Turtleneck & Layers

In the spirit of keeping it real, here is another winterized outfit that was worn on a casual Friday to work. By the way if you remember my DIY jean distressing post a few weeks back, here is the finished product. I think I may want to distress them a bit more but it's kind of like getting a hair cut, you can always cut more, but you can't undo what's already been done!

Boots: Old Navy (similar ands on sale!)

Jeans: Zara (with DIY holes)

Sweater: Pure Handknit

Hat and Jacket (similar): Forever 21

Necklace: Alimonada

Silk Pants

My faux fox-fur stole I got for Christmas has been getting a lot of wear. It seems to make all my bulky layered looks seem just a bit fancier. I'll take any kind of pick-me-up I can get in this weather, so expect to be seeing it around here a lot! I also got the same one in black, which I picked up after loving this one so much. 

That one will be no stranger as well.

Sweater (similar) and Jacket (similar): Forever 21

Silk Pants: H&M (similar)

Booties: ShoeMint

Stole: Boo Hoo

Hat: J. Crew

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Oia Jules

Peplum & Double Scarves

Still keeping it real with some no-nonsense winter looks this week. I am seriously wearing two scarves every day to work at this point. I have my outside scarf and then my in-my-freezing-classroom scarf. Sometimes I even wear both inside. Sometimes I even toss my hat back on too. This is the chilling price I pay for having the classroom closest to the door.

Jacket: H&M (last winter) similar

Gloves: Nordstrom (last winter) similar

Bracelet and watch (similar): Charming Charlie

Fur Stole: Boo Hoo (cute ones on Etsy like this)

Tan Infinity Scarf: Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Jeans (similar) and Hat (similar): Forever 21

Booties: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Sunglasses: Target (similar)

Sequin Zebra Stripes

In my personal opinion, black-and-white combos work best when you add a splash of hot pink! 

My favorite J. Crew coat fit that bill, but underneath I stayed pretty casual... or at least as casual as a sequined, zebra-striped sweater can be. This is what counts as casual Friday in my world, friends.

Sweater: Forever 21

Necklace: Charming Charlie

Jeans: Bloomingdales Outlet

Boots: Ivanka Trump (old)

Coat: J. Crew (fun pink option here for only $41!)

Belt: J. Crew (extra 40% off with code SHOPHAPPY)

Headband and Scarf: Target

Fur Vest

Finding a good fur vest is never and easy task. I seem to be very lucky in ending my search at Forever 21 at a great price point! This warm and fuzzy option had faux-leather trim inside the button panel and some great vertical fur color tones that help give a lengthened appearance to an otherwise boxy piece.

And sure, I can wear this vest with any number of colors but this time I chose to go for all black with my favorite new "magic" pants and a textured knit sweater.

Vest: Forever 21

Pants: Nordstrom (on sale!!)

Booties: ShoeMint

Gloves: H&M (old) (similar style)

Sweater: Forever 21

Bee necklace: eBay (from this seller. Lots of cute stuff!)

Long necklace: Lia Sophia

Lips: Nars in "Heatwave"

Illumination @ the Morton Arboretum

I am backed up with events and outfits to share with you, but I put a rush on this post because it is time-sensitive. Sure, you have a little over a week to figure out all your Christmas gifting, but you only have five days 'til Chicago public school children will be out of school and out in the city making the things you want to do crazy busy!

With that said, I suggest going to visit the Morton Arboretum THIS WEEK. We had such a fun date night walking around looking at the all pretty illuminated trees. After a while you even forget how cold it is outside (I promise).

The path takes you about a mile around to different tree exhibits. If you get chilly, there are fire pits all throughout the paths and some adult beverages as well to keep you toasty. If you have a free night this week, I highly recommend getting out there to see it.