Heading Toward the Holidays - Blazers and Scarves

One of the things I like about the cold weather seasons is the ability to wear layers. Layering is possible in the warmer weather, but we reach for light weight tops, sweaters and kimonos. In the winter I can get out my blazers and layer them over sweaters, buttons downs or long sleeve tees. I can also add scarves and boots to the ensemble for a warm work wear look. Today’s look is just that.

I thought I would go step by step to show you how I put this look together. I wanted to give you a less casual outfit than last week since I know some of you like to get more dressed up for holiday gatherings. I thought this look, while still leaning towards casual works perfectly for an office Christmas get together.

Step 1 - Pick a top. I got this cute tee from Kohl’s online when I was looking to use some Kohl’s cash and a 40% off coupon. I paid less than five dollars for this tee. I got this one and a navy blue with a woodsy vibe, both of which will work all winter, not just for the holidays. You certainly don’t have to pick a long sleeve tee. You could go with a light weight pullover sweater or a button down blouse. You do you.

Step 2 - Pick a blazer. Blazers are such versatile pieces and I think most of us have at least a couple in our closets. I have plenty (yes, clothes horse, most likely a Clydesdale - ha, ha), but I opted for this one I thrifted this past summer due to the green in the plaid. Green has been on my radar over the last few months. You could just as easily choose a plain colored blazer. I love plaid, and this definitely works for a holiday look.

Step 3 - Choose your bottoms. Since my outfit was business casual, I chose a wider leg, dark wash jean, because I think they look a more dressy than a skinny, and definitely more appropriate than a distressed pair with holes. I love those, but that would not necessarily be the right choice for a more corporate setting.

Step 4 - Pick a bag and shoes. I wanted my bag to draw out the reds in the jacket, so I chose my burgundy saddle bag.

I tried on several pairs of boots and ended up choosing my Nine West brown suede boots, also from Kohl’s a couple of years ago. I wish I would have tried on my burgundy ankle boots, because they might have looked just a tiny bit better.

Step 5 - Choose a scarf. A scarf is the perfect finishing touch on an outfit, especially when you want a little more class, and a little more warmth. You never know when you go to a gathering what the temperature is going to feel like. Often where there are a lot of people someone might open a door or a window because they are feeling too hot (this often happens when alcohol is being served). A scarf will be that added touch of warmth, and you can always take it off if you feel too warm. Again, I chose burgundy. I think this thrifted piece has a bit of a Christmas feel.

Would you wear an outfit like this? What would you do differently? I love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so leave me a comment or two.

No shopping links this week. I think all of us are trying to watch our spending as things have gotten so expensive. I do not like to push buying products because I feel we have enough pressure to spend, spend, spend. I just watched the Grinch, so I can hear his voice saying “All the noise, noise, noise…” I will continue to make recommendations and provide shopping links on occasion, but my motto is, if you haven’t tried thrifting it is a great way to find all sorts of fun and interesting clothes and try brands you might not know about.

As always, thank you for following along. I appreciate each and every one of you who support me and my blog. Have a great day!

If you follow my Faith page, be sure to stop by in a day or two to see my next installment as I head towards Christmas by looking over the names of Christ in Isaiah 9:6.

My Style - Pantone Spring 2023 - NY: Classic Green, Love Bird, Leek Green

For today’s look, I decided to combine the three greens on the New York Palette into one outfit. These greens are all different, but go together making a fun, bright, spring outfit perfect for any casual occasion.

You know my go to is always casual and comfortable, but aIso like my outfits to look put together, so it at least appears that I gave a little thought to what I am wearing. I always try to plan my outfits out the night before, so that I don’t have to take the time in the morning to make those decisions. Do you pick out your outfits the night before, or do you just throw things on at the last minute?

This outfit is my style: casual, cute and comfortable. It is the type of outfit in which I feel most confident and most like myself. I love wearing button downs as a topper over a graphic tee or light weight long sleeve tee. Skinnies are always going to be part of my wardrobe, no matter what the trend forecasters say. I will definitely style other types of pants from boot cut, to straight, to wide leg and flares, but skinnies will still hold a place in my closet.

I thought this Periodic Table of Muppets tee perfect for the Classic Green color on the NY palette. The thing I love about graphic tees is that they allow every individual to speak for themselves. They show the bands we like, the shows we watch, the activities and hobbies we groove on. A graphic tee can tell a lot about a person. What do you suppose this tee says about me? If you guessed that I grew up watching the Muppet Show, then you are right! Ha, ha.

This thrifted Jaclyn Smith Love Bird button down is such a great piece for spring and summer. Gingham always moves our minds towards the warmer days of spring and a summer full of outdoor activities and picnics at the park.

While these olive pants are not as yellowy as the Pantone Leek Green, it still gives you the idea of olive drab, which you know comes in a variety of shades from green gray to green brown and green yellow. I’ve had these Gloria Vanderbilt utility skinnies for a number of years and have styled them multiple times on the blog. You can see them with an olive utility vest, a light weight sweater, a floral bomber jacket, and a snakeskin print jacket.

The addition of my Steve Madden white sneakers keeps the outfit feeling springy and fun.

This brown and white bag was a thrifting treasure. It is Rafe NY brand. I really like the style and roominess of the this bag. The fringe tassel and woven buckle strap on the front pocket add such fun details. The bag is a bit heavy, so I won’t be using it for any long shopping trips, but it will make a great travel bag with room for a book and a few snacks. Ha, ha. I felt it went very well with the whole vibe of this outfit. What do you think?

I didn’t get a good close up of my necklace, but it is a simple short pendant and the colors mimic the other colors in the outfit.

Style Tip: Go monochrome without going monochrome. All of these colors are in the green category, but they are all different. Even still, the outfit does have a distinct monochrome feel. This is also a great way to put an outfit together. Pick a color category, then choose various shades from that category to make up your whole outfit. Use your accessories as a way to add a few pops of different color.

What do you think of this outfit? Does this mimic your style? What is your casual go to style? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Leave me some love.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no extra cost. If you purchase something through a link I get a little bit of a commission. I also now have a Buy Me a Coffee link, so if you are so inclined you can support this little blog by doing that. Thank you so much.

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I wasn’t able to find anything in the Love Bird color, so you may have to track that one down yourself by Googling it or by looking for it at thrift stores.

Have a great week.