Outfits Not Just Clothes

I don't know friends, is this even an outfit or just clothes? I think the holiday stress, cold weather, and just general malaise has worn down this outfitter into a woman who is just wearing clothes... can it be real? You make the call.      coat-Nordstrom(similar here ), vest-LL Bean(similar here ) dress- Universal Standard , sunnies-Versace(more options here ), tired necklace-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), necklace/bracelets-- Slide Jewels, bag- Herschel , boots- DSW Individually all of these pieces feel stylish. The sweater dress is a neutral basic, but still relatively chic. The coat is a classic wardrobe staple (featured here and here ). The vest is a quality item that provides interesting layers and textures. The jewelry provides polish, while the boots are fun, trending, and provide a contrasting aesthetic to the overall look. The bag I will admit doesn't feel "right" I thought maybe it works color-wise with the coat (perhaps in a more casual look). I just do...

 One last party outfit that I would have worn this holiday season if times were not so socially distant.  dress-Saks off Fifth(more options here ), pin- Amazon , tights- Target , heels-DSW(similar here ) The details of this dress, with its texture and scalloped hem are just right for holiday season and perfect for a winter LBD. I love the idea of playing up the cutouts of the hem with a boldly hued tight and matching heel for a long and lean look. When you think of Christmas broaches or pins, the standard fare comes to mind of snowflakes, Santas, holly, etc. But the red trim of this ribbon makes it holiday appropriate, even though an insect is an unexpected adornment to say the least.   Continuing to post these mirror selfies, two things I've realized. 1. I need to clean my mirror, and second, I need to maybe not center-part my hair, or figure out some different lighting.  Going makeup free may not be the best idea... oh the vanity of it all. 

coat-H&M(similar here ), dress- Le Tote , loafers- Anne Klein via DSW You don't often think of black, white, and brown as complimentary colors in a single look. However, when these shades appear in the same piece of clothing, like this sweater dress, it really does the work of coordinating for you. Of course, not all tones of brown, or white, for that matter pair well against black. In this knit, the "brown" is more copper or a dark burnt orange, while the "white" leans toward beige. These tonal tweaks create a cohesive palette in one garment for a statement piece that is an outfit within itself. I let this knit dress do the heavy lifting, styling-wise, and kept the rest of the pieces--coat-tights-loafers--in black. I did think about playing with layers, but we had a bit of a warm front here these past few days, and this simple pea-coat was more than enough coverage. 

wrap- American Apparel , dress-Banana Republic(similar here ), skirt- LuLa Roe , necklace-Gifted(similar here from The Limited ), gloves-Target(similar here ), boots-DSW(similar here ) In my last post I was all pinks, plaids, and florals, for THIS holiday outfit it's all about minimal greys and silvers. That's the great thing about festive dressing, you can go crazy with print mixing, or you can keep things simple, yet chic. Whatever route you take, please please, make it warm one. At a recent holiday party I saw a younger woman wearing a lace dress without tights! Oh honey, maybe it's just the wisdom that comes with age, but no ensemble is worth freezing over!