Sparkle, Shimmer, Sequins, Oh My!!

Happy New Year!!

It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to celebrate than to get dolled up in some sparkle, shimmer, or sequins? I love experimenting with different textures and metallics this time of year!  Which metallic shall I choose this year?  Gold, silver, rose gold or even bronze?  Below I’ve created three outfits for different NYE occasions.

Outfit #1 – Creative Formal Event

This outfit is a great option if you are headed to a more formal NYE event but want to make a statement.  Yes, you can wear basic cocktail dresses, but what’s the fun in looking similar to everyone else.  If you like to take risks with your clothes, then maybe think of this option.  For this outfit, I wore a black, pale pink and gold brocade crop top and matching high waisted midi skirt.  I loved this two-piece set because it had a rich texture and the pink and gold combined made a rose gold illusion on the outfit.  I accessorized the outfit with black lace tights and gold heels, a bronze envelope clutch, and gold statement earrings and rings.  Since I wanted to emphasize the texture of the dress and earrings, I curled my hair and pinned it back away from my face so the outfit can really shine.  I recently wore this outfit to the YPC Inaugural Gala this past December.

Crop Top/Skirt: Von Maur (this fall) // Tights: Old // Shoes: Old // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria // Earrings; Old

Outfit #2 – Silver & Ice Blue

This next outfit would be a good option for someone who is attending a NYE party and wants to make a statement, but doesn’t want to outshine the host.  For this outfit, instead of a dress I wore separates.  I paired my ice blue button-up blouse with a silver pleated skirt along with a black belt to define my waist and black opaque tights.  I splashed the outfit with some color by slipping on color blocked pointed stilettos, silver jewelry, and a matte red-orange lip to complement the red in the heels.  I pulled my hair back halfway to showcase the earrings and lip color.

Shirt: Express // Skirt: BCBGeneration // Tights: Target (old) // Belt/Bracelet: Express // Shoes: Kohl's (Rock N Republic - this year) //Earrings; Old // Ring: Von Maur // Lip Color: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm "Striking Spectaculaire"

Outfit #3 – Black & Gold

This last outfit is a good option for someone who prefers to wear pants on New Year’s than a dress and maybe likes to wear sparkle subtlety.  This outfit would be great if you are having a more relaxed, intimate NYE – going to a lounge for some dinner and drinks or celebrating with a small group of people.  Since the outfit is mostly black, I amped up the texture and maximized the accessories in the outfit.  I paired a black and gold sparkly oversized sweater with black pleather leggings and black ankle boots.  I accessorized the outfit with a plethora of gold jewelry.  I finished the look with a bronze envelope clutch and a red-orange lip for a pop of color. 

Sweater/Necklace/Earrings: Express (this year) // Pants: Express (old) // Bracelet: Express // Rings: Old Navy // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria 

Which outfit is your favorite?  What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve? 

Winter Staple: Christmas Sweater

'Tis the season to shop and give gifts to loved ones, send out holiday cards, and wait for the white bearded rotund man in a red suit to come down the chimney! This time of year I love breaking out my Christmas sweaters, and I’m not talking about the “ugly” Christmas kind. 

I think everyone should own a holiday sweater they can cozy up in around the season.  These Christmas sweaters I’m referring to contain graphics of Christmas or wintery motifs, such as reindeer, Santa, snowflakes, ice skates, or even cute animals such as penguins and polar bears.  Don’t confuse these sweaters with Fair Isle knit sweaters, which will be featured in a blog post in the near future! If you don’t already own one in time for Christmas, there are plenty on sale at various retailers, including men’s sweaters! Below I’ve created three different outfits all utilizing my red and black reindeer and snowflake motif sweater. Happy Holidays!!

Outfit #1 – Casual Christmas

For this first outfit, I paired the sweater with brick red comfy jeggings and threw on a black and white marled grandpa cardigan to continue the casual vibe of the look.  I finished the outfit with black quilted moto boots.  This outfit would be great cozying up by the fire unwrapping some presents.  I recently wore this outfit during an evening of baking Christmas cookies and sipping hot chocolate with family.  

Sweater: Forever 21 (Old) // Cardigan Sweater: Target (this season) // Pants: Kohl's (sale) (Lauren Conrad Collection // Boots: Nordstrom Rack

Outfit #2 – Winter Shorts

I love experimenting with different textures, especially during the winter months.  Tweed is a great fabric to try during the fall/winter season.  For this outfit, I paired the sweater with gray tweed tailored shorts and black opaque tights.  I added a pop of red with the belt and slipped on some black ankle boots to finish the ensemble.  This outfit would be great if you want to try something different than wearing basic jeans or leggings and it would be great if you were meeting up with some friends for coffee or gift exchange.

Shorts: Forever 21 (old) // Tights/Belt: Target (old) // Boots: Kohl's 

Outfit #3 – Festive at Work

This last outfit is for the woman who likes to wear a little holiday spirit at the workplace.  I switched the tweed shorts from outfit #2 with a black leather pencil skirt.  I accessorized with a gunmetal bauble necklace and couple cocktail rings.  I complemented the red in the sweater by wearing a pair of red faux suede booties to finish the look.

Skirt: Loft // Booties: Charlotte Russe (old) // Necklace: Francesca's // Rings: Express & Old Navy

Do you own a cute Christmas Sweater?  How would you wear it?

Outerwear Trend: The Cape

December is definitely coat season! The days have been getting shorter and nights longer so the weather gets chillier faster.  However in Des Moines this week, the forecast has been in the 50’s.  For those days where the weather is fair and it’s not a blizzard outside, do I have a great coat option for you...the Cape!!

I love capes because there is something nostalgic about them – they bring me a different time and various locales.  Also a cape is a great polished option instead of your peacoat or overcoat.  Below I’ve created three different outfits utilizing a cognac cape I recently bought off of Etsy (it was also a gift I gave to my bridesmaids for my wedding this past October).

Outfit #1 – Parisian Chic

Since capes are sleeveless and don’t have structured shoulders nor silhouette, I feel it has some feminine qualities, and when I think of a place that embodies a woman that is both feminine and polished, I image Paris.  For this bon chic bon genre outfit, I wore my cognac cape over a tan and black striped turtleneck paired with black A-line miniskirt.  I accessorized the look with a black velvet beret, pearl multistrand necklace, and black patterned tights to add more femininity and texture to the ensemble.  I topped this look off with a pair of black faux suede booties.

Cape: Etsy // Turtleneck: The Limited (this fall) // Skirt: Express // Tights: Target (old) // Shoes: TJMaxx // Hat: gift (old) // Necklace: Old

Outfit #2 – Collegiate Inspired

For this next outfit, I traveled over to London to learn more about Sherlock Holmes, whose stereotypical plaid cape inspired me.  Now I didn’t copy the outfit verbatim, but when I think of plaid in this sense, academia comes to mind.   For this collegiate inspired look, I wanted to keep it minimal and tailored by using texture.  I wore the cape over black ankle pants paired with a crisp white oxford button-up under a red cable knit sweater.  I finished the look with black faux fur smoking slippers and a red knitted winter hat.

Sweater: Target (this fall) // Shirt: Express // Pants: The Gap // Shoes: DSW // Hat: old

Outfit #3 – Après Ski

For this last outfit, I wanted to create a look that was more casual than the other two, but still had a cozy wintery vibe.  This outfit is for a woman who wants to walks the streets of a chic ski town with a hot chocolate in her hand.  I wore the cape over dark skinny jeans paired with a cream cable knit sweater and cognac riding boots.  A pair of winter boots would be a great option as well if the ground is layered with snow or slush.  I topped the ensemble off with a cognac and maroon knitted hat and a cream winter scarf.

Sweater: Old Navy // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots: DSW // Hat: Amana Woolen Mill // Scarf (3 piece set including hat. gloves, scarf): Kohl's (this season)

Which outfit is your favorite? Would you wear a cape?  How would you wear it?

Mixed Prints

I donned an outfit utilizing mixed prints earlier this week!! I was receiving some compliments on it!! I recently bought the button up blouse, which is a Portofino shirt from Express, and the windowpane Pixie Pants from Old Navy this past fall!! 

Shirt: Express// Pants: Old Navy// Belt: Target// Shoes: Charlotte Russe (old)

What are your thoughts on mixed prints? Are they a do or a don't?