Winter is here. This became painfully evident to me last night as I walked to my bus in what felt like 20-degree wind gusts. I immediately was filled with ALL THE REGRET about not wearing fleece tights and a hat. This is my first winter with short hair too - so I feel like I'm at a bit of a learning curve over here. Hats and scarves every day from now on!

This scarf is handmade by a local DC designer, Betsy, CEO and founder of Zophia. I love the frayed edges yet classic pattern is has. Betsy is MAD talented when it comes to designing clothing. She designed the tropical crop top I’m wearing here and here. Who knew that such a statement top would be such a staple in my closet?!

Most times when I’m getting dressed, I plan it around a certain item and then use the process of elimination to help decide the rest. I wore my favorite navy shift dress from another local designer, Erika Schrieber (you can find her stuff at the Sophie Blake Pop Up in Mosaic District) and my FAVORITE marble sneakers from Anthom.

I wore this out for a lunch date with Betsy at my go-to spot, Malmaison in Georgetown. If you haven’t been (see photos here!), I highly recommend it!!

Wearing Zophia scarf, Erika Schrieber dress, Halogen leather jacket, Veja sneakers via Anthom
Photos by Betsy

On the first day of Crystal Couture, my sister and I braved the bad weather to hit up one of the D.C. area's most talked-about fashion shows and high-end bargain pop-up shops.

This was my first year attending the show, and the event did not disappoint. I like to keep things short and sweet, so I'm going to let you in on my five reasons you should totally go this year.

Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. WHAT I WORE: D'MILIKAH dress and these boots from DSW. — Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. **WHAT I WORE:** D'MILIKAH dress and these boots from DSW.

1. It's free. I mean, do you really need another reason?

2. It's a chance to find a new BFF / meet local designers. I had SUCH a blast meeting people who designed the clothes I coveted and hearing about what inspired them for their collections.

Seen here, my new BFF and scarf soul mate, Jennifer Elizabeth Miller of JEM Collection. — Seen here, my new BFF and scarf soul mate, Jennifer Elizabeth Miller of JEM Collection.

Here, Jen shows me how to style this fabulous scarf.

Jen and myself, after I bought this lovely infinity scarf that I may never, ever stop wearing.

3. To shop. This one is totally obvious, but don't let the term 'designer' shy you away. There are so many discounts you get just by attending and many pieces are within an average girl's budget.

Here, Stephanie models a Camille Gabriele purse. — Here, Stephanie models a Camille Gabriele purse.

Seriously, how chic are these Sophie Blake jewels?

I am OBSESSED with this D'Milikah skirt. Obsessed might even be an understatement. — I am OBSESSED with this D'Milikah skirt. Obsessed might even be an understatement.

4. To discover upcoming trends. Chic and structured pieces are hitting the runway hard, as are pastels, bright colors and bold prints. Check these out first hand by watching the models strut down the square runway (so no matter where you are, you have a great view). Plus, with a new show every 15 minutes, you'll get to see a super wide variety of what's coming up for 2014.

Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. Also one of my favorite looks of the night by Erika Schrieber. — Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. Also one of my favorite looks of the night by Erika Schrieber.

5. To take advantage of their awesome photo booth. I don't really need to explain this one, except to say that the OnomonoMEDIA photobooth can print your high-res image and you can also email it to yourself or post directly to your social media page. See mine below (and please note how mature I am.)

Find out more about Crystal Couture on their website. The last show for 2014 is tomorrow, February 8 and you can find the schedule here. The show goes from 6 PM - 10 PM and is located at 251 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202.