texturize

All of these neutral items are part of my "Maternity Capsule Wardrobe" (more on that soon!). My regular olive skinnies (RIP) were donated to Goodwill after heavy use over the past two and a half years. So I was thrilled to find these maternity olive skinnies at the thrift store - I think I even did a little jig in the dressing room when they fit. I won't sing the praises of olive-colored skinnies, but if you need some idea of how versatile they really are, check out these posts from the past. That's just the tip of the iceberg, trust me.

This oatmeal-colored sweater from my Mama has provided a nice backdrop for some different color combinations, while also extending the wearability of my wardrobe. It's a keeper, until it doesn't meet my pants anymore, then it will get boxed up with the rest of my pre & post-bebe wardrobe. But, for now, it's a nice & neutral color that plays well with others and provides any look with an interesting texture (and we know how I luuuuurve texture).

oatmeal sweater: Coldwater Creek from my Mama

scarf: gift from a friend

olive skinnies: thrifted

nude flats: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack

challenge accepted

Recently, a friend of mine was over while I was going through my closet for the umpteenth time this year. I was getting rid of some things, and starting to swap summer items for fall/winter items. I grabbed all of my white dresses in one handful and started to put them away with the summer clothes. And my friend said "Wait, that lace one. Keep it out. You can wear it in when it's colder."

And I said

"Are you challenging me to find a way to wear it this fall?"

And she deviously smiled and said

"YES."

So, here it is. Attempt number one. Not sure if she'll give me points for this, since we've had weather in the 80s and 90s, but I've got plans to try it again, don't you worry your pretty little head. I wore a light jacket and a scarf since I knew we'd be out and about in Denver this day - we ended up going in and out of museum exhibits (air conditioning & temperature controls, warm lobby, air conditioning & temperature controls, warm lobby, lots of warm bodies, even warmer lobby, you get the idea...). I was even a bit warm in this, but the layers did allow for more versatility than the dress by itself would have given me.

I chose the jacket because I feel like this jacket needs more wear, and because it adds a nice masculine/utilitarian element to this lacey & feminine dress. The scarf was an addition because it ALSO needs more wear, but the sequins and girlie print lend themselves to be worn with anything. And I think we all know the best to get me to wear anything is by adding lots of texture. And this outfit has several: lace, khaki/olive green cotton, ocean-inspired gauzy print, sequins, and plaid shoes. Let's not forget the braided headband.

Stay tuned for this dress's next appearance, most likely to be seen with tights, a sweater, and a scarf. Maybe a heavy jacket and snow pants. I really can't say...

dress: Kohl's

scarf: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

jacket: thrifted (Land's End)

shoes: COACH via DSW

linking up:

Sydney Fashion Hunter // Shopping My Closet // Cappuccino & Fashion

 The Pleated Poppy // Book of Leisure // Tucker Up

Home of Malones // East Coast Nat // A Liz Adventures

Two Thirty Five Designs // Lizzie in Lace // The Sits Girls

lace on white

I won't say "Something about all white screams summer to me," because, obviously, it does.

I WILL, however, say, "Pairing white with cream with tan + different size beads + some texture really makes for a sweet outfit" instead.

It's white-on-white, with a wee twist - cream on tan on lace on white on beads. This gives this look an "Oh, I just threw these things together and they look great" vibe, which is my favorite. Outfits that look great, but take minimal effort (really! the hardest part was not spilling red wine on my pants...) are the best.

For reals.

shirt: gift

pants: Old Navy

necklace: WalMart

sandals: Kohl;s

all black. kinda.

One way to break up a lot of black is by adding in prints and textures. This black chambray leans gray in pictures, and the floral tank top still flows with the black pants, but adds visual interest. The scarf adds another texture up top, and hat caps everything off, without being so matchy-matchy - it doesn't match the floral print on my shirt, but still ties together the whole look. 

linking up over here

floral tanktop: WalMart

black chambray: Old Navy

black skinnies: Target

boots: c/o Aéropostale

hat: thrifted (Target)

sweater #14

Check out these layers, textures & prints today. Leopard under gray & lace, velvet pants, and shiny patent pointy-toed flats. All things I never would have paired together a few years ago, but now I just love it, and can't wait to put together more outfits like this.

And that makes 14.

leopard button up: WalMart

lace sweatshirt: rue21

velvet pants: J. Crew Factory

flats: Target

two New Year's Eve outfit ideas

In case you need some last minute ideas for what to wear tonight (and tomorrow will have some ideas for New Year's Day ON New Year's Day - mindblowing, I know), here are two a wee-bit-more-than-casual looks, incorporating skirts and tights.

This first look is a black sweater layered over a black dress, with some purple tights for a little pizzazz. I added a polka dot heart scarf, booties, and a purple headband to pull it all together. This would be a great look if you're not into wearing sequins - monochromatic, with a bit of fun color thrown in.

sweater: American Eagle

dress: thrifted (Target)

tights: ???

scarf: c/o Aéropostale

booties: Old Navy

But if you ARE into wearing sequins...

And if you want to be festive in sequins, but tend to get cold like yours truly, try wearing a sweater with your sequins. It's a fun juxtaposition - snazzy party-ready sequins with a warm sweater and boots. And, as an added bonus, this look incorporates ALL OF THE textures: cable-knit sweater, sequins, tights, leather boots, peacoat, and curly strawberry-blonde hair (some of my favorite things!). 

sweater: Old Navy

skirt: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

tights: Old Navy

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

coat: Old Navy

bag: TJ Maxx

texture play

I put together ALL THE TEXTURES in this outfit. Stripes, chunky knit sweater, paisley print, lacey-ish/crochet-kinda skirt, herringbone tights, and leather boots. I figured I could get away with neutrals and light pink with a dusting of snow if I layered up and "texturized." And coffee, of course.

Always coffee.

and thanks to my sweet friend, Laura, for taking these pictures for me!

shirt: thrifted (Ann Taylor LOFT)

sweater: Macy's

scarf: gift from sis-in-law (with my monogram on it!)

skirt: Nordstrom

tights: Old Navy

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

Mr. Picks Mondays: Pink. And Shiny!

The Mr. chose the sequined top (confession: a new find. from WalMart. for just under $4!!!), and I added the velour blazer & scarf. I really like the monochromatic look of the blazer and scarf, as well the texture play with the top, blazer & scarf. I find that lately I'm trying to create layers of texture while it's still a wee bit chilly outside - not so easy to do when it's sweltering outside, which is where the weather is headed, YIPPEE!!!!! I luuuurrrrrve summer!

Think you'll pull out your sequins and recreate something similar?

Sure hope you do! And let me know about it!

SHOP THE LOOK...OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

tank: WalMart similar below

blazer: thrifted similar below

scarf: gift similar below

jeans: Aéropostale exact

boots: Rack Room Shoes similar below

Doubley Scarved

Ever wear two scarves at once? This is the first time I've tried it, and I think I'll try it again sometime. I'd read somewhere to try it with 2 scarves of similar weight and texture, so they look intentional. While I think that's a valid point, I'm planning to try different weights and fabrics. One of my friends recently paired a lightweight scarf with a chunky soft-knit one, and I couldn't stop complimenting her on the combination. It was such an effortless combination of textures - I can't wait to give it a try!

SHOP THE LOOK...OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

shirt: French Connection via ARC (thrifted) [similar below]

polka dot scarf: Aéropostale

light blue scarf: gift from a friend [similar below]

sweater: Aéropostale [exact]

jeans: Aéropostale [exact]

boots: Rack Room Shoes [similar below]