Styling into the Holidays - Part 3: Dressed Up

I couldn’t finish this series without a shout out to those of you who have fancier events to attend at the holidays, especially New Years. While today’s outfit is not black tie attire, I think it would do well for an evening out for dinner and a show, like the Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. Many years ago, my mother, and father-in-law got my husband and I, along with his sister and her husband tickets to this holiday ballet. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had just been my sister-in-law and I. Ha, ha. My spouse does not appreciate ballet anymore than the color pink. He’s such a goof, but I love him.

I was helping my hubby pick out a shirt for the university December graduation ceremony that he was attending this morning, and while he is donned in his regalia, he still likes to look presentable under the robe. He was wearing black pants and asked if I would pick out a shirt for him. I ended up giving him a navy button down.

“Is it okay to wear black with navy,” he questioned.

I assured him any color can be worn with any other color and it also served as the inspiration for today’s outfit. I already had the blouse on, as I was using it as part of my Instagram outfit. It is one of the dressiest blouses I own. With that beginning I began looking through my skirts and settled on this beautiful navy, velvet piece with pleats. This was a Kohl’s clearance purchase a few year ago and is Chaps brand.

In my opinion pleated skirts never go out of style, nor does velvet, making it the perfect choice for fancier attire. An added bonus is that this skirt is warm, which is helpful on a chilly winter night.

The combination of this thrifted Jaclyn Smith satin blouse and the vest gives the outfit a classy academic vibe, and also adds more of an hour glass silhouette. This Rachel Zoe vest was a recent TJ Maxx clearance purchase. I have been looking for a waistcoat of this sort since they were trending back in the spring. I had all but decided they were only intended for the slender folk to wear, so low and behold when I saw this, tried it on and it fit I was super excited. It is definitely going to be used all year round.

You can also see my delicate gold jewelry, chosen for its association with the Silver and Gold song sung by Burl Ives. Ha, ha.

The black, faux fur, No Boundaries bomber was a gift a few years ago from my hubby for Christmas. I never think to pull it out once the temperatures plummet, but when I was taking these pictures I was totally cozy with it on. The draw back is that it is short and in the cold weather I like my bum and thighs to be covered. That is exactly why it is perfect for an outfit like this where you will be mostly in and out and not standing outside for a long time.

Style Tip: Fabrics like velvet, fur and silk or satin will add panache to any outfit, whether you are wearing jeans or tweed. If you are attending a function, but don’t want to go the whole gambit of a dress or skirt, try a dark wash pair of dress jeans with a silk blouse, and heels. You will look like a million bucks!

My Steve Madden, velvet, heeled ankle boots were a thrift find. Who knew they would work beautifully with the velvet skirt? A classy, heeled ankle boot is a great alternative to regular heels in the cold weather.

My sparkly clutch typically makes an appearance on the blog when I am showing off an outfit that is more dressed up. It was a good purchase all those years back. In the photo below you can’t really notice the sparkles. Ha, ha.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this more dressed up outfit. It was fun to put together, and afterwards I showed the pictures to my spouse and said, “You need to give me an excuse to get dressed up like this more often.” Ha, ha. I’m not subtle at all.

I interspersed shopping links throughout the article. You can just click on a picture to find out more about the piece as far as brand, store and pricing. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

There will be no fashion posts for the week of Christmas and New Years as I am going to take a little break and hope to get back to see my mom and other friends and family in NY between Christmas and New Years.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

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.

Outfit Inspiration - Oh Holy Night

When I thought about which songs to choose for this series, I wanted to include both festive secular songs and traditional Christmas carols, that carried the original message of Christmas. Yes, Christmas is a time for fun, frivolity and food, but it is also a time to reconnect with the original “why” that caused this yearly celebration. As a Christian I celebrate the date on December 25th as Jesus birthday. Was Jesus actually born on the 25th? Probably not. Over the course of time practices, both pagan and Christian blended together until in the early 20th century when Christmas became a secular celebration of gift giving and family gatherings. Whatever you believe about the origin of Christmas, in the Christian community it is a day on which to remember God’s gift to the world, the baby Jesus.

O Holy Night was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem, “Minuit, chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians) written by Placide Cappeau. In 1855 minister John Sullivan Dwight translated the French version into English and it became the carol we know today. Here is a link to a Wikipedia article which shows each version of the song. I thought it was interesting.

Today’s outfit is my attempt at a holy night. The depth of a night sky and the twinkle of unending stars is part of what brought this outfit together.

I found this sparkly Wild Fable crop top at a thrift store and thought it would be fun to figure out how to style. I would have worn a long black tunic top under the crop top, but I didn’t have one, so I opted for a navy blue tunic button up from Christopher and Banks. The dark blue reminds me of the Midnight Blue color from my Crayola Crayon box when I was a kid. I always used that blue to color a night time sky.

I added the longer thrifted jacket over the top to keep the look a little more dressed up. This unique piece has panels on the bottom which are opaque and sheer every other. The sleeves are sheer and the bodice opaque. I styled this on the blog for another holiday outfit, which you can see here. In fact, the two outfits are similar in that they both show a more monochrome look and I used the same jacket, bag and pants.

I didn’t have a lot of time to work through the details on some of these outfits. My tunic blouse was a little tight around the bum. I probably should have tucked it in or tried a different approach, like a black turtleneck or long sleeved tee. Oh well, that just shows my authenticity. Nothing fake going on here. Ha, ha.

My black trousers are Daisy Fuentes brand from a while back at Kohl’s. They no longer carry her brand, but it looks like Walmart still does, and most of it seems to be more casual athleisure clothing.

I wanted to keep my accessories minimal and silver to go with the sparkles on my top, so my glittery clutch and a sparkly silver bracelet gave me some extra bling.

My black block heel Aerosoles are also thrifted and I have used those on the blog before as well.

Do you have a favorite Christmas song? How would you put together an outfit, using the inspiration you receive from that song? I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you get a chance leave me a comment or two in the comments box below. I like to hear what you are thinking.

Since it is the holiday season I am including a few shopping links for all thing sparkly. Enjoy shopping. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

I’m also including my favorite version of O Holy Night by Josh Groban. There is something pure and beautiful about his voice. and he doesn’t sing the song as though he is trying to take the attention for himself. I have heard plenty of versions of O Holy Night that sound less than holy. Enjoy!

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

Summer Outfit - Featuring Palazzo Pants

Before I introduce my denim series next week, I wanted to show you one more outfit from the last photo shoot I did. It was sort of a last idea in the series and I don't show it styled casual, only more dressy, but it would be easy to imagine it as a more casual outfit with just a few changes.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

I like the way this pair of palazzo pants fit. They are a little more snug than some of my other pairs, but that seems to have a more slimming effect. Plus the pattern runs more vertical than horizontal. I love the feel of palazzos, but I think you have to find the pattern and fit that works for you. Not every pattern or material works for everyone. That is part of the importance of finding your own style.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

I styled these with my nude peep-toe heels, my white lace tee, gold accessories and a sparkly pewter clutch. I also included my neutral colored light weight cardigan. I adore this cardi. It has an open front, 3/4 length sleeves and is the perfect weight for summer.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Here, you can see a little more of the detail on the lace tee, and a little bit of the detailing on the long gold necklace with fringe and bead dangles on the end, the matching bracelet and a bit of the bling on the purse.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This outfit could quickly become casual, by swapping the heels for a pair of flip flops, the lace tee for one with an asymmetrical hem, some fun colored beads and a canvas hobo bag. Just click on the links below to find similar pieces for the dressy look or possible add ons for a more casual look. 

Shopping the Look:

Palazzo pants - Loft - $64.99

Lace tee - Macy's - $27.99

Neutral Cardigan - Kohl's - $27.99

Peep-toe Heels - Macy's - $99.99

Clutch - Charming Charlie - $25.00

Necklace - Charming Charlie - $14.00

Suggested Casual Swaps:

Asymmetrical Tee - Soft Surroundings - $39.99

Sandals - DSW - $29.95

Bag - Kohl's - $30.00

Necklace - Charming Charlie - $15.00

Remember, fashion is for you. You decide what you want to wear. As bloggers we want to encourage you to find your own sense of fashion. If you enjoy these posts, do me a favor and invite your friends and family to subscribe. I appreciate every one of you. Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you thought of this week's outfit, or any suggestions you have for future posts. 

Be sure to check back Thursday for my next new column which will feature the beautiful bloggers I love to follow and draw inspiration from. Until next time!

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Wednesday linking up with Allison of Sydney Fashion Hunter. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots.

Styling a Maxi Skirt with a Denim Vest - Post 2

This week my post doesn't have a dramatic change from last week (see the casual look here). I am still wearing the same skirt, lace tee and denim vest. The only changes made had to do with my accessories. 

Last week I styled this look more casually with black espadrilles. This week they were swapped out for my nude peep toe heels. I tucked the lace tee in rather than leaving it out and I added a belt for a more polished look. 

In addition, I changed out the casual beaded necklace for a long gold chain with gold fringe and dangles with a matching bracelet. The gold also matched the gold of the belt. 

Lastly I added my sparkly pewter clutch. It is amazing how easy it is to change an outfit from casual to dressy. All you need is a few different accessories and a little creativity. The great thing about this sort of styling is that you can just throw a few things in a bag and go from the office to a night out with just a few simple changes.

Photos by Rebecca Trumbull. Make up by Rachel Christensen.

Shop the look:

Print maxi skirt - Macy's - $55.99

Denim vest - Christopher and Banks - $44.95

Lacy white tee - Christopher and Banks - $39.95

Nude peep toe heels - Zappos - $69.00

Belt - Mod Cloth - $22.99 

Necklace - JC Penney - $16.80

Next week I will be doing a recap of all these looks, so you can see them side by side. I hope you have enjoyed this series. Have a great week.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots and the Ageless Style Link Up and with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Friday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Between the Lines: Week 7 and Styling A Pair of White Crop Pants - Part 2

Several weeks ago I styled a pair of white crop pants for a casual look. You can see that post here. This week you can see how I dressed up the look by changing the top, shoes and adding a sparkly bag.

Photo Credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

The sandals are a taupe color and the clutch is what I would call pewter. I think it worked well together and you can't really tell they aren't the same color. The bag is covered in sparkles. I love my bling!

Photo Credit Rebecca Trumbull.

The blouse is a sleeveless button up made out of a light weight polyester that I bought at Kohl's by Vera Wang. I am not a big fan of polyester being the sole content of a clothing item, particularly in the summer. It can be hot, but this was not too heavy and for an evening out, or in  the air conditioning I have no worries of getting too sweaty. The coloration is hard to see, but it has almost a greenish, gray tint in splotches along with the black and white. 

Photo Credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make Up Rachel Christensen.

I also topped this outfit with a barely tan 3/4 length sleeve sweater. I love the feel of this piece and use it often in the summer. It is so soft, light weight and comfy and can be dressed up or down. I added some simple metal jewelry. The necklace is a pair of gold an silver rings linked together on a silver chain, and I am wearing a gold cuff. Sorry we didn't have more detailed pictures from this shoot. But hopefully you get the idea.

Photo Credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Photo Credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make Up Rachel Christensen.

I showed you these last two pictures to show you that I am an actual woman, and sometimes a bit silly. 

Shopping the Look:

White Crop Pants - Christopher and Banks - $59.95

Print Blouse - Kohls - $33.00

3/4 Sleeve Sweater - Denim and Co. - $38. 50

Sandals - DSW - $39.95

Clutch - DSW - $29.95

Be sure to click on the link below for the 7th installment of the Between the Lines series, featuring bloggers over 50. 

Tuesday linking up with Catherine from Not Dressed as Lamb and the Ageless Style link up with Jennie at a Pocketful of Polkadots. Wednesday linking up with Allison from Sydney Fashion Hunter and Tania from 50 is Not Old.