Closet de Jules

Many of you may already know, I survive winters on J.Crew coats. It doesn’t matter if there’s snow, sleet, or freezing rain, I always have my J.Crew coats on hand to stay cozy.

One of my favorite go-to winter pieces is the J.Crew Tipped Peacoat. The Italian wool and the inner lining (not sure if it is the iconic J.Crew “Thinsulate” but certainly feels like it!) really kept me warm for the whole winter. Compared to the Double-Cloth coats (Funnel Coat, Metro Coat and Slim Trench) I reviewed previously, the length of this coat is perfect for me to stay active in the winter… such as running around in the snow! Although this Tipped Peacoat was part of the 2012 winter collection and no longer available, I have found the J.Crew Melton Coat and the Majesty Peacoat to be close substitutes. These photos were taken last winter. DC hasn’t experienced its first snow this season yet, but the chilly below 30 degrees weather certainly tells me it is coming soon.

What's on your shopping list this Black Friday? My wardrobe is full of colorful and fun coats, the only thing I am missing is a conservative black coat. I have been thinking about the J.Crew Lady Day Coat for a while, but was a little hesitant with the narrow torso design when I tried one on last winter. I would really appreciate it if you have any suggestions for me!



**************************
Coat: Tipped Peacoat - J.Crew (similar here and here)
Rain Boots: Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots - Hunter (similar)
Gloves: Ralph Lauren (similar)
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer - Ray-Ban
Bangles: J.Crew (similar)

Update: Julia's Picks on 2015 J.Crew Winter Collection
(click the pictures to check out the latest J.Crew promotions on these gorgeous coats)

When I was a kid, lunar new year was always my favorite festival of the year. I remembered running into my parents’ room first thing in the morning on new year’s day shouting "Happy New Year!", and waiting for them to give me the big fat “red envelope” that was enough to last for a while (back when the toys were still cheap...). We then ventured outside to watch the lion dance and shoot off firecrackers in the neighborhood. For the remainder of the day (or days, most of the time) we would visit relatives' houses, have new year’s feasts, and of course, collect more red envelopes! 

Now living in the mid-Atlantic and being a grownup, I miss the lunar new year festivities a lot. Fortunately, the lunar new year this year landed on a Sunday. I flew to LA and finally experienced the traditional lunar new year celebration once again!






















And Mardi Gras celebration was taken place in Disneyland on the same weekend too!

Hello, Tiana!





Do you celebrate Lunar New Year? What was your favorite part of it? How did you celebrate it this year?


****************
Jacket: Downtown Field Jacket - J. Crew
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer - Ray-Ban
Scarf: Street Vendor...
Sweater: Tippi Sweater - J. Crew
Skinny Jeans: Abercrombie (old)
Boots: Cole Haan (similar)

For the past few years, I’ve been getting my inspiration for costumes by watching the Halloween episodes of The Ellen Show. I found a video clip of the show today and it was about an 8-year-old girl, Stella, who dressed up as a famous figure to school every single day. She is amazing! Not only is Halloween for her everyday, but she is also helping her classmates learn about history in the most interesting way.

  
I've never really bought a complete set of costume because I don't like the idea of buying something that you will wear only once; although sometimes it seems hard to be creative if you don't want to spend too much money and time to dress yourself up. When putting together my costume this year, I picked out pieces of clothing that would not stick out in a crowd on a normal day.

Earlier in the summer, I thought about having an outfit themed after the hottest summer jam, Call Me Maybe. However, nothing good came to my mind except for wearing a nametag with "Maybe" written on it , or dressing up as a phone. I could not think of any more creative costume ideas until I went to this year’s Howl-O-Scream in Busch Gardens and chased by ghosts in the "forests". While I was enjoying the atmosphere, I went on a new ride that just opened up, Verbolten. The ride was about some tourists who were trying to survive a haunted forest. Put the words survive and forest together, i thought of Hunger Games! This immediately became my plan A after I was able to find all the pieces I needed online within 10 minutes. Yet this is exactly the idea of dressing up for Halloween - be the person that you want to be for a day.

Yes, I was Katniss. May the odds be ever in your favor!

A friend was nice (and lazy..) enough to be my Peeta

$2 Chipotle!

Georgetown Cupcake!

My hair after a night of "hunting" in DC... (make sure your side braid is tight enough!)

******************
Jacket: Sparkle & Fade Washed Faux Leather Moto Jacket - Urban Outfitters
Under the jacket... Anything black! Even a black sweater would work if it's cold.
Old Jeans: Levi's Jeans - Kohl's (similar)
Old Boots - Cole Haan (similar)
Mockingjay Pin & Bow Set - Amazon

Katniss picture source: Rebel's Haven

Weekends are the only time that I can let loose and dress the way I want to, without worrying about any company dress codes. With a complete turnaround in the weather after Sandy, I put on my quilted jacket, tights and riding boots as I were still a college student.

Lining - my favorite part of this jacket