Pretty on Parade

Here in the northeast (and even the south!) we're getting crushed by blustery winds and bitter cold temps, but don't let your look match your mood (seasonal depression, anyone??) There's no need to tuck away your perky brights and shroud yourself  in blacks and grays! Transitioning your bright and patterned pieces into the colder seasons can be a mood lifter.

Here's my tips on getting the job done in three easy steps: 

 

1.  Start your base with a vibrantly patterned piece, like this lovely frock by ModCloth. A great way to take this dress, which is great for summer strolls on the boardwalk, into brisker temps is by grounding the look with other pieces that have a more substantial feel. Top off your base item with a heavier knit pullover, which will allow your dress to work as more of a skirt (a two-for-one deal!).

2.  Then add in your winter friendly favorites like opaque tights, ankle booties and chunky belts. Work with pieces that are color complimentary to tones found in your dress, especially if it's printed. As you see here, sage tights are a welcome change from basic black and brown, yet work as a neutral that doesn't compete with the print. And the buckle detail on the boots lends a more contemporary feel when paired with this wonderfully retro design. Using a belt allows you to define your shape through your layers, by cinching in your waistline, while also adding some visual texture to the look.

3.  Complete the look by adding finishing accessories, like a scarf, bag and jewelry. You can pull out colors from your dress and repeat them in these pieces to keep the look cohesive with out being overly matchy. Here, I chose to maintain the whimsical feel of the repeated pattern on the dress and add in circular earrings - that happen to have a nautical theme. I mean, we're all dreaming of summer right!


In the end, you've got a cute and cozy outfit that says the winter blues ain't got a thing on you!


Stay warm, lovelies!!

Life Lately...

Hello, world!

So the hubbub of the holiday festivities is all over and we're back to the hustle and bustle of every day life. There's pros and cons to both, no? On one hand, it's a good thing to have all the hectic chaos behind you and the stress of guests, housecleaning and gift buying over and done. But at the same time, there is something to be missed...the glitter, the warm, fuzzy feelings that comes with the holidays and the joys of being around your family laughing and relaxing.

Today I'm sharing some bits and pieces of my world. If you follow me on Instagram you may have already been privy to some of these. And if you don't, now is a good a time as any!

 

The Christmas gift from my bestie included the Mac X RiRi lipstick that I'd been stalking. It's frosty orange is super intimidating at first swipe, but it can be made into the perfect sexy nude lip. Loves it.

 

 

At Christmastime even penguins and leopards live harmoniously... 

 

These lips will look all the way live in 2014. The entire Maybelline Colorsensational Vivids collection is proof positive that I've become obsessed with lipstick.

 

Another recent obsession: fur. We'll chat more on this subject later. *wink* 

 

"...with a borderline obsession for leopard print, polka dots, bows and pink things!"

See, I totally wasn't lying on my 'About Me' page.

 

 

Super excited with the progress I'm making on my walk in closet! Can't wait until I can share the finished product with all of you. 

 

Planning a future style file post for this entire outfit. It was the total embodiment of girly girlness.

In other goings on, both Toonchie and I will be headed back to school this week. I'm sure there will be a brief adjustment period, specifically for me, but that can also be exciting too. I always have a little anxiety before I start a new course. It's the uncertainty of the coursework, workload and wondering if the class will be a weekly, three hour life drain.

Well, I'm off, lovies! I hope you have a fabulous week ahead of you and we'll chat again soon!