Sesame Street and Faux Fur

 

Vest: Rachel Zoe via Gilt; T-Neck: French Connection; Jeans: LOFT; Booties: Tory Burch;

Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN; Rings: Gorjana; Bracelet: J.Crew (gift); Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

On Saturday we took McKinley to see Sesame Street Live and I was so excited for him. He went last year and he had a blast. I was hoping the same would be true for this year. However, I was concerned he would be afraid of the over-sized muppets. He did great!

I wanted to look cute, I mean we were "going out" for the day but I also didn't want to have to bother with a coat. It was a little warmer than the arctic temps from last weekend, so I opted for an over-sized faux fur vest! (When in Rome, right?) I wasn't sure if I was fashionable or just another muppet. I'm going with fashionable!

 

 The Fur Vest: Before and After

 

"Is it James Dean or Jason Priestly?"

Coat: J.Crew (gift); Denim Shirt: J.Crew Factory; Sweater: J.Crew (gift); Bag: J.Crew (gift);

Skirt: Rachel Zoe via Gilt; Tights: We Love Colors; Boots: Sam Edelman; 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Belt: Ann Taylor; Necklace: Banana Republic (old); 

Gloves: Target; Lip Color:MAC Dark Side

 When I first thought of adding the over-the-knee boots to the mini leather skirt, I immediately thought I might look too Pretty Woman. Then I thought of the scene in Clueless where Christian and Cher went shopping and Christian couldn't decide if he should keep the leather jacket he bought. Cher tells him, "Carpe diem. You look hot in it." I might not look hot, but I decided to just go with it! Seize the day. Or in this case, the fashion moment!

 

 

Maroon, Burgundy, or Bordeaux

Sweater: Tory Burch; Skirt: J.Crew; Heels: Kate Spade (gift); Tights: We Love Colors;

Handbag: J.Crew (gift); Necklace: J.Crew (gift); Bangles: Jessica Simpson;

Lip Color: MAC Dark Side; Shades: Prada; 

Nail Color: Essie Shearling Darling/Toggle to the Top

I saw this skirt several months ago and fell in love with the color. I've already had a love affair with J.Crew and their pencil skirts (as seen here, here, and here) but there was something about this rich maroon that caught my eye. Is it maroon or burgundy or bordeaux? Does it really matter? Is simply luxe!

I love the color combo of navy and burgundy so when I saw this sweater, I knew I had the perfect excuse to purchase the skirt. Now, I just need the perfect shoe. In the meantime, the oxblood and leopard print will have to do! Does anyone else feel like a glass of Merlot now?

 

 

A Fisherman's Sweater

Sweater: My Dad's; T-Neck: J.Crew; Cords: LOFT; Wedges: Steven by Sam Edelman;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs

There are days when all you want to do is wrap yourself in something incredibly warm and comfortable. And for me, that's this sweater. This was my dad's sweater that he used for cold mornings on the water when fishing in East Tennessee. I stole  borrowed it years ago and it's my go-to when it's freezing and I can't stay under a blanket all day. Besides, there's not much fishing to be had in Overland Park, right?

I grew weary of my boyfriend jeans over the holiday "break". I can't believe I just said that, but I literally wore them day in and day out on vacation. I decided to mix things up and go with cords. Pale pink paired with charcoal was just the ticket and my wedges were a nice, last minute addition.

 

 

The Cords: Before and After 

With all these sub degree temps, what is your go-to comfort piece for a dreary, winter day?

Big Hair/Freezing Temps

Coat: J.Crew (old); Top: J.Crew; Dress: Nordstrom; Tights: We Love Colors;

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden; Belt: ASOS; Shades: Tom Ford; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side;

Rings: Gorjana via Gilt; Bracelet: J.Crew (gift); Bag: Mark and Graham (gift)

We celebrated the birthday of a very dear friend over the holidays and knew I wanted to dress up a little. I had been living in boyfriend jeans and baggy sweaters, so it felt good to put on tights and a cute dress, even though it was freezing that day! 

The top was new for Christmas and I love the little hearts! The look needed a little something and that's where the belt came into play. As my mom said, it kept it from looking like just a black dress. That's exactly what I was going for. I love the new clutch, also a Christmas gift. It smells of that new leather smell! It's red, my favorite color, and the soft gray monogram is so subtle. A perfect piece to round out this stylish birthday look!  

 

Could my hair be any bigger? That's what happens when I simply blow dry with a round brush!

 

Dream to Reality - Creating the Perfect Cat Eye

I love a classic cat eye, but I also love one with a lot of drama! A porcelain face, black cat eye eyeliner and ruby red lips scream uber glam. I would love to master the art of applying the perfect cat eye. Here are some inspirational looks!

This is one of my favorite bloggers, Kendi from Kendi Everyday. Hey Kendi, please provide us a tutorial on how you mastered the perfect cat-eye! 

Here's to learning new beauty tricks in 2014!

Photo number one courtesy of Make Craft.

Photo number two courtesy of Live Beauty Tips.

Photo number three courtesy of Wedding Book.

Photo number four courtesy of Kendi Everyday.

Start to Finish

 T-Neck: Ann Taylor; Sweater: Piperlime; Pants: J.Crew Factory; Booties: Rebecca Minkoff;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Handbag: Steve Madden; Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express

I didn't take very many outfit photos while I was off over the holidays. I wanted to, I just never did. I finally mustered up the energy to do so on the weekend after Christmas. Saturday we braved the masses and hit Town Center Plaza for a couple of post Christmas gift returns, lunch, and a last minute gift for a friend. Later that evening we had dinner with my parents. It was a busy day and I love that this outfit took me from start to finish!

The Sweater: Before and After

 

Hello 2014! Can't wait to see what you have in store!