Burgundy Poncho

J. Crew #2 pencil skirt // J. Crew turtleneck (almost identical from Gap) // Zara Cape coat  // Forever 21 Poncho (sold out online but might still be in stores) // Vintage pearl necklace // Forever 21 bracelet // H&M hat // Etienne Aigner boots // Forever 21 sunglasses // MAC "Fashion Revival" Matte Lipstick

I can't help but feel like a stylish version of the Hamburgular when I wear this turtleneck but it always comes in handy as an interesting layer for a cold weather outfit. You can get one that looks identical to mine (because mine is from last year) here. 

You can also pick up this fab deep berry lip color that is perfect for winter and Fall. For those of you who know me in person, you know that I can identify lip colors on people with scary accuracy. I have always coveted the color "Rebel" by MAC and when I went in to retry it on for the 5th time after spotting it on countless other people, I saw this color that is almost identical except for the fact that it's matte, which I love. With a matte color I feel you get more accurate long lasting color and you can always add a bit of Rosebud Salve on top, my personal favorite, for moisture. Also a matte color is less sticky so it won't get all globbed up on your scarves and coat collars this winter when you are all bundled up. Give this color a shot if your in the market for a new lipstick!

Plaid Inspiration

I wore this outfit inspired by my blog twin Christine (see it here as #2 on her top three favorites) to brunch with a bunch of girlfriends and their fellas. I love a good comfy layered look that keeps the color and texture as the focus. 

Coat: Zara (sold out)

Plaid Shirt: J. Crew

Tweed jacket: Target (old but love this one)

Bag: Target

Leggings: Zara

Boots: DSW Etienne Aigner "Celtic" boot (old)

Necklace: Forever 21 (would love to try this one out from Accessory Mercado)

Create a similar look with these pieces below!

Bad-Ass Cliffs

I think the title of this post pretty much says it all. It was hard to not act a little tough with these cliffs in the background, not to mention the added attitude provided by a biker jacket and leather boots. 

To erase all traces of toughness, I included a lovey-dovie picture of me and the Mr. all the way at the bottom taken by my talented sister-in-law.

See I'm not tough at all. I wasn't fooling anyone though.

Jeans: Theory

Jacket: H&M (similar)

Scarf: J. Crew(old but fun option here)

Tee: The Limited (similar here)

Boots: DSW

Sunglasses: Target

Check out these biker jackets below, all under $100!

Sunset Over Salt Lake

I can't lie: This is almost the exact outfit as my Monday post (notice the same blouse and jeans). What I did was a quick change-a-roo out of the trunk of our rental car to get ready for our dinner date. I tossed on this sweater and necklace that I picked up that day at city creek mall, and changed into my oxblood boots. 

On the way, we had some time before our reservations. So my husband suggested we go see the Great Salt Lake. Although the actual lake itself is tough to see in these pictures, there are some pretty awesome mountains and a gorgeous sunset. Not a bad backdrop, Utah. Not bad at all.

Blouse: Joe Fresh via JC Penny

Sweater: H&M

Jeans: Theory

Necklace: H&M (super similar here)

Boots: Etienne Aigner

Earrings: Nordstrom (my favorie go-with-everything studs)

Target Geo Sweater

This was a very casual Friday at work, all the way up to the super-casual high pony that kind of makes my fiery red hair look like a volcano erupting. 

And just because it's casual Friday doesn't mean I can't add a little pattern mixing instead of a basic white under layer.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for reading.

Sweater: Target

Striped tank: Aritzia

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind

Boots: Etienne Aigner "Celtic" via DSW (a few sizes left here in the same color as mine)

Bows, Polka Dots and Fur

This "new" black-and-white trend has taken over the way I dressed this past week. I noticed it worked its way into just about every outfit I put together. I could just blame it on the trend, but I'm wondering if it goes a bit deeper.

You see, I think we all use black as a safety color. It's slimming, forgiving and matches with everything. I find whenever I'm feeling a little on the larger side or uninspired, I veer toward black as I'm sure many of you do. I may have been feeling a little of that this week. What I'm hoping, though, is that the ease of this trend doesn't send me into a self-indulgent pizza binge just because I can disguise the damage behind my black magic pants.

Good luck to you all and just remember, spring is just around the corner which means no more hiding under big furry vests and layers.

 I noticed that black and white REALLY makes my red hair stand out! 

Blouse: Forever 21 

Fur Vest: Forever 21

Boots: Etienne Aigner (Celtic)

Bow Scarf: J. Crew

Lips: Revlon balm stick in Romantic

Bow/pearl earrings: Kate Spade

Inspired By...

I was inspired when watching Glee this week when I saw Rachel Barry wearing a bright purple blouse with a polka-dotted skirt that appeared to be green. I had the pieces to replicate it, but I felt it needed more, so I added this Akira faux-leather vest, mostly for warmth. And since I couldn't get a glimpse at her shoes I was left to decide that on my own, so I went for my oxblood boots. It's a prefect example of an outfit that doesn't necessarily match, but still works.

Necklace: Forever 21

Blouse: J Crew Factory

Vest: Akira Chicago

Skirt: Target (old)

Boots: Celtic Etienne Aigner

Pink and Orange

By now I think all of my readers have noticed that the winter months and cold temps don't stop me from wearing my brightest of brights and even showing a little bare leg.

Hope this outfit brings a little brightness to your Monday!

Belt, Button Down & Skirt: J Crew Factory

Boots: Etienne Aigner Celtic

Necklace: Forever 21

Peplum Coat: H&M

Pear Earrings: Macy's

Tech Gloves: Target 

Winter Wonderland!

These pictures taken in Wisconsin last weekend where they apparently got snow, something we haven't seen very much of in Chicago. We have had frozen ice puddles but no photographable snow. I'm excited to say that this is my first blog post with a snowy background!

I first decided I wanted this red tweed jacket a few weeks back when I saw it on Possessionista.com seen on Rachel Bilson but it was sold out online. When my husband and I were shopping I happened to come across one that was a size too big but was later able to exchange it on State Street for the correct size! 

It's funny: when I look at it on her, it makes me realize how tiny she is and how tall I am . Seriously, the beaded section hits her waist, on me it's a foot above mine! Either way I'm loving it for it's warmth, color, and the fact that my husband bought it for me! 

Sunglasses photo bomb by Andrew, my husband. 

And now just for fun here is what my husband is doing while I think he is taking a legit picture, making my head look like it's smoking.

He also decided to shoot my "it's really cold" face! Hope you enjoyed those last two pics!

Jeans and Tweed Jacket: Zara

Boots: Celtic by Etienne Aigner

Chambray: Target

Pearls: Macys