Last Day of 2011

Instead of reflecting on 2011 or making plans and resolutions for 2012, I’m
spending the last day of the year just enjoying. D and I slept in, made a huge brunch and are about to take a stroll down Church St; and tonight the only plans I’m worried about revolve around my outfit.

How are you celebrating the last day of 2011?

Leopards, Aviators & Cargos

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Blazer: Goodwill, Sweater: Forever 21, Cargos: Levi’s, Boots: MIA via 6pm, Ring: Florence, ItalyWhen I bought these boots I couldn’t wait to wear them but when they arrived I struggled with how to style them. I waited and waited but the perfect event to debut these beauties never came. Finally I just got over it all and wore them to the grocery store (my favorite testing ground for outfits) and it’s been love ever since.

The classic shape and faded leopard print make transitioning these boots from day to night a snap. I wanted the boots to really pop so I paired them with a twist on a classic trouser and blazer look.

Sometimes you have to wear a piece before you can figure it out.

What pieces in your wardrobe are you still trying to figure out?

Christmas Eve Wrap Up

It’s almost Christmas!

D and I are spending the day celebrating with his family and early tomorrow morning we’ll head to Maine to be with my family.

This week was full of Christmas preparations, travel planning and last minute holiday shopping! I shared my “go-to” look, did a little guest posting, was inspired by stick season and made some much needed last minute alterations.

Here’s a little video of one of my favorite Christmas songs to get you in the holiday spirit!

Wishing You & Yours Happy Holidays & Happy New Years!

Peace and Love, Wore Out

Last Minute Alterations

Please tell me I’m not the only one who spent the night before the office party altering a handmade 60’s frock. With the help of my friend Nicole and about a roll of fabric fuse I was able to trim close to a foot off this party frock and I ended up loving the final look. With the dress on inside out I kind of look like a Flintstone

This length (and lighting) weren’t doing me any favors so I decided to take the dress up to an inch or two above my knee. Originally I’d planned on “hemming” the dress by turning it inside out, folding it on itself and safety pinning it at the seems. Quick and easy, yes. Flattering… not so much. It created an awkward bubble hem situation that was all wrong. Since the safety pin plan was a bust Nicole helped me pin the dress up and then after a few glasses of wine to calm my nerves I cut close to a foot off the dress.

We turned the dress inside out again, pinned the lining to the correct height and then slowly used the fabric fuse to create a quick hem. We repeated the process with the actual dress fabric creating a thread and needle free hem. Blazer: Zara, Dress: Downtown Threads, Belt: Taken from another dress, Tights: TJ Maxx, Heels: Michael Antonio via Endless

Have you had to make any last minute alterations? What are some of your quick fashion fixes?

Stick Season

Blazer: Goodwill, V- neck Tee: Target, Skirt: Forever 21, Tights: TJ Maxx, Boots: Old Navy, Bangles: Gifted, Skull Ring: Downtown ThreadsBurlington’s landscape has been pretty dreary making early morning wake ups that much more impossible. Stick season is upon us everything is grey. Stick season is that month long window where the landscape is bare and there’s no snow to cover it or fill in the gaps.

I’ve been wearing more monochromatic black and grey looks lately and I’m really enjoying how easy it is to pull outfits together. Monochromatic looks are perfect for mornings when you’re running late and don’t want to deal with mixing or matching, or just feeling uninspired by what’s hanging in your closet.  Instead of wearing all black or all grey I opted for a mix of both, having varying shades of grey and black accents, it adds depth to looks that otherwise my feel one dimensional.

What do you wear when you’re feeling uninspired?

Guest Posting Gal!

I’m all over the place!

Yesterday I guest posted over on Goodwill Of Northern New England’s blog and shared a quick and easy holiday home decor DIY (say that ten times fast)!

Today on Downtown Thread’s blog I’m sharing some great holiday party frocks and tips on how to style each depending on the type of holiday event you’re attending! Here’s a sneak peak of one of my favorites!

Have you made it to the wrapping stage or are you still shopping (like I am)?

My “Go-To” Look

Sunnies: Gifted, Sweater & Earrings: H&M, Skirt: Talbots (via Goodwill), Tights: TJ Maxx, Bracelet: Gifted, Booties: BambooLook familiar? This is a re-imagination of one of my “go-to” looks; black tights, my black H&M Sweater, a skirt and a pair of heels (seen here, here & here).

A “go-to” look should be something that you can throw on without thinking about it, makes you feel confident and can easily be tweaked to work for a variety of situations. My “go-to” looks is simple, easy to dress up and down and can be worn everywhere from work to dinner and drinks. It wasn’t until I went to post these photos that I realized just how often I wear a variation this look.

My “go-to” getup has served me well and is perfect for Mondays those mornings when I wake up late and hate everything I put on.

What’s your “go-to” look?

Socks and Booties

Blazer: Vintage (via my mom), Socks & Vest: Gifted, Belt: Goodwill, Shirtdress: TJ Maxx, Tights: Target, Booties: Forever 21By the time Friday morning rolls around I’m usually running on empty so the less I have to think about putting together an outfit the better. Inspired by Catherine’s “Chalet Chic” post I used some of my favorite pieces to create this casual New England winter look and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

I was fully expecting to hate how the socks looked pulled up with my oxford wedges but I like the pop of color they added. It might not be my most pulled together look (without the blazer, vest or booties it looks like I’m wearing a night shirt with holiday socks) but it was exactly what I was looking for.

What outfits/fashions have surprised you lately?

Awesome Outfits for Awkward Holiday Party Moments

Is it just me or do the holidays and awkward moments seem to go together like Santa and cookies?

No other place is this seasonal awkwardness more apparent than at office holiday parties. In my experience the key to surviving office holiday parties is a clutch big enough to hold a flask to look and feel your best. That way when your co-worker’s new boyfriend turns out to be the guy you hooked up with over labor day weekend and never called the only awkward part will be explaining how you two know each other…

Casual Celebrations

Clockwise Left to Right: Ring, Blouse, Skinny Cords, Heels, Blazer

 Perfect for grabbing drinks with co workers or the in-office potluck this casual look is chic without being stuffy. Classic silhouettes in rich fabrics and textures, like this Velvet J Crew Blazer, give your look a stylish twist this holiday season. How casual is too casual? Every office is different but I always suggest using what you would wear to a client meeting as a baseline with casual Friday attire at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Happening Holiday PartiesClockwise from Left to Right: Booties, Vest, Dress, Tights, Bracelet

First time attending your BF’s company Christmas party? Not sure what to wear to your boss’s “Holiday Open House”? Play it safe and take your cues from the host; check the invitation’s verbage (casual, cocktail or formal) and when in doubt stick with the classics. Add some holiday cheer to your LBD with jewel tone tights, classic military inspired booties and a bold bracelet.

Formal Festivities Clockwise from Left to Right: Headband, Skirt, Clutch, Tank, Coat, Heels

If your company is pulling out all the stops and hosting a  gala/formal sit down dinner you’ll need to pull out the big guns. My advice keep it classic, elegant and understated. I love the timeless silhouette of the silk maxi skirt, paired with a sparkly top and detail focused accessories (how cute are the horses on the clutch) this outfit is sure to wow.

The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about what to wear. Opt for classic pieces in unexpected fabrics and colors, when in doubt choose classics over trendy pieces and stay true to your own style.

Not sure what to wear to your holiday party? Drop me a line, I’d love to help!

A Black Out with Blue Jeans

Knit Hat: UO, Blazer: Goodwill (boy’s), Mockneck top: Shop in Georgia, Keys & Necklace: Florence, Italy, Bangles & Rings: Gifted & Thrifted, Jeans: H&M, Booties: Old NavyI’ve been wearing a lot of black lately (see here, here). Not because I want to look thinner (though after all the Christmas cookies it’s a definite plus) I’ve simply found darker monochromatic looks easier to put together when I’m feeling uninspired by the rest of my wardrobe. The simplicity and streamlined silhouette of an all black look offers the perfect “blank canvas” for accessorizing, allowing you to really play up your statement pieces.

Here are a few tips to playing around with monochromatic looks this winter:

• You don’t have to wear black if you’re worried about looking washed out in all black opt for navy blue, forest green, deep reds, rich browns or charcoal gray instead.
• Monochromatic looks don’t have to be boring play around with materials and textures as you would with colors. Try pairing black cigarette pants with a black silk blouse and black faux fur vest.
• Play up the accessories a monochromatic look is essentially a blank canvas, set the tone of the outfit by selecting bold accessories. This is the perfect time to try out that studded collar, heelless shoe or bib necklace that you’ve been trying to style all year.
• Make a statement with your outwear keeping the rest of your look simple is the perfect excuse to get a little wild with your outerwear. Brightly colored peacoats, fun faux fur jackets and patterned wraps are perfect when paired with sleek monochromatic looks this season.

Have you played around with monochromatic looks?