leopard flat.

I've been wanting to add a flat in this fun animal print into my wardrobe for some time now, so when I found this pair at Target a few weeks ago (for under $20!), I scooped them up without thinking twice.  When I add a trendy piece to my collection, I usually tend to look at less expensive versions; this way, if I find it to be too far out of my comfort zone, I haven't put too much of an investment to feel guilty about not wearing it. And after looking into my closet for options, I initially thought these flats might not work well with my current looks.  But after some work and experimentation (what did I ever do without Polyvore?) I have come up with some great late-winter options to get some great mileage out of these sought-after shoes.
This first look was my initial outfit, worn on a casual work day.  Comfortable yet professional, this outfit could be worn on many occasions.


These next looks take a bolder color (kelly green) against the bright leopard.  I like how I'm able to make two different options, thanks to my variety of green pieces.  In the both looks, the green jacket is the exact shade as the green cardigan and tee; if they weren't, I would have used the black or white tee for the look on the left, and most likely a brown jacket for the look on the right (a black jacket would also work fine).  I usually save these chandelier earrings for when my hair is up in a topknot or pony; simpler earrings might better complement a looser hairstyle.
  
Finally, I love the option of using a springtime color (in this case, a raspberry) with the leopard print.  Used either in my new favorite Valentine's shirt on the left (see "Happy Valentine's Day) or in a wool scarf on the right, these looks are a great way to stay warm while looking ahead to the approaching new season.

I have some great ideas for when the weather actually does get warmer that I'll post when the time comes.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep using these bargain finds, and perhaps even invest in a longer-lasting pair once these reach their peak. Have you been thinking of adding a trendy item, such as this print, into your wardrobe? Clearly it can be easier than you think to fit them right in to your current pieces.  Now go get 'em!

navy vneck.

Soft, thin, and quite long, this piece should have gotten much more mileage since purchasing it two autumns ago. It started out strong, worn with leggings or denim once a week or so, but like so many other pieces in my closet, once I tired of the obvious outfit choices, this navy sweater got lost on a shelf among my many other cozy tops.  While reorganizing my closet this weekend, I found it, squished in a corner and forgotten, and immediately set to work coming up with fresh, new options for a top I was so excited to have found in h&m for under $30.  The first look I chose was perfect for a ridiculously mild day; I love how the green trench (this is a similar coat, but mine is another great h&m find) looks against the blue.

Both the shoes and the purse are suede, so on a rainy day, I'd probably swap the wedges for a pair of jelly flats and the purse for a leather or synthetic.
This next option allows for a look I've been wanting to try for some time: gray and gold.  The sweater offers a break from the unexpected color combination while complementing the two contrasting shades.  The pops of yellow work the same way.


This final look could be worn to work or out on weekends.  The blazer dresses the sweater up but the pink flats keeps the outfit from being too serious.  Of course, if the occasion required a more subtle ensemble, a neutral shoe would work as well.  I also like how the bold jewelry (bold at least for me!) adds an extra bit of interest.


This sweater will be a great tool to transition into spring, as the fabric is thin and the shape versatile.  I will definitely be using it with warm-weather pants, bermudas, and possibly even 3 inch shorts for casual evening looks.  Be on the lookout for those ideas as spring approaches.
There must be a similar top sitting in your closet, perhaps as overlooked as my own. Have fun coming up with your own new and exciting ideas!

happy valentine's day.

My Valentine's Day was spent teaching, so as nice as it would have been to wear something dressy, my day called for a more work-friendly approach.  After some ill-fated attempts at festivity, I finally decided to give a hardly-worn shirt in a gorgeous raspberry a try.  Loose and flowy, the shirt can be difficult to add to my trouser pants or flared denim, but surprisingly paired well with my well-loved grey skinny cords and a white cardigan.  Comfortable, polished and work-appropriate.  I'm so glad I decided to give this top another try.  Hopefully everyone was able to pull out something special to wear on this sweet day!

hunter boots.

They were all I wanted for Christmas this year. My husband thought I was crazy; he offered me other suggestions for gifts he thought were much more exciting than a pair of shoes. I didn't budge, and to my delight, they were waiting for me under the tree Christmas morning.  Women's Original Tall Hunter rainboots, in navy blue.  He even bought me cream cable knit socks to complement them.  I was ecstatic.

Before they were mine, I pictured myself in the boots while taking many long dogwalks in the park near our home, the sturdy rubber allowing me to traipse through mud and puddles with ease.  Here is one of my favorite looks for walking my two greyhounds during this enjoyably mild winter. 


These boots have certainly fulfilled their duties as far as wet or chilly walks are concerned, but the real fun has been coming up with uses and styles involving a less utilitarian purpose and more of a statement to an ensemble. They look wonderful paired with skinny jeans and my poppy-colored cashmere sweater, as shown here.
 
This next look is one I could wear several times a week; I've even worn it to work on rainy days.  Comfortable yet sophisticated, and the monochromatic look of the grey makes the boots a focal point.


I'm excited to try this next look to brighten up the mild, rainy days of April and May.  I can't wait to see how this full grey skirt (bought last year to wear at my bridal shower) adds a whimsical, feminine touch to a fisherman's staple.

 I don't actually own this umbrella (or any umbrella, for that matter), but on future shopping trips I'll be sure to be on the lookout for one of a similar design. I've kept the accessories and shirt minimal, as the skirt and boots are enough of a standout.

I love how something as functional and, to some, plain as blue rubber boots can inspire such varied and fun style options.  Rain boots are such unique and fun tools to create outfits guaranteed to make a statement.  Although Hunters are a splurge, more affordable options can be found almost anywhere.  Neutral colors, like mine, allow options for many colors to be incorporated in an outfit; brighter, bolder patterns often featured on these boots call for the shoe to be the main attraction and the rest of the outfit to remain more neutral. A few tips for making the most of your looks with rain boots:
If you're wearing them with pants, choose styles that are slim and tuck nicely into the boot.  Baggy pants tucked into boots look sloppy and add unnecessary bulk to your frame. Leggings and straight or skinny pants work best.
Rain boots aren't exactly a feminine accessory, so adding girly accents or pieces, such as a full skirt, some crystal beaded bracelets or a brightly colored sweater (all shown above) help to soften your look.
Paired with the Hunters socks, my boots become a great option for snowy and frigid days (and in my opinion, a much more stylish option than traditional snow boots).  These socks would fit any tall rainboot, so even if your boots aren't made by Hunter, they're still a great cold-weather option.  You can find them at Nordstrom.

Here's to hoping I see many fun, unique, and functional styles featuring rain boots in the months to come!