Living in North Carolina for the past three and a half years has taught me two things:

1. “Bless your heart” is not a compliment.

2. Never trust the weather.

Don’t let the snow fool you, this outfit is surprisingly weather appropriate. The skirt/OTK boot combo is perfect for those freakishly warm winter days that have been cropping up around the country (but especially in NC). Between the two garments you get a surprising amount of warmth, with just enough bare skin to keep you cool and comfortable.

For me, the whole point of fashion is to have a bit of fun, and I enjoyed mixing the textures in this look, from the quilted skirt, to the suede top, to the leather jacket. Cultivating your style is a lifelong process, and while there’s certainly some trendy pieces in this outfit, I like to think all my looks give a unique peek into my personality.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak”  (the ever-wise, Rachel Zoe)

Obviously, we need to have a little chat about these over-the-knee (OTK) boots. They’re a non-stop ticket to mini skirts in the winter and are the perfect combination of sexy and conservative. They’re also crazy versatile and yes, I’ve been living in them this winter (with zero regrets).

I layered my necklaces to mimic the necklines of the jacket and top. It’s a sneaky trick to pull a look together, especially one like this that has so many pieces! I accentuated the mix of velvet (choker) and sparkle (necklace) with a rose-gold bracelet and studs for an understated and totally cool vibe.

While I normally tend to gravitate towards cooler colors in my looks, a touch of red warms up any winter ensemble!

Photography: Joe Del Vecchio