what to wear when it's 10 degrees.

{Hat: Similar | Scarf: Similar | Jacket: Similar | Boots: Hunter}

Usually when the thermometer reads 10 degrees, you don't leave your home or your pjs for that matter. However, if you have a style blog and need a photo, you don't really have much of choice, but to go outside and freeze. Since I am not willing to get frostbite for you guys, this "outfit" features outerwear. 

And let me tell you I have spent years trying to perfect my outerwear look. I want to look cute but be warm. This is harder than one would think. I tried wearing cute coats that weren't warm enough but let's be honest I am too old for that now. I tried coordinating every last detail from my hat to my boots but every piece just wasn't functional. Now I kinda go for a more eclectic look. And I like that my winter-wear has COLOR. If I have to wear a big black parka, then gosh darn it I might as well pair some bright cherry red boots with it. Now hats. Man hats are tricky. I have found that larger hats that have a looser fit are better than tighter, small ones. They have a bit more personality. And if they have a furry pom-pom on top well then all the better.

I'm sure this post isn't super helpful to those of you in warmer climates. Other than to assure you, that you have indeed made the better choice. Maybe you could just let me come visit you and we could call it even? Sounds fair to me.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

the elusive bangs.

{Vest: Similar | Shirt: Similar | Jeans: Similar | Boots: Similar}

Here they are folks. I've had bangs for more than two months and they are finally making their first official appearance on the blog. That's because I hated them.

But now I kind of like them. (I know I'm a fickle pickle.) I think they were just way, way too short for the first two months. Now they are long enough so I don't look like I'm that awkward fifth grader whose mom took it upon herself to cut that poor child's bangs.

These photos will actually probably haunt me. I'll finally end up growing them out and be so thankful that I finally did. But one day down the road I will happen upon these photos and start another two year battle with myself, in which I debate whether or not I should cut them again. In the end, I will make the bad decision to cut them and hate them all over again. This is what they talk about when they talk about history repeating itself. A woman and her bangs.

That's all folks. Just a long lengthy discussion about bangs.

Have you ever made a terrible haircut choice and regretted it for far too long?

taking my own advice.

{Jacket: ASOS | Sweater: Similar | Shirt: J. Crew | Pants: Similar | Moccasins: Madewell}

I am trying to take a little bit of my own advice. I want to dress appropriately for winter but not be dragged down by the cold! Sometimes it's hard like today when the wind is bone chilling and I need two layers of pants, a big bulky jacket and five sweaters (sort of kidding). But there are other times like this weekend when it's easier to embrace color and fun.

I really love how this outfit came together....casual, comfort. The sweater is a little bulky and layering can be a bit of a dangerous move. But I think it really worked here.

Can I get an amen for my new moccasins? I am super stoked about them. Not my usual style. Just don't mind the fact that they are untied :).

Happy Tuesday friends!

denim on denim.

{Jacket: Similar | Shirt: Similar | Skirt: Similar | Shoes: Similar}

I am really lacking inspiration these days. Maybe it's the cold weather. Maybe it's the sunless sky. Maybe it's the long to-do list. But whenever I feel this way, I always turn to my trusty chambray. It never fails. And if you need a jacket, why not add a jean one? And then throw on a black skirt, some pretty flats and a smear of pink lipstick and call it a day.

That's what I do anyway.

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and the ladies below.

equestrian-style.

{Jacket: J. Crew | Shirt: Similar | Pants: Similar | Boots: Similar}

Let's pretend I had an equestrian gig right after this photo shoot because let's be honest, that's exactly what it looks like! I actually really liked this outfit because it was super comfortable. Like pj comfortable. And if we can be pj comfortable in real clothes then is there really anything else in life that we need to aspire to?!?

These boots are my favorite. I purchased them last year on a whim and it was such a good whim. One of those whims that you end up thanking over and over again. They add a little something to every outfit and they go with everything. Tweed and leather? Done and done. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday friends!

casual.

{Snood: Similar | Top: Similar | Jacket: Similar | Jeans: Similar | Shoes: Similar}

{Goose head shadow: priceless}

Okay, okay I know that I am casual pretty much every day. But this is even more casual than usual, I think. I wasn't planning on taking photos this day, but since the temperatures are dropping and the days are shorter I can't afford to pass up any opportunity. I can be pickier when summer rolls around.

Let's talk about this snood. First off, I really hate that word. Couldn't they think of something that sounds slightly more stylish and classy? Snood is just not cute. But if there were ever a snood that could be considered cute, it is this one. I so, so love it. I think I could wear it with just about anything. It falls in just the right way...not too short and not too bulky. Just perfect.

saturday style: road trip!

{Sweater | Pants | Boots | Earrings | Watch | Book | Bag | iPad cover)

Sometime this weekend (once my son gets better), I am headed to Wyoming for Thanksgiving. It's an 8 hour drive from my parents' place. I want to be comfy but stylish and this outfit works both ways. As we drive through the mountains, the temperatures can drop so this Gap sweater (which I am in love with) would keep me nice and cozy. And of course I need a shoe that can easily slip on and off while I am in the car. The bag would be perfect for all my necessities. And you can't forget a good book (I'm reading the one above right now), your iPad (for some you time) and candy bars (just in case everyone starts driving you crazy)!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will see you on Monday!

fancy.

{Earrings: Similar | Top: Similar | Vest: Similar | Skirt: Similar | Shoes: Similar}

So remember that fancy dinner date I told you about? Well, clearly I had to dress the part and let's be honest there's not too many pieces in my closet that qualify as swanky. After trying on about fifteen different outfits (okay so I exaggerate a tad) several of which were from my working days (read: can't zip the zipper fit), I finally managed to pull together this ensemble. And let me just say, I loved it! I felt elegant, pretty and special wearing this and folks that doesn't happen too often in this lady's life.

I am so, so very in love with this skirt. Every time I walked anywhere, my hips were swaying just to get a little more swoosh out of the skirt. Don't worry I wasn't swaying said hips in these photos. That's just some torrential wind that was about to blow me over. 

On another note, I am in trouble. Big trouble. I leave on Thursday and I haven't packed a darn thing; there's still a pile of mail I need to go through; and I have some packages to send off. Oh and there's our half decorated tree that's in serious need of some help.  You know that saying about how when it rains, it pours. I think that's the story of my life. 

Yesterday was supposed to be productive but after being up all night taking care of my sick, inconsolable little boy, I had just enough energy to crap out on the couch.  Oh and if you can believe it, I woke up sore from rocking my 35 pound little boy all stinking night. Yeah he ain't light. The good news is he is feeling better today.

Here's to actually accomplishing something on that mile long to-do list. If nothing else, I have a pretty outfit on the blog today. That should count for something...right?

Linking up with these ladies: The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty.

black tights and booties.

{Jacket: Similar | Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft | Dress: Old Navy | Tights: Target | Shoes: Similar}

Okay so you want the goods on how to be a stylish, trendy person? Here's my answer: Wear black tights and booties. I know it sounds crazy, right? But seriously if you wear those two together, you will look and feel like the most stylish person on the block. True story.

Another important tip. If you see Blago's face on the sidewalk, you must include him in your outfit photos. It just needs to happen. Enough said.

All kidding aside, I've never really been a tights person (or as my husband calls them: stockings. Really hon? Really?!?) But now I just may be. I also have a pair of bright fuchsia ones. Can't wait to see where those take me.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty.

saturday style: girls night out!

{Peplum top | Pants | Trench | Heels | Earrings | Lipstick | Clutch}

I headed out for a girls night last night and this was the inspiration for my outfit. I don't get very many opportunities to dress up so I go all out when I get the chance. I love this whole look together. The blue and black is such a chic combination these days. And that trench...oh my it makes my heart go pitter patter.

Remember this inspiration is so easy to apply to your own closet without spending a dime! Either you can replicate the cuts (think: a red peplum top with skinny jeans), or you can replicate the colors (think: chunky black sweater with an accordion cobalt skirt), or you can replicate the textures (think velvet blazer and leggings) and still look chic and put together! I think I feel a new series coming on....

I hope you ladies have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday!

better basics.

{Sweater: Similar | Top: c/o eShakti | Cords: Similar | Shoes: Target}

I have a fault (well more than just one but I'm only addressing the one here). When I go shopping I want to buy fun pieces that add a little something to my wardrobe. I mean we all have to live on a budget so I want to use my money to purchase things that I know I won't be able to get a few months down the line or that other stores won't be carrying. I want the standout pieces. But that means I have very few basics. I don't have a lot of white, black or grey staples.

It's hard for me to put money toward those things, but this top makes me want to. If you have a great basic you can build a ton of original outfits, especially as the weather cools and you add more layers.

Are you guys like me? Do you tend to gravitate toward standout pieces and shy away from the basics? Or do you already know what I've just learned: that a great basic can be the perfect base for any outfit?

Here's to spending more on simple but beautiful basics.

Oh and happy halloween! Check out the post below of my lil one's costume! So fun!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty.

just another outfit.

{Sunglasses: Similar | Sweater: Similar | Tee: Hanes | Scarf: Similar | Pants: Gap | Shoes: Sperry}

You guys I am so stinking beat. I would much rather curl up in bed than do anything else. I took the easy way out today. I have no inspiration. Zero. Zippo. None. So instead of putting together a well-thought out post that might actually interest you guys, I decided to just post another outfit.

If I had a fall uniform, this would be it. Oversized sweater, check; fun scarf, check; stretchy pants, check; and comfy shoes, check. Basically the equivalent of pajamas minus the scarf. And I call myself a style blogger. Go figure.

Oh and just for the record folks, today I found out that my son might possibly grow up to be 6'8". What the what. Not cool little dude, Not cool. Maybe you could just take a growing break? Maybe just maybe?

I promise I will be more inspirational tomorrow.,,maybe.