Holiday Party Ready in Velvet

Velvet is everywhere right now and I am loving it! One of my favorite part of adding something velvet to an outfit is the extra textural dimension it gives. Pairing this velvet dress with these lace tights and patent leather heels, to me, is such a fun mix of rich textures, begging to be worn this holiday season. I love how luxurious the velvet looks with these vintage style stockings too! So glam.

VELVET DRESS (on sale with code CYBER, in black here) | LEOPARD COAT (on sale with code CYBER) | TIGHTS | SUNNIES | BLACK HEELS (similar option, mine are old) | REBECCA MINKOFF MINI MAC (similar, mine is old, another option here) | NECKLACE (similar, mine is borrowed from my mom)

Cyber Monday sales are still going strong! Have you guys shopped til you dropped yet? Well, if you need to take a little break from shopping for others, I would highly recommend snagging some holiday dress apparel for you and the family while the sales are still available. For instance, this holiday party ready look. The burgundy velvet is so pretty for the holidays and my tights practically scream special occasion.

My velvet skater dress is currently on sale for 30% off with code CYBER, and while the sizes are selling out like crazy for it in this burgundy hue, it also comes in black, and I am seriously considering picking another up! With 30% off, this dress is only $42 and would be a great option for any upcoming Christmas parties or even for NYE. I've also linked some of my other favorite velvet dresses that are also currently on sale in the shopable links below.

And can we talk about this coat? Hello, gorgeous! I fell in love the moment I found it online and bought it almost instantly. I sized down one size and it fits perfectly, even with the bulk of a sweater underneath. The shape is also swoon worthy. The belt cinches the waist and the cut on the bottom half are so flattering, plus the length is perfect for keeping your bum warm. Oh, and the leopard print. Duh. It is too good! I have received so many compliments on it already. And did I mention it is also 30% off with code CYBER? #rundontwalk

Lastly, I just wanted to give a little non-sponsored shout out to Target for upping their tights game! I mean, this pair is kind of a game changer. I have always loved tights (ever since Rory on GG went to college and started sporting them all the time, remember that?) and I love that these are a little dressier and more elevated than just a plain black pair. Target currently has so many chic options, and so many style reminiscent of the 1950's, I know, because my grandma told me she used to have some just like these. Anywho, I got my normal size in these and they fit perfectly.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

SHOP MY LOOK:

What to Wear to Thanksgiving

Today I'm sharing 6 different outfit ideas for you to wear to Thanksgiving dinner this week. The great news about all of them is that they can probably be created or re-imagined with pieces you already have in your closet! I have included links too just in case you want to ask Santa for any of these versatile pieces.

The first two options are variations of what I would call casual, preppy, and easy to wear outfits. I love this style of dressing, it's very fresh and clean in my opinion. Most of you probably have a pair of dark skinnies, brown boots or booties (depending on the temps of where you are at), a plaid shirt, sweater (again, depending on how cold your Thanksgiving weather is) and a quilted vest in your closet. I love mixing patterns with plaid, or don't be afraid to grab a leopard print scarf or fair isle sweater to pair with your plaid. Lastly, throw on one or two statement pieces of jewelry and you are good to go!

outfit on right

check shirt | cream vest | fair isle sweater | skinny jeans | bag | riding boots | necklace | earrings

outfit on left

plaid shirt | red vest | skinny jeans | leopard scarf | booties | red bag | monogram necklace | statement necklace

The next two outfits revolve around leggings, which I am convinced were created for Thanksgiving, so that we can comfortably eat our weight in turkey and pumpkin pie. One of my favorite things about leggings is how easy they are to style; they can be dressed up or down, with pretty much any shoe or boot, and with a dress, tunic, or any over-sized shirt that covers your bum. To create a more dressed down look, I paired leggings with a striped turtleneck & knit poncho, easy flats, and simple jewels all in a neutral palette. I added some visual interest with pop or red with a cozy beanie, tote, and plaid red with hints of red to tie everything together. This same strategy can be used with any color. To dress up leggings, I focused less on that pop of color, and more on playing with different textures; like a big knit turtleneck, floppy felt hat, faux fur vest, and suede over-the-knee boots, keeping the jewelry simple again, and the palette much more subtle. 

outfit on right
stripe turtleneck | poncho | beanie | statement earrings | leggings | double sided plaid scarf | red tote | flats

outfit on left
faux fur vest | felt floppy hat | pendant necklace | over-sized turtleneck sweater | leggings | black handbag | otk boots | watch

The final two outfit ideas I am sharing are for dresses. While my family's Thanksgiving is more on the casual side, I know that some of you might be attending a dressier dinner or just prefer to dress up a little more for the holiday. One great thing about throwing on a dress is that in one piece you have an outfit, and pretty much anything goes with accessories. This time of year is perfect for wearing sweater dresses, they are super cozy and it's cold enough to wear tights with either a great pair of boots or booties (wear black tights and heeled black booties to give the illusion of super long stems). And of course, I am loving plaid shirt dresses, they are the perfect casual option and can be easily dressed up or down. Since my sweater dress option is a little dressier I opted to show a more casual styling of the plaid dress. 

outfit on right
faux fur vest | sweater dress | booties | tights | statement earrings | scarf | leopard clutch

outfit on left
sherpa vest | plaid dress | red earrings | slouchy knit hat | fringe booties | bangle | red handbag

Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what to wear for Thanksgiving if you are looking for some outfit inspiration! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

IG Lately

Here's a little round-up of some of my recent-ish IG posts. Enjoy!

shirt | skirt | sandals | bag | necklace - old (similar)

shoes | clutch | skirt - old (similar) | shirt - old (similar) | necklace - old (similar)

t-shirt | skirt | shoes | necklace | tote

crop pants | hooded shirt | shoes | purse (sale option here) | scarf - old (similar) | sunnies

sweater | leggings | boots | bag (in black here) | scarf - old (similar)

couch | pillow covers | bunny cookie jar | gold spike urchin | gold turtle | coffee tray - old (similar) | coffee table books (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) 

nail color: essie 'tuck it in my tux'

skirt | sandals | bag | bangles (similar) | tank - old (similar) | necklace - old (similar)

tank top | shorts | kimono (sold out, similar here & here) | sandals (sold out, similar here) | tote | necklace - old (similar) | sunnies

coffee cozy | tote

swim cover-up | sandals | hat

t-shirt | skirt | sandals | bag | fedora | sunnies

tank top | skirt | bag (sold out, similar here and here) | wedges - old (nearly identical here) | necklace - old (similar)

Still playing a little catch-up, this summer has been crazy busy! This weekend will be the first we've been home since the first weekend in May. Looking forward to catching up on house work, blogging, shopping, and hanging with our local friends and family.Tune in tomorrow for my top Nordstrom sale picks!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Transitioning to Spring

I'm not going to lie, this relentless winter has had me down for a while. I've been whiny, tired, cold, and most annoyingly, wandering in a creative drought; feeling uninspired and unmotivated. Sadly for my blog, this has meant infrequent posts. I just haven't been feeling it, and I would rather not post than post below my own standards, ya know? Well, luckily, the past two or three weeks we've witnessed a glimmer of spring here as the temperatures have hoovered above freezing enough to begin a thaw in the metro Detroit area {insert happy dance here}. With the withering snow and ice piles, the first day of spring under our belts, and a renewed sense of optimism, I am excited to return to blogging refreshed and rejuvenated.

Today I'm sharing some of my most loved pieces while in hibernation, and the various ways I have styled them throughout this past season. They are all pieces that can be used as the weather reluctantly transitions back to warmer temps as well. I did a similar blog to this last winter when I was embarking on a closet remix challenge (here), so I wanted to do a follow-up this year to help out anyone else who is in a bit of a closet inspiration rut. While I am not currently swearing off shopping, I do try to maximize how I style my closet and have become much choosier in adding new pieces.

red bow bag (budget option here)

This red bow bag has been a staple in my closet for over a year now. When you think of spring fashion and style, you may not immediately think red, I don't either. I think mint, blush, lavender, and other pastel hues. However, nautically inspired clothing has been a pretty consistent warm weather trend and one of the ways I love to add a punch to my maritime inspired ensembles is with some pink or red accessories; cue this bag - the perfect contrasting pop to crisp white and navy outfits. Plus, it will add to a patriotic pallet around Memorial Day and the 4th. 

cargo vest (old, options here and here)

One of the most used and versatile pieces in my closet is my trusty cargo vest. Its olive green color is the perfect neutral that goes with many brights, other neutrals, and pastels, making it a great year-round staple. I am looking forward to styling it with floral and lace dresses, to add a little edge to my feminine spring attire.

 mint flats

As a self-professed shoeaholic, I often go through cycles of my favorite shoes "of the moment." Having over 100 pairs makes it hard to give each their deserved attention without them taking shifts for my affection. Currently on repeat are these mint flats from last year that Target so wonderfully brought back again for this spring. I love the pop of color these give an outfit and love pairing them with feminine scarves on an otherwise neutral ensemble.

light pink gingham shirt (old, nearly identical versions here and here)

This little number is definitely my MVP for springtime layering. The pretty pastel pairs perfectly with so many other colors and patterns, while providing an additional thin layer for warmth on those "between seasons" kinda days. Plus gingham is right on trend this season. I can't stop wearing it!

patterned pants (all old, love these or splurge on these)

Confession, I am a tiny bit obsessed with patterned denim. I have these two floral pairs and two polka dot pairs, and am always on the look out for versatile pants with a touch of something special. I love the subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, print mix they add to an outfit. One of my favorite ways to transition denim is by rolling the hem and slipping on a pair of flats. I am especially loving this pair of floral pixie pants, and am thinking of jumping on the drapey pants bandwagon with these. 

khaki mini skirt (striped one here) and leopard shoes (pumps, flats, love these)

I didn't realize until I started compiling photos that I almost exclusively pair this skirt with a leopard shoe. Crazy coincidence or the perfect pairing? I'll let you decide. Either way, I am obviously obsessed with this skirt, I have it in like 6 colors and between them, I wear one at least once a week (sometimes more!). They are comfy, have pockets (winner, winner) and are a good length for work or a casual lunch with friends. I like that this khaki one provides a simple neutral base and will be pairing it with pastels and fun prints as the weather warms. As for leopard shoes...I just keep adding to my collection each season - heels, booties, flats, sneakers, the list goes on and on. They go with almost everything in my closet and are a quintessential pattern for mixing. I have been eyeing this chic pair for spring. 

As you can see from the collages above, a lot of the featured pieces show up in outfits for other featured pieces, because I really do try to work and re-work my closet to get the most bang for my buck. Transitioning my winter pieces to spring also saves me money by not having to buy a new wardrobe every season, ain't nobody got time for that. 

What winter pieces are you keeping around for spring?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

What to Wear: Holiday Party Edition Part 2

Happy Tuesday lovelies! Hope everyone's week got off to a good start yesterday. Today I am back talking about what to wear to holiday parties, and today's outfit inspiration focuses on another classic holiday trend: lace. In yesterday's post, I incorporated sequins into some holiday outfits that played up crimson, the quintessential Christmas color. But red isn't the only color that I think of this time of year; I think of the icy blue tones of frost and the navy blues of the increased midnight hours, as well as red's complimentary color green; decking our halls in emerald jewels and evergreen boughs; these are all colors and tones that I am drawn to this time of year. In honor of these blue and green hues, I have composed some outfits featuring gorgeous lace dresses in this pallet. As with yesterday's post, I have styled each color two ways, showing again how you can recycle your holiday outfits throughout the season.

green outfit top: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet / blue bracelet
blue outfit top: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet
green outfit bottom: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / belt / necklace
blue outfit bottom: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet / necklace

When styling a lace dress, the dress should be the focal point, and all of the accessories should complement it. The perfect neutrals during the holidays, in my self-proclaimed "expert opinion," are silver and gold, and there is no shortage of metallic options right now! This brings me to accessory talk time: ok, I believe it is a personal style choice whether you think more is more, or less is more, but my preference for most holiday parties: work, family, church, etc. is that less is more. That being said, for this post I have chosen more delicate and subdued pieces that add a touch of sparkle and glitz, without leaving you looking like you are wearing an accident from the glitter factory. Also, keep in mind that you don't need a statement necklace, especially with a lace neckline. If you feel it's too much, skip the neck candy, the lace is enough. You can always add your sparkle elsewhere. I have styled these dresses both ways, just in case. And, if you are a more is more girl, that's fine too, just double up on things from each of the outfit options!

Will you be wearing lace this season?

What are your go-to colors during the holidays?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!