wardrobe wednesday

Live Free. And Wear Polka Dots.

 

I'm pretty sure that there's a fashion rule that says you should either match your hosiery to your skirt or your shoes, and if you are a follow-the-rules kind of girl, then I'm also pretty sure you're gonna hate this outfit. But when I was digging through my drawers the other day and came across these unopened navy polka tights, I knew I needed to figure out something to wear them with. Because one of my fashion rules? Is that polka dots should be worn as often as possible, because they bring much-needed happiness and cheer to the world. There's a reason clowns love polkies, people!

And so, energized by my newfound Polka Dot Principle, this is the outfit that resulted. A coral basketweave mini topped with an denim shirt, layered under an Old Navy tee. A tee that clearly announces you should Live Free. Because you know, Living Enslaved just doesn't have the same ring to it.  Cheesy mottos aside, I'm on a bit of an Old Navy tee kick, mainly because if you order online they have a decent selection of tall sizes, and the extra length on these tees is great for keeping muffin tops covered when you're out there living free and all.

So there you have it: Live free and wear polka dots. Not a bad mantra, if I do say so myself. Happy Wednesday, y'all!

__________________________________________
Old Navy long sleeve tee (sold out) | on ebay
Seven denim shirt (old) | similar
Merona basketweave mini (last year) | similar; similar on ebay
Gap polka dot tights | similar
Frye Campus Boot in Dark Brown
Leather Bow Tote by stacyleigh
Big & Bold Leather watch by Creative Urges
Warby Parker "Roosevelt" frames
vintage earrings

Give A Hoot.

 

When faced with a long, dreary winter, a girl's gotta do what she can to survive. And I'm not talking about stocking the pantry or making sure the back-up generator is serviced. No, my method of preparing for the cruelest of seasons mainly involves pink pants.

And while Bear Grylls may not teach (or endorse) this method of survival, it works quite well for me. Especially when I pair said pink pants with a cute animal on my sweater (much like my ancestors might have worn pelts). Because you really can't be mopey about cold weather when there's a hooter on your hooters.

Yes I went there.

Bad puns aside, pink cords and owl sweaters are making me happy. And making me forget the frostbite I might have endured to take these photos.

So what's the go-to happy piece in your closet?  Do share! And keep warm! :)

______________________________________________
Intarsia Owl Sweater | similar on ebay
J Crew Toothpick Cords
J Crew Factory Polka Dot Popover
Frye Veronica boots
Suncloud shades
Creative Urges leather watch

Pretty in Pink.

Valentine's Day is not enthusiastically celebrated around this house, unless you count the sugar buzz that usually happens after consuming classmates' Valentines. (Sometimes I even let the kids have some.) But this year, Mike and I are going to sneak away for a quick dinner while the kids enjoy a pizza and their candy hauls at home.

We're not doing anything fancy - no reservations or unpronounceable entrées here - in fact, we'll likely end up grabbing a burger and beer at the local pub. But I'm not one to pass up any opportunity to get dressed up, and an adults-only meal at a restaurant totally qualfiies. So I'm grabbing my bright fuschia sweater, wool mini and black tights (good for the chilly temps and lingering snow), along with a chunky jewel necklace and peep toes (not so good for the snow, but HELLO! footwear is meant to be cute, not practical!) to celebrate the night.

And you can bet when we get home, I'll be kicking off those heels and raiding the kids' candy stash.

Happy Valentine's Day and lots of love to you, my friends!

_________________________________________________
J. Crew Tippi sweater (pink is from last spring)
J. Crew Boy Shirt in Classic White
Banana Republic wool mini (old) | similar
Madden Girl platform heels | similar
J. Crew Factory necklace (sold out) | on ebay
Met with Warmth Tights
Mossimo purse | similar
Charming Charlie gold bracelets | similar, similar

 

Two-Faced.

In the interest of full disclosure, there are some days where I really don't feel like planning an outfit, contemplating patterns or colors, or debating the merits of boots vs. platform heels. Days when ditching the flannel pjs pants and actually dressing like a regular, responsible adult seems like waaaaay to much effort.  Especially lately when the high temps are still below zero and there's a down comforter and sofa calling my name. #firstworldproblem indeed.

And those are the days when this sweater (a recent steal from the J Crew Factory sale!) is my best friend. Thrown on with jeans and boots, it's simple and easy. I bought a larger size than normal so it would be drapey and not too tight. In other words, comfortable like flannel pjs.  The colorblocking and elbow patches add details so minimal accessories are required. Much like flannel pjs. Are you seeing the trend here?

So there you have it. Comfort? Check. Warmth? Check. And the fact that I don't look like a crazy homeless woman running my errands in pants with flamingos printed on them? Bonus! 

Have a great weekend, my friends. And feel free to spend it in your own flannel pjs!

__________________________________________________________________________
J Crew Factory Colorblock Elbow-Patch Sweater (runs very small - I'm wearing an XL!)
Gap 1969 Deconstructed Always Skinny jean
Frye Campus Boot in Dark Brown
Target necklace | similar
Leather Bow Tote by stacyleigh
Big & Bold Leather watch by Creative Urges

For the Love of Orange.

 

I thought I might have a really good reason to be sporting a little orange this week in celebration of a certain Superbowl victory.  Turns out, notsomuch. Ahem. And while I'd love to be wearing my neon yellow heels in honor of the Seahawks, they just don't work with all this damn snow.

So in order to brighten up these dreary winter days, I'm calling on my happy coral blazer to do a little mood boosting.  I've thrown it over what Riely calls my 101 Dalmations shirt (even though technically - sssh! -  I think it's actually cheetah).  A chunky necklace, sparkly earrings and my favorite Fluevog boots are also helping to lift my spirits. As does gazing wistfully off into the great beyond while I snap these photos. And therein may lie the secrets to a good Wardrobe Wednesday: (1) Never look directly into the camera; and (2) Never underestimate the power of good accessories!

Ciao for now, lovelies!

_________________________________________________
Target blazer (old) | similar, similar
J. Crew Factory blouse (old) | on ebay
Joe's Jeans
Fluevog Desire boots (unavailable) | similar
Forever 21 calf hair belt | similar
Target necklace | similar
Fossil earrings
Cynthia Rowley clutch (Marshalls) | similar