the sweater saga, part 5 + sweater #20

previously, the sweater saga...

part 1 / part 2

part 3 / part 4

So, I have all of these things and stuff and luxuries that are very nice to have, BUT, moving forward, I'm trying to not contribute to them. Instead, I'm trying to focus on making the most of what I already have, without adding more. I don't like having 18 hair products to choose from, or several types of shampoo. This winter, I've been wearing the same 3 pairs of shoes over and over + my snow boots, when it's gross. I rotate the same few coats, and I lean towards my favorite scarves over and over.

Having some options (less, but still some) seems to make me a happier person. Currently, I've got several books on my nightstand I'm working through - and I’m trying to power through them so I can have only one book I'm in the middle of. And reading for speed to get through an enjoyable book isn't great.

It's the dilemma of too much/too many/too many choices, eating away at my being able to really enjoy one book at a time. Or one bottle of lovely perfume. 

still to be continued...

dress: J. Crew Factory

button up shirt: c/o Aéropostale

patterned tights: WalMart

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

sweater #7 + open to interpretation #8

Since it's Monday, and it's cold and snowing, here are two outfit posts in one to start your week off.

Enjoy!

I love the look of this sweater dress. The color, the pockets, the long sleeves. However, it's a bit sheer, and a bit itchy, so I have to wear something underneath it (like a button up shirt). and then whatever I wear under it bunches kinda funny. So, besides that little bitty feature, this sweater dress is perfect. And makes sweater #7.


shirt: Hollister via Plato's Closet
dress: from a friend (Target)
tights: ?
necklace: Old Navy
boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

This gray cardigan makes sweater #8. This is one of those "open to interpretation" sweaters I mentioned here. It's cut like a sweater, but it's really a cotton knit. But I say it counts. Especially since I wear and style it as a sweater.

Glad we can all agree on that.

tunic: Target

sweater: c/o Aéropostale

scarf: c/o Aéropostale

pants: c/o Aéropostale

boots: c/o Aéropostale

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)

Mr. Picks Mondays: Obnoxiously Festive

The handsome Mr. picked out the sweatshirt dress, and I chose the RED tights. Because, if you can't be obnoxiously festive this time of year, when can you? Besiiiiides the 4th of July, obviouslyyyy.

I kind of love MPM because my Mr. tends to pick out stuff I don't wear too often, and it forces me to get creative. He also reminds me of some goodies hidden in the recesses of the pretty little room I call my closet

P.S. Get ready for some good ole' American pride this February - the 2014 Winter Olympics start in 6 weeks!
USA!
USA!

sweatshirt dress: WalMart

tights: Target

shoes: Kohl's

linking up:
Still Being Molly for Funday Monday
The Style Record for Monday Must Haves

Blue (Sweater) Dress

Layers are key in Colorado. Especially when it blizzards. In April. 

My apologies for the funky lighting in the pictures above - my photographer and I are still working out some kinks...

In looking at this outfit, I don't know that I'd repeat this shirt under this sweater dress - there are a lot of wrinkles & unexplained bumps! Hopefully you don't think I have a lot of wrinkles & unexplained bumps...oh dear.

On that note, I'm off to crank out some miles for today. My half marathon is in TWO weeks! More on that (and my terrible lack of training) later. 

Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Sweater Dress: Target via clothes swap

Button up: thrifted

Leggings: ???

Boots: Rack Room Shoes

Earrings: Target