Layer it on

I think that beds all over the world are in cahoots with the weather. When the weather gets so cold like this, who wants to get out of bed in the morning? - let along get dressed! - let along even THINK about finding something to wear. You end up sleeping in forever, because the sun never really seems to shine through your window anymore. Even though your sunnies are a must because it is so bright once you actually get outside. Maybe the sun is in on it too. Yup. The sun is definitely in on it too.

It's because of this abominable weather that all I can think about when getting dressed is, “how many layers am I going to be able to put on without feeling like a stuffed potato?”  So I just keep layering, and layering, and layering. Rather than my scarves serving no other purpose than just looking pretty, they are now being put to real use - to keep me warm! But the night that this outfit made it’s debut, we were going out with friends. So I really was trying to be able to take off a layer and still be comfortable, not to mention warm. Because really, when you are out and about, the temp starts climbing real quick. Especially when there are delicious little toddies being thrown about! ;)

If this isn't mixing textures, I don't know what is...

The best part about this outfit was the peak-a-boo bangles. With it being so freezing, it is not really practical for these beauties to be front and center on top of my sweater, so I let them fall under. And if they made an appearance, well hey - then they made an appearance. It really was just an outfit that I was able to piece together - no pun intended… okay, maybe it was...

LOVE! <3

The Bold and the Beautiful

Once again, I feel like I am defying the laws of the season - who needs ‘em, anyways. This year, I say anything goes. I mean, technically, the world was supposed to have ended by now, right? ;)

I love, love, love mixing a good gingham or check print with floral. For some reason, I almost feel incomplete if I wear a check print without putting some kind of floral print on it. And then when you throw in a bright colored pant, it just is the icing on the cake. Even when it is something crazy like 30 degrees outside. Oy.

Yikes!

The only problem with this obsession, is that it gets old - real quick. The challenge is being able to mix it up a little bit. I'll keep you posted on how that goes...

In this case, I just threw on a black sweater for functionality, without completely ruining my bright look. And the silver shoes toned it down a little too. So maybe there is something to say about wearing bright colors in the winter. I think as long as it is weather appropriate, then it's fine. Thus, the scarf and sweater. :)

Currently obsessed with these beauties.

Sequins and Chains

Looking back, my 2012 was amazing. Full of hard learned lessons that were completely worthwhile, and tons of great memories to go along with them. Usually, I do something extravagant on New Year’s Eve - whether it be a party, or traveling, or whatever. But this year, I decided it was a holiday better spent with those who mean the most to me. A day of shopping was the theme, then taco night, followed by fireworks with sparkling cider and the freezing cold. What more could a girl ask for?

Talk about "blinded by the light!"

A shot of the view before the fireworks started...

So the question lingers: what in the world is a girl to wear on New Year’s Eve while shopping? Sequins and chains of course!

I feel like just a hint of sequins makes it completely appropriate to catch some sun, rather than staying exclusive to night events. I grabbed this wannabe Chanel cross-body purse years ago at Express, thinking I would probably never use it, but it has come in handy in so many more ways than I ever expected! It is the best shopping bag because it does not hold much more than the necessities so it stays light and comfortable on my shoulder. And, of course, the touch of badass it adds to any outfit just makes it perfect. But you cannot forget about that finishing touch of just a smidge of animal print to complete the look! Okay, so what - I already broke my New Year’s resolution. Whatever. It was chilly outside! ;)

Welcome, 2013! Hope it's a great one!