Daily Look: Weekday Taffeta

Sweater, Earrings: Loft // Skirt, Boots: Banana Republic // Bracelets: Ann Taylor

Although I normally save this shimmering taffeta skirt, which my husband gave to me several years ago, for special occasions like Christmas and New Year's, this year I decided that it wasn't spending nearly enough time out of my closet. Even though taffeta is a dressy fabric, I figured that I could dress it down with a cozy sweater and boots to make it weekday--and work--appropriate. Now I'm wondering why I didn't think of this sooner!

Do you dress down your fancier pieces so you can wear them more often?

Daily Look: Red Lace

Blouse: Dorothy Perkins // Skirt: J. Crew // Shoes: Aldo // Hair Pin: Anthropologie // Earrings: White House Black Market // Ring: Vintage

I tend to gravitate toward neutral tones on dreary days, but today I decided to wear color to brighten things up. This outfit really makes me feel like a human poinsettia--cheerful and red despite the dull winter background. Luckily, it hasn't been very cold here in Texas, so even though we are missing the sun some days, at least we aren't having to brave sleet and snow.

Daily Look: Birthday Sparkles

Top: Anthropologie // Cardigan, Earrings: Loft // Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters // Booties: Asos // Bracelet: J. Crew // Lips: MAC Girl About Town

It was absolutely freezing on my birthday, but that didn't stop me from having some fun with my wardrobe. I went for polka dots and sparkles punctuated by bright lips and earrings. I also treated myself to a birthday haircut and my husband and I had an incredibly decadent dinner involving a Monte Cristo sandwich, gourmet macaroni and cheese with breaded leeks, and a cake truffle. Next year, I'm pretty sure Sam and I will be celebrating our birthday together, which will be even more amazing.

How do you celebrate your birthday?

Daily Look: Birthday Girl

Shirt: Banana Republic // Pants: J. Crew // Jacket: Andrew Charles //  Shoes: Aldo // Earrings: Loft // Ring: Vintage

This year our birthday fell on a Friday, so I decided to take jeans day up a notch with these bright beauts. My students were huge fans of the pink, which brightened my day even more! After work, I wore the same outfit to chow down on some delicious Thai food with my mom and step dad. Then we topped off the night with gelato. The only thing that could have made my day sweeter would have been to see my co-birthday girl. Happy birthday Lala!

Daily Look: Cream and Gleam

Sweater: Victoria's Secret // Shirt: J. Crew // Skirt, Earrings: Banana Republic // Shoes: Nine West // Watch: Asos // Sunglasses: via Marshall's // Lips: Revlon Certainly Red

Today I decided to mix patterns, which is always a bit of a dicey proposition. But I think (or at least hope) this works because all of the colors involved are so stunningly similar. A better name for this outfit might be Lauren reaches into her closet and puts on everything gold, brown, and/or cream. Who would have guessed that leopard print, tortoiseshell, sequins, and a geometric pattern could actually go well together?

Do you ever mix patterns? Or do they not play nicely with others?

Twin Styled: Birthday Party

We have a lot of January birthdays in my family (including mine and Lauren's), so I was inspired to put together a look to wear to a winter birthday party. The weather has been getting chilly in the evening here, so I wanted to be sure it would be something cute and cozy. Also, since most birthday events in our family involve eating to excess, the waistband had to be stretchy!

I would love to wear something like this to the birthday dinners I have planned later in the week for myself and my dad. It is going to be a great weekend for pigging out!

Daily Look: Bundled Up

Coat: Victoria's Secret // Pants, Earrings: Loft // Scarf: Target // Shoes: Urban Outfitters // Hat: Boden

Today was the coldest day of the year so far, and I got completely bundled up to brave it. It was snowing, windy, and fr-eeeeeezing, with a windchill of negative five degrees. Normally I take my coat off before taking pictures to show what I'm wearing underneath, but today you get to see what I wear on a seriously brutal day.

What do you wear to stay warm on the chilliest days?