Winter White

White in winter can be tricky. With the slush on the ground and inherent bulkiness of cold weather textures, it's hard to feel attractive in a hue that isn't exactly slimming in the first place. Therefore, it's easy and expected to be draped in black throughout the chillier months. But I've never been one to wear the expected, and neither have you (or you're at least broadening your horizons by reading this blog), so what are the keys to pulling off this look? 1. Texture - mix it up with tweed, leather, wool, silk, or poplin; 2. Accessorize - wear pearls or CZs for shine and include some interesting pattern, such as gray tights; 3. Shades - use ivory, dove gray, nude, cream, and bright white rather than trying to match; 4. Accents - a bright lip (which I regretfully skipped) or colorful manicure are the finishing subtle touch. 

XXI sweater, J.Crew shirt, NY & Co skirt, Worthington tights, Jessica Simpson pumps, Francesca's necklace, Loft brooch

Native

The influence of American natives - wool, feathers, rustic leather/suede, turquoise, fringe, ponchos,  oxidized silver, fur vests, and nature inspired patterns - has long graced and been maintained in the mountain time zone; however, recently, it's begun to find it's way into the urban areas. And considering one of my favorite movies of all time is "Dances with Wolves," I couldn't be happier to adopt my Sioux name of "Shops with Abandon" or "Whom Enlightenment Continually Eludes" or, as of Monday night, "Brown Head."

Old Navy sweater and tee, J.Crew skirt, Hue tights, White Mountain booties, Francesca's necklace

Give to me your leather...

Leather accents have made their way into ladylike dressing. We've already loved, and copied the vintage, worn in, looped brown belt over our sequined dresses or floral maxis courtesy of Jenna Lyons and J.Crew; however, this addition of buttery shine literally takes the place of other material. Like, collars on blazers, pockets on pencil skirts, leather sleeves on tees, and cuffs on button downs, or outlining a back zipper of a sheath.

Maggy London dress, Arden B earrings, Nordstrom bangles, Loft trench and booties, and Hue tights

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes...

You do not need to be the Queen of England, the First Lady, or Mad Men's empress of curves, to wear a brooch, but you can certainly take your cues from them. When you are trying to keep something together, add color & sparkle, or highlight the, ahem, girls, the brooch is a perfect option. In addition to placing it along the collar, it has also been glitzing up Blake Lively's ponytail, waistline, and necklace on the red carpet. 

Diamonds (or CZs), pearls, gemstones, taffeta, or silk, can be turned into flowers, stars, leaves, geometric patterns, animals, and snowflakes, to make you too feel fancy and refined, regardless of where you pin it. My grandma, Esther, who wore her brooches with bright skirt suits, matching heels, and incredible grace, would be proud.

Crystal Leaf Brooch

Acosta Pearl & Crystal Corsage Pin

XXI Rhinestone Swan Brooch 

Vintage Art Deco Wedding Pin

Filigree Cameo Brooch

Yellow Topaz Austrian Rhinestone Brooch

See how I wore my favorite brooches here, here, and here.

Escalation

H&M Blazer, XXI shirt, NY & Co jeans, Aldo shoes, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick

Things have escalated., friends. My first blog post was about color blocking and it's incredible how much this trend (or likely my own comfort level) has grown since March of last year. I had a few rules before, but they don't apply anymore. Ah, the ever changing world of fashion. Neutrals aren't needed to break up the colors and the hues don't have a season - neon yellow, fuchsia, teal, and tangerine work now. Teal and peach is my current favorite; however, there are so many to chose from, some from this blog post, as well as the combos below. Man, I love me some brights!

Red & Pink; Mustard & Purple; Burgundy & Orange

Brown & Black; Tangerine & Lilac; Neon Yellow & Camel

Bowling Bag

Akira sweater, Francesca's skirt, Hue tights, Warehouse belt, Matisse boots, Halogen purse

I think I've been waiting for this purse my whole life. I bowled a strike, so to speak...with the ball I keep in my bag.

Francesca's dress (worn backwards), American Apparel blouse, Nine West boots, Halogen purse

Muted

Neutrals aren't what I usually go for, so I just wore a whole bunch of 'em to still make a statement. Consider this outfit me on "mute," so I won't ramble about the history of the flower brooch or discuss how tweed is made. I'll just sit in silence and grin at the fact that no one knows what the English accented version of my voice is saying in my head.

NY & Co shirt and jeans, Target kimono and belt, LOFT blazer, Claire's necklace and earrings, XXI flower,  White Mountain booties, Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

P.O.C.

P.O.C.: pop of color. Less intense and overwhelming than color blocking, such as in a sock, pocket square, or belt for men. It's the new phrase from Brad Goreski of "It's a Brad, Brad World" on Bravo. I have a crush on him. A big one. Do you think Brad would consider this outfit an example of P.O.C.? Or is it too many "pops." I hope not. Do you think he'd like it? It is bright, loud, and full of pattern, which is his style, but I'm not wearing glasses or a bow tie. Those are his signatures. Oh god, what if he hates it? I'm panicking. Deep breaths, Jenny. He won't actually see this post, will he? But what if he does? Ok, still panicking. Breathe in. Let it out. Woosah. 

Allen B jacket, J.Crew dress, American Apparel tank, Gap hose, Kenneth Cole Reaction wedges, Fossil watch, Nars Schiap lipstick

Pop of pink on the lips

Pop of purple in the cuff

Pop (ok, major pop) of teal on top

Black & White

The Everybody, Everywear challenge today is Black & White, so here it is...with a touch of faux fur and fleur-de-lis! The random part about this post and participation in the challenge? I didn't even know what Everybody, Everywear was until visiting my daily blog reads today while I just so happened to be wearing this outfit. Coincidence? Karma? Whatever, the universe is trying to tell me, I'll take it, especially if it means more fashion loving, blogging, closet remixing, web friends!

Theory trousers, Express blouse, H&M scarf, LOFT faux fur coat, Kenneth Cole Reaction wedges, Target necklace, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Pajama Pants

These pants are reminiscent of the pajama trend that rocked the Spring 2011 runway, which made all of us, after pouring ourselves into bandage dresses, very happy and comfortable. Like, able to eat cupcakes, ice cream, chocolate, and all the other holiday leftovers sitting in the cupboards or fridge, comfortable. Hello sugar high with subsequent crash and food coma.

XXI pants, Target tank, Loft cardigan, J.Crew belt, vintage scarf, XXI brooch, Steve Madden purse, Nine West booties, Nars Schiap lipstick

Mustard

If I have to choose my favorite condiment, it would have to be mustard. Perfect consistency with the bitter/salty taste of  onion, garlic, caraway, horseradish, cilantro, and vinegar or lemon, depending on the origin. Doesn't sound appetizing? What about on top of a Chicago style hot dog or as a dip for a hot pretzel? Yum. The inclusion of turmeric is what gives the yellow color to my favorite type, simple yellow or American mustard. Just don't pass any dijon or honey varieties my way, those just don't "cut the mustard."

Paul & Joe blazer via Crossroads, I Heart Ronson jean shirt, Old Navy tee, J.Crew skirt, Hue tights,  XXI scarf,  Alfani boots, and Nars Schiap lipstick

Ode to Gwen Stefani - How to Amp up your Street Style

After buying a pair of pumped up Nike kicks with neon laces, I realized that my "street style" needed some cred. I can do work appropriate glam with the best of 'em, but I've always struggled with the more casual ensembles. Hence, I'm usually (seemingly) overdressed and while I love heels and pencil skirts, I like the comfort of hoodies and boyfriend jeans, just as much as the average college kid. So, what does a 28 (almost 29 year old) woman add to her closet to look good (not slouchy) with a pair of Chucks, Nikes, wellies, or riding boots for the weekend in colder temps? Let's take a cue from Ms. L.A.M.B herself - Gwen Stefani. 

A striped, slouchy cardigan
Boyfriend jeans, cuffed (of course)
Plaid cabby hat
Cat-eye sunglasses

Aztec print sweater
Motorcycle jacket
Gray zip-up hoodie
Neutral printed scarf
Perforated leather belt

Wool sweater coat
Black leggings
Off the shoulder rocker tee
Bright cross-body bag

Skinny (slightly) tattered jeans
Bright silk scarf
Baggy chinos
Aviators

Animal print oversize sweater
Sweatshirt tunic
Plaid blazer
Bright lipstick

Now all you need is a rocker hubby, two adorable kiddos, and maybe those amazing abs and platinum blonde hair, to get as many "oohs and aahs" that this singer/designer receives!

Rule of Three

One dress that hugs in all the right places with all my favorite colors

+

Two surprisingly versatile neutrals (tuxedo blazer & gray t-straps)

=

A happy girl (three times over!)

MRKT shoes, Steve Madden tights, Taylor via TJ Maxx dress, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's tuxedo blazer