Winter white

Ever since I was young, it has been engrained into my head that you don't wear white from Labor Day (September) until Memorial Day (May).  I never questioned it and always dutifully put away my white clothes until the summer months when they are "allowed" to be included in my wardrobe again.

Well, there's a new sheriff in town and guess what, I am banishing the white rule.  Snow is white, so why can't my pants be?  Case in point with one of my favorite outfits.  It looks fresh and season appropriate.  So, today I decided to break out the white pants.  I think the trick to wearing white in the winter is to layer it and pair it with season appropriate pieces.  Like my heavy shawl collar sweater and, wait for it, a turtleneck.  The chunky wide belt adds some substance and balances out the heaviness of the sweater.

Hair update:  I tried to do a small braid as an alternative to the twist. Who knew braiding your own hair was so hard?  I mean, it is really really hard.  My fingers and hands were all confused.  I can braid my daughter's hair in my sleep but apparently I can't braid my own on a full 8 hours.  To keep it real, I posted a nice close up for you to see.  Oh, and if it looks greasy, thank the styling balm I attempted to use.  Apparently the trick is to use just a dab.  Oops.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Sweater: Vince. via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2009) last worn here
Pants: Gap (Summer 2011)
Belt: Gap (old) last worn here
Shoes:  Lucky Penny via Anthropologie (Spring 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
preschool

Schooled

After yesterday's hair debacle, I decided to go the opposite route and do nothing today.  Say hello to what doing nothing to your hair looks like.  It certainly brings new meaning to the term effortless - or maybe less effort is more appropriate.  I need a haircut style but I am not sure what to do since I have an obvious lack of hair styling skill and time.  Plus, I am still desperately growing it out from my pixie cut two years ago.  Yes, 2 years! Do you see why there is hesitancy?  The kids will be in college before these locks are finally long.

Since I grew up with short hair, I really don't know what to do with long hair (see evidence in pretty much every picture I have ever posted).  Sometime last year I discovered online hair tutorials and have been watching them to teach myself how to do my little girl's hair.  In case you are wondering, Cute Girls Hairstyles is one of my favorites.   There are some mommy-friendly styles on there too (ummm, now you know where I learned my "fancy" side twists).  Along the way, I also stumbled upon the genius of Kate at The Small Things Blog who is a professional hair stylist who posts video's online.  Oh, and she lives in NC too.  Another local.  I like it.

So, let's see if 2012 can bring some better looking hairstyles around here.  Can I have a cheers for hairspray, curling irons and flat irons?!

P.S. If you don't see any changes in my pictures, it's because the attempt failed miserably and I had to shower out the evidence just like yesterday. Or, I couldn't get my act together to coordinate getting dressed and doing my hair.  I know you all would rather see me dressed with messy hair than naked with it styled to perfection.

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Gap (Spring 2010)
Top:  Gap (Winter 2011)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Bracelet:  Source unknown
Belt: Anthropologie (Spring 2011) last worn here
Boots:  Schuler & Sons Philadelphia via Anthropologie (Holiday 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands

Swing top

A couple of weeks ago, I twisted my daughter's wet hair into little buns all over her head before bed.  The result in the morning was nothing short of fabulous with luscious, natural looking curls all over her almost 4 year old head.  Don't worry, there was no Toddlers & Tiaras going on over here.

Last night I had the brilliant idea to do the same to my own hair.  Why should my preschooler have all the fun?  Well, let me just say I was a sight to be seen when I woke up this morning. By the time I took my hair out, it was literally no less than a foot wide and came no longer than my ears.  It was a frizzy, albeit curly, mess.  Instead of debuting a perfectly coiffed head of hair for you today, I am sporting the plain Jane twisted pull back 'do.  And, if you are wondering, I had to shower and deep condition to coax my hair back to normal.

You all know by now that turtlenecks are like t-shirts in my closet.  I wear them all the time and with everything.  Well, one thing I don't wear all the time is swing tops.  If you have ever been pregnant, you know that after pregnancy you have an insane dislike of anything maternity or maternity-looking as well as an overarching fear that people will still think you are pregnant.  At least I do.  All those fears went out the window when I saw this top.   I love it and don't care what anyone thinks.  It's hard to see in the pictures, but it even has little tonal, flocked hearts all over it.  Love.  Plus, it hides any holiday indulging and looks chic paired with a number of items in my closet.  If you want to try the same, just layer it with something fitted so your shape isn't lost in the layers.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Top:  Forever 21 (Holiday 2011)
Jeans:  Gap (Spring 2011) last worn here
Necklace:  Anthropologie (Holiday 2011)
Clogs: Anthropologie  (Spring 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
storytime, errands

Pattern play

I'm not usually one to wear a whole bunch of new items at once.  You know, I like to ease them into my wardrobe and savor the tags and newness of the item before they get dried food, sticky fingers and runny noses all over them.  But, it's a new year people and today I decided to just go for it.  Aside from my jeans and necklace, my clothes today are brand spanking new.  And since I haven't make a public thank you to Anthropologie, I'll do so now. 

Thank for you for your end-of-year-clearance-mega-sale, Anthropologie.  You have revived my wardrobe at minimal cost.  Can I have a whoop whoop for $158 tops for only $20?!

And just so you know how excited I am, I added a picture that looks like I am skipping.  Or maybe it's a happy dance.  By someone with no rhythm.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Forever 21 (Winter 2011)
Open cardigan:  Porridge via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Jeans: Anoname via Nordstrom Rack (Fall 2008)
Necklace: Source Unknown (old)
Belt: Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Shoes: JBrand Shoes via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands

New year, new outfit

I wish I could say I rang in the New Year wearing sequins and glitter.  But, that didn't happen.  Something along the lines of yoga pants and a movie is more accurate.  At least I can say I started 2012 well rested from a full nights sleep.  Now that is looking at the glass half full, right?

I can also say I started New Year's Day off right by hanging out with family and friends.  It was a casual, family baking, tea drinking, friend talking, playground playing kind of day.  What kind of outfit goes with that?  Jeans, of course, and just to start the New Year off on the right foot, a striped turtleneck - you know, to really go wild and crazy.  My outfit was a total mix of old and new.  Just the way I like it and kind of fitting for the first day of the year.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Pilero and the Letterpress via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Wrap cardigan: Diane von Furstenberg (Winter 2005)
Jeans:  True Religion via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2008) similar linked, last worn here
Necklace:  David Aubrey via Anthropologie (Winter 2011)
Shoes:  Zigi soho via DSW (Spring 2011)

I Wore It Where?
errands, playdate 

Happy Twenty-Twelve

Happy twenty-twelve, friends! 

Before getting too far into 2012, let's take a look back at December.  These clothes are so last year, huh?  I'm looking forward to exploring 2012 styles - whatever that may be.  Maybe now that we have brought turtlenecks back in full force, shoulder pads will be next!  Now that is something to ponder.  Is there a style you are hoping will come back into fashion this year?

A recap of my Monthly Style Files can be found by clicking on the Monthly Style Files link above.

Blousy and bracelets

We are supposed to experience a cold snap next week.  In anticipation, I wanted to give these new kicks a try before tights/socks are a necessity and not just a fashion choice.  Isn't that how you hunker down for cold weather too?  For $14.98 at Gap, I not only got shoes and ankle bracelets in one but they also bear a striking resemblance to these Lanvin flats. According to my calculation though, I paid way less than just the tax would have cost on the Lanvin version. Did I mention they are leather, too?  Maybe not lambskin, but I think I can deal.

If you know me, then you know I shop anywhere.  Really.  If you don't know me, well, I just told you.  I shop anywhere.  Any size.  This dress is plus size and I totally appreciate it for its blousy, beautiful self.  Plus, it's Michael Kors and uber-comfortable.  Need I say more?  I mean, I have worn things upside down and backwards.  So what's in a size?  As Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work."  Mission accomplished.

P.S. Check out my updated Accessories, Shoes, and Monthly Style Files pages!

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Mossimo via Target (Fall 2011) last worn here
Dress:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom (Summer 2011)
Scarf:  Tarnish via Nordstrom (Winter 2010)
Belt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011)
Shoes: Gap (Winter 2011)

I Wore It Where?
playdate, errands