invest in: scarves

Probably the number one request I get from readers is to do a post about the 10 pieces you should have in your closet. Or rather, classic pieces that can be worn again and again. While I do think a blazer and a white button down are smart investments, I've always hesitated from making this list because style is so personal. Maybe I'm a leather jacket gal and a blazer wouldn't work for me. Maybe earrings are my thing and I'd rather invest in something awesome rather than spend my money on pricey jeans. You get my drift.

I also don't buy into the notion that certain colors or patterns aren't classic. Trends come and go, yes, black will always be in, but think about your Mother's wardrobe and tell me there aren't some colorful pieces that you're itching to make your own.

So, if I'm going to build a list of pieces I think you should own, I'm going to do it in a very roundabout way. This winter, my number one recommendation for your closet is an amazing scarf.

What makes a scarf amazing? Again, totally subjective, but each piece can serve the owner in its unique way. Here are my scarf investing tips:

Size matters. A large scarf can be worn around your neck or belted like this. It can also be worn as a shawl for special events or a blanket for long plane rides. Small scarves are great too, when commuting and you don't have a ton of room to stow personal items.

Pattern! And color! This look is so classic, and can easily be done in the summer, since the silk scarf is so lightweight. Tying the scarf different ways (even worn around the wrist!) means endless accessory possibilities.

A plaid scarf doesn't have to be taken so literally. Above, she's wearing hers with pumps and what looks to be a day to night holiday outfit. Fancy plaid!

Material, as always, matters, except in the case of faux (never real!) fur. Wool, cashmere, silk, check. Faux fur looks luxe enough, it's okay that it's 100% polyester. Just stay away from open flame. ;)

Lastly, avoid decade placing pieces. What I mean is, don't wear a scarf that years from now will evoke "Oh my god that was SO 2014!" I'm talking to you, infinity scarves!

In the market for a scarf? Here's my list:

// patterned // silk // plaid // faux fur // oversized // small //

xoxo,

images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

holiday to night

Tis the Season for eating, and eating, and drinking, and then eating again because you just drank a lot and it made you hungry. It's also the season for freezing your bootie off commuting to and from work. And then having to change into an even less comfy outfit for a holiday party post work. Which is not recommended. At all. We want to keep things comfortable around here, yeah? Stylish and comfortable is one of my biggest priorities. Let's go over the makings of a party ready day to night ensemble:

// shirt (alternative options here and here) // pants (love tuxedo pants, too) // earrings (these are also great) // shoes (similar look in flats) //

First things first, in order to do this right, you want to stay high quality with the materials you're wearing. So, leave the cotton and jersey at home and pull out silk, wool, and leather (or faux leather). This will automatically elevate your outfit from everyday to fancy and festive. Secondly, you don't have to add sparkle to your outfit. High quality materials will speak for themselves, but since sparkle is so much fun, I've added just a tiny bit here with the shoes. Lastly, don't overcomplicate the outfit with accessories. Head to work with your everyday jewels on, and then swap those out for something fun at the end of the day. Easy peasy.

Also, can I just be frank for a second? I don't have a corporate job anymore, and amost of my friends don't work 9-5 jobs either...so most of us wouldn't be in this situation. For me, the lesson here can translate no matter what you do; when you need to dress up, you don't have to sacrifice convenience, style or comfort to look good.

See you all back here tomorrow!

xoxo,

get the look: the santa clause

No, you did not read that title incorrectly. Last night, Raven and I decided to watch The Santa Clause. Aside from being one of my favorite Christmas movies, if not the favorite of my life, something has been nagging me about The Santa Clause. Every time I watch it, I think about how AWESOME Charlie's mom's clothes are! You remember Charlie's Mom, Wendy, right? Aside from being a total babe, 20 years later her outfits are still. on. point.

Here she is rocking an earth tone Christmas Eve outfit with an amazing oversized coat.

Here she is throwing MAJOR shade in a silk button down and loosey goosey vest. Red lip? Check.

She obviously does casual well, too. Here she is in an oversized sweatshirt and what appear to be wellies. You know, totally casual.

YES to those jeans! And that braided leather belt. And rolled sleeves. Just a regular Saturday for Wendy!

This is one of my favorites. Super flowy silk tunic with a super flowy cardigan over top. Love that she only buttoned the top button.

But my absolute favorite is this:

Definitely dreaming of a creamy white Christmas! With matching pointy pumps. That silky wide pant leg is everything.

Here's my take on Wendy 20 years later:

// coat // tunic // pants // flats // necklace //

Tell me, friends. Am I crazy? Or am I so so right? By the way, Equipment's silk tops really are the best. They're great day to night shirts and they've got some incredible fun patterned shirts as well as all the classics. They're not cheap, so wait for a major sale before buying. I got an extra large tunic of theirs on super sale a couple years ago and it can be worn like a dress, under a sweater, or by itself with a fun bra underneath. Jus' saying!

Happy Tuesday! To my NY friends, stay dry!

xoxo,

(pa) jam (a) on it

I have to admit, friends, that I have been feeling very uninspired lately. Normally, this time of year, I would be wrapping presents and listening to Christmas songs around the clock - not this year. My mind has been elsewhere, and I have yet to have a good Xmas song listening / wrapping party. Which bums me out. I feel a little like the blog is suffering - and of course, not one to hold anything in, here I am telling you all about it. I kind of wish that I could just take a big, long nap and wake up refreshed and full of amazing ideas. So, I thought I'd round up some festive and fun PJ's for this much needed nap. Won't you take a peek?

xmas light long johns // heart short set // heart long set // buffalo check //  fuzzy hoodie // smart wool socks // polka dot jams

A couple years ago, I bought some snazzy plaid flannel jammies, and they changed my whole Christmas morning. Things were just a little bit more snuggly, a little more cozy, and the elastic waistband did wonders for my near constant eating. I always sleep in a tank top and jammie pants, but something about a set makes sleep so much more OFFICIAL. And of course, you need a hoodie for drinking wine on the couch, and smart wool socks for wintery dog walks.

My friends, I hope you have an amazing Monday. Here's hoping I'll be refreshed an back to normal tomorrow!

xoxo,

winter lip color

Everything this week is wintery...I hate this phrase but, sorry I'm not sorry?

Let's talk lips. As you can see, my shades of lipstick range from rull red to pale pink...and then my collection of shades just kind of drops off. I have a nude lip that I like to wear when I'm feeling particularly throwback-ish, but other than that, my lips are naked.

So, how do we get through the winter with festive lips that aren't classic red? How do we walk into the party looking fresh to death and not at all like a clown? Think of lipstick colors as a scale, with a classic red at the very center, orange on one end, and brown on the other. Classic red is everyone's go to (alright not everyone, but most), it's comfortable, easy, it always looks good. But if we want to try something different, swing one way or the other on the scale, comme ca:

l to r: // one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight //

So, obviously, classic red is in the middle (number 5). If you're looking for something a little more cheerful, I would head into the orange shades. These look great on fair skinned folks, in a matte tint, and pair great with greens, navy, and black. If you're feeling moodier, try going more purple / brown. These also work in a matte tint, but I love the look of a creamy / glossy dark lipstick. These, of course, look incredible on olive and brown skin tones, and pair nicely with pinks and blues, as well as brown and black.

Of course, this scale is only for shades of red. I'll admit, I am biased and think that red lipstick is the best lipstick, so I would start here, find a shade that works for you, and then branch out.

Have a happy Thursday!

xoxo,