Monday, December 23, 2019

Holly Jolly

Today's post is going to be another holiday inspired outfit that's suggestive of the season without being too on the nose. There's nothing wrong with dressing for the holidays, but at a certain point it's time to reign it in (reindeer pun intended) or risk looking...well,...crazy.

Up, Up, and Amaze Top from ModCloth Red, white hedgehog print bow blouse

If you're looking for an outfit that suits the season but is appropriate for work, an evening out, or for simply being an adult, I have a few tips for you.

1. Select a few colors from the holiday palette. Christmas colors are red, white, black, and green. Hanukkah colors are blue and silver. Don't try to squeeze everything in, just pick one or two, with a maximum of three if that third color is confined to small details.

I chose red and black with white details reminiscent of Ol' Saint Nick but minus the white fur trim and pop-pom hat.

2. Go with timeless pieces instead of something on trend. For a style that will last you throughout the year and even through many years, select classic pieces.

An elegant bow top with a basic pencil skirt with pearl accents and basic patent leather peep toe pumps is something I can wear any season, any year.

I know pencil skirts and pumps don't exactly convey comfort when we think of them, but this particular skirt has lots of stretch and the top is light and comfy too. Not to mention that the heels aren't too high so I can wear them all day at work without needing to soak my feet when I get home.

And as simple as that you have an outfit that gives and graceful nod, not a crazy two-handed wave, to the holiday season. And the very best thing about this outfit is how comfortable it is.

Shopping Info: Up, UP, and Amaze Top in hedgehogs from ModCloth, Skirt from SheIn, pumps are old from Charlotte Russe

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Wear to Work

Sometimes the blogging world sets up unrealistic expectations that actual people can never live up to. When I read interviews with celebrities or even when I look at other bloggers' sites, I always take their styles with a grain of salt, and you should too.

No one, not celebrities or fashion bloggers or anyone else on the planet, looks fabulous all the time, and that's perfectly OK. For the most part, I do wear exactly what I post on the blog, with a few exceptions like wearing flats to work instead of heels, but there are some really dynamic outfits that just standout way to much for certain situations and I have to tone them down. And that's OK too.

So, every now and then I like to snap some pics of an "actual outfit," just as I have it styled while I'm on my way out the door to work or dinner or where ever. Today's post is one of those days.

This little outfit is something I just put together about a month ago, but I've already worn it twice. The reason is that it is work appropriate, seasonally appropriate, comfortable and fashionably grown-up. All in one!

I don't often have the chance to wear this skirt because it is made out of thick wool and über short---that's a difficult combo to get much use out of, but it's hopelessly adorable, so I keep trying.

If you're not a fan of mixing black and brown, my advice to you is, Stop It! Black looks particularly classy with this camel brown. The snakeskin print top adds some sophistication, while the tights (thick not sheer) cover-up how short this skirt is and simultaneously keep me warm.

The skirt buckles add some great detail. Without them the skirt runs the risk of being a little bland. If I needed to dress it up a little, I would probably wear heels or flats, but since my regular daily routine involves lots of activity, I usually prefer these Steve Madden boots.

Some sort of covering is a necessity since even in the dead of winter it seems like my co-workers have the A/C running, so I almost always have a cardigan. A crop cardi is a must since a long cardigan might ruin the lines of this silhouette, though a fitted blazer would also look nice.

I keep it light in the jewelry, usually just earrings, because I work with my hands a lot and rings and necklaces tend to get in the way. And, hair pulled back is only for those days when my hair is being extra disagreeable. Otherwise, I usually wear it down to avoid a headache by the end of the day.

And now my dear readers and fellow fashionistas, I'm off to work looking reasonably and realistically fab. Questions about my Wear-to-Work style? Comment below.
Shopping Info: Top from: SHEIN, Cardi from ModCloth, Meadow Rue Skirt, Tights, and boots are old.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Fresh Picks from ShopPriceless

Divina Champagne Satin Wrap Dress - $59.97
from: Shop Priceless

Leading Lady Leopard Pumps - $32.97

Cordelia Rust Corduroy Skirt - $34.97

Better Together Rust Plaid Blanket Scarf - $19.97

A Perfect Day Burgundy Polka Dot Swing Dress - $36.97

Carolina Beige Hat - $36.97

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

This morning the woods were white with frost and flecks of snow and it truly was a winter wonderland.

I wished I didn't have to rush off this morning, but at least I had just finished sewing this vintage pattern dress the night before and was able to wear it to keep warm.

It's made of a vintage wool blend and I've been wanting to try this new pattern with this fabric for a while, but there's always some fear in trying a new pattern that I'll totally ruin the fabric.

All turned out well this time as it usually does now that I have more experience with sewing and I was able to wear it to work today to bring a little holiday spirit to the office.

The wonderland won't last, of course. It will all melt away by the time I get home, but at least I was able to enjoy it for a few moments as the sun was coming up over the hills.

Having those few moments with all the world glittering like diamonds in the silence of early morning, makes the cold world a little easier to bear. Wouldn't you agree?

Shopping Info: Butterick B6318 Retro '61 sewing pattern, Claire's Black Satin Ruched Gloves - $9.34, shoes and belt are old, Similar dress from Unique Vintage