Layering Love - Wearing a Vest over a Cardigan - Another Look

After last week's post on layering a longer vest over a longer cardigan, I got curious to see how a shorter vest would look over a shorter cardigan. Finding different ways to use the pieces we already own, not only gives us more choices, but it helps our brain to stay active and learning. In the same way we benefit from learning a musical instrument, solving puzzles or taking on a new activity, figuring out how to put outfits together, helps keep our brains healthy. Check out this older post from Jodie of Jodie's Touch of Style, about how restyling our clothing can help our brains. 

I decided to give you two outfits for today's post. The Rock and Republic jeans are the same for both outfits.  I just bought these for my birthday in January. Kohl's was having a buy one get one 50% off, which doesn't happen too often, so I took advantage of it. 

Look 1: Monochrome

Just like last week's post, I decided to do a matching sweater and matching vest. For this look, I chose black. I chose this shorter A.M.I. cardigan with the big buttons and bell type, 3/4 length sleeves as something different from the usual standard cardigan. Since this was thrifted I had a hard time tracking down the original brand. There is an AMI out of Paris featuring Alexandre Mattuissi designs which are mainly for men, although he is launching a menswear for women this year. There is also an AMI Clubwear, which features more sexy and cute styles for going out, dancing and parties. If you click over there, just be prepared for a bit of skin. All that being said, I am not sure where this sweater originally came from. Ahh, the beauty of thrifting. Ha, ha. 

I used my Selene Sport (older brand-thrifted) quilted faux leather vest and added my Ralph Lauren leather ankle boots and my sparkly clutch to go with the bling on my necklace and pants. 

Look 2: Not Matching

For this outfit, I switched out the black cardi for a leopard print version by Karen Scott. Karen Scott brand is sold at Macy's. Once again it has 3/4 length sleeves, but a more traditional cardigan shape. The vest is Christopher and Banks that I got a few years ago. I thought the burgundy denim was a perfect compliment to the print of the sweater. 

I swapped out my black ankle boots for my knee high Unisa shearling ones. I thought these pulled out the brown in the cardi quite well. You can see how I styled these boots in another post from fall, here. I grabbed a simple burgundy clutch and threw on a few silver pieces of jewelry to go with the silver buttons on the vest. 

Here are the two outfits side by side.

I think this is a fun way to get more wear out of both your vests and your cardigans. It is also a perfect way to add an extra layer of warmth around your core. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Leave me some love in the comments section. I love to hear your thoughts. If you ever have a suggestion for something you'd like to see me feature on the blog, please let me know. 

Have a great weekend!

Here are a few shopping links. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Jo-Lynne of Jo-Lynne Shane. 

Working Undercover - Battle of the Bulge - Part 2

For any of you who may have missed last week's post, I am doing a series on covering our flaws. Most of us are not completely satisfied with our own bodies, although it is good to try to accept ourselves and our flaws. I created this series for those of us who are still in the self acceptance stage. 

Last week I showed you my own bulges and a series of waist lines, specifically on dresses that help to cover those extra flabs. The waist lines would work on tops as well. If you want to read that post click on the link here: Battle of the Bulge - Part 1. 

Before I get to that here is another outfit from my Florida trip.

I'll talk more about this outfit after we discuss a few other things.

This week I want to show you a few other ideas for covering those stubborn bulgy areas. 

1. Banded pants.

Instead of jeans or trousers with a zipper and belt loops there are now pants that ride higher on the waist that are overall stretchy and cling more tightly through the hips and waist. You might wonder how something that is tighter can actually cover the bulges instead of making them worse. Take a look at this pair of pants from Chico's.

This is the So Slimming Slim Leg Pants. I happened to walk in, on a sale day, so I got this pair for $29.99 as opposed to the normal price of $89.00. They are definitely worth the money. This is the first pair I have had, and I love them. They pull on and they stay up. I have a few other banded waist pants and they have a tendency to sag throughout the day, but these stay put and are very comfortable. They are also made of a heavier bi-stretch fabric, so great for the cooler months. 

This type of pant works well under tighter fitting tops and because it rides higher it covers some of the those problematic tummy bulges. 

2. Waist bands that sit on top of your pelvic bones.

Another waist band to look for are those that rest just on top of your pelvic bones. Rather than cinching you right where the bulges pop, pants that rest just below that point, and are not too tight give a smoother look. These pants are a Kohl's clearance and are actually wide leg cropped pants, so i am excited to feature them in a future post. For now, you only get the waist band. Ha, ha.

Obviously, if your main problem is a tummy, you will be better off with a higher waisted pant, like the ones above. It really is a matter of trying different brands and styles until you find the ones that fit and work for you.

3. Two ways to wear tees. 

Tee shirts are always a conundrum for me. If I get them in my normal size they are usually too tight around my bulges. If I size up, in many styles they are too big on the top. I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to tees, I have to try different styles and different sizes in those styles. 

The next two tees i recently bought at Kohl's in the Junior's department. I usually stay away from that department, because so many of the clothes do not fit my over middle age body. However, I will be the first to admit they do carry cute things that you don't always see in the regular Misses department. If you read my Layering Love post last Thursday then you know, I found that cute duster vest at the same time I found these tees. You'll also see the first tee below in that same post. 

For these graphic tees I sized up. I can wear a medium with confidence at a store like Christopher and Banks. Those clothes are made for "average" sized women. In the Junior's department I size up to a large or in this case an extra large. This worked great for these tees. They run smaller through the bust and shoulders, but wider through the middle. This tee is Wonder Woman.

This next one is from Harry Potter. I love the color. It is a bit longer, so I could wear it long, or do a front tuck. I show you both ways. 

i'm glad I tried these on and I expect these will get some wear as the weather gets warmer. 

4. Wear a vest or a jacket. 

These are two easy ways to give yourself extra coverage when you are feeling less than confident. 

This brings me back to my Florida outfit.

This outfit includes a tee, which I'll show without the jacket next, and a jacket. It was a bit chilly in the Sunshine State while we were there, so a light jacket was appropriate. 

I love this top so much that I bought two of them. I think it is fun, romantic and figure flattering. The seams up the front give the tee shape, but it skims, rather than clinging to the bulges. Another clearance find at Kohl's. The tee tops my Rock and Republic jeans.

I bought this little purse a few years ago (Kohl's clearance....yes I have issues - ha, ha), and it is the perfect size for a day at the shops. I love the little bird and thought the colors went well with my floral bomber jacket from JC Penney. You can see wear I wore this jacket before in this post from fall. 

I also wore my layered bracelet and my chunky wood bead necklace. 

And of course, my blue SO flats. 

I hope you are enjoying this series and that you are finding it helpful. Obviously, there is so much information out there on how to dress and everyone is different. The tips I am giving might work for some of you, but not for others. The best advice I can give is try things on and see how you feel in them. 

I'll be back next week with a few more tips for working undercover. Be sure to check back Thursday for more layering love!

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. 

Layering Love - Wearing a Vest over a Cardigan

When it comes to layering there are so many possibilities. I have learned so much from other bloggers about adding layers and how to make my outfits more fun and interesting. I noticed a few bloggers a number of months ago layering with longer layers and I thought I'd give it a go. 

Today's outfit involves layering a long vest over a long cardigan. 

The color of these two pieces are a perfect match, so it is barely noticeable that they actually are two separate pieces. The duster cardigan is Chaps brand from Kohl's and the vest, also Kohl's. is Wall Flower brand from the Junior's department. Both pieces were clearance. I don't usually shop in the Junior's department for obvious reasons, most of their stuff doesn't fit me, but once in a while it pays to look. 

The knee length cardigan is light weight and will be a good transitional piece going into spring. It has pockets on each side in the front. 

For a fun casual look I paired the sweater and vest combo with a graphic tee. This particular one is Wonder Woman. I like the words. These are words I want to epitomize. 

Because it is cold, I thought my OTK boots would be appropriate. I also chose my burgundy cross body bag and bracelets to got with the red "W" below the words on the tee. 

I think this vest and sweater combo would look cute over a dress or a top and skirt. This would work well even if the sweater and vest were different colors. It adds a layer of interest and warmth to an outfit, which is a plus in this chilly weather. 

What about you? Have you ever tried to wear a vest over a cardigan? What do you think of this loo?. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a few words in the comments section.

Here are a few shopping links. If you click on a link I get a few cents. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I might get a small commission. I don't get paid to blog, so any help you can give in that regard is much appreciated. All opinions are my own.

Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Working Undercover - Battle of the Bulge - Part 1

One of the biggest struggles we have as we age is the increase in weight around our middles. Here is an informative article By Elsie Velazquez about the issue, Middle-Age Bulge - Why Does it Happen and What We Can Do to Prevent it.  Velazquez points to 5 common mistakes we make that contribute to our bulges, including stress, decrease in sleep and mindless eating. She also points to exercise mistakes such as doing cardio only and never changing up the routine. I am so guilty of all of these.

The reality is, however, that without totally revamping our lifestyles those bulges are not going away easily. Until, I actually come to the point where I am willing to put in the work, both mentally and physically to change, I have to live with my extra baggage and find a way to either accept it or cover it up until I feel better about it. Since this series is about covering up our flaws that is the area I am going to concentrate on. 

I'm going to take a few weeks to get through this, because there is so much to share. 

This outfit was one I wore while we were in Florida. I thought it an appropriate outfit to start off my series on "camouflage". I found this cute top at H&M on a sale rack. While my husband is a big fan of camo during hunting season, it is not a trend that I have gotten into for my blog until recently. I've seen numerous bloggers wearing camo, as it seems particularly trendy now, and I will admit, when worn the right way it can make a fashion statement. 

In order to understand the bulge dilemma, I thought I would show you a few pics of my own spare tires.

I am fully aware that wearing tight pants will make bulges more prominent, but I did that for the sake of the pictures and because I do like my pants to fit securely around my torso. I feel like I am continually pulling them up if I don't have a belt on, but to get them to fit around my bum and legs they have to be the size I wear. The joys of being a woman, right?

Bulges make us curvy. There are women who are thin and straight and would give their right arm to have bulges. As I said in last week's post we are on a journey to self acceptance, but we also want to look and feel confident and put together. I do not feel confident if my bulges are sticking out inappropriately, so for me, wearing a tight tee shirt is not going to happen. 

So, how do we dress in a way that is stylish, but still covers our bulges? The word you want to remember is skimming. It isn't just about fabric. There are fabrics that cling and fabrics that flow or skim. We want our clothing to show off our shapes, but at the same time be forgiving of our bulges. 

Here are a few examples of dress waistlines that offer a forgiving or camouflage feature. 

1. Empire Waist

The empire waist is a high waist that falls just below the breasts. This is the point where the material is gathered in some way to make the high waist more fitted. From this point the clothing piece subtly flares out either in wide flare or a straighter more a-line silhouette.

2. Ruched Waist

Ruching is a technique used on fabric to gather or pleat a particular area. This technique is done on tops, pants, skirts, and dresses. Ruching in the right spot can cover a plethora of flaws. 

3. Fitted waist

A fitted garment is one where panels of fabric are sewn together to give the piece a more curved look in through the bust and waist area. In a dress like this one, the panels then flare out making this piece more of a swing type dress. 

These waist lines are available in tops as well as dresses, so when you go shopping start looking for articles of clothing that have some of these features. 

Next week we'll look at some other ways to camouflage our bulges. Just because we want to cover things up a little bit doesn't mean we can't wear fun things like tee shirts. I'll show you how next week. 

Here are a few more pics of my Florida outfit. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a new faith post and Thursday for some more layering love. 

Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Thursday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 

Layering Love - A Leopard Print Jacket

Every now and then I come across a piece in a store I just love. Sometimes I don't know I'm in love until I try it on, other times I can tell as soon as I see or feel it. When I saw this leopard print jacket on the clearance rack at JC Penney, I had to touch it. When I felt its soft velvety texture, I had to try it on. When I tried it on, I said, "This is coming home with me."

I tried to take pictures outside, but it was only 11 degrees. Which would have been doable, if the camera hadn't decided it was too cold to be outside. I kept trying to use the remote and it wasn't having it! Ha, ha. I did take a few photos right next to the house, but when I looked at them I realized I had an electric meter coming out of my head, and green mold decorating the aluminum siding. I want to be real, but maybe not that real! Instead you get indoor pictures with bits of clutter and Christmas decorations here and there. I probably should take down the Christmas decor pretty soon. What do you think? How many of you still have Christmas up at your house? Please tell me, I am not the only one.

I wore this outfit to work and I was so glad. The heat was off on one side of the store. Did I mention it was only 11 degrees? Of course it was the side with the cash registers, so anytime we had a customer we had to leave our toasty back office and go to the cold side...sort of like the dark side, but you don't get a light saber. This Libby Edelman jacket and Croft and Barrow turtleneck kept me warm and cozy all day. Here is the link to the jacket online. I'm not sure why, but the it is still full price, unless you buy more than one thing, and they only have small sizes left.

For this casual work look, I paired the jacket with my Rock & Republic skinny jeans, and my Rialto black riding boots. 

I chose my Butterum hobo bag and added a simple beaded pendant necklace that I just found at Penney's on clearance. I thought it linked well with the colors in the jacket. 

I think this jacket would look fantastic with a red or burgundy dress or skirt, as well as navy or even cobalt blue pants. A leopard print jacket like this can be worn with many other pieces for both dressy and casual occasions. What do you think? Would you wear a jacket like this?

Be sure to leave me some love in the comments section. I appreciate your input.

Here are a few shopping options. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Friday linking up with Jo-Lynne of Jo-Lynne Shane. 

Working Under Cover: An Introduction

Welcome to my first series of 2018! Due to the aging process changes occur in our bodies, resulting in weight gain and redistribution, loss of muscle and skin elasticity and other physical changes such as varicose veins, foot problems and arthritis. The ability to deal with these issues starts in our heads. Frankly, we just need to accept the fact that we are getting older. We are no longer 25 and we never will be again. 

While we need to take care of our bodies by eating well and getting exercise, the changes that come after menopause are not easily gotten rid of. Instead of obsessing over our bulges by trying to do millions of sit ups, or worrying over the veins that show on our legs or hands, there are other things we can do to cover our flaws and still look and feel beautiful. 

As you can see by the title of this series, my intent is to share with you different ways of dressing that will cover the changes that age has brought about, so that we can still look fashionable and well styled. This week, I'd like to look at a few things we need to think about first before we start our under cover operation.

1. Accept what you can't change.

This slightly fat kitty seems to pay no heed to the fact that he/she is overweight. We have a myriad of articles and news stories available on positive body image, body shaming and self esteem. I think it is important that we create a culture of acceptance, while at the same time encouraging one another to be the best we can be. Health and self confidence are the key issues we ought to be pushing, not skinny or fat, tall or short, black, white or rainbow colored. I believe we are all created equal, by a Creator, so there is no room for bullying, body shaming, racism or comparisons based on external factors or even internal preferences such as religion or political affiliations. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;”

— Declaration of Independence

I recommend taking an inventory of the things you don't like about your body. For the sake of this series, I am only going to discuss physical body issues, not emotional or mental characteristics. Stand in front of a full length mirror and look at yourself, preferably with no clothes, or with just your underwear. Look at yourself from head to toe. Take a piece of paper and make four columns. 

Column 1 - Things I don't like, that I can't change

Column 2 - Things I don't like, that I can change

Column 3 - Things I like

Column 4 - Other

Column 1 would be things like a big bottom, or no bottom at all, long arms, knobby knees, small feet and so on. You may not like these things, but you cannot change them.

Column 2 would be things like pale skin, extra weight, varicose veins, breast size, or other issues that could be altered whether by using make up, exercising and eating better, or having some sort of surgery or procedure. 

Column 3 should be the things you like about your body. My husband has always told me I have pretty collar bones. Some women like their strong shapely arms or legs. Maybe you have very pretty decolletage (a fancy word for cleavage), or you have smooth, beautiful skin. Write down all the things you like and don't say you don't like anything about your body. God made you beautiful, you just need to agree. 

I added column 4 because for some of us there are things that could be changed, but perhaps at this point in time resources do not allow that particular procedure or maybe you are just not sure about having major surgery to help with weight loss or breast reduction or implants. I have bad varicose veins, but currently they do not bother me. Without a diagnosis of pain or necessity, it is doubtful that our insurance will cover a procedure to have them dealt with. However, I will put them on my sheet as something I would like to change in the future. Maybe you just had a baby and have 30 pounds of extra weight you'd like to get rid of, but right now, you are just trying to get to know your little one. Put that in this column as something you want to address at a future date. 

Acceptance of what we cannot change or have no control over, is the first step to healthier, more confident way of viewing yourself and the world around you. 

2. Accentuate the positive.

Look back at the list I had you write. More specifically look at the things about yourself you like. These are the things that you need to pay attention to when you are buying clothes, and getting dressed. 

If you are a woman who has shapely, blemish free legs you can wear skirts and dresses, as well as cropped pants and shorts. Show off those beautiful gams. Maybe you have strong, well defined arms. Don't be afraid to expose them with sleeveless tops or even tighter fitting sleeves in the cooler weather. Perhaps what you love most about yourself is the color of your eyes. Look for make up as well as tops, scarves and accessories that will make those beauties pop. 

In our information friendly world you can find all sorts of articles on line about how to dress for your body type, complexion and hair color just by typing in a few words. Check out a few of these:

How to Dress for Your Body Shape

10 Ways to Look 5 Years Younger 

40 Eye Makeup Looks for Brown Eyes

You can find all sorts of tutorials, articles and advice on how to accentuate your positives. 

3. What you can't change, camo!

I'm not saying that we need to cover up anything and everything that we are not happy with when it comes to our bodies. If that were the case some of us would be wearing a bag. What I hope to do over the next few weeks, is show you ways to dress that will cover up a few of those problem areas and make you feel more confident and put together. 

Camouflage is nature's way of hiding. God gave critters an amazing ability to hide in plain sight and that is exactly what we want to do. We want to hide the things we view as flaws but still feel comfortable to go out and live life. 

Pixabay

I hope you'll join me next Tuesday as we start looking at those problem areas and how we can put them under cover. 

Until then, have a great week. 

Be sure to check back Thursday for more Layering Love. 

A Look Back at 2017 - My Favorite Outfits

It seems that many of my blogger friends have New Year's posts that review their favorite outfits from 2017. Since I am usually a bit behind, and I just got back from my trip to Florida, I thought I would do the same thing, until I can get some new outfits put together for you. 

I had a wonderful time with my family in Florida. It wasn't the warmest that it could have been, but we all had fun and got along, which is always a plus, since most families have the typical internal strife. It was fun to see my younger daughter interact with her son. She really has become a great mom! It was also fun to get to know my son-in-law better. He and our eldest are a pretty easy going couple. We ate good, had some time on the beach, played mini golf and played Pictionary a couple different nights. 

My hubby and I spent two nights on the road to get home, but although I am sad that it is over, I am glad to be home. Unfortunately for my kids when they got back on Wednesday evening, my younger daughter's car wouldn't start. Once they got that running, my eldest and her hubby went home to an apartment where the furnace wasn't working and the pipes were frozen. Ugg. These arctic temps are taking their toll everywhere. Thankfully our place was still up and running, so the kids brought the dog back here and spent the last two nights. Everything seems to be back in working order.

Here is a look back at my favorite outfits from 2017:

January

Chasing Away the Winter Blues - Week 3

Why do I like it? It's the perfect pick me up for a drab winter day.

February

Romance is in the Air - Week 1

Why do I like it? Sexy, but modest. I love the mix of textures. 

March

A Bit of Travel, A Bit of Fashion 

Why do I like it? It's just me...comfortable, tomboy, tough girl.

April

Pantone Spring 2017 - Flame 

Why do I like it? The color contrast and the stripes make for a great combination that anyone can wear.

May

Color Crash Course - Blush and Pastel Orange

Why do I like it? It is soft and feminine, but not too much!

June

Marvelous Maxis - Pleasantly Pleated 

Why do I like it? I think it is the perfect blend of feminine comfort and earthy tones. 

July

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Asymmetrical Hem 

Why do I like it? It's the kind of outfit I could wear to work and then wear to a summer evening event. I like its versatility. 

August

Small Business Spotlight - Kaylee Barfell and LuLaRoe 

Why do I like it? I love the color combination, as well as the coverage of the maxi skirt.

September

Pantone Fall 2017 - The London Palette - Royal Lilac and Golden Olive

Why do I like it? I think the color combo is crazy, but perfectly gypsy like! 

October (I couldn't pick just one!)

Outfit 1 - Fun Fall Look - Floral Bomber Jacket     Outfit 2 -  Pantone Fall 2017 -                                                  

Why I like these? I like the floral bomber and pairing it with the olive skinny jeans and pink flats says cool and confident. The second outfit really appeals to my bohemian/gypsy vibe. I love the color combo of orange and deep green and the edginess of the black faux leather vest. 

November (Another tie!)

Outfit 1 - Holiday Outfit - Dressy Casual               Outfit 2 - Layering Love - Light Weight Skirt

Why I like these? I have become a big fan of burgundy and the darker reds and both of these outfits incorporated pops of those colors in a classic and fun way. I also love dressing up jeans, as well as the playful bohemian vibe of the Beatles sweatshirt with the tiered skirt. 

December (Another tie!)

Outfit 1 - Holiday Outfit - Dressy - Pants               Outfit 2 - Holiday Outfit - New Years

Why I like these? The all black outfit is so perfect for a dressy occasion and it was so easy to put together. The second outfit is a great combination of feminine, flirty and fun. 

I hope you enjoyed this look back at 2017. If you click on the links you can see the original posts, in case you missed any of them.

As I begin to look forward to what I will be doing on the blog in 2018, I hope you will continue to join me. My plan is to try to keep posting my fashion posts twice a week, a faith post once a week and maybe add some creative writing as well. I'll let you know if that happens.

Thank you all for your support this past year, and as always, if you have any suggestions for things you would like to see on the blog, please leave me a comment in the comments section below, or you can message me on my Facebook page. I'd love to have your feedback.

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Outfit - What Will You Be Wearing for New Years?

I don't know about you, but I am having severe Christmas with drawl. Do any of you experience the after Christmas blues? We had a great time with family, but all the work and anticipation leading up to that precious time is over. It makes me sad. Not sad that I had to do a lot of work, but sad that it is over. Our families are precious to us and time is a gift, so when it disappears in the blink of an eye it can leave me feeling like I just got the wind knocked out of me. I have found the best thing for me to do when I am feeling that way is be grateful, pray and move forward. On to the next thing. 

Christmas is over and the new year is on the way. My husband and I don't really do anything on New Years Eve, except go to bed early. Ha, ha. However, maybe one of these days we will get all dolled up and go to a party. You never know, what the future will bring. If I did go to a New Years Eve party this outfit, might be the perfect choice.

This gold skirt is a great piece to build an outfit around for New Years. It flows and shimmers. This is Lauren Conrad brand from Kohl's. I ordered it online at the end of the spring season so I got a good deal. 

For the top I chose a sparkly gray sweater from ANA. It's a loose weave, but close enough that I didn't need to wear a cami underneath. I also added my City Steets floral bomber jacket from JC Penney. I think it gives a fun, but casual vibe to this dressy outfit. You can see how I styled this jacket before on the blog here. 

I chose a rose gold pendant necklace and a gold clutch. When you see the clutch and skirt together, the skirt looks more blush or tan, than gold. 

These heels you have seen before. A simple pump in any color is a good way to dress up an outfit. Heels don't have to be complicated with straps or embellishments to add class to your outfit. A heeled shoe elevates your look regardless of how fancy it is.

What are your New Year's plans? Will you be going to a party? We will be traveling south looking for warmer weather. We hope to meet our kids in the Tampa area to spend the New Year's weekend together. 

Have a blessed week and a Happy 2018! 

Layering Love - Christmas Outfit Two Ways

Since Christmas is just a few days away I thought I would show an outfit with a Christmas sweater. The Ugly Christmas Sweater movement has given way to a whole Christmas trend. You can find Christmas sweaters that  are bright, colorful, stylish and absolutely gaudy. Ha, ha. This one I am wearing I got at Christopher and Banks a few years ago. 

I like the simplicity of it, yet with its bright red color, reindeer and snowflakes, it still says Christmas. I added a pair of creamy white corduroys to keep the outfit warm and cozy. 

I decided on silver or gray accessories. My small hobo bag is just right for a wallet, keys and a few things like lip gloss and tissues. I also decided to go simple with my pendant necklace and silver bracelet.

I thought my gray high top Converse would also be the perfect shoe to wear with this outfit. 

For a more dressed up look I added a gray vest with bling, Swapped out the jewelry for items with a bit more shine and changed the bag to a patent leather red clutch. I also exchanged the Converse for my gray heels. 

Here are the looks side by side.

One outfit, two ways, just by making a few small changes. It's that easy. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. We will be doing some traveling, so I will be out of my regular posting schedule, but I will try to post a few things about our trip. 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by the blog. 

This post contains 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. 

Layering Love - Add a Vest

Continuing my series on layering, I wanted to look at several different ways of adding layers without adding bulk. A vest is a perfect choice for adding warmth around your core, but still allowing you to show off those fancy sleeves. 

Fancy sleeves are all the rage right now. Bell sleeves, laced sleeves and sleeves with layers of ruffles can be found in many of our frequented retailers. By wearing a vest, you give yourself an extra layer of warmth, and let your pretty sleeves show off. 

Since velvet is very trendy right now, I wanted to show off this top that I have worn on the blog before. You can see that post here. This pretty bell sleeve top is Notations brand, which is sold at various retailers including Target. Mine was thrifted. 

This picture shows the sleeve up close. Isn't the pattern pretty? I love the black background with the pink flowers. It is a true winter floral. This pic also shows my green clutch. I decided on green for the clutch and jewelry to pull in the little bit of green in the leaves on the top.

The faux leather skirt is Worthington brand which is sold at JC Penney. Mine was thrifted. I never really had an interest in getting a leather or faux leather skirt until I saw Jodie from Jodie's Touch of Style do a post showing off hers. I'm glad I made this purchase. You can see a couple of Jodie's posts on styling leather skirts here and here. 

Instead of tights I wore heavier leggings. Once again, another way to keep warm. 

The long black vest I got at TJ Maxx and it is brand called harve bernard. Kohl's sells this brand also. As you can see the vest is knee length and has a slight open weave. This will be a good add on piece for fall, winter and spring.

I didn't even realize until I looked at the inside of this boot for the brand that these were Ralph Lauren. No wonder I like them! They are leather, look nice and are comfortable. Win!

Do you like to wear a vest for added warmth in the winter? How would you style your vest? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments. section. I always appreciate your feed back and support. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Holiday Outfit - Dressy - Pants

There may be an occasion during the holidays where you want to get dressed up. Maybe you are going to see a stage play such as, A Christmas Carol, or you may be going to a holiday party at the office that is a little more upscale. A great way to get dressed up using pieces you already have in your closet, is to go for a monochrome look. 

Monochrome is choosing one color scheme for your whole outfit. Black or navy is a a great choice since this darker color always looks classy and can easily be taken up a notch with the right accessories. The inspiration for this outfit came from a Chico's catalog that I got last year before the holidays. 

For my outfit I chose a pair of Daisy Fuentes black pants from Kohl's. Here is a pair from H&M. My sleeveless top is from Christopher and Banks. I think the drape neckline on this top is part of what makes it look more dressy. Here is a long sleeve tee version from JC Penney. 

The jacket was a thrift store find. It is very similar to the Chico's inspired outfit, which featured a sheer, mid-thigh over jacket. This one I found, has no label in it, so I don't know what brand it is. 

To keep the look more formal I chose my accessories for their classic dressy vibe. The faux pearls and the real freshwater pearls mingle in varying lengths against the black backdrop of my blouse. I also had the pearl bracelet with the gold and faux rhinestone cross, which seemed the perfect accompanying piece. 

The strands of pearls and beads are not exactly the same color, but it adds interest to the outfit. I grabbed my pewter clutch to complete the look. 

Instead of regular heels I went for the heeled ankle boots. When you are wearing longer slacks, a heeled boot looks perfectly dressy. 

The beauty of a monochrome look is that is elongates you. It makes you look taller, classy and put together. 

If you have a more dressy party or event to go to and don't want to spend a fortune on a dress you'll only wear once in a while, try the following suggestions.

1. Start with a dark skirt or pair of pants. Navy or black work best for a dressy occasion, but look for something that you have other pieces in of the same color.

2. Find a blouse, light weight sweater or other top that says dressed up. Fabrics do a lot to make an outfit look dressier. Look for fabrics that are silky, flowy or drape well. 

3. You don't have to wear a jacket like I did, but having some sort of over piece adds warmth and interest. A waterfall cardi, a button up tunic worn as a jacket or even a moto jacket can all dress an outfit up.

4. Wear heels if you are able. Heels make us walk with more confidence and stand up taller. If you can't wear heels, then choose a pair of flats with a pointier toe or made of a material like velvet. Velvet dresses anything up.

5. Add the perfect accessories. Silver and gold are alway a good choice to wear with a monochrome outfit, but pearls or iridescent beads in solid colors can add a touch of class. Do this for you bag choice as well. A clutch with bling always says upscale. 

I hope you enjoyed this outfit. Do you like to dress in monochrome? Do you have a go to outfit or clothing piece that just makes you feel like a million bucks when you wear it? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Layering Love - Using a Scarf for Added Interest

There is no end to how you can layer an outfit. While I spent the last few weeks looking at how you can add warmth in a functional way, there is also the idea of adding warmth, while adding a textural element to the outfit. A great way to add texture is to throw on a scarf. 

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday. I love to get dressed up, but it is also nice to be more casual. I like that more churches do both. The scarf I am wearing is a large oblong one made of a medium weight material. To tie it, I wrapped the scarf from front to back, then crossed both ends over and brought them back to the front. I tied the front ends together. You can do all sorts of things to tie a scarf. Check out this link that shows a video tutorial for 15 Chic and Creative Ways to Tie a Scarf. 

This dark purple Loft pullover sweater is soft and comfortable. In addition to the ribbing on on the sleeve cuffs and band on the bottom, there is a type of shirring across the yoke and shoulders. Here is a different one, but very cute. 

You can see that I kept the colors of the outfit simple by matching pieces up with those in the scarf. This dark purple sweater goes perfectly with the purple in the scarf as does the light pink or blush color of the waterfall cardi. This thrifted cardi is Jennifer Lopez brand. Here is a current one with fur trim at Kohl's.

While I used a different bag when I went to church, I thought this burgundy Massini saddle bag goes well with the casual look of the outfit and the colors in the scarf. You can see more about Meijer's Massini brand on Stacy London's blog. 

These are one of my favorite pair of knee high black books. They have a slight heel and the detailing of the buckle and shape of the boot give it a more dressed up feel. I would wear these with a skirt or dress. These are Croft and Barrow brand. These are very similar and not a bad price. 

My skinny jeans are also a brand called Angel that I recently found at Kohl's. They are very soft and hold their shape pretty well. These must have been some sort of a trial brand, because I do not see them any more on their website. However, here is a Lee pair and a Rock and Republic pair. As with most clothing, I recommend going to the store and trying things on. Every pair of jeans fits a little bit different. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. 

For those of you who follow my faith posts, I am a little behind this week. I am hoping to get my faith post up tomorrow. Sorry about that. 

Have a great weekend everyone.

Holiday Outfit - Dressy Casual - Skirt

Here we are five days into December. Only nineteen shopping days left. For my husband it's two. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, there are only two shopping days until Christmas. Ha, ha. I usually get my shopping started  mid to late October. I'm pretty well finished now, except for a few stocking stuffers. I am guilty of spending too much and buying too many things, but the way I figure it, my kids are working hard to pay the rent, bills and other necessities of life. They aren't going to buy that pair of fuzzy socks, even though they love wearing them, because they don't want to spend the money. So, this mama, likes to give them a few of those luxuries that they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. I tried to pare it down this year as we are flying them all to Florida for a family vacation, but I will still have a few gifts to put under the tree, thanks to coupons and shopping sales. 

Here's my step by step guide for this week's holiday outfit. 

1. Comb your closet for a fun skirt that is not too dressy, but not too casual. 

I am wearing a Jones Wear Studio plaid skirt. In all honesty I cannot remember where I got this. Macy's sells Jones Wear and so does dressbarn, so it could have been either, but I have had it for a while. This type of plaid skirt is not popular today, due to the length, cut and style, but it was a popular style for me in the 90's. Why get rid of something that still fits and looks nice! Besides, plaid is trending right now, so I figure I can't be too far off the fashion wagon. Plaid is part of what keeps this outfit more casual, as well as the heavier weight fabric of the skirt. 

2. Find a blouse or sweater that coordinates with one of the colors in your skirt. (This could be reversed by choosing a solid colored skirt with fun printed top.)

I used the same silky Jaclyn Smith cream colored top as I wore in last week's post where I paired it with jeans. You can see that post here. The combination of the plaid, heavier weight skirt with the silky material of the top really makes this outfit a perfect example of dressy casual. 

3. Spend a little time picking out your shoes and your bag.

I went for a little more of a retro look with the shoes. These A2 by Aerosoles are comfy and stylish. I like the multi layered look. I think pairing these cute shoes with this outfit adds to the festive holiday look, but still keeps the outfit from being over-the-top dressy. 

I kept my bag simple, but I thought it went well with the color of the shoes and the colors in the skirt. 

4. Add a few statement accessories. 

Being a woman of layers and feeling cold easily, I decided I needed something to throw over my shoulders that would still keep the outfit chic and stylish. This berry colored scarf was the perfect width to make a shawl. 

I show it open in these pictures, but you could also tie it at the front for a cozier look. 

My jewelry is understated, letting the shawl and the skirt take center stage. 

Here are the looks side by side. You could easily remove the shawl if you get to warm. 

Do you think this works for a dressy casual holiday outfit? What is your favorite thing to wear at the holidays? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I've included a few shopping links for plaid skirts. These are affiliate links which means if you click on a link I get a few cents. If you purchase something through a link, I get a small commission. Every little bit helps. All opinions are my own.

Be sure to check back on Thursday for another layering love post. Also, if you love holiday movies, I'll be talking about lessons learned from another one of my favorites on the faith page. Check back tomorrow for that. 

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by the blog.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Layering Love - What to do with a Light Weight Sweater

When the temperatures begin to fall I start to dress in layers. Much like a bear getting ready to hibernate, I add layers to keep me warm. Unfortunately, through the holidays I often add a layer of fat as well as clothing. To keep from looking like the Michelin Man, or the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man it is important to add layers that don't also add bulk. Bulky is fine if you are staying home, or if you pair skinny jeans with a heavy sweater, but there are days and times that we just don't want the heavier layers. 

Today's outfit is built around a light weight long sleeve sweater from Old Navy that I found thrifting. When I saw the word Joy written in gold threads across the front I knew it was coming home with me and would be a perfect piece for holiday dressing.

For this casual look I wore my Gloria Vanderbilt olive green skinnies. 

My shoes are Sonoma suede ankle boots with a low block heel. This olive colored tote bag is Style and Co brand and is also thrifted. I added the blue fringe dangle for an additional pop of color. 

For my extra layer I added my purple Christopher and Banks moto jacket. I love these kinds of jackets. They are not too heavy, but add the perfect layer of warmth. These work quite well for shopping, where you are just running from the car to the store. I also, occasionally where one to work to keep warm in the cold office. 

To keep the look simple and not detract from the lettering on the sweater, I chose a short statement necklace. It has a little bit of purple in it and goes well with both the sweater and the jacket. 

Do you have a light weight sweater in your closet? This is one way you can wear it while still keeping warm. Lighter layers are the perfect way to add warmth without adding a lot of bulk. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Outfit - Dressy Casual - Jeans

There are times during the holidays that an event calls for a look that is more than casual but not overly dressy. This is what I call dressy casual. This is often the perfect choice for a holiday office party, a dinner and shopping date with your significant other, or a party in someone's home.

Here are some tips for putting together a dressy casual outfit for the holidays using pieces already in your closet. 

1. Pick a pair of nice dark wash jeans.

For this look I chose my Rock & Republic boot cut jeans. What makes these jeans a more dressy choice has to do with the cut and wash of the fabric. A boot cut jean is figure flattering on just about anyone, as is a dark wash. A dark wash also looks more polished than a lighter wash. I also feel a jean without tears or holes is more dressy than a distressed look. As you can see these are more fitted as well. A baggier jean gives a look a more casual vibe. Another option for this outfit would be a denim trouser. Here is a version of what I am thinking. Here is a pair from Target. 

2. Select a blouse appropriate for the holidays.

My shiny cream colored blouse is Jaclyn Smith brand and I found it at a thrift store. A blouse like this can be worn out or tucked in. I chose to wear mine out to keep my look casual, but flirty. 

What exactly makes a blouse holiday worthy? I think the blouse needs to fit you well and serve as a back drop for fun jewelry or scarves. If you want to go with a holiday color like red, green or gold that's fine, but I would keep it a single color. If you don't have a blouse like this, a crisp white cotton blend would work as well. A longer tunic type blouse would also work. A button up or a blouse made from a shiny polyester blend gives a more dressy look. 

3. Choose a few awesome accessories. 

I decided to use burgundy for my accessory color and I chose to stay with that color for my necklace, bag and shoes. I feel that in this case, less is more. This would also work with a few layers of gold chains, a sparkly clutch and heels. I have styled this burgundy necklace from Charming Charlie before on the blog. You can see those posts here, here and here. 

This is a unique piece of wood and metal and makes the perfect statement against the creamy background of the top. You can see I also added my burgundy bracelet with the magnetic closure. 

This burgundy clutch was a recent thrift store find and I find myself reaching for it again and again. I think burgundy and maroon are a great color to add to many outfits for fall and winter. Especially in the form of accessories. 

4. Grab your heels.

There is just something about a great pair of heels that takes any outfit up a notch. High heels tend to make us walk with better posture and stand up straighter. I don't wear heels very often, but when I do, I feel like I am dressed up. Heels are no brainers with skirts, dresses and dress pants, but they look fabulous with jeans and just look how much classier this outfit looks with them. 

These berry colored shooties are Bandolino brand. Here is something with a lower block heel by Franco Sarto. Here is another pair with higher heels from Macy's.

This is an easy outfit to put together as it only has two pieces plus accessories. Once in a while a minimalist approach is the best approach, especially when the holidays can be hectic and fast paced. 

I hope you are enjoying this series on dressing for the holidays. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Be sure to check back on Thursday for an easy way to layer for a day at the mall. 

This post contains affiliate links. Some links provide shopping opportunities. If you click on a link I get a few cents. If you make a purchase through my blog, I get a little commission. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

Layering Love - What to Do with a Light Weight Skirt

I own a number of skirts that are light weight and for the most part only meant to be worn in warmer weather. I thought it would be fun to take one of those skirts and style it for cold weather. The beauty of a fuller skirt is that you can add multiple layers underneath and not create added bulges. 

For this outfit, which I wore for Thanksgiving day, I chose my black tiered skirt.

I think I am channeling my inner gypsy again. The combination of a tiered skirt, plaid shirt, Beatles sweatshirt and boots just feels like me. It is sort of eclectic and whimsical in a goth sort of way. 

Part of the reason I chose this skirt was for the bling. To me bling says many things, but especially at the holidays. To keep my warmer, I have a pair of leggings on underneath, which you can't even notice because the skirt is long enough and the boots are tall enough. 

For the layers on the top I chose a burgundy plaid button up that has elbow length sleeves. the sleeves are a bit too tight to button, so adding the sweatshirt over the top hides that problem. I like the pop of color against the gray and the black. I threw on the brown scarf to tie in with the brown boots. 

Though I didn't go anywhere except my kitchen, for the pics I wanted to show what it would look like with a bag, so added my berry colored tote. I also added a layer of beaded bracelets and a wrap bracelet to add to the gypsy look.

This was a fun outfit for me. It's an outfit that epitomizes my inner gypsy, my rocker-biker vibe and my love of all things blingy! I enjoy putting an outfit together that is a bit outside the box. For so long we were told to tuck in our shirts, never wear biker boots with a skirt and don't combine black and brown. Today, however, there is more flexibility in the fashion realm and part of the fun is learning to embrace the trends you like and try new things. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Our family will be traveling to enjoy more extended family time over the weekend. Safe travels to all of you who are traveling and happy shopping to those braving the stores for Black Friday deals. 

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Outfit - Casual - Skirt

In this series on holiday outfits I wanted to give you options that you can use for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Although, by the time this series is done, Thanksgiving will be over. I can't believe it is on Thursday. I just took out my turkey this morning to start thawing. How many of you are cooking on Thursday? I really don't mind the work. When I have a special occasion I like to cook. When life is busy my spouse and I will eat out a couple times a week, so when I get the chance to cook, I do enjoy it. The clean up, not so much! Ha, ha

For this week's post I took a leopard print skirt and designed a casual and comfortable outfit that still looks chic and festive. 

Like I did last week, I'll organize this in a way that will help you build a holiday outfit from pieces that you already own. 

1. Pick a casual skirt that you like to wear. I doesn't have to have a print, but prints are fun. In keeping with the time of year, maybe choose a piece that has darker colors or more fall-like tones. Length is up to you. Mini's, maxi's or something in between all work as the foundation for a festive holiday outfit. 

The thing that makes this Jones, NY leopard print, pencil skirt more casual is its texture. It is made of narrow wale corduroy. Corduroy is very close to a ridged velvet. The fabric has the same soft feel, so it is comfortable and movable. Another thing that makes this skirt more casual is the belt loops and front zipper. I have another leopard print skirt that I styled on the blog here, but I feel it is more dressy. It is a smooth chino type fabric with a structured waist that buttons on the side. i'll admit they look pretty similar and I will probably get rid of one of them at some point, but for now, I am guilty of owning two leopard print skirts. Ha, ha. 

Another great casual skirt that you could easily dress up for the holidays is a denim one. Denim is the perfect back drop for all sorts of pretty combinations that stay casual, but still say holidays.

2. Pick a festive companion piece. For my outfit I chose two companion pieces, an open weave pullover sweater with gold threads, and a denim vest with silver bling on the yoke. This sweater is Covington and the vest is Christopher & Banks. 

The bling gives the outfit a holiday feel without being a top that has the actual holiday on it. If you don't have a top with bling choose a vest or sweater in the season's color. A rich burgundy or maroon will work great for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Even a deep purple or rusty orange will give an outfit a holiday vibe. 

3. Pick your jewelry. If you have a more blingy top you might want to forgo the jewelry, lest you feel like a Christmas decoration, but if you think the more the better, then welcome to my world. The goal is overstatement versus understatement

I chose a brassy necklace that had a few beads that matched the Butterum color in the skirt. The brassy chain also goes with the brass buckle on my belt. Sometimes mixing metals can clash, but I think in this outfit it works because no one metal takes center stage. They all compliment and work together with other colors in the outfit.

If your outfit pieces have no bling, then you can layer on the jewelry. Try multiple layers of gold or silver necklaces, or mix them up. Gold and silver can look gorgeous on a backdrop of burgundy, dark purple or deep navy. Think about what you own and try different pieces until you find something that makes you say, "I really like how that looks." Chances are, other people will think so too.

4. Add a bag. To pull together the browns in the skirt and the necklace I reached for my Butterum hobo bag. It is roomy enough to fill with additional items for a trip to see the family for dinner or even to tuck a light weight shawl for someone else's cooler home. 

5. Don't forget your shoes. Once again I reached for my Impo gray suede ankle boots. You can see I also went for a dark brown pair of tights, for full coverage of my legs. 

I chose these as they are dressy, but not too dressy. They are warm and I thought the gray color went well with the gray sweater. You could also wear knee hight boots, over the knee boots or even a pair of Keds or Converse sneakers for an even more casual look. The classier your shoes are the more dressed up the outfit will look. Heels, to me always make a dressy statement. You'll see more of that in the next four posts as we get into dressier looks. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing this outfit in my holiday series and I hope it provided some inspiration for you to create a holiday look from your own closet. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

Here are a few cute skirts and boots to shop for. This post contains affiliate links. All opinion are my own.

Layering Love - What to do with a Light Weight Dress

Just because the temperatures are heading down, the wind is picking up and the snow is starting to fly doesn't mean we have to put away all of our cute, light weight dresses. The way to extend the life of our wardrobes and find new, fun outfits is to think outside the box. A light weight knee length or shorter dress can easily be used as a tunic. The differences lie in the length and weight of the accompanying pieces and the types of accessories that you add to complete the outfit. 

This burgundy dress I found on the clearance rack at Kohl's just recently. I has elbow length sleeves, shirring at the neck and shoulders and an elastic waist. It is incredibly soft and comfortable.

For my layer of warmth on the top I added a polka dot black and white blazer which is Black Label - Evan Picone brand. 

For my bottom layer I chose a pair of heavier Joe Boxer brand leggings that I have worn on the blog before. Leggings provide more coverage and warmth than a a pair of hose or even tights, although a heavy pair of sweater tights would do the job.

Yes, I was doing a bit of print mixing! 

My Mossimo fringe bag was having a few issues, probably because I didn't have anything in it. Yes, sometimes I am a fake. Ha, ha. I thought silver jewelry worked great with the burgundy colors. 

I just picked up these Life Stride ankle boots at a thrift store recently. I was really disappointed to find out that my favorite thrift store here in Toledo closed. It is unfortunate when corporations make these quick decisions. A bunch of people are now out of work because of that decision.

The boots have a sort of burgundy look to them when you compare them to brown, but compared to the burgundy dress they really look brown. Funny how that works. 

Just by adding a few layering pieces you can turn a lighter weight dress into a great outfit focal point, even in the winter. Think about what dresses you normally wouldn't wear in the winter. Do you have one that you might be able to transform into a cold weather outfit, just by adding a warm, chunky sweater, some leggings and boots? I'd love to hear you ideas. Leave me  some love in the comments section.

I hope you'll join me again next Tuesday for my next casual holiday outfit, featuring a fun printed skirt. Have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

If you like this blazer JC Penney is having a sale right now on Black Label - Evan Picone pieces. Here are a few to peruse. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Holiday Outfit - Casual - Jeans

Welcome to my series on holiday style. I hope that these next few weeks will take you from Thanksgiving through the New Year in creative and inspirational ways. I grew up in a family that rarely dressed up, except for church on Sundays. Holidays were typically ultra casual, in fact sometimes on Christmas we stayed in our pjs or most comfortable sweats all day long. When I got married and we had children our holidays were always spent traveling so that we could spend time with our extended families. Living out of a suitcase for a week was always a challenge, not because I couldn't fit everything in, but because I had to plan ahead! What was I going to wear on each and every day of our time away? And how was I going to look presentable, but still be warm and comfortable?

Now that I am a fashion blogger, I want to dress in a more festive way, but still stay true to my comfortable, relaxed roots. For this series I decided to take a look at three different approaches to holiday dressing, (No! I do not mean stuffing.) The first two weeks will look at a casual approach, the second two weeks a dressy casual approach and the last two weeks will be devoted to a dressy approach. I will follow that with a post on a New Years eve look. So let's begin.

Certainly all of you own a pair of jeans. Some of you may even own a pair of cropped jeans, and/or a pair of distressed jeans. Jeans are a part of my style routine. I wear them all the time, for work, play, dressing up or down and everything in between. Maybe you are not a jeans kind of girl. but whether you are or aren't you can create a casual style using the following simple guidelines.

1. Pick a pair of jeans or casual pants that you enjoy wearing. For this outfit I chose my Vera Wang cropped distressed jeans. Here is a cute pair from Lord & Taylor. You could just as easily choose a pair of mom jeans or a pair of skinnies and just roll up the bottoms for a similar, fun look. 

2. Pick a fun sweater. It doesn't have to be a holiday sweater. I think it is fun to wear something with a holiday motif after Thanksgiving, but until then, any warm cozy sweater will do and over sized is even better. Here is one from Old Navy, Nautica and Target. 

I found this fair isle sweater on the clearance rack at Kohls. It is amazing the treasures you can find on the clearance rack for just about any season. This is Chaps brand, which is on the higher end of what I like to spend, so finding it on clearance with a good coupon was a win. I tucked it away knowing I would be able to use it this winter. 

If you are not familiar with fair isle, it is a knitting technique that uses multiple colors to create patterns. This sweater also has some silver threads knitted in, so it gives the fair isle pattern some subtle bling. My fave and perfect for a holiday gathering.

As you can see I had a tank top underneath, but it works because the pinky red of the tank matches the pinky red in the sweater. I am always cold in the winter, unless I am moving around, so I like to have an extra layer or two, but more on that Thursday in my Layering Love series. Ha!

3. Add a few statement jewelry pieces. Jewelry can be such a wonderful outfit booster. A fun piece of jewelry can take an outfit from dowdy to divine.

This pendant was another Kohl's clearance find. The bracelet I found on my first visit to Chico's. The two matched perfectly to one another and to the light blue in this sweater. Plus the silver trim goes well with the silver threads in the sweater. 

This brings me to another style question that seems to often come up...to match or not to match? This really is a matter of personal taste. I personally love to have at least a little bit of matching going on in an outfit. I feel that it makes the outfit look polished and gives it a classic, pulled together feel, BUT that is just my personal taste. There are many fashion bloggers who take pride in not being matchy and do a fabulous job at it! Do what is best for you. After all that is what this blogging thing is all about, helping you find your own style!

4. Grab a great bag. Since red is big this fall, I couldn't resist pulling out this Arizona Jeans brand Buffalo plaid tote. A Penney's clearance purchase last year, I got this as a possible Christmas gift, but decided to keep it for myself. Ha, ha. Here is an adorable one from dressbarn. 

A tote bag is a great way to transport things, especially if you are going to visit family at the holidays. Whether you are going just for dinner, for the day or for an extended weekend, a large roomy tote will give your room for all your essentials, a few little gifts and that book you are planning to read in the car while someone else drives. Oh, and don't forget that water bottle! The holidays can be a hard time to keep hydrated because there are so many goodies and fun drinks occupying our hands 

5. Don't forget the shoes. Just because you are going casual doesn't mean you have to wear sneakers, although a cute pair of hi-top Converse would be perfect with this outfit. I chose my wedge heel ankle boots from Impo. Here is a very similar pair from Macy's. 

I love these gray suede boots. They are super comfy, but also stylish. I wear these over and over during the cold weather. 

This is a look that I will most likely be wearing over the next few weeks as the holidays begin. It would be a great casual look for a holiday gathering, movie night or a day out Christmas shopping. I hope the tips I gave you will help you come up with your own casual holiday outfit. 

I would love to hear about what outfits you came up with. Leave me a note about them in the comments section, or leave me a picture on my Facebook page. I'd love to see your looks.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

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