Styling into the Holidays - Part 2: Holiday Work Party

It’s been five years since I lost my job at the university bookstore. As an assistant manager I was lucky to be able to wear business casual attire and sometimes went to work wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, especially if I was going to be book slamming - unpacking and shelving textbooks. However, once in a while I liked to get more dressed up to at least give the appearance that I was the second in command. Ha, ha. Today’s look is one that I might have worn during our holiday sales events.

When I was getting ready for my little photo shoot I decided to put volumizing powder in my hair. Unfortunately, I ended up putting too much in and I couldn’t even get a brush through my hair without nearly pulling my head off. Ha, ha, ha! I tell you what, us girls go through such feats to look beautiful. I tried to add some waves, but even the straight iron couldn’t make headway with my mess. So silly. There are times I really do feel like Lucille Ball. Ha, ha.

My thrifted, plaid Requirements blazer has been styled on the blog before. You can see that post here. It is a great piece, but doesn’t get as much love as it should since I only use it during the holiday season, which is very short. That is exactly why I pulled it out for this post. I really should try to wear it after the holidays. What do you think? Would you wear this before or after the Christmas season?

Denim skirts are trending right now, so I was glad to have another opportunity to wear this thrifted St. John’s Bay piece. This is a great pencil maxi whether you dress it up or down. My belt was also a thrift find.

I love this black turtleneck top that I found second hand. It is a brand called united.states.sweaters. It is soft and stretchy. A basic black turtleneck can be very flattering and can be dressed up or down. Just add gold or silver jewelry or a bright colored scarf and you take your outfit up a notch without really trying.

For my accessories I chose black for bag and boots and gold for my jewelry. My blag top handle hobo bag was a thrifted piece and a brand called Scarleton. You can find this brand on Amazon and they are very reasonably priced.

My black boots were a Black Friday purchase last year from Kohl’s and are Journee brand.

These gold tone jewelry pieces have been around for years, but always seem to keep their shine.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you have worn something like this to a holiday office party? What would you do with the pieces in your closet?

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it provided a little inspiration for your holiday get togethers, or just gave you an excuse to get dressed up to go to the mall or out to lunch with a friend. I have provided a few shopping links for similar items and I try to keep the price points more reasonable. These are for you to shop or to just draw inspiration from. These are affiliate links, brought to you at no extra cost. If you purchase something through one of my links I get a little kickback. I appreciate all of your support.

Leave me a comment or two. I always love to hear from you!

My Style - Blue Jeans and Plaid Blazer

Nothing says comfort and style like a good pair of jeans and a fun blazer. This is the kind of style I love and dressing like this always makes me feel stylish, and confident. An outfit like this can be worn on casual Friday’s at the office, out for lunch with your gal pals, or for a casual date night with your significant other.

In keeping with my month long attempt to use mainly Valentine’s colors in my outfits I had to showcase this recent purchase from Maurice’s. I got this red plaid blazer and a few other fun items at great prices as they are moving fall and winter stuff out to make room for spring and summer. This piece may just be wearable for at least three seasons if not all four. It is a medium weight knit, but still structured enough that it lays well. It has a double breasted feel, with a one button closure.

My jeans are oldies that I have worn for many blog posts and Instagram photos. They are a brand called Kikit, and like many of my favorite jeans are beginning to show their wear. Do you have a few pairs of favorite jeans that you always find yourself reaching for over and over?

I thought this Elle brand, Eiffel Tower sweater would be a good mix with the black and white in the blazer. While this interpretation of the French tourist attraction is by no means symmetrical, I like the way it is filled in with the black velvet paisley swirls, flowers, and lace.

Since I was going for a casual, fun look I opted for my thrifted black marled Converse sneakers. My jewelry was simple with a short chain necklace with blingy globes and the burgundy twist bracelet. Last, I chose my black top handle/cross body bag, which was from Amazon.

Do you like to wear a blazer with jeans? What is your go to style for a casual Friday look or going out with friends? Let me know in the comments below. I love to get your feedback.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few cents when you click on a link. I appreciate every click. All opinions are my own and you are not charged anything extra to make a purchase through my links. I supply these links mainly to give you ideas and options for outfit pieces you may not already have. I appreciate all you clicks and purchases.

Color Play - Inspiration from Art

One of my monthly columns is going to be this one called Color Play. You know how much I love color and enjoy finding different combinations that are new and unique. Color is all around us in nature, in our homes and in many places we don’t really think about. For this month’s outfit, I was inspired by a painting and table arrangement in my daughter’s house.

This is a watercolor painting by my son-in-law’s grandfather, John Trumbull (not to be confused with the American Revolutionary painter by the same name). While he is not famous, he has done some teaching and won a few awards and ribbons for his work. I was gifted one of this paintings last year for Christmas and just love it.

The table arrangement was put together by my daughter and I really like how the painting and arrangement compliment each other. This is when I was inspired to come up with an outfit using a similar arrangement of colors. This is what I did.

I just obtained this plaid ANA jacket from the JC Penney clearance rack. It was still a little more than I wanted to pay, but I had a coupon. I almost put it back, but I just have this thing for plaid. I kept looking at it thinking, I love it. I can come up with fun blog outfits with it and I’ll actually wear it. It came home with me and I don’t regret it. I could also justify the purchase because I was using birthday money to buy it. Ha, ha.

The piece is not lined, but has deep, welt pockets a notched lapel and button front. The color is a very light bluish gray and it made me think of the two tall, slender vases in the picture.

The two under layers consisted of a thrifted Chaps, floral button up, and a thrifted Sonoma, v-neck sweater. I felt the green sweater went with the lighter greens in the painting and the floral top picks up the sublte purples. I get into these moods when I am thrifting where I buy similar type items, usually patterns. For a while it was gingham, then it was stripes, now it is florals and plaid. That is part of the reason I have so many clothes. It’s that time of year where I will need to do some thinning out of my wardrobe.

My light colored Croft and Barrow jeans are also thrifted. I was looking for something in a lighter color that wasn’t white and these seemed to fit the bill.

Accessories included a simply handmade bead necklace, purple bangle bracelets. and a Nicole tote bag. I love the purply gray color of this purse. The gold accents make it look high class.

Since we are still in the cold weather season I decided to include my Sonoma shearling ankle boots. These are warm, comfy and stylish for this chilly time of year.

What do you think of this color combination? Do you like to wear plaid? What’s your favorite pattern to wear? Leave me some love in the comments. It always gives me a boost to hear from you.

I’m including a few shopping links. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few cents if you click on a link. I get a little more if you purchase something through my website. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Outfit Inspiration - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas can truly be one of the most wonderful times of the year, but I know it can also be an extremely hard time for people who have gone through loss, are struggling with illness or things like financial strain and relationship stress. Often, the holidays become a mad race to get everything done that we feel we have to do and we end up feeling down and disappointed. Even amidst the struggle and the strains of life, I think we can still see Christmas as a very wonderful time.

Christmas is typically a time we reconnect with loved ones. It can also be a time to do things we find hard to do the rest of the year, like listening to special music, baking, attending holiday parties and other activities like Christmas shopping and gathering with friends. In the church environment there are also special services, kids programs and service activities like caroling and helping at the local food pantries and city missions. Yes, it is a very busy time, but I also believe that the basis for many of these activities is what makes it the most wonderful time of the year.

Serving others and thinking about that special gift we are going to buy for a friend or family member gets us outside our own boxes. It creates in us an others’ centered mentality and it is in that, that we find joy. Not only that, but the basis for Christmas from the very beginning was the unselfish act of an Almighty God, towards His fallen creation.

What I instantly think of when I hear Andy Williams’ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, are shopping malls and stores all decked out in Christmas garlands and lights while Christmas music plays overhead. It also makes me think of loud family gatherings around the Christmas tree opening presents with laughter and joy.

For this outfit I wanted to look festive, but also like myself. I wasn’t going to see the King, I was going to the mall to shop for my family. Ha, ha.

This wonderful red plaid Requirements blazer was a thrift store find. I just love the treasures I find at thrift stores. I could never have the large wardrobe I do if it weren’t for thrifting. I still shop quite regularly at full price retailers, but I have found some of my most special, unique pieces at thrift stores. Many of them, like this blazer are by brands that no longer exist; the added benefit of thrifting.

The fit and structure of this beautiful jacket is perfect and will definitely get used long past the holiday season. I am excited to try it with various colors and pieces. It is a wool blend, but fully lined so I don’t have to worry about my skin’s aversion to wool.

My black long sleeve embellished snowflake tee was purchased a number of years ago. I believe it is from Kohl’s and is a brand called MCCC Sportswear. You can see holiday sweatshirts from this same brand at Kohl’s by clicking on the link. They also have long sleeve tees here.

You can also see my Believe pin. If you have ever watched Miracle on 34th Street, then you know the significance of the word believe. I have noticed over the last few years, the word believe is popping up everywhere. Whether you believe in Santa, the Spirit of Christmas, the person of Christmas, Jesus Himself, or in yourself, the idea of belief in someone or something is pretty important in our world.

I personally believe in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that is what I think of when I see the word believe, but I also love that this idea of belief has become a positive message to all of us, especially young people, who are often told they will never measure up or amount to anything. The beauty and simplicity of the Gospel message is found in this idea of belief. God’s word says,

“For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’”

— Romans 10:11 (NASB)

At first I was going to wear knee high boots, but then I thought the pants didn’t really look right with them, so I opted for this pair of Sonoma booties from Kohl’s. I like the contrast of the gray, black and red with the taupe of the boots and bag. I didn’t bother with any other jewelry since I felt the embellishments on the top and bag, along with the pin, gave the outfit enough punch.

What do you like to wear when you shop? Do you dress up or do you prefer to just go out in your sweats? I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the word, believe? Is belief something that is important to you? Please leave me some love in the comments.

Here is my favorite version of It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams. I’m not so sure about the music video, but it is colorful. Ha, ha

I’m including a few shopping links of all things plaid, for you to look at. Maybe you still have some Christmas shopping to do and one of these links will inspire you. These are affiliate links, which means if you click on a link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through one of my links, I might get a little more. Every penny helps.

I hope these posts are inspiring you and bringing back memories of your own childhood Christmases. Have a great weekend and stay healthy for the holidays.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Wearing White - Basic Tee

White has long been a staple for the summer months, and now it is worn all year round, even in the dead of winter. I don’t reach for white on a regular basis, so I thought I would do a short series on white with a few transitional outfits that could easily take me into fall.

This first look features a white tee. A simple white tee is an easy and inexpensive piece to add to your wardrobe and can be dressed up or down. I wore this outfit to my younger daughter’s poster presentation for the final project of her summer research position with the University of Toledo.

In all honesty, I am not happy with my weight right now. After being down last year I have gained everything back plus extra. My pants are too tight. I don’t like the way I look or the way I feel. I have gotten back on the Fitbit bandwagon and am trying to keep track and walk, but it is a long process and I really suck at being disciplined. They say confession is good for the soul, so y’all get to hear mine. Ha, ha.

This jacket was a clearance find at H&M last season. You can see how I styled this before on the blog in my print mixing series, here. A light weight, lined jacket like this is a great way to start transitioning toward fall and cooler temps. Here in the midwest we might have days still in the 80’s well into October, but evenings will be cooler. Usually, we start doing the yo-yo thing with one day being 85 and the next day being 55, but thankfully, there should still be some summer type weather for at least another month or so.

My white tee is from Walmart. If you want simple basics that have a great price point, Walmart is a good place to look. This brand is called Tried and Tru. The weight of this tee is medium and it has a relaxed silhouette, so isn’t too clingy in all the wrong places. I also don’t have to worry about it being see through. Obviously, if you were wearing a red or black bra, you could still see it, but for the most part, I won’t have to wear a cami under this tee.

These yellow crop pants were thrifted and are Talbots brand. They are a medium weight denim and I do like that they are a totally different color than I usually wear. This bright yellow is great for spring, summer and fall. You can see how I styled these for a more fall look here.

I decided to go with gray for jewelry and shoes to compliment the light gray jacket. These shoes are Naturalizer brand. I think oxfords are a nice alternative flat for general use and I have several pairs.

To bring it a little more color, I grabbed the current bag that I am carrying, a blue, cross body. I like the adjustable strap, the extra zippered compartments and I added the green tassel. This is Rosetti brand. Have you ever noticed how expensive purses are? I’m not even talking Coach, Dior or Kate Spade. I mean standard Kohl’s brands like Rosetti, Fossil, Dana Buchman and so on. I have found that I can find my best deals on the clearance racks at the end of the season. I know trends are important to people, and even staying on trend, which means they wear the trend before, or as it is happening, but I’m not all that worried about timing. I also like what I like and if it is a trend, great, and if it isn’t, so what. Wear what you like and carry the bag you like. This little number is pretty, practical and carries everything I need.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you have a white tee that you like to wear? How do you style yours? I’d love to hear you ideas and thoughts in the comments. I appreciate when you have the time to leave me some feedback. That means a lot.

Rebecca Trumbull took these pictures on my camera at our house, but I did the editing. We were heading out the door and just had time for a few quick shots.

Have a great weekend.

Print Mixing Mash Up - Striped Tee - Outfit 2

On Tuesday you saw the yellow striped tee mixed with a floral kimono. If you didn’t see that you can check it out here. Today I am going to mix that same tee with a light plaid blazer for a great work wear or date night look. The reason I chose this Sonoma striped tee is simple. Stripes are easy to print mix with. As I said in my introductory post, Revisiting Print Mixing, stripes go with just about everything, even other stripes. It is relatively easy to pair stripes with florals, polka dots and plaid as I am about to show you with this outfit.

This plaid blazer I found on the clearance rack at H & M. I didn’t really need another jacket, but then I realized, I didn’t really have anything that was specifically this color and this weight. The price was too good to pass up and this cute little number is going to be a workhorse this spring and summer. I like that it has 3/4 length sleeves with shirring, making it look like they were pushed up.

Although the jacket does not contain any yellow, to match the striped tee, it does contain a lighter stripe through out. The stripe is actually more of a light tan or beige, but will have that chameleonic ability to look like whatever lighter color it is paired with. In this case, it is yellow. But I can also see this light stripe taking on a blush appearance when paired with pink.

I decided to make this more of a work look so chose my dark gray, Liz Claiborne, pencil skirt. Originally, I was going to wear my gray heels, but seeing as we are still in the throes of winter I opted for my gray, wedge heel ankle boots. I think I would have liked it a tad better if I had worn dark gray tights. What do you think? Gray hose or tights would have given a sleeker more elongated look. As it is now, I feel that my legs are cut off, both by the skirt and the boots. Live and learn

These are my favorite wedge heeled booties. I like the chain detail, the color and the fit. These are a brand called Impo.

In keeping with the gray mode I was in, I decided to keep my accessories gray as well.

This Cosmopolitan sparkly, envelope clutch is making another appearance here on the blog. I use this one whenever I am going to something worth getting dressed up for. I like that it is glitzy for those special occasions, but also chic enough to carry to work. It is a good size as well. Some clutches are so small, you can barely get your cell phone and driver’s license into them, let alone keys or other necessities. Believe me, us girls got plenty of necessities. Ha, ha.

What do you all think? Did I do okay with this first print mix mash up? Do you ever mix prints like this? I’d love to have your feedback. Leave me some love in the comments.

I’ve included a few shopping links, just for fun. These are affiliate links, which means I get a few pennies for every click you give me. If you purchase something through my site, I get a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Have a great weekend, everyone and thanks for taking time to hang out on the blog.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Friday linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style.