My Favorite Flannel

While winter drags on, finding new styles and outfits is becoming increasingly difficult. I'm longing for the day when I can throw on a pair of shorts and a crop top. 

But recently I've started wearing flannels to help mend my desperation for a new look. Although flannel-wearing hipsters have been around for years, this is my first experience with the style, and it is surprisingly better than I had originally anticipated.

The truth is this isn't my favorite flannel. It's actually my first and only, and if you ask my friends, it's now the shirt I wear too much.

In the never-ending search to find sweaters that have an edge, I managed to get my hands on this cowl-neck knit. Though the zipper on the collar is simple, it gives it a refreshing look.

And because this outfit was channeling an inner-city hipster approach, it could not be completed without acid wash jeans and combat boots. 

| Sweater & Flannel : Forever 21 | Jeans: Zara | Boots: Steve Madden | Ring: Michael Kors

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Down on Denim

Leggings are comfortable, slimming and in most cases are black—meaning they will go with just about everything. But most importantly, as athletic and laid back as they can appear, they can also be dressed up. 

Because leggings are so versatile, it comes as no surprise that jean sales have fallen 6 percent this year, according to marketing research firm NPD Group, while the sales of yoga pants and leggings have increased by 7 percent.

This market change has inspired design methods that make leggings seem more like pants and not just another form of sweats. Instead of the traditional, plain legging, I chose this pair below because the mesh siding adds an unparalleled flare that I haven't seen on most other pairs. 

So, don't let anyone make you feel for lazy for slipping into a pair of stretchy pants. Embrace it because jeans will soon be a style of the past.

| Shirt: Pitaya | Leggings: Lululemon | Shoes: Steve Madden | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }