Styling Into the Holidays

Over the next few weeks as we head towards Christmas and the end of the year, I thought I would devote my fashion posts to outfits with a holiday vibe. From casual to dressy we know the holidays can call for all manner of outfits from Christmas pjs to glitzy New Year’s Eve style. You know I am all about casual, but I will try to throw in a bit of fun and frivolity too.

Today’s look is very casual and would be perfect for some holiday shopping or errand running as you take your packages to the post office to mail off to family members far away. It would also serve to trim the tree after you drag all those Christmas boxes up from the basement or down from the attic. I wanted an outfit that was casual, but also festive. Let me know if you think I achieved my goal.

I have a number of Christmas specific tees, sweaters, sweatshirts and vests that I like to pull out every year to make their December appearance. This tee from Love In Faith is very basic, but that is what I like about it. It can be paired with just about any topper, and I love the sentiment.

You can just barely make out my snowflake necklace, which was the only piece of jewelry besides my wedding rings that i put on. It was slightly askew, and maybe I should have chose something more colorful. What would you have paired with this tee and topper, or would you not add any jewelry?

Once I chose this tee, I knew I wanted something red plaid as a topper. I am also wearing a thrifted long sleeve tee under the tee for extra warmth. I thought about one of my two red plaid blazers, but decided the red and black checked button down a better choice for the casual vibes. Buffalo plaid, which is a larger checked plaid, is always popular at Christmas, so I thought this worked well. This piece is thrifted Old Navy brand.

The only reason I reached for these sparkly, embellished Juicy Couture skinnies was that I had worn them a while ago and didn’t want to throw them in the wash until they had a second wear. Ha, ha. Sometimes inspiration is as simple and practical as a load of laundry. I just saw the other day that Taylor Swift is making skinnies popular again, and tucking them into ankle or combat type boots is okay by her, (click on the link to see the article). Ha, ha. So you see, I have been trendy all along!

I wanted to add a scarf for a little more festive color, and warmth, so I ended up with this pretty plaid number that I got from Kohl’s last year.

These black combat boots were thrifted last year and they continue to be worn frequently. They are already getting that “distressed” look, but because they are black it isn’t as noticeable. These are Joe Boxer brand and I’ve styled them on the blog before.

This Buffalo plaid tote bag was the final piece and even though I am stirring the check and plaid pot, I think it works. What do you think?

What do you think of this outfit? What would you wear for a casual day out, or for trimming the tree? Let me know in the comments. I always love your feedback.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. Christmas is on the way, so be sure to look for yourself or others. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

I hope you are having a great day!

Shopping Our Closets: Graphics on Clothing

Today I thought I would spend a little time talking about graphics on clothing. When I refer to graphics, I am talking about specific pictures, words, sayings or branding that make a statement. I read an article called A Brief History of Graphic Tees. I was surprised to find that the first printing of a word on a tee shirt happened in one of my favorite older movies, The Wizard of Oz. In one of the scenes after Dorothy and her companions reach the Emerald City, they are all getting cleaned up. Three workers, all wearing tees with the word "Oz” printed on them, are seen re-stuffing the Scarecrow. That was 1939.

The article goes on to show how graphic tees gained popularity being used by presidential candidates, Walt Disney, and artists like Andy Warhol. Graphic tees really took off as a “messaging platform” in the 1960’s and 70’s with the explosion of rock and roll and anti-war protests. Tee shirts became an easy way to show what you believed and who you wanted to associate with.

Today, graphics are not just common place on short sleeved tees, but can be seen donning sleeveless and long sleeve tees, as well as pullover sweaters, sweatshirts and tops with added textures and trims. Graphics can also be found on sneakers, bags, water bottles and bedding.

A few years ago, I came across a company called Love in Faith. All of their tees and products have to do with the Christian faith. This is not a sponsored post. I have not been given any products or money to endorse this retailer, I just like what they do, and the products they produce. Today’s outfit revolves around one of their tees.

You know my style is casual, but even with a tee shirt I like to look like I made some effort in putting the outfit together. This look was entirely put together from things I already had in my closet. I have loads of tees, and over the last couple of years since I found out about Love in Faith, I have purchased a number of their fun, tees which are always spot on either with verses, lines from hymns or Christian songs, or specific holiday graphics.

I chose this particular tee because it has the words, It is well, with my soul, which is the first line of the chorus from one of my favorite hymns, When Peace, Like a River. I was totally taken in by the bold, white flowers and the unique cognac color. I decided to layer a black tee underneath since our weather is still very unpredictable.

To keep me cozy I grabbed my fuzzy, chenille cardigan. This was a hand me over from my oldest. I had actually gotten this for her one Christmas a few years ago, but it didn’t really grab her attention. When I saw she was getting rid of it, I snatched it up. It is a perfect topper fall, winter and spring and it’s cream color makes it a very versatile piece.

To keep this look light and more fitting for spring, I grabbed my medium wash, thrifted, Bandolino, straight leg jeans. These are very comfortable. Since they are not all that interesting, I added a hem roll on the bottom to give them more of a boyfriend vibe.

I opted for gold jewelry, but you could easily swap in white or black, or go for a more bold choice and pick a medium blue necklace or scarf to pull in the color of your jeans. That would also make the outfit look even more springy.

I wear these thrifted, moto boots several days a week. While they are completely man made materials, they seem to be holding up very well. My cute, little, woven bag is a recent thrift find, and I thought it would be perfect for Easter.

Do you wear graphics? If so, what sort of graphics do you wear? What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Let me know what you think, in the comments. You can also comment on Facebook if that is easier for you. I just love to have your feedback.

Here are a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Have a great week.