To say that it’s been cold would be a serious understatement. With temperatures below zero and snow that never seems to cease, the last thing on my mind was wearing something cute or teetering around in heels, but…I found an outfit that was fashionable and functional.

My cold days aren’t complete without my Ellen Tracy cape {get it here in black} I scored from Loehmann’s two years ago. Seriously, investing in outerwear is a must, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Every other garment I rocked was straight from my favorite thrift stores: vintage Balenciaga booties {less than $1 from Housing Works Buy the Bag}, purse, vintage blouse, beaded jacket and Uniqlo jumpsuit from the Salvation Army. They all came together for a look that combined fashion and function.

I remember being so stoked to find these Balenciaga booties at Housing Works {remember when I Instagrammed them this summer!?}. I was having a less than stellar shopping trip and then lo and behold, these booties were at the bottom of a bin. That’s why I always tell people to give themselves time to thrift and understand that some moments are hit or miss. But when you really score, it can be major!

My Pegasus bag is emblazoned with tropical palm trees. Ah, what I wouldn’t give for a sandy beach and sky blue water right now.

The pair of pants I’m wearing is actually a strapless jumpsuit from Uniqlo {similar styles here and here}, so I made it cold weather appropriate by layering over a printed vintage blouse and a sequin jacket.

Though the weather is dreary, I love adding pops of color. From my Vixen lipstick by Youngblood to my beaded jacket and the printed blouse, don’t let the frigid temps make you enter the neutral zone. And because I wanted to jazz up my collar a bit more, I threw on a bib necklace my cousin gave me. *If you’re clueless about what necklaces to wear with what necklines, check out my latest Cheap & Chic column on ebony.com. I share some easy tips!