Sweater Weather: Outfits for the New Year

     Happy New Year! I apologize in advance for the awkwardness of this post. I haven't blogged in quite some time...

     With graduate school applications and finishing up my requirements for undergrad, I have been super busy. Because of this I have neglected to contribute to this blog. Although I have a semester left before the summer, I plan on having at least one post a month. I'll try to keep things relevant, but school puts me in a place devoid of most pop culture references, so any suggestions are appreciated!!!

     As we enter the new year, the temperature finally settles into chilly winter weather. Despite living in the Mid-Atlantic,which is quite mild temperature wise, I've put together a few outfits that I think are appropriate in both colder and warmer areas. These outfits are also good for transitioning from class to going out, with a few alterations of course.

Minimal and Monotone

     This is honestly my favorite outfit of the collection. The simple combination of a cropped mock neck and printed trousers is one of my go to everyday outfits. The pants are high waist, therefore only a sliver of skin will show if wanted. Black smoking flats are my everyday shoe and happen to be super comfortable in almost all situations. The chunky grey sweater adds some physical texture to the outfit as well as making the look softer for daytime wear. 

"The Linus"

     Anyone who has watched or is familiar with the comic Peanuts will immediately get this reference. Linus, the blanket carrying piano player, was the inspiration for this outfit. Nothing screams cold winter morning than the feeling of wanting to stay wrapped in your blanket all day. This outfit is second best. The blanket poncho will keep you cozy and warm while appearing acceptable to the general public.

Cozy Chic

     This is the perfect transition outfit. During the day, the boots and red lip make the outfit look casual yet put together. It also works for class as an effortless look. To transition to nighttime, exchange the boots for heels and add a faux fur collar to add some texture to the outfit. The dark lip is perfect for a night socializing with friends.

Casual Friday

     Can you tell I intended this to be part of a fall collection? Anyway, this works for winter if you switch out the shoes and wear a coat and scarf over the sweater if necessary. This outfit would be nice for a casual office environment. I would even wear something like this in the lab (with closed toe shoes of course). The bag allows you to carry books, office supplies, and anything else you may need for a day at work.

Color of the Year

     Apparently, the magical council of color experts decided that marsala, a rustic red-brown tone, would be the color of the year. Pantone's announcement of this decision made it official. Honestly, I think this color is great, mainly because it is like a faded oxblood, which was popular a few seasons ago, and can easily function as a non-traditional neutral. This outfit features a sweater in a related color to marsala and pleather pants, both of which will keep you warm and protected from the cold winds of winter. 

     Ok, so those titles were pretty terrible, I know. I will try to have a mix of outfits as well as makeup swatches so things don't get so boring. My writing will be better, so I apologize once again for the horrid and rushed post! Until next time! 

Technicolor Tessellations: Oxblood and Leopard

     Fun fact of the day: this is neither technicolor nor a tessellation. yet I needed an interesting way to say "fashion inspired by colors and prints I currently like". The title just so happened to be the first thing to come into my head. Now onto the post.

     This winter I realized a few things about my developing sense of style. One, I hate the feeling of jeans, especially when it's raining or humid. Two, if I could, I would wear leggings everyday (and yes they are pants if they're opaque, cover as much as my jeans, and as thick as my other cotton pants).  And three, I have an unhealthy obsession with animal print, especially leopard. Luckily  Burberry has brought back the leopard trend for their Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Honestly, I wouldn't care, but it's nice to think I'm on top of things in the fashion world, even if I'm not.

       Mixing my love of the print with the burgundy/oxblood trend, I've found a few practical ways to wear leopard in your daily life. I've tried to cover the four basic style situations, classy, party, nice casual, and comfortable. Keep in mind my ideas of what's appropriate and what isn't may be a bit off (I blame the thirteen years of compulsory plaid skirts and button-downs).

Classy Presentation Attire

If I needed an outfit to show I an an educated, 20 year old, college student with a goal, I'd wear something like this. It's trendy with the peplum top and skinny cut cotton pants, yet reserved in the color, coat, and shoe choice. I'd suggest a bag this large if you're giving a presentation so that it fits your laptop/tablet and handouts for your audience. Deep red lips and slightly winged eyeliner show your youth, but with a post-war era twist. The leopard is kept to a minimum, and can be easily removed if you find it too distracting. Also, the hidden leopard in the bag is a cute touch.

Weekend Warrior

Call me crazy, but I'd consider wearing this to class. Throw long cardigan over it and all is good. Anyway, I made the leopard shorts the main focus in this outfit, which may be the deciding factor in the appropriateness of this outfit for class. Nonetheless, paring the shorts with black tights and wrap-around coat will keep your legs warm in these cold winter months, yet allow proper airflow if you're in a crowded party. The top is simple yet interesting, and paired with the burgundy wedge creepers and knit hat, it relieved some of the attention away from the pants. I attempt to make outfits flow like a well composed piece of visual art - always keep the viewer's eye moving, and with this combination, that goal is achieved.

Casual Winter Rainy Day

It rains. A lot. Actually, it's raining right now. It was also raining when I made these outfits. It rains so much that I keep an umbrella in my bag just in case it surprise rains in the middle of the day. So I thought this post wouldn't be complete without at least one outfit dedicated to rainy days. As stated above, I hate wearing jeans when it's raining. The feeling of wet denim is such a turnoff that every time it rains I wear leggings or a skirt. The tights and skirt combination will keep the disgusting wet feeling away, while the boots will keep you warm and dry. I suggest a faux leather jacket because the polymer base keeps water away quite well. And the umbrella was too cute not to include.

Warm and Comfortable

You may be thinking, "How can this be comfortable when there are four inch heeled booties in the outfit?". Well, I liked the shoes too much to change it to leopard print ballet flats, so I kept the heels. My go-to outfits lately have been knit leggings and an over-sized sweater. Honestly, I think that combination is a bit boring and played out, so I added a faux fur gilet and scalloped gold collar to add interest to the outfit. I envision this outfit being something you can throw together quickly, yet still look like you actually thought about it. But not too much.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas or inspired you to add leopard into your wardrobe. I'll try for another post before spring break.

Fashion for Finals

Alright, I'll admit it. For the entirety of finals week I'll be in leggings and sweats, and maybe a maxi skirt if I'm feeling fancy that day. It's literally the only time of the year where I honestly don't care what I'm wearing and how sloppy I look.

That being said, my lack of care shouldn't inspire you to do the same. Minimal effort will keep you looking presentable and comfortable during the stressful end of semester. It would be easiest to find a set "uniform" of clothing you will wear with each action. For example, when I take my finals, I will be in leggings and an over sized sweater or sweatshirt. When I'm studying (in my dorm), I will wear pj's. And if I run out of food and need to go to the dining hall, I'll slip on a maxi and a jacket for the 10 or so minutes I'll be outside. This method makes things a lot easier and takes the fuss out of everything.

These outfits are to inspire you to create your own "finals uniform", and if you aren't as lazy as I am, you can actually make a cute outfit out of it.

Side note: Please take the text on the clothing as humorous. I'm not actually calling anyone a nerd or geek or mean to offend anyone...

1. Dorm/Lounge wear

I'm literally writing this in sweats and a tee shirt. Whether you like studying in your room or in another area around your dorm, I find these items to be appropriate. I see no reason to get out of your comfortable pj's if you're going to stay in all day. I mean, take a shower, but no need to wear jeans around your dorm unless you're going somewhere. 

2. Public Studying - Academic building, Library, Outside, etc.

For studying in public, you want to look somewhat put together (or maybe not), yet comfortable. I think leggings and a baggy sweater are great for stretching put on the floor or a couch and keeping warm in drafty buildings. I suggest to wear shoes that can be easily taken off for additional comfort. Remember, you may be in there all day, so bring a water bottle and snacks so you don't drain what's left of your money.

3. Inspired By the Boys

For some reason, I've been really into the men's style section of pinterest. Men's fashion is so effortless and cozy looking that i thought it'd be perfect to emulate for exam outfits. The tee with open button down allows an enormous amount of versatility in the amount of warmth you may need, and leggings/jeggings allow full range of mobility. The boots are warm and stylish, yet can be easily taken off if the need arises. If it's cold where you are, a knit slouchy beanie and infinity scarf will work perfectly with this style. 

4. Final Boss

This final look would be my "final uniform" - leggings, sweater, boots, and socks. I included the tinted chap-stick because it's amazing and adds a hint of color to your face. The headband is optional, personally I don't like to wear them because they give me headaches, but I though it would work well with this outfit.

Hopefully this served as a quick study break for you and/or has given you some ideas for outfits during finals. 

If there are any questions, don't hesitate to comment below.