Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

When it comes to Christmas we are inundated with red, green, silver and gold, but today people are using blues, teals, purples and pinks to decorate their homes and wrap their presents. Check out Liz from With Wonder and Whimsy. I adore her whimsical style and her love for all things pastel. She does such an amazing job decorating for all occasions and Christmas in her home is simply beautiful. See her Holiday Home Tour by clicking on the link.

I love the red and green color combo for Christmas, but it really doesn’t work for many people in a fashion sense. I wanted to show how you could put together a fun, festive red and green outfit that could be easily worn for work and give a nod to our friend, The Grinch.

Color Play - the Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

What could possibly be more fun, than styling my very “Grinchy” work outfit in front of something that looks like it was taken right out of Whoville? This colorful 3D mural is another of the fascinating places at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. This little scene is just outside the Unruly Arts Studio, which is a studio that focuses on providing a creative space for artists with developmental disabilities. Check out their site at UnrulyArts.org , their Instagram page @unrulyartsstudio or their Facebook page.

Color Play - the Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

I have always loved The Grinch by Dr. Suess and my favorite holiday movie version is the animated one narrated by Boris Karloff. I think part of my affection for that version was that I was a fan of Karloff and his horror movies like Frankenstein and The Mummy. However, the movie that came out in 2018, where Benedict Cumberbatch plays our grumbling, green friend, is now my second fave. I actually was reluctant for a long time to watch the Jim Carey version, since I am not a big fan, but I finally did watch it and I was pleasantly surprised. I will say that Jim’s version which was directed by Ron Howard is much more geared toward adult humor, so not as appropriate for younger kids.

I got this Grinch sweater last year when I was working at Kohl’s for the holiday season. I knew I wanted a more typical ugly Christmas sweater and I thought this one was more gaudy with its candy cane stripes and the Grinch’s face plastered across the front, but I still thought it was cute.

My plaid trousers are a thrift store find and are Mossimo brand. I do love plaid in all its forms and while these slacks would feel a little better if I were a few pounds lighter, they still fit. I love that they have the green stripes throughout, and that they have a bootcut silhouette.

Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

My brown, faux leather moto jacket was a thrifted piece from a few years ago and I have styled it on the blog a few different times. You can see it with a maxi dress, a maxi skirt and a pair of plaid crop pants. The name of the brand is Celebrity Pink.

Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

You can see in the above picture I also added a little bit of red jewelry in my wrap around red beads. When these are not doubled they are more of an opera length string. I also threw on a red bracelet.

Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

I decided to use brown for the bag and boots to add to the more grounded vibe. You’ve seen this thrifted brown, corduroy, hobo bag on the blog before. The ankle boots are a Nine West purchase from Kohl’s.

Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown
Color Play - The Grinch - Green, Red and Brown

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Which movie version is your favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Color Play - The Grinch - Red, Green and Brown

I hope you enjoyed this post. Be sure to check back next week for the final two outfits in my Christmas series. I’ve included a few shopping links for you to check out. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit, Rebecca Trumbull.




20 Days of Christmas - Joy Sweater

I have styled this sweater on the blog before (see that post here) and I think that it is the perfect piece to add to my 20 Days of Christmas challenge. For many who believe that Christmas is celebrated because of Jesus birth, it is a time for joy. However, I think joy is a good word to think about at all different times of year. Webster’s online dictionary defines joy as: the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.

When I think of joy, I think of something much more permanent and deep than merely obtaining what I desire. I desire all sorts of things, but it is rarely the acquisition of those things that brings true joy. In the same way good fortune or success do not necessarily bring real joy. They may provide momentary happiness, but joy seems to be much more stable than the fleeting happiness that success or things may bring.

If you are interested in hearing more about joy, check out my faith post tomorrow on the blog.

I would have worn tights that matched my skirt and shoes if I had them, but when I tried these on, I thought, why not? Both the skirt and shoes are more maroon, while the hose are more burgundy. To me it just seems festive all the way around.

This sweater is thrifted and Old Navy brand. It is fairly light weight, so I felt the need to add a blouse underneath. I chose my thrifted Jaclyn Smith piece that I have featured on the blog before, for another holiday season. You can see that post here. The thing I like about these silkier types of blouses, is that they add a layer without adding bulk. Plus they have that shimmery look to them, which is perfect for the holidays.

I found this unique necklace on one of my thrift runs. I really like the colors and the design.

I’ve had this maroon pleated skirt for a while now. It was originally from Kohl’s and is AB Studio brand. To keep the outfit more upscale I grabbed my pewter sparkly clutch and added my thrifted Bandolino heels.

Figuring out a festive look does not always mean green and red or silver and gold. Sometimes it is easier to find one festive piece, like a sweater and then build the rest of your outfit around that. A pleated skirt will always kick an outfit up a notch and then adding heels and a sparkly bag or jewelry is all you need to be ready for a Christmas get together.

What did you think of this outfit? What do you like to wear for holiday gatherings? I’d love the hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments.

Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram for my 20 Days of Christmas challenge. You’ll see more of my every day Christmas looks.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

i’ve included a few shopping links for cute booties and blingy clutches for you to look at. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.