Outfits Not Just Clothes

Loving how the necklace and lace insert blend with each other, while the scarf adds a bit of humor.  dress/scarf/necklace- Le Tote , cardie- Free People , boots-DSW(similar here ) The freezing weather forced Mr. Keller and I indoors for yesterday's outfit shoot.  I'm a bit uncomfortable posing without hiding behind sunglasses. True, I could wear my sunnies inside, but that just seems a bit ridiculous... Anyway, as you can see this dress, necklace, and scarf came together perfectly. What you can't see is that I'm wearing about 3 layers of insulation (tights, leggings, sock, cami, long-sleeve tee) underneath the dress. So many times people layer on top of their outfits. I found layering as much as you can underneath you're overall look to be more effective warmth-wise and way more stylish. For more tips and tricks check out my article over at the Union Hall Times ! 

Statement necklaces are pretty much my go-to accessory for finishing off a look/taking clothes and cranking up the style factor into an outfit. Here are a few of my favorite necklace shots: Ann Taylor Anthropologie Bauble Bar Cookie Lee Cookie Lee again Forever 21 Duro Olowu for JCPenny Jewel Mint Let Tote ModCloth Bauble Bar again Gifted And I think I like to highlight them on the blog so closely is because it's the type of shot I don't have to worry about the face I'm making. :) What's your favorite accessory? 

My year of no shopping has been challenging, but it would have been impossible if not for my Le Tote subscription. I'm currently awaiting the arrival of these 3 pieces: I'm thinking I may layer the blouse underneath this dress for an office outfit some day this week.  This scarf looks a bit sheer, so not the most functional of accessories for these chilly days, but the pattern here is a amazing. Floating eyeballs, definitely creepy, but the grey and pale-pink combo is chic. Creepy chic is a hard mash-up to pull off. I'm looking forward to the challenge.   Interested in subscribing, check out their site here .  Also, have a gander at Rent the Runway ,  Dressed Up!  and Stitch Fix for similar services. 

I'm just loving the pattern mashup of the scarf print and the leopard.  Also, this necklace adds a bit of tribal vibe into the outfit, playing off the leopard print.  blazer-DVF(more outerwear here ), scarf-Ralph Lauren(similar here ), shirt/skirt-Jcrew Factory(sort of similar here , more skirts here ), boots- DSW , necklace-Duro Olowu for JC Penny , rings- Jewel Mint  This outfit was inspired by a Refinery 29 slideshow featuring this look: I think I nailed it AND brought in a bit more flair with the scarf and necklace. Orange and purple pairings can be tricky, as in tacky, unless you're careful. I think more structured garments in quality fabric is the best way to go when outfitting with unconventional color-combos, that way you avoid looking like you were voted "Most School Spirit" in high school.  For more outfit inspiration/ideas follow me on Pinterest here !

Bit of an action shot for you.  These pants are amazing! This Necklace!!!!! necklace/blouse- Le Tote , pants-Asos(similar here ), heels-Forever 21(more pumps here ), coat-Jcrew(similar here ) Here I am trying to be all ladylike, and I think I'm doing a fair job at it. There is a lot of drama in this outfit. The ombre effect on the pants, the height of the heel, and the wow-factor of this Le Tote necklace. (It was a struggle to send it back, but I had to be strong during my Year of No Shopping .) And the overall rich color make this a standout outfit. This might have a been a smidge too dressy for work, but hey, sometimes you have to class things up on a random Tuesday.  

dress- Le Tote , jacket-Forever 21(similar here ), necklace- Cookie Lee , scarf- American Apparel , boots-Old Navy(similar here ), cuff-Vintage This dress was part of my latest package from Le Tote . It provided some much needed color for such a drab week, and with a bit of spike in the temperature I was able to wear it with this knit moto-jacket instead of having to cover it with a big coat. The leatherette top of the dress made this a natural piece to mix in edgy elements like my studded cuff and boots.  I don't normally wear maxi-dresses. I can never seem to find the right type of shoe to go with them. Also, I think they are more suited to ladies that rock the boho vibe way more naturally than I do. I like to roll with a bit more edge. What do you think? Should I steer clear of maxis or try them out more often?