monday, monday

A two-fer today, on this snowy and cold Monday morning. Because if TWO outfits in ONE post doesn't put a smile on your face on a February Monday morning, then I don't know what will.

These pictures turned out quite blue, but I think you get the general idea: new plaid button up, navy blue pants, and ankle booties. Pretty simple, but incredibly functional.

And then this more elaborate and layered look. There's a v-neck tee under that black chambray, covered with a navy down vest, ponte knit faux leather stripe leggings, regular socks, fleece boot socks over the regular socks, SOREL snow boots, a gray infinity scarf, new ski jacket, then a Colorado flag knitted headband on top of everything.

Whew.

Lots of layers. But that's what you do when walking around a cute mountain town, checking out ice sculptures, drinking hot toddies, and wishing to move to said cute mountain town and be a ski bum.

I've mentioned before that I used to never wear black and navy together, but I've changed my way of thinking (and maybe become more chic in the process?), and I LOVE how this outfit came together. Perfectly comfy-casual, layered, dark and interesting, yet nice and warm, and to me, the epitome of "Colorado style."

similar plaid button up: c/o Aéropostale

navy skinnies: Target

ankle booties: Old Navy

black chambray: Old Navy

navy down vest: Old Navy

gray infinity scarf: c/o Aéropostale

ski jacket: Anakie

faux leather stripe leggings: c/o Aéropostale

snow boots: SOREL via JAX

Colorado flag headband: Akinz Boardwear

fall two-fer, number 2

Two-fer number two today, folks. 

Apparently I like to wear green this fall. It’s normally not my best, or favorite, color to wear. However, I wore two different green tops in the same week, and ya know, here are some pictures to look at.

Outfit #1

The first, a light green chiffon blouse with burgundy and navy blue flowers. The only thing I don’t LOVE about this top is the elastic waistband - it makes a large horizontal line at the widest part of my hips, and doesn’t stay down very well.

However, I can’t part with it because of the color and the flowers. It’s great for spring/summer, but I’m thinking of layering it under a darker-hued cardigan to switch up my normal winter garb – normally button ups layered under sweaters, sweatshirts, and more sweaters.

Did I mention sweaters?

shirt: Maurice's

scarf: WalMart

jeans: Aéropostale

flats: Walmart

Outfit #2

And this neon green top is pretty fun. It’s a very lightweight knit “sweater", but because of the color, I usually group it with my summer wardrobe. But it tends to not get a lot of wear, because in the summer, it’s hot. Obvi. And I want to wear as little as possible, while still being put-together and covered.

But this year, I’m keeping it with my colder weather line-up. The sleeve length and weight will be great for creating layered looks, and this bright neon green will really add a punch of cheer and BRIGHT to those cold, dark, winter days that are headed our way…ugh.

I’m hanging on to warmer weather as long as possible.

Are you surprised?

top: Old Navy

jeans: Aéropostale

flats: Old Navy

fall two-fer, number 1

A two-fer outfit post for ya today, and another one tomorrow. Need to get these bad boys posted so I can start sharing my 30 for 30 outfits - we ARE halfway through October already...

Outfit #1

This ensemble went to work, and lunch at a yummy Mexican place for something smothered in creamy habanero sauce...

chambray: Kohl's

green jeans: from a friend

bag: thrifted

sandals: Walmart

Outfit #2

This outfit is what I wore to spend time with one of my best friend's new babies. My husband met him for the first time that day and the man is obsessed. This little guy has cheeks for days and he wants nothing more than to be bounced or rocked while he's held. Such a cutie.

dress: Aéropostale

vest: thrifted

shoes: Target

how to: mix prints

By now I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of people mixing prints (me: here). You might even be a pro at it yourself. But for those of you that aren’t just yet, here are two (easy) examples of print mixing, just to help you get your toes wet. However, if you’re ready to jump in and rock a head-to-toe print mixed ensemble, please do! And then send me pictures or the link so I can check it out and be impressed with your mad print-mixing skills.

 

 

 

 

 

But for the newbies, a few simple steps…

Step 1

Wear a striped shirt. Or maybe plaid. Or polka dots. Or just a printed shirt.

Step 2

Add a printed scarf in a similar color family (blue floral on blue stripes). Black and white stripes can really go with any floral. A similar color family keeps the prints looking cohesive, not like you got dressed in the dark.

Step 3

Put on pants. Or a skirt. Or some type of bottoms.

Step 4

Maybe add a jacket. Or not.

Step 5

Add accessories and shoes. Or not. Shoes would be another great place to add in some unexpected print mixing – think polka dots, stripes, leopard, plaid, etc. (stick with the same color family, though!)

Step 6 (the most important)

Love on your dogs.

left:

 striped shirt: Old Navy

 floral scarf: Target

jeans: Aéropostale

flats: WalMart

belt: American Eagle

right:

striped cardigan: rue21

floral scarf: thrifted

crochet skirt: Aéropostale

jacket: thrifted

sandals: Shoe Carnival

1 Black Maxi. 2 Ways.

 

 

 

  

 

Here are two different ways to style a basic black maxi dress. Yes, they both include denim, but trust me, they’re different! 

One incorporates a denim jacket AND a scarf (a wild, leopard print scarf), and the other a chambray shirt. The chambray can be worn similarly to a jacket (open, unbuttoned), OR buttoned up like a shirt, letting the maxi shine as more of a skirt than a dress. Whatever you prefer! Great for when you need options...or when the weather’s being weird and you may or may not need layers...

maxi dress: Old Navy

on the left:

denim jacket: from a friend (Old Navy Outlet)

scarf: WalMart

Cleopatra sandals: Shoe Carnival

on the right:

chambray: Lauren Conrad via Kohl’s

Cleopatra sandals: WalMart