Don’t wait for the rain to strut your stuff in one of winter’s most wearable fashions.  Hunter Wellington boots are this season’s chicest cold weather choice.  Definitely a timeless addition to your wardrobe, these fabulously functional boots originated in Scotland and date back to the 1800’s. 

With an overwhelming variety of wintery boots on the market, opt for and old classic with a new twist.  Hunter wellies come in a variety of fun colors like bright fuschia, lemon yellow, and cherry red bringing instant cheer to any outfit or dreary day.   Available in mid-calf or knee lengths($105-$115), the beauty of their design is simplicity. 

You can find Hunters at retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, or online at Zappos.com.  But buyers beware, Hunter’s run a full size large, so be sure to go down a size.  

Not just cute and practical for a rainy climate, they are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear daily.  They have been my cure all solution for lazy days in leggings and sweaters.  They also look great when worn over skinny jeans or paired with tights and a casual skirt.

Don’t let sunny skies hold you back.  After all, cowboy boots made their way off the ranch and equestrian boots are everywhere this season.  It is time to give your old wellies some new love.  On your next trip to the store ditch your Uggs for your Hunter wellies!

- By Style Solution guest writer Brielle Jackson

Inspired by Shopbop.com stylists Bobbie Broske and Morgan Wendleborn’s own denim creations, Shopbop.com decided to have the duo create a custom denim line for the site.  The 12 piece collection features light and dark wash jeans, ripped, studded, bleached, and thoroughly distressed denim with unique designs and embellishments like lace.  The collection takes distressed denim to a new level and inspires shopbop.com users to get out their scissors and start experimenting with their own boring jeans.  I don’t often suggest doing things yourself, but distressing your old denim is certainly something you can attempt on your own.  It’s pretty hard to screw up when the idea is to purposely make them look used and abused.

Q: Style Solution reader, Barbara, asks “Is it OK to wear skirts to a business function without any leg covering like nylons?”

A: The short answer is yes.  The general rule of thumb is that if your skirt is above your knees, you should wear nylons/tights/etc like the ladies above.

If the skirt is below your knees, it is not usually necessary.  Obviously this all depends on the dress code of your company.  The good news is that women’s business clothing has evolved and relaxed a bit over the years.  It is not absolutely necessary to wear nylons in the work place.  However, nylons are always dressier and give you more authority than going without.  Nylons will help your overall image to appear more polished and put together.

Balmain may have started the revival of the 80’s bold shoulder with that now infamous asymmetric military inspired jacket, but the fall ‘09 collection of Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga softened the shoulder to a much more user friendly version.  Gone were the space age, sci-fi shoulders we’ve seen in the past, leaving room for silhouette skimming crew neck tops and satin puff sleeved blouses.  Both were paired with exquisitely folded, soft knee length skirts for a completely feminine feel. 

If the 80’s flashback shoulder isn’t your thing, pair these beautiful Grecian draped skirts with yoked waistbands with a classic white blouse, solid fitted tee, or lacey camisole for a more classic aesthetic.  Either way, skirts like these are not to be missed this fall.

Style Solution reader, Laura, writes:
“I just ‘inherited’ a Levi’s jean jacket  from the 80s [similar to the one above]. It belonged/belongs to my husband. I am a little concerned that I will look strange wearing a man’s jacket (not sure if people can tell that or not) and the lapels are a bit big. However, it is by Levi’s and isn’t it considered vintage? Any advice?”

Style Solution Answer:

Yes, everyone will be able to tell that you are wearing a man’s jacket.  While a denim jacket is a great staple, the styles and washes do evolve over the years and it’s important to stay current.  Even though there is presently a resurgence of 80s fashions, a men’s Levi denim jacket will still look like it’s not yours. 

My suggestion: if you love it and want to keep it, spend a little money and get it tailored so that it fits you well and looks a little more modern.  Try taking in the lapels, narrowing through the torso and arms, or cropping the jacket.  You can also try distressing the denim to look spot on trend. 

Temperatures are heating up, clothing is getting skimpier, and girls are shedding their jewelry at the beach for fear that it may obstruct their perfect tans.  While you may decide to pass on the pearls at the pool, do not say no to one of these absolutely spectacular and unique agate necklaces by Stone and Honey.  Keep things simple this summer.  With a necklace like this you won’t need any other jewelry. 

Each necklace is hand made and completely one of a kind.  They all start with an intensely colored slice of agate, from hot pink and azul blue, to kelly green and royal purple.  A delicate piece of  hand cut silver or gold is then riveted to the agate for a look that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.  With prices ranging from $90 - $225 and necklaces available in small, medium, or large, there’s plenty of variety. 

Eat your heart out on the blue one above ladies, as I already bought it.  Browse through the collection though as there are plenty of other fantastic options to choose from.  I think I just got shoppers high!

We all know that boho was so two years ago, but Julia Chaplin’s debut book, Gypset Style, identifies a new era of bohemia, the Gypset: one part gypsy, one part jet set. Without a peasant skirt in sight, the emphasis is on fashion risks and personal style instead of expensive, prefabricated, store bought creations.  The look consists of bold colors, ethnic prints, beaded jewelry, embroidery, layers, interesting color combinations, and anything bought in some far corner of the world.  In short, Gypset fuses the ease and carefree lifestyle of a gypsy with the sophistication of the jet set. 

More than a style, Gypset is a way of life that shuns the mainstream and celebrates the unique, exotic, and undiscovered.  Get the Gypset style by following these simple rules:

1)    Wear Bold Colors - Gypsetters love the beach, so think island colors like corals, turquoise, red, green, sky blue, hot pinks, and bright yellows.

2)    Play with Patterns and Prints - Try florals with stripes, polka dots with plaid, or gingham with argyle.  Don’t be afraid to use patterns to express your personality.

3)    Look for Flowy Fabrics - Lightweight fabrics are essential to any Gypset outfit.  Look for organic cottons, linen, bamboo, and chiffon. 

4)    Wear Transition Pieces - One reason Gypsetters are so influential and considered to have such great style is because they effortlessly transition their wardrobes from day to evening.  Search for key wardrobe staples that you can dress up or down with the addition of a different shoe, bag, or jewelry.

5)    Avoid Flashy Designer Logos - Look for unique styles that separate you from the pack instead of any item that screams designer name or initials.

Regardless of whether you’ve ever been to Ibiza, or could even locate it on a map, it’s possible to channel your inner Gypset by embracing your style and never apologizing for it.  Confidence and creativity are key.  You can find your passport and start globetrotting again after the recession.  For right now, just follow these Gypset rules and fake it till you make it.

I know we all love the designer collaborations with stores we can actually afford…especially during this recession.  Well if you missed the first shipment of Matthew Williamson’s collection for H&M, don’t fret.  The second shipment arrives in stores tomorrow, so plan your day accordingly. 

His color drenched collection carries with it the promise of the sun this summer.  Whether you’re looking for a stylish and affordable bikini, a sheer summer dress, or something stylish for your boyfriend, stop in to H&M tomorrow.  This is the first time that an H&M designer collaboration collection is available in all H&M stores and also marks Matthew Williamson’s menswear debut.  Welcome boys to Mr. Williamson’s wonderful world.  You won’t be disappointed!

In years past, any bathing suit with a built in skirt was reserved for the over 70.  This year we’re seeing everything from barely there ruffle minis to slightly more modest super minis.  Almost every major swimwear brand including Betsy Johnson, Sauipe, Becca, Beach Bunny, and Juicy Couture are all showing their own take on this trend. 

Forgo the boyshort this summer and opt instead for a mini to look spot on trend, feminine, and flirty.