Honestly you can type the title of this post in youtube and get lots of helpful videos, some of which I have watched and inspired this post. Mostly this is my opinion through trial and error. My eyes have been insanely dry this winter as I was battling viral conjunctivitis (which can last weeks by the way) so I've been stuck wearing my Kate Spade Matilda glasses (pictured above). I've gotten several compliments as these glasses look chic with my new side swept bangs but I can't wait to get back into my contacts again.
1. Matte shadows are definitely the way to go. I've been using MAC Naked Lunch on the lid with Handwritten in the crease and outer corner and a bit of MAC cream color base in Shell on the brow bone.
2. Define the brows. I've been using define a brow from Maybelline for years followed with their gel and it works well for me.
3. I keep my cheeks subdued, some peach blush Maybelline Mousse blush in Peach satin followed by MAC beauty powder blush in Shy Girl to set it.
4. Use minimal eyeliner and lots of mascara. I'm near-sited so my glasses make my eyes appear smaller, I lightly line the outer 2/3 of my lash line on top and lower 1/2 slightly under the lashline using brown kohl liner, mine is Prestige Kohl Liner in Charcoal Brown. Mascara helps open the eye, I apply a couple of coats of Almay nourishing 1 coat volumizing mascara.
5. Lipstick is the key to balancing the face. Because my glasses are wide and dark brown there is a lot of color near the top half of my face, wearing lipstick really polishes the look. Recently I've been wearing NYC Brandy Sparkle (a bronzy pink color) but I also love Smashbox gloss in Radiant. I would defintitely skip on the nude lip and try to find something with more color.
Long Peacoat - Mine is winter white and a pain to keep clean but it looks so chic I could never regret buying it. 
Thin Cashmere Sweaters - I can wear these with jeans, slacks, skirts, etc. They work layered or by themselves depending on how cold it gets. The ply to buy depends on your climate, the higher the ply the warmer the sweater. 
Boots - I think this one speaks for itself. I own several pairs but I plan on getting these now that they're on sale. 
Tights - My favorite brand is HUE (work appropriate) and can be found at discount retailers like TJ Maxx or in any department store. I like the Betsey Johnson ones (I found them at Steinmart) for going out.
I received two compliments, 1 from a cousin that does nails in a salon! She couldn't tell until I mentioned it that they were glued on. The color did not chip off the ends and the glue didn't pool around my cuticles (she mentioned that is sometimes common with store bought kits). I wouldn't hesitate to buy these again for a special occasion. I can't wear artificial nails in the hospital because they harbor germs and I wouldn't want to waste money at a salon to only get a few days out of it.
I paid $5.97 at Walmart for the kit and $1.69 at Target for the Maximum Strength Acetone Polish Remover. The kit includes 24 nails of all different sizes, a file, glue, and a cuticle pusher. Directions and removal instructions are located on the back. It took nearly an hour with my fingers soaked in acetone to remove the nails but I'm left with no damage - just make sure you have a good show or movie on!
Linzer Bars made with rasberry preserves and toasted almonds.
Lilly showing off her new candy cane toy. She kept rubbing her head against it so it was hard to get a good photo.