Holiday Outfit - Dressy - Skirt

Christmas is less than a week away. Every year I have a hard time wrapping my head around how fast the holiday season comes upon us and then passes us by. I have a busy week, but I am trying to keep my blog posts three days a week, even through this holiday time. 

Once again I am looking at a dressy holiday outfit. Today I am showing you how you could take a plain skirt and dress it up for a more formal look. Again, I chose a monochrome palette. You certainly don't have to choose monochrome for a formal look, but it really is an easy way to make an outfit look classy. I chose gray for this look. I know gray is not a color many people would choose, but gray can add a touch of elegance without going as stark as black. The beauty of gray is that it comes in different shades from  neutral, to light to a dark charcoal. 

I love this pretty red bush that was behind my daughter's apartment complex. It was the perfect backdrop for this holiday outfit. 

I found this gray pleated skirt at Kohl's on the clearance rack. It is Apt.9 brand. I saw this skirt last spring when the new season started and I just loved it, but I didn't want to pay the full price. Being a thrifter, I have the attitude that the price is more important than being what I'll term, trend timely. All that means is I am willing to wait on a piece that is more trendy to pay less. That's just me. Before I became a fashion blogger I never paid any attention to the trends, so I figure I am doing better, in that I follow trends, even if I do it later than when they first appear. Here is a pretty metallic one from Macy's.

Once I decided on the skirt I tried a few different tops with it, but settled on this gray Loft short sleeved sweater with pleated, ruffled collar

I added the Worthington drape for warmth and to add softness. Even though i only used gray for this outfit, changing the shades of gray (no pun intended) makes it more interesting 

The jewelry I am wearing I've had for some time and thought it went well with this gray palette. 

My little gray clutch is a brand called Urban Expressions. Here is a pretty red one from DSW. 

These gray pumps are Comfort Plus by Predictions. They are cushy and the heels aren't too high. Here is a different brand, but similar look from DSW. 

What would you wear to a formal holiday event? I'd love to have your input. 

I hope your week is off to a good start and that you are ready for the holidays. Remember to take some time for yourself. You are the only you there is and you are beautiful!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Beautiful Blogger Bests - Styling a Scarf with a Bag

There are so many fun bloggers to follow, that I actually have a hard time, deciding who I should feature next on my Beautiful Blogger Bests column, but this week I was pressed for time and needed a fairly simple look that didn't require a ton of prep or thought. Enter in the English beauty Gemma of Jacquard Flower. 

Gemma is a part time professional and a full time mom to twins. Her style language is fairly simple, a few good quality items mixed with clothing pieces that can be used every day. I always look forward to Gemma's posts. In this particular post Outfit Ideas with Scarves and Bags, Gemma takes two simple pieces and creates a fabulous casual outfit with eye popping color. Be sure to click on the link to see her original post. I especially like her orange shopper bag and blanket scarf. The scarves and bags Gemma used in her post were all from Laura Ashley.

While Gemma wore jeans and a black sweater, with tan knee high boots, I wore jeans and a gray sweater with black boots. 

Look 1 - Red and Gray Scarf with Red Bag

We were at my daughter's (photographer) house meeting our new grand "dog". She's a big puppy with some mastiff and a few other things in her lineage. I should have had my daughter include a photo! Anyway, my girl and my son-in-law have this wonderfully large and comfy chair. It just felt like the perfect pose!

Look 2 - Blue and Gray Scarf with Blue Bag

This one doesn't have the pop of color like the red does, but I like the textures involved in the outfit as a whole.

Here are the two looks side by side.

You might be asking yourself, why follow all of these different fashion bloggers? My answer is to be inspired. I have learned so much from all of these lovely ladies and their creativity inspires me daily to look in my closet and ask myself, "How can I look my best today?"

I hope you will check out Gemma's site and give her some love. As bloggers we benefit from your comments and your views! We all thank you. 

Have a great weekend!