Flowers Bloom in Winter

Hello All!

Cold weather is definitely upon us right now.  Even though it's not quite winter yet, these temperatures will have you feeling "the hawk." Dressing in layers is one of the perks for this time of year.  You can pull out your cutest sweaters, coats, and of course, jackets.

The jacket featured in this blog post is one of my favorites.  It was a gift from my Ma when their local JC Penney closed. It's from the Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique line. When she gave it to me, I got really excited.  Then, I quickly got confused because I didn't know how I was going to wear it.  Have you ever come across something that you knew was going to be a showstopper, but you didn't have a clue as to how you'd incorporate it into your wardrobe? That's exactly how I felt after the high of excitement came down.  

Then, I remembered:  K.I.S.S. This acronym, keep it simple, stupid, applies to a plethora of life's many issues.  So it can definitely be applied to your style as well.  Instead of wracking my brain as to what I could wear this jacket with, I decided that keeping it simple is almost always best.

I finally settled on wearing it with a gray turtleneck, faded black ankle length jeans, and my black and gray boots.  It kind of gave a monochromatic look under the jacket which allows the jacket to be the center of the outfit.

Don't mind my frown.  It was extremely cold and windy this morning. We wanted to get these shots and run back to the warm car ASAP.  

These jeans came from Old Navy, one of my die hard places to get clothes.  They are from the plus sized line that recently came back to the stores.  But, from what I've been told (and I hope this isn't true), they may be leaving as quickly as they came.  I bought 2 pair and they cost me a measly $9.99 each.  Now that's a deal when you can get 2 pair of jeans for a little over $20. I'm planning on going back to get more, and at that price, you can afford to splurge.

My boots I've had FOREVER.  They came from Target and I've been rocking them for at least 7 years or longer.  All these pieces together are the perfect combination of K.I.S.S and came together well.  I'm looking like a biker chick with a sensitive side.  Lol!!

And check out the details of this jacket...

This jacket is a perfect blend of hard with the zippers and studs; soft with the floral print and off white/beige color.  It's surely a standout piece that doesn't need any help whatsoever.

So, what's a standout piece in your closet you just love? Let's chat it up in the comments section.

Until next time...

Hoop Earrings:  Lane Bryant; Jacket:  JC Penney; Turtleneck:  JC Penney; Jeans:  Old Navy; Boots:  Target

And Now For Something Completely Different

Hello All!!

Have you ever seen your favorite blogger/vlogger wear something and been like, I could never pull that off.  Or, that looks awesome on her/him, but I could never see than on me.  That's how I am when it comes to the socks and heels trend.  I love to see it on other people, but never for myself.  It just looks so effortless and cool.  Not to say I don't think I'm cool, 'cause I definitely am.  It's just I didn't think I could pull it off and not look self-conscious while doing it.  Until now.  

Before I decided to take the plunge, I consulted my friend on how she felt about the trend.  She basically felt the same way about it that I did.  Which is, it's cute, but some people try too hard to make something look or seem cool.  And that's DEFINITELY NOT the look or feel I'm going for...EVER!!  So, finally I just decided, f#@& it and wore it, and no one died in the process.  

These socks I borrowed from my son courtesy of my local TJ Maxx.  I thought these would give my outfit a whimsical punch since this dress is really simple.  My fuzzy heels I've had since last year and they're one of my all time favorite pair of shoes.  They are cute, comfortable, and inexpensive:  3 of my requirements for high heel shoes.

  

My dress is from a thrift store close to my hometown. When we walked in it was hanging on the end of a random rack. It was a whopping $2.99; a no-brainer if you ask me and one of my best purchases to date.

For my accessories, I decided to keep it simple with a ring my sister got me for Christmas years ago and these really cute yet fancy earrings from Target. You'd never believe these were only $7.99. They add a hint of sparkle. I'm trying to revamp my jewelry collection with more sophisticated pieces and these will take my looks in the direction I want them to go.

Morale of the story:  don't be afraid to try something that's completely foreign to you.  Don't let how you think or feel about yourself keep you from trying different things you're curious about.  It may not be something as simple or trivial as socks and heels; give yourself a chance to experience it for yourself.  You don't want your life to be filled with what-ifs, or wonder what could've happened if I'd done______________.

Be like Nike and "just do it."  Besides, if it turns out you don't like it, at least you can say you did it.  You'll be glad you did 😃😃

Until next time...

Dress:  Thrifted; Earrings:  Target; Ring:  Gift; Socks:  TJ Maxx; Shoes:  TJ Maxx