Feliz Año Nuevo!The MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

It's been two weeks since the new year has begun and I am finally putting up pictures from the party I went to.

(If I believed in resolutions, I would probably resolve to post in a more timely manner but I don't so you're kind of out of luck...)

This year, like most others, I dodged the overpriced party scene and frugally rang in 2008 at People Projects, a local art/music space. I drank cheap champagne til' the wee hours and hung out with great friends, it was awesome.

Here are some pictures from throughout the night...

Adorable, even with tape on her fames.

Oh, Michael!

You may remember the girl on the right for her role as Hitler's other half but I think, from this day forward, she'll be better known for being one of the NYE poncho twins.

All jokes aside, ponchos are the shit!

I have three, none of which are as elaborate as the above, but I wear them to death and I owe the inspiration for my obsession to a girl I spotted at the Eskell opening party with a really cute one on.

I love him for many reasons but the fact that he always coordinates his headband with his outfit is high on the list.

A housecoat with big, black boots makes me feel awkward.

It looks like she's hiding something really sexy under her grandma's nightgown which is a little weird to me.

Take away all the black and I think this would be a really cute dress...for spring (i mean, summer and belted).

Leather Clad CoupleThe MidWastelandChicago Street Style and Fashion Blog

Saturday Morning CoffeeThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

I know some of you out there will get on my ass because this woman isn't wearing big glasses or something neon but I really don't care.

I took her picture for a couple of reasons. One, I thought it was nice to see someone out on a Saturday morning getting their Starbucks in a classy, put-together outfit as opposed to stretch pants and friday night's makeup (i.e.- me) and two, I'm a total bag whore and I love that boxy, patent leather bag!

Agree? Disagree?

Venus Magazine: Winter Issue Release PartyThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

At Venus Magazine's Winter Issue release party, the season was in full effect all night. Fashion conscious Chicagoans pulled out their finest outerwear and cold-weather accessories to profess their personal-style efforts, despite the snowfall.

Boys-about-town were spotted winterizing their ensembles with 'grandpa cardigans', ties and my favorite, the winter beard.

The fellow above is the perfect example of what you'll see a Chicago guy sporting in the winter months.

This girl got the fur trend right with the oversized, faux fur collar on her vintage jacket. (I opted for a faux fur cape this season)

You hippies can hate fur all you want but you can’t deny the demureness it gives the woman wearing it. Obviously, I'm not going to run off to Adriana Fur to feel the warmth and luxury but I will go to H & M or a thrift store for a budget/animal friendly option and you should too!

The best way to stand out from the crowd in the pitch white of winter is by wearing outerwear with a pop of color. I love, love, love red in the winter and by winter I mean, all year long!

Also, if you’re really cold this winter, you can take a cue from the gal above and 'double-scarf'. Hey, we can do that here; it's the Midwest a.k.a the land of excess. (Now that I think about it maybe I should hook her up with the guy from the Eskell party with the 'double-sweater').

See, this goes to show that a little snow shouldn't stop you from looking good on those cold, winter nights!

Scenes from a MallThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog

Its Almost Winter in WrigleyvilleThe MidWastelandChicago's Street Style and Fashion Blog