Pretty Grunge

When I was about 11 I started wearing combat boots with dresses and ripped jeans with flannel. I listened to REM, watched 'Clueless', played viola and thought I was grunge.

I look back on this and remember that it was probably one of the first times that I experimented with fashion and just wore what I wanted. Sure, it wasn't particularly good-looking, and the kids at school probably thought I was a nutcase and living under a bridge, but I dug it.

To this day, I have a particular affinity for a hot pair of combat boots, a good old plaid shirt and some ripped stockings. I just think it's cool. Pairing a girly dress with a leather bag and some boots creates a sort of hippie devil-may-care aura.

Rachel Bilson rocking Pretty Grunge

I especially love spring fashion with some killer boots.

All Saints 'Damisi' Boots

Lace peplum top

Grungy skinny jeans

Studded bangles

Or how about this

Asos boots

Modcloth jacket

Swiss dot dress

Barbed wire ring

I can't explain it. It's just hot. Women turning menswear on its head and making lace look tough.

Put Katniss Everdeen in a dress and she'd throw on her own hunting boots and give you the finger.

That's what it's all about.

My boots? Well, they're these:

Christmas Wish List

Elizabeth & James "Eclipse" Necklace

Elizabeth & James "Eclipse" Earrings

Botkier "Evans" Continental Wallet

ModCloth Plaid Skirt

John Lewis 60 Denier Tights

John Lewis Barely There Non-Slip Pantyhose

John Lewis Animal Print Scarf

MaxMara Dress

L.K. Bennett Flats

L.K. Bennett "Sledge 2" Pumps

Anthropologie Turquoise Heels

Anthropologie Wedges

Anthropologie "Embrace" Earrings

Anthropologie "Aolani" Hoops

John Lewis Scarf

ModCloth Cobalt Dress

ModCloth Suede Booties

ModCloth Wedges

ModCloth Messenger Bag

Skagen Watch

Botkier Top Handle Bag

Coats for The Pale: Anything But Black

I love this time of year. Chilly weather gives me a valid excuse to snuggle in my blanket and drink tea. i also have a soft spot for winter coats. A good coat lifts the winter blues and makes you want to prance around downtown.

But you know what's not-so-good? Boring black coats. Sure, they "go with everything", but that's really not the point. A coat doesn't need to go with everything. It wants to stand out. It yearns to say, "put me on and feel festive!" And are you really telling me that a red pea coat is going to clash with your enormous denim collection? No, it won't and you know it.

So, here are my picks for anything-but-boring winter coats in colors that are perfect for The Pale:

A Burberry-esque (or "Furberry" [Faux Burberry], if you will) pea coat is unexpected and smart. Avoid large patterns if you are petite.

Gorgeous Periwinkle evokes bluebirds and spring. Just the ticket to get you through the Winter Blues. Waistband gives a covetous hourglass figure. Avoid large hip pockets if you are pear-shaped.

Military styling adds wit to this grape-hued pea coat.

Olive drab gives the ladylike buttons and puffed shoulders a bit of an edge. Avoid shoulder details when yours are broad.

Perfect over comfy cords or an LBD, this skirted red number is feminine and a little retro. Think: Grace Kelly.

A modern pea coat with wide-set buttons and a stunning emerald shade is perfect for just about anyone.

A funnel-neck is a great way to combat the cold, especially if you can't stand wearing scarves. Short neck? Avoid.

Faux fur and a ridiculously cute flared skirt make this coat perfect for nights on the town. Marilyn would've done it.

Vertical ruffles elongate and the belt cinches. Perfect for large frames and plus-sizes.

Nautical-inspired toggles add interest to a casual red coat. Minimal pockets and lack of cuffs make this a great option for tomboys and girls who are more straight up-and-down.

Military buttons and pockets, edgy funnel neck and shoulders, feminine color. For the girl who wants everything.

It's no secret that I love menswear. Make a classic men's overcoat look less like you borrowed it off a bum and more like you did it on purpose by choosing one in a bold color.

Simple, English Country Elegance. Works for everyone.

Finds of the Week: Plaid

Repetto Flats

Vivienne Westwood Tartan Scarf

Emilio Cavallini Plaid Tights

Lodis 'Edinburgh' iPad case

Pendleton Plaid Messenger Bag

Floppy Wool Felt Hat with Bow

Precisely Plaid-matic Skirt

See by Chloe Lace Up Booties