Day 12: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

I've been wanting to try the colorblocking trend for a while now.  It's all over the fashion world but I hadn't felt like I had anything to make it work well.  Until now.   Remember my post from here when I said a shopping trip was in order?  Since I always keep the promises I make, I stopped at some outlets on the way home from our Ikea adventure.  Twist my arm. 

Enter Forever 21.  It was the first and only store we went into.  Seriously.  It may have been divine intervention that the parking spot we snagged put us into the mall right by Forever 21. Turtlenecks were a little sparse but this one jumped out at me.  Literally.  I walked straight into the rack.  Lucky for me, the color is vibrant and exciting and I love the texture.  The skirt is another find from the day and when I saw the $7.80 price tag I bought it in multiple colors.  should. have. bought. more. 

That wraps up the Twelve Days of Turtlenecks.  My neck is excited to make its debut again tomorrow.

P.S. colorblocking = wearing 2 or more solid blocks of vibrant color
 

 

 Daily Style File
Turtleneck Sweater:  Forever 21 (Fall 2011)
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Skirt:  Forever 21 (Fall 2011)
Tights:  Spanx
Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
grocery store, preschool meeting

Day 11: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

'Tis the season for the Nutcracker.  Well, kind of.  A full performance with a three year old doesn't quite sound too jolly to me.  So, we found an alternative. Our  local Pottery Barn Kids hosted a charity Nutcracker performance at the store.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Pottery Barn Kids.  For a donation to St. Jude's our little girl got to get up close to some ballerina's from a local ballet school and then have pictures and tea with them after the 20 minute performance.  She was beyond excited and I was happy to have somewhere to wear my furry snazzy jacket.  I mean, nothing says the Nutcracker like a faux fur leopard print jacket, right?

P.S. If you aren't aware, PBK does a weekly storytime and every 5 you attend you get a free $10 gift card to the store. Shopping + Storytime = Marketing Genius.

 

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Fall 2007)
Jacket:  Live a Little via T.J.Maxx (Winter 2009)
Jeans:  True Religion via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Winter 2010)
Booties:  Me Too  via DSW (Spring 2011) similar linked

I Wore It Where?
Mall 

Day 10: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

The hubs woke up with the grand idea of driving 2 hours to the closest Ikea on Saturday.  It is one of the very few times that a shopping trip wasn't my idea.  Since I am always game for any kind of shopping, onwards we went.  Having been there before, I knew comfort would be key.  This is the kind of outfit you want to wear when you are headed into 356,000 square feet of shopping space with two small children.

P.S. The photo quality is poor because this is what one looks like at 9pm at night after driving in the car with 2 kids for 4+ hours and walking around all day.  Considering the circumstances, I think the lack of lighting is actually working in my favor here. 

PPS. My pants are the black version of the ones I blogged about here and although it is hard to tell, my shirt is actually a dress.  I am just happy to have another turtleneck outfit count towards my 12 days.  Only 2 to go!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Fall 2008)
Pants: aftershowershop via Etsy (Spring 2011)
Belt: Anthropologie (Spring 2011)
Boots:  Steven by Steve Madden (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
Ikea, outlets

Day 9: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

Here we are friends, Day 9.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to Day 13.  It doesn't damper my love of turtlenecks, just makes me realize that perhaps I need a little more turtleneck variety.  Seems like a shopping trip is in order.  Ah, yes, my kind of problem solving:  shopping.

I love mixing cream and white and nothing says winter better than a cream cable knit sweater.  It's classic but not boring.  It's hard to see in the pictures, but my pants are a wide wale corduroy, perfect for pairing with a chunky knit sweater.  Cropped pants and boots are always a cool look to me, even though trends right now are long and wide or short and skinny.  Guess I am just combining the two trends into one: short and wide.

The headband is my alternative to jewelry today.  Although my almost 4 year old told me it doesn't look good with my glasses.  Gee, thanks, kiddo.  Maybe she wants to wear it herself or she is a fashion critic in the making.  Either way, I am not easily deterred so on my head it stays.  I'm looking for some new headbands, so if you have any inexpensive suggestions, I'd love to hear it!

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Caslon via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
3/4 Tee: Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Pants: Theory via Off Saks Fifth Avenue (2004-ish)
Headband:  Tasha via Nordstrom (Spring 2011)
Bracelets: Gifted
Boots:  Franco Sarto via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, eye doctor, errands, out to eat
 

Day 8: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

My son had a regular check-up with the pediatrician today.  While most days I try to make myself presentable, on pediatrician visit days I really try.  You see, I am a hot mess after giving birth (and not Kim Kardashian hot, mind you).  I am talking tired, swollen, sweaty, emotional, sore, and scared to death - with a newborn in my arms, milk stains on my shirt, tears in my eyes, and just a total feeling of what the heck just happened.  Once I finally get myself back together, I make it a point to look like I am not rocking in a corner all day since I am quite certain that is what I look like in the first year months after giving birth.  Seriously moms, it takes time and lots of it to get back to "normal".  Well, either that or plastic surgery. 

As the doc was checking my son's teeth, I got concerned I hadn't gotten all the blue crayon off his teeth since I found him chewing on one earlier in the morning during preschool drop-off.  Deciding honesty was best, I mentioned it to her.  Lucky for me, she laughed (instead of reprimanding me) and told me she wants to make sure I include that tidbit in my blog post today.  So, Dr. L., there you go.  I have now divulged that my son has an affinity for crayons.

P.S. I know there are rules of wearing white after Labor Day.  If you are one of those believers, think of my dress as winter white.  The Spring/Summer 2011 fashion trends said a white summer dress was essential.  I was thrilled when I found this for under $9 at Target and even though we are long past Summer, I am still getting use out of it thanks to - you guessed it - my handy black turtleneck!

 

Daily Style File
Turtleneck: Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Dress:  Tracy Feith for Target (Spring 2011)
Cardigan:  Express (Fall 2008)
Necklace:  Bebe (Spring 2011)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Tights: Spanx
Boots:  Steven by Steve Madden via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, pediatrician's office, errands

Day 7: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

Well, I got my clothes put on the right way today (see yesterday's post for more on that).  Whew.  It's the little things that count, isn't it?

I actually had another dress picked out today, but after trying it on I decided to find something else to wear.  Why, you ask?  Because I got stuck in it.  Seriously.  No joke.  Luckily the hubs was here to help while muttering and laughing "Are you kidding me?" - all the while I was muttering something about how I don't know how these things happen to me.  Oh, and did I mention the kids were looking on in total amusement confusion?  It turned out that the zipper wasn't pulled down all the way.  Oops.  That definitely would have made it easier.  (I say luckily because I have gotten stuck in an outfit while the hubs wasn't home before...and it isn't a fond memory.  You can only imagine the texts going back and forth on that one.  That time it was due to a broken zipper.  Maybe I need to just revert to snaps and buttons.)

The dress I am wearing eluded me all summer.  It ties in the back and I couldn't figure out how to wear a bra with it (an essential item for anyone with mom boobs) so it sat with its' clearance tags in my closet.   I brought it to a tailor at one point, but they wanted to charge more than I paid for the dress just to put some support it in.  No thanks.  But, a turtleneck is the perfect solution and such an easy way to bring a summer dress into Fall/Winter.

P.S. Thank you to everyone for visiting and sharing the blog with friends.  I am overwhelmed at the positive response.  You all sure know how to make this mommy feel okay about plastering pictures of herself all over the internet!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Dress:  Gap (Summer 2011)
Pants:  J.Crew  via J.Crew Warehouse Sale (Fall 2011)
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Spring 2011) similar linked
Belt:  Gap (2004-ish)
Clogs:  Anthropologie  (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, kindermusik, errands

Day 6: Twelve Days of Turtlnecks - backwards

Ever have one of those mornings?  You know, when the kids are scooping water out of the toilet, the toilet paper is getting totally unrolled, the dog is eating the trash, and the volume level in the house is sky high despite it being only 7am.  Pure craziness.  Welcome to my house.

Today's outfit is a direct reflection of the type of morning we I had.  I got to preschool only to realize my turtleneck was on backwards.  Yup. Totally. Backwards.  Seam right down the front.  Ass backwards. It wasn't a total loss and I didn't feel like fixing it.  And I still haven't.  Call it lazy, or let's just call it a new trend, shall we?  At least I remembered to put my Spanx on.  That would have been much more of a disaster in my book, for sure.

PS. The skirt is another cheap find from my recent Old Navy trip and the same style as the striped one I blogged about here.  My wrap sweater is an oldie but goodie from Filene's Basement that I have had since 2004.  And since I already used the "a-double-s" word once today, let's discuss.  The only reason I am showing the picture of my derrière is so you can see how the sweater wraps. So different and so fun.  I've never seen anything like it.  Kind of like a grown up walking around with their shirt on backwards.

 

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Sweater:  kate o'connor via Filene's Basement (2004)
Skirt: Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Tights:  Spanx
Necklace:  Old Navy (Fall 2010)
Boots: One of 2 via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, storytime, errands

Day 5: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

We ventured to a new park with the kids.  Knowing we were going to be walking around a lot, I wanted to be comfortable and warm.  This outfit fit the bill, although to any other 30-something who is going to ride a carousel, let me make a suggestion.  Don't wear the short mini-skirt.  It may make you a bit self-conscious while bobbing up and down on a fiberglass horse. 

Note:  I wasn't sure if I could pull off legwarmers, but since I was also trying to pull off looking like I belonged on a merry-go-round, I figured this was as good a time as any to give them a try.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy  (Fall 2011)
Sweater:  via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
Skirt:  Xhilaration via Target (Spring 2011)
Leggings:  Old Navy (Spring 2011)
Necklace:  Source Unknown
Legwarmers:  Xhilaration via Target (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
park, lunch, errands 

Day 4: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

Uh-oh, things are getting crazy around here.  I am wearing make-up, dangle earrings and fringe.  Say what?!?!  I went out for sushi and wine with some friends so I took the opportunity to dress up while still trying to look like I was dressing down.  I decided on jeans so I wouldn't look like I was trying too hard.  The fringe on my jacket is awesome.  Oh, and did I mention this silk jacket is from Winter Kate (Nicole Richie's line) and was only $29 at T.J.Maxx.  Umm...that is a major savings since it would retail at about $300.

P.S. Sorry about the poor picture quality.  The lighting was horrid.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck: Old Navy  (Fall 2011)
Jacket:  Winter Kate via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2011)
Jeans:  Seven For All Mankind  (Fall 2008) similar style linked
Earrings:  Source Unknown
Booties:  Me Too via DSW (Spring 2011) similar style linked

I Wore It Where?
dinner

Day 3: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

So here we are on day 3 of my Twelve Days of Turtlenecks.  What have I learned so far?  That I love to layer them!  I rarely think of a turtleneck outfit that doesn't involve layers.  Now, perhaps that is because the weather also warrants a little more warmth, but I like to think it is because the turtleneck is one of the single most best layering pieces.  Ever.  It will be fun to see what kind of outfits the next 9 days of turtlenecks brings.

P.S. The scarf I am wearing has gold metallic threads.  I love a bit of sparkle, especially at this time of year.  It just seems festive.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Cardigan: Old Navy (Fall 2010)
Scarf:  Collection 18 via Nordstrom (Fall 2010)
Jeans:  Gap (Spring 2011)
Booties:  Me Too via DSW (Spring 2011) similar style linked

Day 2: Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

So here we are on the second day of my turtleneck celebration.  I've had this bubble dress for a while (like, years).  It's ribbed and wool and something I bring out in the winter - despite it being sleeveless.  Nothing a little black turtleneck can't handle.  Plus, I wanted to wear the jeggings that I blogged about here and I just feel more comfortable with something a little loose over my midsection when I am sporting the jeggings.  Just in case anything rolls over...and I am not talking about the waistline of my pants.  Capisce?

Daily Style File
Turtleneck: Mossimo for Target (Fall 2011)
Dress:  Maggy London via Nordstrom (Fall 2008)
Jeggings:  Joe's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)
Boots:  Jeffrey Campbell Frontier Nordstrom (Fall 2009)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, breakfast, errands

Twelve Days of Turtlenecks

With the holiday season upon us, December seems like the perfect time to give a lil' ode to one of my favorite wardrobe staples.  So, in the holiday spirit, I'll be doing the Twelve Days of Turtlenecks and wearing one each day.  It will be fun to see how many different looks I can come up.  Turtlenecks just seem so much more exciting than turtledoves.  Don't you agree?

Let's get started, shall we?  I cleaned out my closet recently.  Not really cleaned out, more like rearranged.  Our closet is pretty small and we have done our best to maximize the space.  (Side note:  Those space saving hangers you see all over the place have worked out well...except they keep breaking and then I have to hot glue them back together.  If you are reading this Space Saving Hanger Makers, please take note that I would prefer not to have to glue gun them together.)  Anyways, long story short, during the rearranging I found this dress I had kind of forgotten I had.  Love. It. When. That. Happens.

So, on the First Day of Turtlenecks my closet gave to me: one Juicy Jumper with a black turtleneck with longsleeves.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo for Target (Fall 2011)
Dress:  Juciy Couture via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2009)
Leggings:  Mossimo for Target  (Spring 2011)
Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands

Do princesses wear jeggings?

I finally caved to the jeggings trend.  Or, maybe the word jeggings is already last year because the tag said Jean Leggings.  Either way, I caved.  I am happy I did.  I think.  They seem totally acceptable with tall boots and an oversized shirt.  I haven't tried enough different style tops with them to have a set opinion on shirt style but my instinct seems to guide me to bigger rather than smaller.

For my first foray into the world of jeggings, I decided the key was to layer and flow.  Black turtlenecks are one of my wardrobe staples and they never lead me astray.  So, I layered that with a flowy, oversized tank and a statement necklace.  The size of the tank helped me feel okay about the tightness of my pants, at least in my mind.  And, a necklace seems to make so much more of a statement when it is on top of a black turtleneck.

My daughter and I had Princess Day today (nails, shopping, Build-A-Bear, dress up) and although I haven't seen too many princesses following the jegging trend, I highly recommend it.

Have you ever worn jeggings?  If so, I'd love to hear your favorite way to wear them.

Daily Style File:
Jeggings:  Joe's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2011)
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011)
Tank:  Old Navy (Summer 2007)
Necklace:  Source Unknown
Boots:  Nine West Vintage America via Belk (Fall 2011)

I Wore It Wear?
shopping, out to eat, nail salon, errands