Currently Crushing: Winter Coats

Although today is technically the first day of Winter, it doesn't quite feel like it yet.  Oh well, that won't stop me from lusting after the beautiful ones...

all photos link back to source on my pinterest board:
crushing coats

Are you getting this Winter's wear out of coats yet?

Just Checking In

I've been sort of MIA lately and for that I'm sorry!  'Tis the season, right?  I'm so excited to have a couple days off this Christmas, so I'll be going home, visiting with family, eating good food, and most importantly relaxing!  I had something else planned for today but since I'm short on time I'll leave you with some recent holiday pictures:

Our Christmas party for the consignment shop was last night at, delicious thai food restaurant, Indochine.  I went straight from work so I just wore what I had on - vintage wool skirt, Free People thermal with my favorite mustard cardigan on top and, of course, my amazing red boots.

Everybody - inside the restaurant - cool decorations!

The two managers: Keely and I

Elexa and I at the table

The "current crew"

And a couple nights ago I convinced the BF to take some photos with me in front of our little tree.  I wanted us to be "festive" so I wore a rhinestone-bedazzled Ezra Fitch sweater with a black top underneath (to match his black Polo) and my red boots (which didn't make their way into the pictures).

Merry Kiss-mas!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week-before-Christmas!  While I'm home I'll be catching up on all the posts I've been missing lately.  So, you'll hear from me soon, I promise :)

Happy Holidays, everybody!!!  

The Picasso Scarf-Belt

One of my favorite outfits that I've put together was the Picasso-Scarf-Inspired look that came together with such ease, just because of the colors in the scarf.  Well, we're having some funky December weather here at the beach, so I decided to pull Picasso out again, and this time wear him as a belt with a similar color palette:

Vintage The Limited skirt - FC ($7)
Zara t-shirt - FC ($6)
Picasso silk scarf - gift from Mom from Italy
Pink Studio wedges - FC ($12)
Vintage necklace - birthday gift from Mom
Vintage Dooney & Bourke purse - FC ($35)

About my outfit:  I wanted to find another way to wear this scarf and I thought the colors were displayed beautifully as a belt!  I paired it with the same olive top, but this time paired it with black and tan.  The weather is warm enough to go bare-legs, showing off my two-tone wedges.  The necklace was my birthday present - it's from the turn of the 19th century and made out of watch chains - how cool!  Anyway, the necklace ties in the black and then I finished the look off with my trusty D&B satchel-bag.

Have you ever worn a scarf as a belt?

Winter White

What to do about those cute white jeans from the Spring and Summer?  Throw antiquated fashion rules to the wind and wear them after Labor Day...even into Winter!

F21 white skinny jeans - FC ($10) also worn here and here
American Eagle button-down - FC ($6.50)
Express cropped sweater - FC ($7.50)
Vintage Dex boots - FC ($24)
Anthropologie purse - Xmas gift from Mom
wrap bracelet; hand-crafted earrings

A shopper asked me the other day how many pairs of jeans I owned.  I (easier than I expected) counted the amount on my hands: 2 skinny jeans, 1 black skinny, 1 white skinny, my Paper Denim & Cloth wide-legs and 3 pairs of boot-cut designer jeans that I don't wear that often.  So, "8" I said.  Her point was just to pick on her friend for buying her 28th pair.  But they liked the idea of white skinny jeans and asked if I still wear them now.  To this I replied, "of course!" and went on to describe this exact look.

About my outfit:  To winter-ify my white jeans I first added my favorite pair of boots.  Then I added another Fall-staple: button-down-layered-under-sweater.  I like that the sweater is short-sleeved and cropped so it shows off the plaid print.  I accented everything with my Anthropologie bag and then accessorized with brown on my wrists and in my ears.

How many pairs of jeans do you own?

Do you wear white jeans in the Fall and Winter?

If so, how do you style them?  

All-American

This is another great transitional outfit for uncertain weather or the in-between-season stage:

J. Crew button-down - FC ($7.50)
Inhabit lightweight sweater - FC ($18)
H&M shorts - FC ($10) also seen here, here and here
Soho Lab wedges - FC ($10)
Vintage Coach purse - FC ($38)
multi chain necklace - FC; scarf - long ago

About my outfit:  I combined a few of my favorite things at the moment in this outfit: I layered a paper-thin sweater over a checkered button-down (have you seen enough of this yet?) and juxtaposed long and short by pairing the layered top with shorts on the bottom.  Keeping the palette neutral, I went with the closest thing to nude wedges I have so as to elongate my legs and then added gold accessories that correspond with the short's belt buckle.  My new red Coach purse really makes this an all-American look and the scarf ties it all together.

Have you ever worn an "American" color palette?

Weird Weather calls for a Fall Formula

I realize I talk about the weather fairly often on this blog.  Well, folks, the weather really determines what I will be wearing for the day!  The temperatures have jumped all over the place: today's low is higher than the high of earlier in the week.  To keep up with these crazy changes, I utilize my love of layering:

F21 dress - FC ($10)
F21 sweater - FC ($7.50) also worn here and here
Boots - Xmas gift from BF
Vintage belt - thrifted via BB ($2)
Anthropologie purse - Xmas gift from Mom
Scarf - gifted from long ago

About my outfit:  The weatherman told me the high for the next couple of days will be in the lower 70s with a chance of rain.  This kind of prediction calls for my Fall Formula - skirt/dress + sweater, rain-friendly boots and lots of layers.  I started out with a simple cotton dress and then belted my sweater over it for extra warmth/comfort.  My boots are not real leather so I feel safe wearing them in the rain.  I finished the look off with a chunky chain-link necklace and then added some color with my scarf, which tied in the colors in my purse and boots!  Oh, and this milk-maid braid is my go-to "chance of rain" hairstyle - no point in fixing your hair if it's just going to get rained on, if you ask me :)

What is the most determining factor for how you will dress each day?

Do you have any "formulas" or tips for weird weather changes?

Mustard & Purple

I took these photos a while back but wanted to share the look with you since this style of skirt (or dress) is on my December wishlist.  I wore this before the cold front came through (though it's supposed to warm up this week again) but I can't wait for Winter to really settle in because I plan on wearing this (and more like this) with opaque tights!

F21 skirt - FC ($7.50) also seen here and here
T-shirt - thrifted ($3)
Mossimo cardigan - Xmas gift from Mom
Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo heels - FC ($12)
Vintage belt - STA ($5)
Michael Kors purse - FC ($35)

About my outfit:  I love the contrast-color combination of mustard and purple so this look was a no-brainer!  I added in some vintage with my heels and belt and then tied all the neutral colors in with my Michael Kors bag.  I kept the accessories minimal this time, since I already had so much color and pattern going on, by letting my personal pendant (a gift from the BF's grandma) be the focal point.

Do you wear purple and mustard??

December's Wishlist

It's a new month and you know what that means...New Wants!

I did really well with last month's wishlist (remember my orange pants?) and now I just need to find the time to take some more photos so that I can share with you what else I was lucky to find in November!  I'm really excited about this month's wishlist and I have a special Christmas Wishlist that will be coming soon ;)

1. Oversized Sweater

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by JOSEPH
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks at Need Supply Co.

My recent Currently Crushing post put me in a sweater frenzy!  I want all kinds of sweaters, but as many of you said, the bigger the better!  An oversized sweater is great for a hurried look - just throw it on with skinny jeans and heels, let it slouch off your shoulder a bit and...instant (and comfortable!) chic.

Inspired by:

2. Sequin Skirt

Mini Skirts by Asos
Mid-length Skirts by Asos

I didn't realize how much I really wanted a sequin skirt until I started compiling all my inspiration images.  There are so many fun variations to this holiday classic.  I'd really love one in a unique print, style, or length.  Of course I'll wear it for more than just the holidays with a fancy-casual twist.

Inspired by:

3. Pretty Pumps

Platforms by Betsey Johnson
Pumps by Maloles

While putting together my look for the BFF: 4th edition, I realized I don't have any pumps!  What?  I know, I know...I have wedges, strappy sandals, peep-toes, and sling-backs...but no pretty pumps.  I'd love some in a round-toe shape with a chunky heel in a pretty pop-of-color or even a neutral with some unique detailing to really set them apart.

Inspired by:

4. Short & Flared [dresses and skirts]

Day Dresses by Asos
Cocktail Dresses by BB Dakota

You've seen me wear this style before.  Well, I love it!  It transitions so beautifully into Fall and Winter when you add opaque black tights underneath.  And the layering possibilities are endless whether it is a skirt or even a fun party-dress.

Inspired by:

5. Statement Necklace

Necklaces by Betsey Johnson
Necklaces by BaubleBar

This necklace is one of my favorites and for good reason: it matches so many things in my closet.  But, I'm ready to make another statement and I'm ready to up the drama with this one!  The more extravagant and eclectic, the better!  I'd love one with a lot of detail, many colors and metal or gem work.

Inspired by:

What's on your wishlist for the month of December??