Triumphant Return

This is what I wore during one of the first days of our Christmas break in Cape Girardeau. A day full of thrifting, eating and last-minute gift shopping (though the eating part is always my favorite : )). This was one of the only days I could walk around without a coat on, a feat in itself for late December, and the next day the temperature dropped probably 20 degrees. We even had to come back to Columbia early because of an impending snowstorm...I'd say winter has finally arrived.

Shirt: Thrifted; Sweater: Thrifted; Skirt, Tights, Necklace: Target; Booties: Old Navy

Happy New Year's Eve! Any exciting plans?

Patterned Tights in Winter: A Primer

Believe it or not, it only really occurred to me to start layering my tights for winter last year. Before that, I thought I was SOL for dresses in cold weather. So I started layering my opaque tights over various pairs of sweater tights, but what about my patterned friends? Was I to abandon my most expensive treasured leg wear until the snow turned to mush? Nay, I wouldn't have it. Then, inspiration struck: I'd layer my white and/or flesh colored sweater tights under my patterned and crocheted numbers. Behold, a winter staple was born.

And there you have it, delayed intelligence at its finest.

The Water's Fine

These booties have been almost all I've been wearing (on my feet at least; get your mind out of the gutter!) lately. What's a girl to do when the perfect neutral boot that's been pined for for ages appears within her vicinity and well under her maximum price point? Exactly.

While this getup is not exactly monochrome, it does dip its toe into the shallow end, so to speak; something I'm realizing I do quite a bit when it comes to pattern mixing (color syncing, not toe dipping)-- it's just so easy! Using a simple concept like monochrome to construct a relatively complex ensemble (at least on most days, if not here) regularly reminds me of the endless opportunities clothing provides to one who wishes to engineer something artistic. You've heard the "express yourself" thing before, so I won't repeat it now (except I did).

Shirt: Maurices, several years ago; Dress: Vintage; Booties: Old Navy (recent); Chunky Necklace & Tights: Target

Also- messy, low bun fail.

See you tomorrow!

Guest Post Recap

These are the photos I shared last week on Marlen's blog for our guest post exchange. In case you didn't make it over there to check it out (shame on you), I thought I'd share them here as well. The challenge was to take a summer item and transition it to fall; I chose my favorite vest. Instead of wearing it solo (with bottoms of course) like I do in the Summer, I layered it over a button-down and a dress worn as a skirt. And as I said in the guest post, I highly encourage everyone to layer their dresses creatively this fall/winter! It's a super easy way to stay warm!

Vest: UO; Shirt: Thrifted; Dress: Asos; Boots: Old Navy (recent)

If you haven't done it yet, head over to Messages on a Napkin to see some of Marlen's layering genius. See y'all tomorrow!