Basic Black

Most days black isn't my color of choice, but this silk blouse had been sitting in my closet since I found it in the Joe Fresh clearance section for just $8 back in December! And we all know I love me a good silk blouse. So since it was casual friday I committed to the casual look with jeans, this silk blouse and loafers. Of course a bold red lip didn't hurt either!

Zara Jeans  // Target Loafers (similar) // ASOS Belt // LOFT bag // Joe Fresh Blouse (cute version here) // Vintage bangles and necklace // Bahama Mama by Essie Nail Polish // Revlon Matte Stick

Foxy

A few things to bring up when it come to this outfit. First and foremost is this faux-fox-fur stole that I got as a Christmas gift from my friend Amy. 

I was so surprised: it was like she read my mind and knew that I wanted one of these. But then she informed me that the idea came from one of my very own 15 pieces posts. Ha! No wonder I liked it so much; I picked it out myself.

Next, I wore this sweater for our holiday sweater day at work and also on Christmas, which is what you see here (yes, I know that means these pics are over a month old). And don't you worry about me wearing these heels in the slippery snow. Once we returned to the car I immediately changed right back into my snow boots! They served their purpose, which I'm not afraid to admit, is to pretty much be used for blog photos only. 

Jeans: Zara (similar)

Heels: Zara (similar at a more walkable heel height)

Cape: eBay

Purse: Target

Sweater: Old Navy

Stole: Boohoo

Here are some less "Holiday sweater" Fair Isle sweater options.

Theme: COLOR! - Red, Navy & Cream

This is what I wore to the Spring Cosmetics Trend Show at the ripe old hour of 7am on a Saturday at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue. As you might notice, Ariel (my name for my extensions) came out with me for the day, as did my new StyleMint blouse.

Blouse: StyleMint Birch Shirt

Jeans: Zara

Booties: ShowMint- Francoise

Necklace: Gifted by Amy but similar here on Pink Peonies

Lips: Nars-Heatwave

Olivia fit into the "color" theme nicely!

 A black-and-white scene from the show.

 A full row of pretty ladies with me!

Pop of Purple

To complete my week of black-and-white themed outfits, I snuck a small dose of the trend in on jeans day in the form of my J. Crew Snowcat shirt. I love how it added both interest and warmth under this cheery shade of purple. The hat was just out of necessity, much like the hunters were two days back.

This weekend brings one of my favorite bi-yearly events here in Chicago, the Nordstrom Cosmetics Trend Show. At last season's show, I not only forgot to put the battery back in the camera, but also watched in horror as the camera face-planted -- lens straight to the ground -- off a chair and broke. Between the Nordstrom purchases and the camera lens replacement, it was an expensive day. Let's hope that my camera stays safe this time in its double-protected bag!

Next week, a new fun "fashion challenge" theme will be chronicled over here on HOTPINKstyle! More on that Monday!

Last week was black-and-white; any guesses on what next week's theme could be? Or any future outfit suggestions/challenges you want to throw my way? I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Booties: ShoeMint Holly

Jeans: Zara (similar)

 Snowcat Button-down: J. Crew

Sweater: J. Crew (Tippi)

Nails: OPI in Cajun Shrimp

Hat: Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

Chain Bracelet: Forever 21

Wrap Watch: Le Mer (buy same here) from Stitch in Bucktown

Geometric Sweater

This is a "China purchase" off Ebay. While I have wanted a Geo sweater (that's what the blog kids call 'em) for quite some time now, I wasn't crazy about any of the ones I have seen or the price. This one was under $20, was just what I had been looking for, and follows Amy's warmth rule. Cheap sweaters keep you really warm!

Sweater: Ebay (almost identical here and $18! + free shipping)

Jeans: Zara

Fringe Booties: Forever 21

Geometric Necklaces: Forever 21 (Shorter triangle one here)

T-Shirt: Old Navy

Knit Sparkles

This is a look from a winter day were I didn't want to admit to myself that it was necessary to wear a coat! I thought if I just piled on the layers that I could warmly walk two blocks down the street to the store. It kinda worked although I wound up feeling a little lumpy. But who really cares when you are just going to the grocery store? Well, I guess me, since I am wearing a sparkly sweater, lip color and jewelry.

Yeah, nevermind.

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Ivanka Trump

Sweater: H&M (holiday sale score $15)

Cargo Vest: Old Navy
Necklace: J Crew