Leather-sleeved jackets

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When I was a sophomore in college about two years ago, my mom bought me a coat from BCBG that I had been swooning over for over six months. Being the sale stalker that she is (I learned from the best!), it wound up under the Christmas tree after she'd found it on super-sale for almost 60% off. To this day, it is still one of my favorite coats for many reasons, but one specifically: its faux leather sleeves.

In 2010, I remember getting strange looks on campus. Here I was, wearing an all black long peacoat with leather sleeves among other students clad in sweats and Uggs, because I dressed up for class more often than not. I called it my "Matrix" coat because I was surely channeling Keanu Reeves, but I loved it because it was something no one else had.

Now, almost everyone wants a coat with leather (or 'pleather') sleeves. The look can dress up or down an outfit, depending on what you pair your jacket with.

What would you wear a leather-sleeved jacket with?

                         

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Menswear Wednesday: Introducing Barbour

Mens' coats have always been something I avoid. I can't offer my brothers too much advice on this subject, because I loathe pea coats, and trench coats even more (there should be a rule that you can't wear the latter until you're retired!). But it seems as if I've found a look that I like: Barbour coats. They cost a pretty, pretty penny, but as with most things expensive, you're paying for the quality. With their trademark corduroy collars, the company has a really neat history, beginning in the late 1800s, and they're known for their wax finish that makes the heavy, durable jackets weatherproof. If you can snag one of these on sale, I would definitely recommend it!

       

                                 

Outdoor Style: Ditch the hats for the headbands

This winter, I want to throw caution to the wind (and cold, snow, rain and sleet for that matter). I know in Ohio we had a mild winter last year, and although I was in Washington, D.C. from January to April, it just didn't seem like winter-- there was no snow! Lately, I've heard every weatherman talking about what a "horrible winter" we're going to have because of last year's mild season. This being said, I thought I'd start a little earlier than December with some stylish tips-- and also because I went outside for my lunch break the other day and was almost frozen to death by the wind and the cold!

I'm usually the type to wear ear muffs, but have always loved the look of headbands too. It's all the style without the messy hat-hair. Here are a few of the best I've scoped out. Do you own any winter headbands?

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Get cape. Wear cape. Fly.

The cape trend hit its peak in 2010's winter season, but I've seen more and more pictures of these popping up on Pinterest, and even a few in stores. It's a trend that's come from across the pond, but I think it's chic and classic in its own way, what do you think? Would you wear these this winter?