Mr. Picks Mondays: Navy & Plum

The Mr. chose the blue sweater dress, and I chose the purple plaid for underneath and the plum patterned tights. Looks like for the past two MPM he's got me in a dress or a skirt...I'm sure my mom is loving that! Side story: when I was really little, I would only wear dresses or skirts. Every day. 

Then, from fifth grade through high school, I hated wearing them. I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a love/hate relationship with tights/stockings/pantyhose/whatever you want to call them - yes, I have many pairs, but no, I don't find them very comfortable.

I'm coming around to them though. I'm seeing lots of value (and excitement!) in being able to wear skirts & dresses in the winter (I'm late to this game, I know!). And seems like whenever I wear them to work with boots lately, I tend to stay a bit warmer than I do in pants. Odd? Yes. Or maybe it has something to do with the outside temperature...and consequently the temperature in my drafty, exterior-walls-only, drafty office?

Either way, a sweater dress is one way to make sure you're adding variety to your winter outfits. In winters past I've just done pants & sweaters, with the occasional vest or blazer. But THIS year, I feel like I'm really mixing it up, and staying warm AND fashionable AT THE SAME TIME!

linking up:

Still Being Molly for Funday Monday

Fizz & Frosting for Mix it Monday

Style Elixir for Style Sessions Fashion Link Up

Vodka Infused Lemonade for Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up

sweater dress: from a clothes swap (Target) sort of similar below

shirt: from a clothes swap (American Eagle) sort of similar below

tights: WalMart sort of similar below

boots: Rack Room Shoes sort of similar below

SHOP MY LOOK (or something sort of similar)

Layered Schweater

If you want the truth, I wore this outfit several weeks ago, during the cold snap I already told you about. And since it was cold, you guessed it - I layered up! I put a chambray under the sweater, and am wearing AT LEAST two pairs of socks beneath those (worn) UGG boots you see. And then, when we were running errands that day (and "exposed" to the elements), I added a heavy black scarf, down vest, down coat (with the fux fur-trimmed hood UP OVER my head), and my earmuffs and gloves on. Fashionable? More like marshmallow-ey. But quite warm & cocooned!

I really like this sweater, especially with my faux leather-stripe leggings. I'm wearing them above, but didn't get any detail shots, so you'll just have to take my word for it, my friends. The sweater is just slouchy enough for the weekend, but chic enough to look put together, dontcha think? I've worn it once or twice since (without a collared shirt underneath), but with the same leggings...! I need to come up with a new way to wear it...any suggestions?? I got some great ideas the last time I asked for help - so, haaaaaalp!

sweater: Aéropostale

chambray: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

leggings: Aéropostale

boots: UGG (gift from my sweetie, SEVERAL years ago)

Layering

I wore this during the cold snap I mentioned yesterday. I had a long sleeve shirt under my chambray, which was under my heavy (and very warm) sleeveless cardigan, and topped off with a big scarf. 

Oh, and warm socks - those boots, although cute, are really not conducive to keeping my toes warm.

linking up with:

Simply Lulu Style for What I'm Loving Fridays

DC in Style for Monday Bloom

chambray: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

sleeveless cardigan: gift from my mama (Eddie Bauer)

olive skinnies: Aéropostale

scarf: Aéropostale <-- one of my new finds!

boots: Rack Room Shoes