Lightening up a Dark Outfit

 Hello, and thanks for stopping by today!

During these coldest winter months,

 I am wearing more layers for warmth, for sure

 But also, I have been trying not to go too dark

 with my outfit colors

  Winter is synonymous with darker hues,

and for the most part, the colors in the shops

 tend to get a little gloomy

I have a lot of winter darks in my closet, 

and am combing through for lighter colored items

 to style them with them to lighten up the darks

and add some levity

How about you, is your closet full

 of the dark colors of winter? 

Over the past few years,

 when shopping in brick and mortar stores,

 and looking online, my eye has been drawn to lighter colors  and I have had this in mind 

when making fall and winter purchases 

 I keep in mind what I have at home,

and this allows me to keep wearing those things  

So today, part of my outfit is wintery-

maroon trousers and a maroon and ivory

 printed mock neck blouse

 Lightening things up by combining these pieces

 with an ivory boxy boucle cropped jacket

Possibly, it won't be long until the shops are full

 of the lightest of light color, though

Since Pantone's unusual choice

of Color for the Year for 2026 was revealed as Cloud Dancer-

basically white. The absence of color. Pantone, what on earth?

Well, could this outfit idea

 possibly be what Pantone had in mind?

I purchased this jacket back in spring, last year,

 way before I heard anything about Cloud Dancer

 As a matter of fact at the time, it was rumored

 that a shade of teal would be the dominating color for 2026

Time will tell and we will see how this plays out! 

Anyway, the jacket is collarless,

 and has buttons down the front like a cardigan,

 with two large flap chest pockets

 I think it will work nicely for spring as well

Carrying a classic quilted chain strap bag in dove gray

Accessorizing with a floral velvet headband 

in pink and wine shades, and a silver tone link bracelet

 with a rhinestone heart charm

 For earrings, I chose a pair of 1960s clip on's

 in a triangular shape of leaves

I chose black suede block heel sling backs,

 to finish the outfit

I wear these a lot, but change them for boots

or more practical shoes with backs, for out on the street

🥿 👟👢🥾

A jacket layer is a warm and stylish friend

 in the depths of January

Another white one, from the way back files,

January 2018

This jacket is gone from my wardrobe, and so are the shoes,

but the cardigan and skirt are still in my closet,

though they have been in and out

 of the consignment bin numerous times!

Of course, I still have the red mod 60s bag,

 you have seen it many times in my posts 

Hope everyone stays warm and has a great week!

Red Rose Sweater Skirt

Hello, and thanks for joining me today!

 According to the current weather forecasts, 

it looks like much of the US is in for a very unusual

 freeze and thaw pattern this year

The weather outside is cold and stormy, 

as unusual for January in my part of the country 

As a matter of fact, the wacky weather

 is already happening here, with flood warnings from rain,

changing to snow predictions,

 and then to high wind forecasts

A rollercoaster  of weather events, for sure!

 🎢 💨❄️🥶🌧️ 🎢

Seems like a good time to pull out

 and wear our warmest woolies, 

  and definitely time to pile on the layers!

 Also, with the hike in the cost of electricity recently,

 it is going to be a challenge to stay comfortable indoors,

with families lowering there thermostats to save money

 I like to be warm, and to keep it pretty toasty 

in the house during the winter if I can-

I will have to be extra creative

 about staying warm!

Are you one who loves the snow,

 and brisk winter weather?

Or would you rather cozy up by a roaring fire? 🙋‍♀️

Or maybe you live in the south and are spared!

Today, I am wearing a white long sleeve ribbed sweater,

with sweet black bow trim down the front, 

  under a black wrap cardigan

 I paired these layers with a cozy midi sweater skirt

 in a red and black rose print

Floral clothing will have to do for now

but I cannot wait for to see red roses IRL

🌹🌹🌹🌹

To add a little more pattern to the mix, 

 I added a cheerful black and white 

heart and polka dot print pleated fabric clutch bag

Gold tone jewelry for a little sparkle!

 Accessorizing with a pair of bow stud earrings,

 a collar necklace,

 and a chunky asymmetrical bangle bracelet

For shoes, black suede block heel sling backs-

I won't be hiking through the slush in these,

 I have weatherproof boots for that!

Here is another outfit where I am dressed

 in cosy sweater knit layers

 from January, five years ago, in 2021

A thick red ribbed open cardigan over an ivory 

 cashmere sweater tee

Worn with a red thick jersey knit skirt

This outfit is a similar color pattern

 as the one from this year

Must fortify myself against January weather,

 no matter what the year!  

Hope you all stay warm and toasty

 or alternatively, enjoy all of the winter outdoor sports,

if you are so inclined

Either way, have a good week!

 

A Classic Look to Start the New Year

 

Hello, and as always, thanks for stopping by my blog!

I appreciate your presence so very much,

and it makes my day when you comment on my outfits

The blogging community is a wonderful, supportive  environment and I thank each and every one for being here!

For many of us, the beginning of January is a time

 for reflecting, regrouping, and most of all resting

 After a very busy fall and holiday season,

 it seems like a good time to breath a heavy sigh,

 and take a deep breath 

Settling into the coldest winter months

 with the holiday festivities past,

 makes me want to set things back in order

Except the holiday decor!

Our tree is still twinkling,

I think we will wait until next weekend to take it down

How about you, are you happy

 to pack Christmas up for next year,

 or do you like to gaze at the holiday lights

well into January?

  

 I'm not quite ready to get out there

 and start doing, if you know what I mean

 January feels like a good time to hibernate and plan

 

Starting the new year off with a polished casual outfit,

after all of the glitz and glamour of the past season

I built this outfit around the blue, black and white plaid blazer

 I have had this blazer for years,

 and it really has been a valuable,

 all-around piece in my wardrobe  

It is made of cotton, and the colors work for all seasons

Wearing it today over a white ribbed mock neck top 

  with tailored gray flared trousers

Interesting to see that these classic favorites of mine

are right on trend this season

A lot of the fashion shown has been 

more or less a palate cleanser

from the exaggerated shapes and styles

of the past few years

I am happy to see that pieces 

 most of us have in our closets already

are fashion forward!

I wore this blazer last year, in the spring over a dress,

 and in the fall with jeans-it is mid-weight and very versatile!

A double dose of plaid with this fun little round 

 black and white plaid pattern handle bag

Mixing all the textures and patterns in a subtle way today

Couldn't put all the bling away at once though,

 adding a little sparkle in my jewelry

 Wearing a silver mesh stud neckerchief style necklace,

 a pair of square sapphire colored glass earrings 

and a distressed silver open cuff bracelet

Black suede block heel sling backs to finish the outfit today

A pair of flares in a dark wash denim that didn't make the cut

in my wardrobe clean out

 These were great while they lasted and I wore them a lot

 They are mid rise flares, which is a favorite cut of mine

 Over the past few years, though, they have grown, 

as denim with stretch tends to do,

  and they aren't so well fitting anymore

  I loved them while I had them,

 and hope the next person enjoys them!

Wearing these during the transitional

bridge season to fall in 2021

Hope you are having a good start to your new year

 and have a great week!