Holiday Cheer

I'm still pinching myself that Christmas is next week. With the move, our traditions and routine of the holidays aren't quite the same. I'm not sure I'd realize it was holiday season if I hadn't insisted we get a tree.

 

You would think for sure that in Denver's surrounding area there would be plenty of spot to cut down your own tree...but after spending some time on google it seemed like our only option was to get a license to cut from a forest.  My sister has joked that since moving to CO my style as become more lumberjack (see below), but I'm not quite there there!

J Crew Factory Vest (similar) // Lands End flannel (similar)

Old Navy Vest (similar, $15!) // ModCloth Scout top // Sorel Joan of Arctic boots (cheaper option)

 

Instead, we opted for a tree lot conveniently located at Little Man Ice Cream.  Ice cream and a Christmas tree? I was in Heaven.

Oscar got his first taste of LM and LOVED it! He may even be a bigger fan than his momma.





We're adapting more and more into our new life. Oscar loves having Ben home with him.  Ben likes working from home, but I can also tell it's sometimes a struggle not to be in a typical work environment. But it has it's perks; for him: being able to wear sweat pants, make lunch or go for a lunch run; and for me: coming home to a clean apartment (included mopped floors) and clean laundry (this guy's a keeper!).

Sometimes I feel like I'm putting too much pressure on me/us to "get going" making friends, volunteering and to build up our connections here. Then I take a deep breath and remind myself, we've been here not even two months. We'll enjoy the holidays and then I'll try to put more effort into those goals in the new year.

We just need to get through the holidays, right Osc? It looks like he's already tired of them.

 After all, it IS the most wonderful time of the year.

More (f)or Less - Dog Sweater

To date, this is one of my favorite outfits blogged (and grr Blogger for eating my old pictures) from last fall.

By now, you shouldn't be surpised that I would have bought a bulldog sweater last year. However, I have had a difficult time wearing it often because it's not quite kosher for the office.



So when I was in Indy recently and requested we stop by C. Wonder after visiting in NYC (how is there not one of these in Chicago yet?), I was smitten to come across a dog sweater, neutral and abstract enough that I could wear in the office.

What I wasn't smitten with? The price tag of $88. Sure, it's merino wool, but that also meant it felt light-weight and that it may pill easily.  So when my SIL sent my a duplicate of it from JCPenney at a fraction of the price, you'd better believe I hopped in the car!

More: C. Wonder Merino Wool Dog Show Sweater, $88

Less: JCPenney Liz Claiborne Long-Sleeve Dog Sweater, $32.99 (on sale)

 

Which would you buy?

 

Linking Up with Because Shanna Said So and Style Exilir



What iWore - THE necklace

There's one particular necklace I find myself reaching for quite often and regardless how much I wear it, it's bound to get me a compliment or two.  I've struggled to find similar necklaces for recommendations here on the blog because they tend to sell out so quickly (Bauble Bar, Modcloth, etc). I was so happy to see a similar option posted by Meghan earlier this week on Everyday Fashion and Finance.  Target, of course, now has a similar necklace. What doesn't Target have?!

Here are a few recent styling of mine. Get yours before it sells out.

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So and Style Elixir



What I Bought: Old Navy Binge



My shopping always seems to go in a rotation. In general, for staple items like jeans, I try focus on high quality items with a great fit that I know will last. But there are also so many trends that, not to mention so much shopping money in my budget, that I recently have found myself shopping more and more at places like H&M and Old Navy.

 

Old Navy recently had 40% off for cardholders and I took full advantage, ordering 13 items.  Whoops! Several of the items are variations for size and style with the ultimate goal of finding new black skinnies and chambray shirt; and some are items that I just feel like I have to have.

#1 and #2: Fitted Ponte Knit Dress

After seeing a post about this dress on a fashion board (and it's fabulous price, $8 after discount), I figured this dress is versatile for fun and work.

 

The first pictures are the size small.  I decided that it's a little tight and definitely too short for my comfort to wear in the office.

The medium was definitely loser; almost too big...but I decided I can wear it as a comfy shift or belted to give me a bit more shape. I decided to keep the medium and return the small.

#3: Pull On Ponte-Knit Pants

Last year I purchased a pair of Old Navy's Rockstar "jeans" and really liked them. However, they wore rather quickly and need to be replace this year due to fading; but since I paid less than $20 for them; I'm not too upset.

 

I decided to give the Pull On pants a try after seeing them compared to J Crew pants. They're almost like a glorified, heavy weight legging. They have an elastic waist and no pockets; so I wouldn't be caught dead wearing them without my booty covered.

 

At first, I hated them and found them to be slightly itchy; but as I wore them while trying on other tops, they've grown on me and I'm considering keeping them for the days when I just want a cozy topping and warm leggings.

 

I ordered a medium and think a small would have been too small.  The length is decent and the first is okay. As you can see, the crotch is a bit "frowny" as my mom would call it; but if I'm going to keep that covered anyways...I think these might be keepers; but I'm torn.

#4: Women's Oxford Shirt

I ordered this in a medium to replace an ON oxford I bought last year that ripped while in the wash after several wears. The fabric is 100% cotton, but slightly itchy for some reason. The fit is decent and the price was great ($8 after discount). It's not perfect, but I know I'll get a ton of wear out of it that I think it's a keeper.

#5: Girls Striped Faux Gem Tee

I ordered this in an XL and although it fit just fine; I decided it was too juvenile and decided to return.

 #5: Chambray Pullover

The hunt for a new chambray shirt has been on since this spring, when I accidentally got washable paint on my old button up and that washable paint turned out not to be washable.

 

I ordered this in a medium based on previous ON button up experience. I like the variety in color and tunic style, but I'm still contemplating on this. It's not a great fit and even slightly tight if I put both arms out....but it's a looser fit that could be great with leggings or a sweater on top. (Don't mind the packaging wrinkles).

 

#7: Classic Chambray Shirt

I ordered this Mid-tone shirt in a medium as well to compare to the pull-over above. This seems to be the classic color and style for chambray so I'm torn if I like this better than the above; the fit is slighty better but I can't decide which color I like best!

 

Which of the two chambrays would you keep? If any?

#8: Embellished Raglan Sweater

I picked this up in store a couple weeks ago. It's obviously a trendy item and given that I couldn't wear it for work, I decided against it for $30. However, when I was able to get it for 40% off, I ordered it in a medium to give it a shot.

 

I'm pretty disappointed in the fit. I think it's too frumpy and gapes at the neckline. If I went down to a small, it'd be shorter than I'd like. Not to mention, the rhinestones are barely secured on with just two threads each; if one rips you'll be left with a dangling gem (although it'd be an easy fix). This will be returned.



#9: Rockstar Midrise Skinny
Based on my size search last year, I ordered up a size for these and got a 8-regular.  They're certainly a higher fit on the hips than the classic Rockstars; but the length is slightly too long and by measurement, I fear short would be too short; but I think I may order to give it a try.

 

#10 and #11 Rockstar Super Skinny
I ordered these as another pant alternative. I ordered both an 8 regular and a 10 short. Again, the fabric is slightly itchy, but from experience I know it'll soften with time.

Like the mid-rise, there's some bunching in the crouch but even the model's pictures for both styles show bunching; so maybe I'm being over critical?

Would you keep any of the black pants (including ponte pull on) that I ordered?

The 10S were WAY too big! They were gaping and knowing that these pants also stretch with wear, there's no way 10 would be a smart choice to keep.

#12 and #13: 3/4 Sleeve Sequin Tee

This was actually the first thing that prompted this order. I saw this shirt online and thought it was so fun. I love the mix of black and navy, sequins and stripes.

 

I ordered both a small and medium; as you can tell, the small (top pics) are not so complimentary for me. I returned the small and will be keeping the medium. Plus, I love the length of the medium! I already have a number of outfits planned in my head for this shirt and cannot wait to wear it.

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So and Style Elixir