiased I swear)
Courtesy: butseriouslythemodellooksgreatguysright.com

Flannel works perfectly if you want to dress down an outfit, as well as if you need a little extra layer against the winter chill (granted, in Michigan's arctic tundra, anything short of whale blubber won't do you much good, but until whale blubber comes in cute plaid patterns, I'm sticking to my guns).  However, I did find it hard to track down the right kind of flannel.  I found that in PacSun and other similarly 13-year-old-infested stores, the jackets they sold were starchy, neon-y, and ultimately too stiff to really work for anything besides as makeshift traffic signs. (I'm currently drafting a petition to remove eye-bleedingly-bright-pink from the Crayola Crayon box- it sets a bad example for the children).  Ideally, the jacket you want should be a comfortable, movable, and generally earth toned item- it really works well to achieve a boheme kind of look.  Just check out how these ladies wear it!

Just looking at this outfit makes me feel cute.
BDG Flannel Boyfriend Shirt, urbanoutfitters.com, $39

This is leaning a little bit towards the hipster side of the street, but the flannel just gives the basic shorts and tee look some extra chutzpah.
Courtesy: collegefashion.net

Fun Fact: The people of Easter Island have this word "Tingo" which literally means "the act of taking objects one desires from the house of a friend by gradually borrowing all of them". Basically what I'm trying to say is we should be friends.
Courtesy: Urban Outfitters (sold out)

All in all, flannel is the perfect accompaniment if you're going for a cute, dressed down look -- whether you're lounging around the house, heading to class, or just having a pleasant chat with the creepy guys who live alone in the woods! And, one of the best things about flannel is that you can just about wear it to death, and it'll look good the entire time.  Worn out flannel just adds to the softness of the style, so you're really given a run for your money by taking a walk on the bohemian side of life.  So, regardless of whether you're a hipster, a punk, or Jay Leno (I'm sorry, I just have no idea why he keeps popping up) flannel is an accessible style for everyone.  And hey, even if it's not totally your thing, at least we can all appreciate lumberjacks.

Oh hello.
Courtesy: thebecomingyear.com

...and Jay Leno.

Life is full of unanswerable questions.  Why are we here?  Why can’t I hum when I hold my nose closed? How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?  Simply put, these things are just destined to remain mysteries (to those just now trying the whole humming thing, isn’t it crazy?!).  However, some of these questions we have no choice but to answer.

Like what the heck business casual is.
(Casual here being pronounced as cazsh like all the cool kids say.)

So to give some context here, last week I was preparing to go to my first company meeting for my internship. I’m a sophomore in college so naturally I was both a mix of excited and OHMYGODWHATAMIDOINGI’MWOEFULLYUNQUALIFIEDTODEALWITHREALLIFE. However, I felt like I was prepared more or less, and ready to get started with my first real job in the business sector.  Prepared at least, until I read the last line on my boss’s final informational email:

“We are requiring that everybody dress very nicely: guys, wear shirt and tie and a suit coat if you have one and ladies: business attire.”

Wait...Where’s my list?

For men it’s a straightforward protocol, but for women?  It’s so amorphous that I’m using words like amorphous.  I was completely lost as to what the rules for this were. I have plenty of dresses but do dresses count as business?  That ruffle-y floral pattern totally makes me look like I can close a deal right?

Hey guys!  Is it promotion time yet? Guys...?
Courtesy: justbefun.blogspot.com

Thus began my 24 hour quest to figure out exactly what on Earth the elusive "business cazsh" was.  After researching a bit online, it seems that, while there are no specific set clothing items, there a few general guidelines that should be followed.  Basically, every outfit should:

1 - Keep you covered.  AKA, the business cazsh booty shorts are unfortunately going to have to go.

2 - Be generally neutral.  A few accent pieces are ok, but beyond that the office-rainbow of tan, navy, black, and gray are where it's at!

3 - Be reasonable.  It's best to save the Lady Gaga heels for the office party.  Generally, the best idea is to stick with what works, the basic skirts, blazers, dress pants, and dress blouses will be your best office friend who, bonus points, won't steal your lunch! Some examples of what I'm talking about...

I would totally hire her for the company I totally own.
Courtesy: macys.com

Sign on the dotted line? Sure! Give you my social security number? Sounds great to me! You need my kidneys too? Why not!
Courtesy: umekobeautyfashion.com

She looks like the Tomb Raider of the office world. Fan-tas-tic.
Courtesy: hellousdaily.com

So, for my personal search for business cazsh, I purchased a reasonable high-waisted straight skirt, a black camisole, and a gray cardigan to throw on top.  And, considering the meeting went well and I still have my job, I'd say the outfit worked just fine.  Long story short, the easiest way to judge if what you're wearing is alright, is if it could also dual as something you'd wear it to meet your boyfriend's parents for the first time.  You want to look clean and put-together, ideally avoiding the tracksuits and the business cazsh booty shorts.  All in all, through this guideline you'll be able to wow the boss, the clients, and the cute co-worker in the cubicle next to you!  So, while we may never know why we can't hum with our nose being held closed, we will at least look darn professional trying it.

All in all, despite my occasional lapses in sanity due to college-induced sleep deprivation, I’m a pretty easygoing person.  However, there are a few things that will, in the span of a few seconds, absolutely ruin my day and leave me cuddled around my personal pint of Ben and Jerry’s for hours.  And really, I’m only kind of exaggerating here (well… maybe I’m really exaggerating, but moving on).  To get to the point, one of the things that I hate most is the feeling of wet socks.  Specifically, the feeling of water seeping through my not-so-waterproof boots, leaving my once-toasty socks soggy, smelly, and doomed to remain on my foot till class is over and I can sprint back to my room to get that Ben and Jerry’s pint out.

This is a surprisingly accurate representation of my face when this happens.

And, as we’re slowly beginning the transition from soggy fall to soggy winter, by this time I normally would have begun the bulk purchase of Chunky Monkey (AKA the best Ben and Jerry’s flavor ever), though this year, I don’t need to (though, if I’m honest, I’m still going to).  Ladies, I give to you a boot that truly captures each end of the struggle between fashion and function, La Canadienne shoes. This brand is just about the best thing since bubble wrap.  I have trudged through puddles, snow, torrential rains, and all things in between, and through all of it my socks remained warm and cozy.  Here are a few of the styles they carry:

Am I sitting at a computer right now?  Maybe.  Am I still vicariously strutting right now?  Absolutely. 
Are people around me getting concerned due to how awkward vicarious strutting looks like sitting down?  I don’t want to talk about it.

Hummina hummina hummina...

More people would be into the Iditarod if the racers wore these shoes.

Even the heeled versions of these shoes offer complete protection from the elements; they’re warm, they’re waterproof, and they make you look like the winner of Miss Alaska.  But, as with all things, it’s time for the other shoe to drop (pun completely intended.  I’m sorry about that one).  At the end of the day, these are not cheap shoes.  Most of these are clocking in around $200-300 dollars, so it’s really important to wait for your time to strike.  They do offer pretty attractive sale prices, though even with those you’re still going to be shelling out a pretty hefty chunk of change.  However, it’s important to think about what you’re investing in.  Taken from someone who knows, these shoes are warm, durable, comfortable, strut-able, and, most importantly, completely waterproof.

So, thanks to these snazzy boots, my intense dislike of soggy socks has been dealt with.  I can now stride confidently around town without fear of having soggy, clammy socks! Now all I need is a pair of boots that can deal with my expanding waistline due to Ben and Jerry’s consumption..

The leaves are starting to change, the nights are slowly getting longer, and the summer dresses are reluctantly being put away...Well, not if I can help it that is.

Fall is a lovely time of year where we can all bond through our chunky sweaters and perpetually runny noses, but for most it signals the end of your cute dresses and the start of your Eskimo parkas.

I find that most things is life can be related to A Christmas Story.

...But it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of cute styles that you can use to transition your favorite dresses well into the fall season!   I could go on here about leggings and scarves, but the main wardrobe option that I want to focus on is the leather jacket.

And I know what you’re thinking.

“But I don’t own a Harley Davidson.”

“I like ‘West Side Story’ and all, but I don’t actually want to be confused for a dancing and/or snapping gang member...”

“I don’t get the Harley Davidson comment up there, is he like George Clooney?  ‘Cause I wouldn’t mind owning one then.”

Let me ease your worries now. The leather jacket is one of the most versatile and chic items you can buy; not only does is add an extra spice to any dress you pair it with, but the leather jacket also will keep you warm as you go strutting down the street. It adds a beautiful contrast to the femininity of the summer dress with its masculine and edgy form. Check out how these models wear it:

I'll take Classy And Chic for 500, Trebek.
Courtesy: Just Because Fashion

Where do I fill out the form to trade wardrobes?
Courtesy: Cats & Rocking Chairs

Really, not only does the jacket go with most anything you can throw at it, but, just like your favorite pair of oversized, celebrity sunglasses, it also just makes you look cooler.

I’ve had the same leather jacket for two years now, and it never fails to get compliments. Because of this jacket’s durability though, I can’t stress enough how important it is to go the extra mile and find your perfect fit; trust me, this will be a go-to accessory for years to come. I personally found my jacket at Urban Outfitters, and, while granted my bank account took a bit of a blow at the $70 price tag, I found the jacket to be extraordinarily well-made, warm, flattering, and, best yet, not actually made of leather meaning that PETA won’t attack me on sight.

Sparkle & Fade Faux Leather Bomber Jacket... Oh I love it so.
Courtesy: Urban Outfitters

So, all in all, let it be known that the fall season doesn’t have to be a war between looking cute and avoiding frostbite, we can indeed have both -- and look pretty darn good doing it.