Outfit Inspiration: A Dressy Valentine's Outfit

Hi everyone. Since this month is Valentine’s Day I wanted to give you a few Valentine’s looks. A holiday gives us a reason to dress differently. It doesn’t have to be that you have a significant other to dress for. You can dress up simply for your own well being, to make yourself look pretty and to use some of those extra special pieces in your closet. You can dress up to go out with your gal pals, go to a family dinner or a movie date with a friend. These days we don’t need special intimate date nights to get out our fancy dresses and frilly attire. Why not host a special friend party and celebrate “Galentine’s Day” instead?

One of my favorite bloggers who knows how to do just that is Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy. Liz is a plus size blogger from not to far from where I live, that I have referenced on the blog before. She is very good at what she does and has an enormous following. Not only does she have collaborations with plus size retailers like Spell, Eloquii, Lane Bryant and Anthropologie, she gives all sorts of tips and guides for travel, decorating, hair and make up.

What I love about Liz is not just how organized and thorough her blog is, but her lovely, whimsical style. Liz loves pink, pastels and all things girly. You’ll regularly see her in gorgeous dresses and shimmering skirts. Check out her Whimsical Pastel Holiday Style post from last October. The pieces she shares are indicative of her overall style. You can also see one of her idea posts for a Galentine’s get together in Pink and Red Galentine’s Day Brunch.

I knew I wanted to do something feminine and somewhat whimsical for this post and I knew Liz’s blog would be a great place to find inspiration. I also knew I wanted to include my burgundy tulle skirt and my pastel pink moto jacket. The rest of the outfit came together rather easily.

I found this fun tulle skirt at a thrift store. I haven’t really had an occasion to wear it outside the house, but it is fun to have for blog outfits and Instagram. I have used it numerous times for Instagram style challenges. You can see it styled with a cropped denim jacket, with a denim vest. and with a cropped metallic pink moto jacket. I wanted this look to be more dressy and something my spouse would like. He came in when I was taking pictures and said, “Wow! What are you all dressed up for?” Ha, ha.

I have had this silky button down top for years. I know it is a thrifted piece, but I have no idea where or when I got it. I thought it matched perfectly with both the jacket and the skirt. I was thinking of adding a black belt. Do you think that would have been a good idea or not? Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are.

I decided to use gold as my accent color for my necklace and bag.

My light pink moto jacket is from Christopher and Banks a few years back. I typically don’t wear these as jackets, but use them more as layering pieces. I have a nice leather jacket that I wear in the spring and fall when the temps are chilly, but not cold. These definitely could be used as a jacket, but I think they work well like a sweater for layering.

You’ve seen these shoes before. They are my Aerosoles and so comfy and elegant. They are perfect for a dressy outfit like this or for dressing up jeans or other pants.

What do you think of this outfit? Be sure to check out Liz’s blog and let me know if you think my look did a good job of mimicking her style.

I am including a few shopping links. I am still in the process of trying to find a few other affiliate programs to get involved in to bring you selections that are more in an “average” price range, yet still good quality. I appreciate your patience as I navigate new ideas.

Have a great week and be sure to check out my Faith post on Thursday to see who is inspiring me in my walk with God.

Having Fun with Layers - Dressy Valentine's Day Look - 5 Year Bloggiversary with a Giveaway

Today I am showing you a more dressed up Valentine’s Day look. Although, so many of us are choosing to not go out very often, or at all, there still is the opportunity to dress up for a date night right in your own home. Obviously, this is harder for those of you who have kids, but those of us who are empty nesters can do this a little more easily. If you are a young couple, there is no reason you can’t have a fun Valentine’s party with your littles and reserve some of your own special time once they are in bed.

Today’s outfit revolves around a beautiful blouse I recently acquired from Maurice’s clearance rack. I love everything about this blouse from the high collar, to the pattern and the flowy, sheer fabric. Just like I did for my casual outfit on Tuesday, I am wearing the same under layers consisting of the black tights and black tank top.

My long, black maxi skirt was a Meijer clearance find. It is a summer weight skirt of lighter material, but it is not sheer, so doesn’t need a slip underneath. The brand is Ava James. I like the textured pleats which gives it the look of crepe. It also has a comfortable elastic waistband and pockets.

You can see from the above picture that I drew on the gold, metallic splashes that are on the blouse for my jewelry inspiration. There is plenty going on, on the blouse, but I thought a few simple gold pieces would compliment the look just right.

I added the metallic, blush moto jacket as my over layer piece. This jacket, I’ve styled before on the blog. I got it a few years ago at Nordstrom Rack and it is a brand called Coffee Shop New York. You can see how I styled it with a camo shirt and with a Mickey Mouse tee.

In keeping with the gold jewelry and the gold flecks on the blouse, I decided to carry my small gold, clutch. This is a thrifted piece and perfect for those special occasions that require you to dress up. I don’t have very many of those any more. How about you? Do you still find occasions to dress up?

My shoes you have seen multiple times on the blog. They are Aerosoles and I got them on clearance at DSW. Again, I apologize for the dirty shoes. I didn’t realize how much cat hair is just laying around, and I have vacuumed several times since Christmas. Those darn fur balls. Ha, ha.

What did you think of this outfit? Do you like floral blouses? Do you prefer maxi skirts, midi skirts or a knee length or shorter? Are you doing anything special for Valentine’s Day? I don’t know if we are doing anything or not. As we get older, it has become less about the particular days and more about making every day special. Don’t forget about the giveaway. I’m including the rules again, below. If you haven’t entered yet, be sure you comment and subscribe.

If you want to be entered into the drawing to win either a $25 Target card, or a $25 Amazon gift card, please be sure to read the rules and enter. Entries will be taken until 12 midnight on Friday, February 12th. If you are not sure how to subscribe, just click the link at the top of home page that says, Subscribe and fill in the information. Being a subscriber does not cost you a thing. It just allows me to sent you a once a week email, to remind you there are new posts on the blog. You can either comment on today’s post, or on this past Tuesday’s post. You can also earn more entries by commenting on Facebook and Instagram. Have a fabulous Thursday!

A Dickens' Christmas - The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

These photos were taken in a local graveyard. No disrespect was intended to the families of those laid to rest in its borders, nor to the spirits who might walk its paths.

Probably the spookiest of Dickens’ Christmas spirits is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This specter is darker and more formidable than either of the previous phantasms. In both of my favorite movie versions of the story, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is personified as a dark, flowing, faceless creature who stands head and shoulders above Ebenezer Scrooge and who never speaks. He simply points his long, skeletal like fingers to what he wants Ebenezer to see.

When I started thinking about an outfit to typify this gruesome ghoul, I knew I wanted to go with gray colors. I thought gray, rather than a stark black spoke more to the shaded veil our futures seem to be. No one can know the future, but God alone, and I personally would rather not have the so called privilege of knowing what is to be, except that blessed assurance of life with Him, after I die.

There was no doubt, I wanted these pictures, done in a graveyard. The most telling scene in the movie version of A Christmas Carol, is when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come brings Scrooge to a lonely, forsaken graveyard. In his creepy, speechless manner, the Ghost points to a specific, unattended grave, which in overwhelming despair, Ebenezer wipes aside the snow and sees his own name engraved on the stone.

I wanted my look to be work appropriate, so I chose pieces that created a classic monochrome look, but still gave the illusion of movement. I also wanted the layers.

My plaid Style & Co trousers have been around quite a while. I honestly can’t remember if I bought these new or if I got them at a thrift store. Style & Co are still sold at Macy’s.

My gray turtleneck is Worthington brand. Once again, I have had this piece for years and I don’t remember if I got it new at JCPenney’s, or if I thrifted it. Not only is my memory in need of help, so is my waistline. I know the above picture is not the most flattering, but ladies, this is the real me at the current moment. I have a spare tire or maybe two, and I am probably in the worst shape I have been in, in years, due to achey joints, not eating well and not enough exercise. I can’t blame it all on the pandemic, as much as I would like to. Most of it is my very undisciplined nature. Maybe you can relate. I hope so. I really don’t want to feel like I am the only one in this rocky boat. Ha, ha. I am really hoping, that once this busy holiday time is over, I can try to implement a few changes. Never give up!

The light weight shrug that I put over the turtleneck is also Worthington brand. This piece I did buy new at Penney’s. It has an asymmetrical hem, so the longer front pieces can be tied, to create a different look. You can see how I wore it tied with a black maxi dress.

My long, wide scarf was not only a purply gray color, but it had bugs on it, which somehow seemed fitting with the grave theme.

You know me, I had to try keeping in character. Ha, ha. I do look like a fitting specter to haunt this old graveyard, especially in black and white.

Here are my grays together.

Since this was meant to be an outfit, one could actually wear for work, or for a night out, I did have to style it with a few accessories. I chose silver and gray to maintain the monochrome look. A small silver clutch, to give it a bit of bling, a three strand statement necklace and my dark gray Impo ankle boots completed the look.

What do you think of this look? Do you think it personified the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come without looking too much like a costume? A monochrome look in any color can be an easy, fun and interesting way to change up your wardrobe and still look like you put thought and effort into your outfit. Monochrome doesn’t have to be an exact match, but just be pieces with the same color hues and tones. Adding texture is also the perfect way to make a single color scheme look go from boring to fabulous.

This was the last post in my Dickens’ Christmas series. I certainly hope you enjoyed my interpretations of one of my favorite Christmas stories. Be sure to check back on Thursday for a very mischievous, Actual Amy post. Until then, have a great week.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

This week, I am not including any shopping links, for outfits. I hope to resume regular style posts after the first of the year.

Have a great week and a very Merry Christmas!

Outfit Inspiration - Christmas with the Kranks - Holiday Vest

If you haven’t seen, Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis in the holiday movie, Christmas with the Kranks, it is a must see comedy, that reminds us of the importance of family and of giving to others. When Luther Krank decides to can Christmas and book a cruise for he and his wife Nora, the chaos ensues. From the neighbors demanding Luther release Frosty, so he can be put up on their roof, to the last minute chase for a particular canned ham, the Kranks try their hardest to pretend Christmas isn’t going to happen. That all changes when they realize their daughter, Blair, who was in Peru with the Peace Corp, is coming home and bringing her fiancee.

The character of Nora Krank is someone many of us can relate to. She loves her daughter and is very sad when she flies off with the Peace Corp. She also is a traditional stay at home mom, enjoying all the activities typically associated with the holidays. She even loves to wear festive holiday clothing. When my girls were young, I used to dress a lot like Nora. I would wear the festive turtleneck adorned with Christmas trees, with my colorful Christmas vest donning bells and bows.

I have come a long way since then. Now I more often enjoy graphic tees with a holiday scene or words under a blazer or sweater. I had long since gotten rid of my jazzy Christmas vest. When the thought of doing these Christmas posts came to mind, I started to think, how could I take something like an over the top Christmas sweater or vest and make it look classy and fashionable? This is what I came up with.

I found this snazzy vest at the American Cancer Center Discovery Shop thrift store. They typically feature items that appeal to people whose taste might include things like this retro style vest, but they have a great selection of all different items including glassware, pillows, shoes and bags. The vest is a brand called Erika. I like that the vest is black, because to me it still seems somewhat classy and stylish

My blue, velvet skirt is Chaps brand and was a Kohl’s clearance find a few seasons ago. Velvet is a classic cold weather fabric, but especially so at the holidays. It really dresses up an outfit, and the twirlier the better!

My shiny, cream colored blouse was also a thrift find and is Jaclyn Smith brand. Her brand used to be available at K-Mart. We no longer have a K-Mart in our area, but I do remember her pieces being very classic.

I decided to go with gold for my jewelry and bag to elevate the look just a little more. Plus gold goes so well with the gold bits in the vest.

I chose my Aerosole black heels again. They are comfortable, but still look fairly nice, especially with an outfit like this. I thought blue hose, would be a different option to black and still cover up the legs.

What do you think of this outfit? Have you seen Christmas with the Kranks? When I first watched this movie, I wasn’t sure whether I really liked it, but now I enjoy watching it and there are a few very funny scenes. Sometimes you have to watch something more than once to really appreciate it.

I am including a few shopping links. I wasn’t able to find very many Christmas themed vests, but there were plenty of sweaters, so I included a few of those. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Location Toledo Botanical Gardens.

A Dickens' Christmas - The Ghost of Christmas Past

Today’s outfit draws its inspiration from Charles Dickens’ ghostly apparition of Christmas Past. Before the visitation of the three ghostly characters, Scrooge is visited by the ghoulish presence of his former business partner in life, Jacob Marley. Jacob warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits, for the hopeful purpose of his redemption. The first of these paranormal beings makes their appearance when the bell tolls one.

The idea of drawing fashion inspiration from a ghost, might seem a stretch of the imagination, but I do like a challenge. If you have watched a version of A Christmas Carol, you probably saw the Ghost of Christmas Past as a being dressed in white garments, sometimes shining and sometimes in an unearthly, ethereal manner as if floating and flowing in some unseen breeze. Two of my favorite movie versions of A Christmas Carol are the 1984 drama with George C. Scott, and the 1992 musical, The Muppet Christmas Carol. Surprisingly, the Muppet version stays fairly true to the original tale by Charles Dickens. Both versions are filled with amazing scenery, typical old time London and excellent veteran actors, (the Muppet version stars Michael Caine as Scrooge).

We often shy away from white in the colder weather. It has long been a color we wear in spring and summer. Obviously, things have changed immensely over the last decade, especially as more and more women have access to fashion blogs and more reasonably priced clothing. White is now a year round color choice. It stands true to reason, that if we live in colder areas in the winter, our white pieces will have to be compatible for those frigid temps. This is where layering, fabric choices and textures all come into play.

My daughter and I didn’t have a lot of time for pictures, so we went, once again, to the Toledo Botanical Gardens. They have so many interesting sculptures, garden areas and small buildings used for various events. These metal arches provided the perfect backdrop for an other worldly vibe.

When I started thinking about an all white outfit, I knew that most of my pieces were not a true white. Not everyone can wear a crisp white near their face, but most people can pull off an ivory or a cream. All of these pieces, except the scarf, have more of a cream, or ivory tint to them.

My long, Apt. 9, chenille sweater was a piece my daughter was getting rid of. It wasn’t really her style, so when I saw it, I took it home, figuring I could always just wear it around the house as a cozy topper for casual days. As I thought about how to make this outfit look flowing, but also updated and fashionable, I knew this sweater would be perfect.

The blouse I have on under the sweater is a recent thrift store find and will be more useful in the warmer weather, but the color went well with everything else. The brand is called Mango, and when I saw the embroidery on it, I knew it was calling my name.

I also added this white scarf from The Jacket Society, that I bought a few years ago. You can’t see it in this photo, but the scarf has tiny silver threads through out, so I thought it added an extra element of texture and shine.

The silver snowflake pendant just seemed appropriate for a ghostly, Christmas outfit.

I chose silver for my accessories, to represent the shimmering appearance that many of the Ghosts of Christmas past seemed to have. Perhaps the shimmering details represented good memories from Christmases long ago; or maybe the light represents the idea that we can learn from our past, thus becoming better people. Whatever your interpretation of the details, I think silver looks very pretty with white.

My silver, sparkly clutch has been a regular on the blog. My SO ballerina flats are from Kohl’s.

My cream colored St. John’s Bay corduroys have been around for a few years and were an original purchase at JC Penney.

I really like this outfit. It is something I would feel completely comfortable and warm in and could be worn to a special Christmas outing or just a family dinner, where I don’t have to do the cooking. If I cooked in this it wouldn’t be white anymore. Ha, ha. Here are a few other fun pictures from our shoot.

The wind was helping me look a little more ghostly. Too bad we didn’t have fog. Ha, ha.

What did you think of this outfit? Do you think I pulled off showing how taking inspiration from the Ghost of Christmas Past translated into a chic, modern look that could be worn to work, out on a date or to a Christmas concert?

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Be sure to stop back on Thursday for another Christmas movie inspired outfit.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Summer Outfit - Faux Lace Dress - Dressy

This week my summer outfit piece is a dress I bought at Kohl’s a while back on the clearance rack. I’ve had it hanging in my closet for a couple of years, I’d say, and it was time to either wear it or get rid of it. I hadn’t even taken the tags off. I’m sort of silly that way. Do you ever buy things and then they hang in your closet and you forget you even had them? I think I get into that dilemma, when I buy things on clearance at the end of a season, then I put them away, because a new season has started and I forget all about them until they are unearthed like some sort of ancient treasure.

This AB Studio dress is really nothing more than a fancy t-shirt dress with a lace pattern on it. It has a zippered back, but I can easily slip it over my head without even undoing the zipper. The other lovely thing about this dress is that it has deep side pockets which aren’t visible at all. I typically would not wear a dress this short, but I thought I would push myself outside my own box. Originally, I thought the dress would be cute with leggings and boots in the colder months. I need to try that too. I decided to wear black hose to cover my veiny legs and to give the outfit a leaner, longer look.

I chose a few pieces of jewelry that I wore to my oldest daughter’s wedding a few years ago. I also used my blingy, silver clutch to make the outfit look more dressy.

I thought my black Clark peep toe shoeties finished out the outfit perfectly, though you could have done black heeled sandals or even a heeled ankle boot.

My post wouldn’t be complete without a silly picture of me. I hope these bring a smile to your faces, because we all need things to keep us smiling these days. In reality, I was trying to adjust my glasses which tend, not only to slide down my nose, but also to be lower on one side than the other. Ha, ha. However, I think this is my stereotypical “librarian” face. Now, we all know that most librarians are very friendly and helpful, but for some reason all the old movies and shows always made them out to be older women with an attitude.

What length of dress do you like to wear? Do you like t-shirt dresses? I love to hear your thoughts.

I’ve included a few shopping links. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Summer Outfit - Geometric Maxi Dress - Dressy

Today’s outfit revolves around a maxi dress my mother-in-law passed along to me. She had bought it for herself, but then didn’t really like it as well as she thought. When she showed it to me, and asked if I wanted it, I said sure. I actually wasn’t sure how to style it, or rather, didn’t give it a lot of thought since I haven’t been reaching for my maxi dresses all that often. If it was just me and my hubby and I wasn’t hanging out with a nine year old, I might wear one more frequently, as they are comfortable and a fun way to dress for summer. However, when I started thinking about featuring a few summer outfits for the blog, I wanted to show off this fun maxi dress.

The dress is Calvin Klein brand and features a tank style top attached at the waist to an a-line style skirt featuring a geometric pattern of rectangles and squares. The bottom is fully lined. Macy’s carries a broad line of dresses with all lengths and styles. I’ll include a few shopping links below.

The pink shrug doesn’t match the pink in the dress, but I felt like it worked. This shrug is a thrifted Forever 21 piece. It is sheer and flowy, making it the perfect way to dress up and outfit.

Gold accessories just seem to take the outfit up another notch. My thrifted gold necklace and clutch go with the gold beads and baubles on my wrist.

I do get rather silly when we are taking pictures, especially when we are in a place where other people are around. I already feel silly getting my picture taken, but then if there are people walking by, I feel even sillier. Ha, ha. Anyway, sometimes, my daughter catches me in my shenanigans. I felt like I was up against the firing squad wall. This is another spot at the Toledo Botanical Gardens.

By the time this is posted I will have gotten a much needed hair cut. My ends are looking terrible and I need to get some of the length taken off. Have you been to the hair dresser recently? I know for a lot of people that was one of the first things they did after things started opening back up a bit.

These are a different pair of black wedge sandals, also thrifted, but a brand called Connie.

What did you think of this outfit? Do you like to wear maxi dresses? They are an easy piece to wear and create a whole outfit with only one piece and a few accessories.

I’ve included some shopping links for you to look at. These are affiliate links. If you click on a link, I get a a few cents. All your clicks are appreciated since blogging is a hobby for me, I don’t make money, but it is nice to get a few dollars here and there. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Denim Daze 2.0 - Vest - Dressy

A monochrome look, to me, always seems more dressed up than other looks using similar pieces. Style a black pair of pants with a multi print blouse and you have a great work outfit. Style the same pair of pants with a matching black blouse, heels and pearls and you have made yourself ready for a night out on the town.

Denim, by nature, is casual. Originally created as work wear for farmers, miners, lumberjacks and other physical labor jobs, denim was not meant to be worn to the opera or the theater. However, denim has come a long way since its original inception back in 1873. We now have various washes, weights and colors of denim, making it a much more versatile fabric for real life events, both casual and dressy.

In order to make this Christopher and Banks, denim vest seem more dressed up, I chose to pair it with a chambray, bell sleeve dress for a glitzed up monochrome look that I would wear with confidence to any number of more dressy events.

I found this cute, Massini, chambray, dress on the Meijer clearance rack a while back and it was one of those things I felt I couldn’t pass up. You know the feeling. It is not only cute and fits, but it is the right price and you have nothing like it in your closet. I love dresses, but do not wear them very often, but still, that doesn’t stop me from occasionally purchasing one that I absolutely love.

This dress has a full zipper in the back, a fit and flare silhouette, and is light weight. It works well on its own or when styled with a vest over the top. Wearing a vest still lets the fun sleeve bells strut their stuff, but gives you extra coverage and layers if the weather is cooler. I’ve worn this piece with a knit vest, suede boots and tights in the chillier months.

The only other things I had to add to this simple, but stylish outfit were the accessories. Since the vest has silver bling on it, I decided to have silver for my jewelry, shoes and bag. Simple pie, right?

This outfit came together quite easily because I had two pieces that were the same color. I don’t think this would have been quite as dressy if I had a vest that was a darker or lighter wash. Remember, when you have an event and you don’t know what to wear, a monochrome look will always be chic and stylish.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you think I accomplished the casual and the dressy with this vest? Are these outfits you would wear? Specifically could you see yourself wearing a monochrome denim outfit for a fancy occasion? It is always refreshing to think outside the box.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

I’ve included a few shopping links for chambray dresses. There seem to be a ton of these around right now, so it might be a good time to invest in one. They can be very versatile, especially if you get a button up, shirt dress type, which you could wear as a jacket, vest or dress in so many different ways. Have fun shopping.

These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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. 

Romance is in the Air - Week 2

I decided to run this series for the whole month of February, even though today is Valentines Day and after today we will be buying our heart shaped chocolates at fifty percent off. Even though the special day is over, doesn't mean romance should be. 

Today's post centers around a dress that I have had for a few years. 

It's a simple pull on dress made from a heavier weight silky material that stretches in all the right places. It has short flutter sleeves, which I did not take a picture of since it was cold. It also has an A-line shape, being more gathered and fitted in the bust area, then flaring out.

For my topper I added a white lace hoodie that I found at a thrift store. I thought it was the perfect way to add a layer of warmth, but still keep with the feminine and romantic vibe of the outfit.

Here you can see the detail of the lace fabric. 

The only jewelry I opted to wear was this lovely brooch.

I kept my shoes and bag more of a neutral color, but used my bag with some bling.

Once again, I wear nude support hose to help give my legs shape and compress some of the varicose veins. Ladies, if you have these you know what I am talking about. Some day I need to get these treated, since they have better ways of doing things now than they used to. 

Photo credits Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? My husband and I went to see Elvis Lives, this past Thursday evening as part of our celebration, but we probably will go out for dinner tonight. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what you think of this outfit in the comments section below, or comment on Facebook. You can also visit my Instagram and Pinterest pages as well. They are a work in progress, just like me. 

Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow where I will be collaborating with Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy in a Pantone Spring 2017 sneak peek post! 

Have a great Tuesday and be sure to check back Thursday to see who my Beautiful Blogger will be. 

Here are some possible dresses and cardi's that would give a similar look to what I have on.

I just noticed the Lord & Taylor is sold out. Sorry about that. I am knew to these affiliate links and when I worked on the post yesterday everything still had inventory. Shows how fast things can go.

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a couple of cents if you click on the provided links. A cent here or there adds up so I really appreciate your clicks! 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, and Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever.... 

Romance is in the Air - Week 1

February is a month that has long been loved and hated by those who are in love and those who wish they were. Whether you are in a relationship or not, you can still enjoy the idea of romance! Watching old romantic movies, reading good books or dressing in a way that puts forth the idea that you are a special person can all give you a sense of joy and satisfaction outside of a relationship. 

I have been blessed to be married to the same man for almost 30 years. We have had our ups and our downs, but we made a commitment at the start of our life together that we wouldn't give up on each other. My hubby loves when I dress up and I don't do it nearly enough. This month, I thought it would be fun to do a series centering on outfits that are a little more romantic. I'm not talking negligee and fishnet stockings, though you could certainly add those things to any of these outfits. I talking more about going on a date to special place or event. Dressing up, just a little bit more, not only pleases the person you are going with, it makes you feel good as well.

This outfit consists of a velvet floral bell sleeve top, pleated skirt, and leggings. I opted to wear the leggings for a bit of added warmth over my nude hose. Hey, when it is cold outside, I get creative in my layering. Thinner layers are key in making an outfit warmer, but not adding bulk. 

To give my waist a bit more definition, I tucked the top in and added a woven yarn belt that ends in fringe. I tied this to the side giving the outfit a little bit of a boho vibe. 

Here you get a good look at the bell sleeve. I think this sleeve type can be very pretty, but it also has to be managed, especially when you are eating. Be careful you aren't dragging the sleeve through your food. Ha, ha. Once again I reached for my dark gray/black clutch with bling. It just goes with all things fancy! You can also see the fringe on the belt. And yes! I did paint my nails a dark maroon! 

My black leggings have a bit of bling on them. I used these just two weeks ago in this Chasing Away the Winter Blues post. I shopped these in a friend's closet and they fit really well and are made of a thermal type fabric. For this outfit I donned my patent leather heels. This is an older pair of shoes I found at a thrift store. I like the height of the heel and the patent leather stays shiny. 

This choker was my first and I got it when I went to Nordstrom Rack on my birthday. I won a gift card from Jodie on Jodie's Touch of Style when she was celebrating her two year anniversary on her blog. This choker was one of the things I bought with the gift card. 

While very simple, the choker adds an element of edgy elegance and allows the square neckline of the top to show off some skin.

My hubby and I are going to a show Thursday evening and I think I will probably wear this outfit. I hope you enjoyed this post. Be sure to check back next week for another outfit made for romance. 

Also, check back on Thursday for another Awesome Accessory post.

Have a great day!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Sunday linking up with Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever Tickles the Fancy. Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up.  Wednesday linking up with The Perfect Storm, Tania of 50 is not Old. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. 

Beautiful Blogger Bests - Outfit for a Special Night Out

If you have not been introduced to Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, then I hope you will click on over to her site and see what a beautiful lady she is. Another red head, her sweet and gentle spirit touches all who come into contact with her, whether in person or over the internet. Jess was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome nine years ago. An illness that affects the muscles and joints, Jess hasn't let this stop her from being a very active and popular fashion blogger.  You can see more about EDS on Jess' About Me page on her blog. 

One of the many posts that Jess has inspired me with, was this one from just before Christmas, called Rockport - What to Wear to a Holiday Show. You can see her full post by clicking on the link. While Jess was doing the post for the Rockport shoe company, I just loved the look of her outfit and thought it could be incorporated for any dress up occasion, such as a concert, theater or other function. The following post is my take on the inspiration Jess provided from her post.

While Jess wore a beautiful strapless black dress, I opted for a slightly less formal look by wearing this navy dress that I got from Christopher and Banks. It is a heavy weight polyester knit that hangs perfectly. The area on the bodice has a sort of criss-crossed ruching and a v-neck. 

I opted for a black pair of loafer heels that have some fun buckles and stitching on the top of the toe. Dressy, but casual.

The dress having short sleeves also prompted me, like Jess, to add a jacket over top. The berry color of this velvet piece pairs beautifully with the navy dress. You can see how I styled this jacket in these other posts here and here. 

This is a fun little jacket with its 3/4 length sleeves, the velvet covered buttons and the ruching on the pockets. I am finding it a great blazer for dressing up or down. Here you can also see the statement necklace I added. Jess added a lovely necklace that adorned her neck with just the right amount of delicacy and bling. I tried to do a similar thing with this necklace I found a few years ago on the clearance rack at H&M.

For my finishing touches I added a few silver bracelets and carried a black blingy clutch, which I have featured with other outfits. 

I love the way this outfit turned out. The sleek fabric of the dress and the jacket are a perfect back drop for the texture and bling of the statement necklace, sparkly clutch and buckled loafer heels. 

Please follow the link to Jess' site and give her some love. She has inspired me in so many ways and I know she will inspire you too. Let me know what you think of this outfit in the comments section below. Do you like to go to the theater and see live shows or are you more of a stay at home and cuddle on the couch kind of person? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Shop the Look:

Navy Dress - Kohl's - $89.99

Berry jacket - Make Me Chic - $37.00

Black loafer heels - Nordstrom - $114.95

Black clutch - Target - $29.99

Statement necklace - Charming Charlie - $24.00