Outfits Not Just Clothes

 One of my standard go-to outfit formulas around the holiday season is layering a sweater over a dress, revolutionary I know... 🤨 and truth be told, a sweater/dress combo can veer toward the dowdy, as kind of seen here . But it can also be a bit romantic... cardigan-Ava via Le Tote , dress--Boden(similar here ) earrings-- Wisteria Sky Boutique via Etsy , sunnies- Diff Eyewear , loafer--Anne Klein(similar here ) For this take on a sweater with a dress I went with a nipped-in cardigan and printed jersey.  The mix of patterns and textures elevate the outfit playing on a sense of whimsy and romance. The jewelry, especially the earrings help dress-up this knit and soft frock. This is definitely a festive, yet subtle look that can be worn over the course of the winter into the beginnings of spring. For why else do we light  up trees and inflate Santas in our yards if not to mark the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun, shining hope toward the new life of spring!  That ...

collar-ASOS(similar here ), dress-Uniqlo(similarish here ), loafers- G.H. Bass This navy shift, and my work-a-day weejuns are given a bit of personality with the addition of this sequined detachable collar from Asos . (check out their collection of bibs here !) I'll be the first to admit that this outfit fell a bit short of the mark. It's just not as polished/striking as I had hoped. Looking at these pics I feel a blazer was called for, either my classic white blazer, last seen here , or my lavender blazer, last exalted, here . Also, these brown loafers are a bit heavy for the whimsical vibe the collar brings forth, so maybe a different shoe as well.  But the MAIN lesson here today boys and girls, is that adding a collar (or bib) to a standard garment elevates said garment from clothes into an outfit, you just have to stick the landing on execution. 

cardi / leggings - Le Tote , tunic-Old Navy(similar here ), necklace-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), boots-DSW(similar here ) I've been a master at print mixing for some time now, see here , here , and here  for recent examples. But, I believe this is the first time I've paired up two whimsical prints in one outfit! You may recall this "bunny" tunic from these posts ( here and here ). Well, thanks to this cardigan from my latest tote I was able to combine bunny rabbits and dapper owls for a casual outfit with some preciously intricate details. The leggings and boots provide grounding.   And, when I pointed out my quirky print paring to Mr. Keller the following exchange took place: Mr. Keller asked: "Don't owls eat rabbits"? Me: "Not ones that wear top hats!" And check out the raspberries next to this Gentleman Owl!

Yes, that IS a detachable collar with birds and stars!!!!  dress-Anthropologie(similar here ), coa- Le Tote , collar- Asos , loafers-Sole Society(similar here ) Another take on my plaid shift, last seen here . In this wearing I've layered a "coatigan" over this wool frock and went for a whimsical detachable collar in lieu of a necklace. The whimsy keeps going with these silver loafers for an offbeat holiday ensemble.  This is the last of my holiday outfit posts, we'll be back to our regularly scheduled outfitting tomorrow! And, since I'm feeling a bit ambitious, I may tackle some of the upcoming 2017 trends with my prediction/reviews. We'll see...! 

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), shirt-BCBG(similar here ), pants- Uniqlo , loafers- G. H. Bass , necklaces-H&M(similar here ), fox socks-Target(similar here ) A classic fall outfit that errs on the side of androgyny, with a whimsical twist! Once again I'm sporting another pair of the ankle, pull-on pants from Uniqlo . What can I say they serve me well, other pairs seen here , here , and here . I let the checkerboard print of the trousers dictate the rest of this look, hence the red/orange colorblock blouse and standard navy blazer. I brought in some fun with these amazing fox socks. Fox prints are the perfect novelty print for the fall, plus being gender friendly man, woman, boy, and girl can outfit with them.