Style Guide: Baby It's Cold Outside

Call me an eager beaver, but I'm already listening to Christmas music- U2's remedition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is quite spectacular! For some, this festive season does have it's drawbacks. For example, it gets cold. Very cold. I'm all for comfy clothes; however,  the weather be an excuse for sporting some horrific threads. If you truly must sport a pair of leggings this holiday season, please "wow" onlookers with some amazing outerwear? Since I've taken the time to give you a style guide for winter accessories, you really have no excuse.

When in doubt, stick with neutrals: Though I'm such a sucker for the rampant collection of cherry reds and emerald greens that bombard the freshly-plowed streets, set yourself apart from the rest and wear subdued hues. Trust me, you'll look super chic. If you really feel the need to add a splash of color, add a deep lip or a colorful hat.

Texture, texture, texture: If you haven't noticed yet, winter is all about texture. Whether you sport a faux-fur jacket (in a neutral, of course) or some intricate gloves, a textured piece will add depth to your ensemble. Plus, it can be a great conversation starter.

Don't neglect your socks: Gone are the days of rocking a pair of flats without the risk of frostbite. Though you may have to tug on your trusty boots, remember that your socks should be sartorially superior as well. Eventually, you will have to take off your shoes and nothing's more of a buzz-kill than standard white socks.  My top picks? Madewell, J.Crew and Topshop.

Style Guide: Baby It's Cold Outside by kmulvey featuring madewell

Mauro Grifoni jacket, $960 / Madewell slouchy socks / sunghee bang / Barneys New York long cashmere glove / Ted Baker / Leather glove / Madewell / Beret hat / Pom beanie / Lancôme

What will you be wearing this chilly season? Buddle up, my loves!

XX

The 2012 American Music Awards

By now, you should know that I simply can't resist a red carpet review. Though time has been a little tight lately, there is no way I can ignore what happened at the American Music Awards on Sunday. From home-run ensembles to horrific getups, Justin Bieber's rampant winning streak and Taylor Swift's questionable musical genre shift were the last things on my mind. Behold: my best and worst dressed lists.

The Worst.

Cyndi Lauper: I know that girls just want to have fun; however, this is just terrible. Though Lauper is notorious for her unapologetic style, she's just too old to be dressing like this. Please put on some normal pants and take off that plaid throw -- you just look silly. (Photo)

PSY:  While I'm a sucker for "Gangham Style," I truly loathe this ensemble. The shimmery pants, alien sunnies, untied bow tie and awkward jacket are just too much to handle. No more, PSY, no more.(Photo)

Hayden Panettiere in Armani: I'm all for a metallic mini, but there's something very primitive about this pick. Thirteen-year-old me would love this dress, which is ultimately the issue. Not only does the frock beg to be worn to a Bar Mitzvah, the rest of the styling is quite basic as well. Although I am mildly concerned with the Nashville star's tiny frame, I just want her to sartorially grow up. (Photo)

Christina Aguilera in Pamela Roland: The songstress has never been one to watch on the red carpet; however, there's something about the dress' ombre effect that I truly hate. Though the silhouette complements the star's curvy shape, the slit is tasteless and the hair is too modern for this ensemble. Maybe next time, X-Tina.(Photo)

Phoebe Price: This ensemble is so bad, I'm personally offended. Not only is this dress way too sparkly, I'm seriously questioning her accessory choice. From the headpiece to the oversized earrings, this ensemble is undeniably trashy. Can someone ban her from all red carpets? (Photo)

 Brad Goreski: Oh no, say it ain't so! This ensemble is absolutely dreadful. I'm all for taking fashion risks; however, this is trashy. Are we at a cocktail event or a rodeo? I'm confused, and a little nauseous after looking at this ensemble. Please, make it stop! (Photo)

Carly Rae Jepsen in Gomez Garcia: Though I am shamelessly addicted to her poppy jams, this look has to go. While I'm so smitten with the relaxed updo, I loathe this ensemble. A halter and an excess amount of sparkle? When did we teleport back to 2003? Anyone?  Miss Jepsen, please stop pretending that you're a teeny-bopper: we all know that you're much older than you appear. (Photo)

The Best.

 Elisha Cuthbert in Georges Chakra: Talk about Golden Girl! I love how the metallic hue spices up the otherwise boring silhouette. For a sophisticated take, Cuthbert adds dangling earrings and a tight updo. Simplistic, chic and all-around gorgeous. (Photo)

Kerry Washington in Stella McCartney: Without a doubt, this pick is definitely a fashion favorite. While mainstream media may not enjoy this look, every style snob goes ga-ga for anything Stella McCartney. I love the contrast between her dark complexion and her lively ensemble. Major fashion kudos go to Miss Washington.  (Photo)

Jennifer Morrison in Abed Mahfouz: Though this ensemble may be a little too sophisticated for the American Music Awards, I'm so smitten. The high slit, deep v-neck and extravagant sleeves add some sex appeal to the silhouette. Morrison's relaxed updo loosens up the whole look. Brava! (Photo)

Gennifer Goodwin in Oscar de la Renta: As always, Goodwin sports a dress that is so obscure and fashion forward, style groupies instantly have a fash-gasm. The pale pink hue creates a striking contrast against the actress' light skin and dark locks. Between the thought-provoking silhouette and the glitzy details, this dress is sartorial heaven.  I love how the Once Upon a Time star pairs the de la Renta piece with small, but sparkly, accessories. (Photo)

 Gwen Stefani in Balmain: Though some of you may criticize the blazer's unflattering silhouette, I think this ensemble is genius. Stefani brilliantly combines her punk-rocker past with her sophisticated present. The blazer's eye-popping details are perfectly juxtaposed by that revealing v-neck!  Sporting her iconic red lip, the No Doubt front woman breaks her typical beauty regime with volume-infused hair. (Photo)

Zendaya in Alice+ Olivia: Disney Channel star or not, this look is absolutely supreme. The red carpet newcomer committed to a retro look with a 1950's do and that adorable A+O dress. For a contemporary twist, she adds an electric pink pout. Amazing. (Photo)

The Nicki.

Well I can't say I'm particularly happy about this.  First  of all, I'd love to have a little chat with Minaj's stylist. And by "have a little chat," I really mean yell at said stylist. Julie Bowen and Paula Patton rocked this Monique Lhuillier number. This is unacceptable. That being said, I kind of love this dress on Minaj. The in-your-face hue complements her zany personal style (as well as her lipstick, hair, jewels... basically everything that is Minaj). Agree or disagree, you have to admit that she looks better than she usually does.(Photo)

What looks are on your best (and worst) dressed lists? I'm dying to know! 

xx

Shopping Alert: Madison Maxey's Trunk Show

I don't just like blazers, I adore them. In my opinion, the sacred piece can do wonders for your ensemble. While most style mavens think of a blazer as a finishing touch to an already polished outfit, I can assure you that the treasured item has a lot more mileage. My tweed boyfriend blazer, which I will thank my mother for coercing me into buying it, always supplies an urban twist. But the versatility doesn't stop there: blazers can also exude fearless glamour.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Madison Maxey, a designer who is on her way to becoming "The Blazer Queen." Perhaps I should copyright that before more people catch on, yes? With bold collars and a bevy of different fabrics to choose from, Maxey gives you the power to design your dream blazer. 

I know, how could it get any better? 

This Sunday, Madison Maxey is hosting a trunk show that's sure to make you drool. Whether you're starting your holiday shopping early or planning to snag seven blazers for yourself, you must go.

Champagne, exclusive collar fabrics and possibly a free blazer -- how can you resist?

Since I'm still in Boston, I expect all my stylish New Yorkers to attend, shop until they drop and report back!

xx