One of the first things I did when I moved back here was organize an English book swap.
English books are fairly easily available in Zurich, but also pretty expensive. So I figured that any English-speaking bookworm would be happy to have the chance to trade some of their books for new ones they haven’t read yet – and by the looks of it, I was right on the money. Today we had our 4th book swap meeting and it went pretty well: once again, the spot I had prepared at a Starbucks near the center was not enough to accommodate everyone who showed up, and we had to keep pulling up chairs. In the end I didn’t have the chance to talk to everyone, because there circle kept growing – but it was fun to see the books piling up on the table and everyone chatting animately and having a good time.
One of the attendees was my friend Gwen, who just moved to Zurich two weeks ago – to my great excitement, because now we can do our “expat training” together 
Gwen had a really adorable outfit on, and that’s where the inspiration for the latest OOTW came from:
A simple black dress gets an edgy makeover, but one fitting to the cold weather the Swiss are complaining so much about right now. All you need are some fabulous, slightly over-the-top motorcycle boots, paired with colored tights to soften it up… and for a bit of fun. Add some cute necklaces, pairing cord or leather with military chains, and make one a silver dog tag, to keep the tough-girl, rocker chick vibe going.
Add a soft sweater coat and a cozy, uncomplicated loop scarf to keep warm, and of course the rocker chick bag of choice, a black leather hobo, and you are done. No one is going to mess with you now 
I do love stilettos and peep-toe pumps, but I love rocker-chic elements just as much.This look is right up my alley, it speaks to the part of me that feels a bit like a rebel and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. I’d wear this tomorrow, if I could only get my hands on those fantastic Jeffrey Campbell boots!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE that sweater!!!
And, I always forget that I can dress up my everyday black dress with a cardigan, tights, boots and different jewelry and wear it in the winter and not just the summer. I think you have just inspired what I am going to wear to work tomorrow. Thanks!
.-= HaB ´s last blog ..Brrrr….COLD, but FUN! =-.
SO CUTE! I’m looking for a cute black dress like that. I tried on a grey one yesterday, but it had a belt and that was just not ok. Good grief, I miss H & M.
By the way, if you wanna do a phone date, I’m SO up for it! I drop Dean off at 9am CST, then I’m pretty free tomorrow and Friday! (Lunch date w/husband at noon Thursday, but free before!)
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Sans pants =-.
You organised that? Too great!
.-= Mwa´s last blog ..A drunk is a drunk in any language – let’s give him all our savings =-.
That is FABULOUS and I love those boots!
.-= Jaime´s last blog ..Elle Magazine: The Denim Report: Shades of Blue =-.
This is definitely my favorite of your ‘outfits of the week’. I so wish I could pull it off. I’m bookmarking it for future reference, when I’m not pregnant! Great ideas, Elisa! And how fantastic that one of your friends moved to your city! Woo-hoo!
I love it all. I always feel like I’m too out of style to just dive right into something stylish. I’ve always worn jeans and tshirt attire and have slowly been attempting cute stuff. This would be what I would want to wear if I had the courage to dive in without sticking out.
i’m so glad that you are starting to get comfortable there!! you must be so relieved!!
yay you, honey!
xoxo
melissa
I love that sweater. I’m completely fashion ignorant when it comes to coming up with anything, but I love the slight edginess and pull-off-able-ness of this.
.-= Kimberly Hosey (AZ Writer)´s last blog ..Delurking, morons, bragging and other miscellany =-.
Twitter: stylecrusader
January 15, 2010 at 1:14 AM
such a great outfit! looks very cool and wearable! xx
.-= the style crusader´s last blog ..a little bit of rock n roll… =-.
Twitter: aleciahoobing
January 15, 2010 at 4:12 AM
I love the dress and sweater! The boots are probably too edgy for me, but I do love the idea of wearing them. I think I am way too picky about boots and thus have only ever purchased two *stylish* pairs in my life. Of course, I am the clog-wearer so you probably don’t want to hear from me on footwear style.
.-= Alecia, Hoobing Family Adventures´s last blog ..Boy Troubles =-.
I can’t pull this off. Do they have a senior version of this?
.-= Marinka´s last blog ..IRL Friends =-.
I absolutely love this!
.-= Pres. Kathy´s last blog ..GIVEAWAY WINNER! =-.
Fab-u-lous outfit! Absolutely beautiful.
LOVE. IT.
.-= AnnQ´s last blog ..Heidi Montag’s Plastic Surgery – Too much? =-.
I saw your tweet and felt the need to come tell you I really love your OOTW…it’s the kind of thing I would never think to put together…and the reason why I need someone like you to do all my shopping for me.
.-= amber´s last blog ..Writer’s Workshop: A Snapshot of My Life. =-.
Very cute!!
And please tell me that you get your books back?? I am all about letting people borrow, but I don’t think I could handle permanently being separated from any of my books
.-= Kellee´s last blog ..Frozen, Stuck, and Otherwise Paralyzed =-.
Love this outfit!! Love it. Just can’t seem to get enough of your inspirations, which you were here to help me get dressed every day. Miss you dearly. xoxoxo
.-= NYCityMama´s last blog ..Snow Day in New York City =-.
Love, love, love this site! Great concept, traveling with style. I’m guilty of occasionally trotting around in flipflops, but Globetrotting in Heels is inspring me to up my fashion game while I’m living in Belize.
Just having a peek to see if you are back from your holiday with some pretty and exciting photographs;-)