EASIER THAN I THOUGHT

I had one of those days where I wanted to pile on the layers, but the clothes were telling me to stop.  So, I listened  - and let my little t-shirt and skirt combo stand on its own.  It's super simple, but that's all it needed.

Today was practically a heat wave.  Though it was only 25F at the warmest point of the day, there was no wind.  It's not the cold that hurts ... it's the wind.

I was all well and good until I started playing with the snow.  Brrr...

Hope you all had a fabulous Monday!  I know I did!

Shirt: TJMaxx, $10 - Skirt: JCP (hemmed), $25 - Boots: Wanted, $30 - Belt: vintage(?) from Mom's closet

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

These pictures are super grainy.  It was my first set until I realized I had the ISO set at 800.  Oopsie!  Once I fixed it, I looked really dumb in the rest of the pictures.  Figures.

This blazer is one of my all time favorite pieces!  I can't believe this is its first wear of the season.  I purchased it last year on a total whim, but there was no way in hell I was letting this beauty slip through my fingers.

I went to see Coco Before Chanel last week.  It was amazing.  I couldn't believe how inspired I felt afterward.  So much so that I gave my best shot at channeling the late and great Coco.  I love the scene where she takes her man friend's clothing and makes it work for herself.  These baggy pants were the perfect piece for my humble imitation.  And, of course, the stripes.  You gotta have the stripes.

P.S.  There's a pretty good possibility that I may never wear an un-cuffed blazer again.

Blazer: The Loft, $30 - Shirt: H&M, $25 - Pants: JCP, $25 - Flats: Madden Girl, $23

MORE OF THE SAME

I had about 5 different outfits on this morning.  For some reason, I was completely blank on what I wanted to wear.  What gives?

With only a few minutes left before dashing out the door, I finally settled on this.  It's really just a big ole' hash of some fairly recent outfits.  Do you recognize all of the pieces?

Sweater: TJMaxx, $20 - Shirt: Bitten, $10 - Skirt: Thrifted, $2 
Hooters tights: TJMaxx, $6 - Socks: Target, $6 - Boots: Target, $6

SIDEKICK

My sidekick and I went out for a little frolic in the white stuff today.  Well, he frolicked, I awkwardly snapped some photos while trying not to teeter into said white stuff.

I nearly wiped out about five times in the parking lot.  The snow gets melty and then compacted and frozen and then very, very slippery!

Have no fear, though.  I have impeccable balance.

Jacket: Strawberry, $30 - Dress: JCP, $24 - Scarf: Vintage, Marnie's - Boots: Payless, courtesy of Weardrobe Conference

DISCO BALL

I'm making you all hold out on the final (and ugliest) installation in the Ugly Sweater Series, so until then, I will dazzle you with my holiday wear.

We went to a friend's Christmas party last night and for the first time in WEEKS, I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself, knowing that I didn't have to be out the door this morning.  I still got up at 9:30, but I'm also still in my pajamas ... and it's 1:14.  Aaaahhhhh ... "weekends."

I was so excited to wear this little get up and am a little bummed that the pictures are not doing it much justice.  A perfect example of why I will freeze my butt off to get an outdoor shot.  Alas, it was too dark out last night.

This sequin skirt was originally the bottom half of a sparkly dress that I made 3 years ago for New Years Eve.  I never ended up wearing it and finally came to terms with the fact that there just aren't a lot of places in my life for sequin dresses.  Sad, I know.  Upon swallowing this harsh reality, I turned the dress into a slightly easier to wear sequin skirt with a wide elastic waist band.

I love it paired with the simple t-shirt and little tux jacket.  The dark purple tights were a bit of an afterthought and really just happened because I couldn't find a pair of black tights.

Thanks, giant GIANT pile of clothes that ate my black tights!  The purple was a much better choice after all!

Jacket: Sears, $12.50 - T-shirt: courtesy of Cheap Monday and Weardrobe Conference - Brooch: vintage

Skirt:  fruits of my labor - Tights: Hue, super cheap - Flats: JCP, $8

DOUBLEMINT

Yay, Friday!  I still have to work really early tomorrow, but that just means I'm done early.  Then, we'll be off to start finish our Christmas shopping!  And it looks like there's some snow in our future!

Last time I wore this dress, I was wishing my tights were more opaque.  So, today I doubled up.  More coverage = less cold.

I think I prefer the last wear, but this works, too.

Many of you have been asking me about taking my pictures outside.  It is cold, but it's totally worth it.  We're not into the frigid temps yet, so I can think warm thoughts for the 5 minutes it takes me to snap a few frames.

Scarf: Target, $13 (gift) - Dress: thrifted JCrew, $4 - Turtleneck: Ross, $3 - Boots: Target, $35

Gloves: Kohls, $7? - Belt from yesterday (I fogot): H&M, $12? from years ago

OH, THURSDAY

This is a really uninspiring backdrop, but it was kind of one of those days.  Lots of rushing around - ugh, I hate that.

However, I did not hate my outfit.  It's just a new collaboration of old items.  I wonder if there's a mathematical way to figure out how many possible combinations exist in my wardrobe.  That would be awesome ...

Now, I'm home and chillin' like a villain.  I've swapped out the skirt and tights for a pair of zebra print jammy bottoms and I'm watching the 8th season of 90210.  It's sooooo bad.  Is there any tragic even that didn't happen to Kelly Taylor?  But at this point, I'm so invested that I just have to finish the entire series.  On the bright side, it's the easiest show to multi-task while watching!

Cardigan: H&M, $29 - T-shirt: American Apparel, $22 - Suede skirt: Thrifted, $4

Boots: Payless, courtesy of the Weardrobe Conference

SNOWY SHORES

From a distance, I think this photo looks like a beach.  (Go ahead ... take a few steps back.  You'll see what I mean.)  But, alas, it is not.  It is, instead, a snowy field.  Oh, joy.

I am pretty stoked to see the blue skies, though.  Even if they do come with sub-freezing temps.  There was even a lovely breeze today.  Behold:

Oh, winter.  Such fun.

I'm actually rather fond of today's ensemble.  Grandpa sweater.  Leather skirt.  Tall boots.  What's not to like?  I didn't really have any preconceived notions about how these pieces were going to go together, but as I kept layering, it took on a mind of its own and morphed into this.

Skirt: weardobe clothing swap ... thanks, Krystal! - Sweater: Target, $25 - Oxford: Bitten by SJP, $10 - Tee: Target, $6

Boots: Target: $35 - Necklace: Target, $7ish

WINTER'S WOOL

This is the last post today, I swear.  There was just one last piece of my outfit that I wanted to tell you about.

Last week, I wrote about the newest addition to my winter coat arsenal.  Well, this is last year's major score.  This is an Esprit, military-inspired wool coat that I scored at Ross for $80!  Unfortunately, when I found it, I couldn't commit right away, then when I got home, I had the opposite of buyer's remorse.  Instead, I had why-didn't-I-buyer's remorse.

Once I realized the error of my ways, I sent my husband back to Ross to secure the last coat for me.  But, alas, someone had beat me to it.  Poo!  I immediately started scouring the internet for the same coat, but the cheapest price online was $300!  Talk about insult to injury!

Luckily, I'm as stubborn as they come and wasn't going to give up that easily.  The very next weekend, I drove to the next closest Ross, which was 45 minutes away.  And there, I completely lucked out!  They had ONE left in my size.  See?  If it's meant to be, it will be - but you may still have to work for it!

P.S.  Even better - this coat has a detachable, fur-lined hood!

DENIM, FLANNEL AND FUR

What else would you want to wear on a casual, rainy Tuesday than denim, flannel and fur?

I also wore this over the weekend (gross, I know - but laundry is so overrated) and got a ton of compliments on my hat.  Granted, they all came from grown up former hippies at the antique mall, but I'll take it.  Kindred spirits, no?

I'm loving this topper so much, that I've completely forgotten how "bold" it may look to others.  I guess I just don't care.  Or, I'm just that stubborn.  (9 out of 10 people would probably agree with the latter).

I'm feeling a little European-hipster-hippie-utilitarian-crazy lady today and I'm loving every minute of it!  None of those things are really related, but ... whatever ...

My only fear with the hat is that from a distance, it may look something like this:

Source
 Oh, well ... this is central Pennsylvania after all.

Jean: TJMaxx, $13 - Flannel: Target boys, $5 - Hat: Beacon's Closet, $10 - Clogs: old, story to follow

MONDAY, MONDAY

Today was one of those days that I had no idea what I wanted to wear.  I didn't really feel like wearing tights and had to avoid denim due to work.  Grr...

This humongous drapey pants are the least boring non-denim pants I own.  Perhaps a hole in my wardrobe I should fill in soon?

I was a little non-plussed with this whole ensemble, so I threw on the hat for just a little flair.  If nothing else, I was comfy and still felt pulled together.  But tomorrow will definitely be a jeans day!

     

Sorry for the grainy pics - I'm still practicing taking pictures inside.

Pants: JCP, $20ish - Sweater: Gap, $25ish - Hat: Gap, $9.50 - Shoes: DIYed Target, $10

REFRAMING THE PICTURE

I have to change my mind about the cold or I'm going to be really, REALLY cranky come February.  Usually, I can't stop bitching about the cold weather, but this year, I'm going to try to reframe those old thoughts.

Instead of shriveling up and crying about it, I'm going to embrace it.  Today was even colder than yesterday, and I'm not gonna lie, it's uncomfortable.  It's the kind of cold that when you first walk outside and the wind blows, you can't breath for a minute - like jumping into really cold water.

Anyway, this year, I'm going to enjoy the pretty landscape ...

... and the cozy layers ...

... the fun hats ...

... and warm cups of tea.

What do you actually like about winter?

Flannel: Ross, $9 - Henley: Target, $13 - Hat: vintage, $10 - Leggings: thrifted, $1.50 - Boots: Target, $20 (after gift cards)