NYC Survival Guide

A fabulous girlfriend of mine since the sixth grade, Rhonda (at the right with her mom in NYC), was recently offered a full-time position with E*Trade and will be transferring with the office at the end of the year from DC to Jersey City - a hop skip and a jump from NYC. Can you say jealous? I can, and I can spell it - frontwards and backwards.

She is excited to make the transition and is looking for some economical ideas for easy looks for city living. Being a Texas girl, I can't imagine the temperatures she will encounter while there, but I'll refrain from suggesting only parkas and ski masks.

I would guess that layers will be the key to her survival living in NYC.

Survival item #1: a great coat.
If you're trying to save your pesos for your ridiculous rent, save yourself some dough and get one, fantastic coat for the season that you can wear to any occasion. This red ruffle coat ($38) from Forever 21 can take you from work to happy hour to dinner. Rhonda is a tall lady, so she can pull off a longer trench coat. If you're more petite, try a cropped version of the classic.
Survival item #2: cardigans.
Even if you have only a couple of pairs of slacks, splurge on some cardigans. They'll update any look and also allow you to wear some of your favorite tanks from the summer. Layer a couple of your summer staple tanks or a classic button down shirt under a colorful cardigan to keep away the winter woes. Go sexy: sequin sweater ($60); preppy: contrast color trim cardigan ($23), argyle sweater ($50); or embellished: beaded sweater ($25), embroidered sweater ($20) .
Survival item #3: scarves.
If you get sick of the look of your coat, change out your scarf. Some are lightweight enough you can wear them throughout the work day, and it can take the place of a necklace for the day. Shawna scarf ($20); Fall market scarf ($38); Leopard scarf ($29).
Survival item #4: close-toed flats and boots.
I'm not sure about you, but my tootsies get icy so fast! To protect your toes from the freezing temps this winter and still be able to strut the streets of NYC, try close-toed flats and boots.
Boots: Kenneth Cole Super Chic ($135); Steve Madden Candence ($100); Chinese Laundry At Once ($89); Madden Girl Paris ($55)
Flats: Bandolino Holden ($50); Lela Rose Chapelle ($35); UrbanOg Bette ($13); Target Salema ($20).