Silky Layers and a Bow-dorable Sweater

This has been a fairly strange winter, at least in terms of the weather.  Freezing cold and grey one day, mild and sunny the next.  Most mornings when it's mild I almost don't know how to dress, especially since it gets significantly colder in the late afternoon and evening.  Today's solution to a day in the 50's light layers under a silk sweater.  The gossamer layers under the sweater help to add color and texture to the outfit without adding bulk, the silk sweater is for the added warmth (silk insulates).

Posing with the faux Monet.

 Cue flapper pose, one foot up, coy head tilt, perfect. It's the bee's knees.

 

This sweater is just bow-dorable! I am so sorry for that.

The stacked rings were a Christmas gift, I am constantly wearing them.

Remember the eyeshadow palette I received for Christmas, well today I tried the purple shades.

What I'm Wearing (all old except the jeans and the rings):

Sweater: DKNY

Blouse: Loft

Camisole: Nanette Lepore

Jeans: Guess

Belt: J. Crew

Shoes: Naturalizer
Rings: Dogs Kin Studio

Here are some recent online shopping finds that recreate the look:

More J.Crew...

Fashion Fantasy: Red Carpet Look

The popular media is knee deep in awards season.  While the entertainment industry bestows accolades on this years darlings, all I really am interested in is the fashion.  The red carpet provides every fashion lover with a dream playground where you can wear the most decadent, expensive and fantastical gowns.  My inner 10 year old delights in tulle, revels in the princess updos, dies for the decadent jewels. So in honor of red carpet style I have created my own look, if I ever should have the good fortune to stride down any awards arrival line.  The dress by Lela Rose from Spring 2012 RTW was the central inspiration for the entire collage.  The look is inspired by ocean hues of blues and corals, Adele's 60's mod makeup and voluminous hair, and the lush materials of the brocade and the diamonds. 

Fashion Fantasy: Red Carpet Awards Look by jrosestyle featuring high heel pumps

Layering Procedure For Winter

Every winter I am faced with the choice stay warm or stay stylish. I mean layers of bulky sweaters, scarves, and long johns don't add up to chic and sleek right? Well I have been working on layering the last couple of winter seasons and I think I finally have it figured out. Five lightweight layers (no bulk)that add up to a warm and toasty outfit.

Here's the layering procedure:

Layer 1 and cheerleader pose. Am I harboring pent up desires to be a member of the pep squad? Nah! Just happy to be wearing two tanks to add warmth especially when one is a HEATTECH tank from UNIQLO.

Steal this sweater from your dad, your brother, boyfriend or buy your own.  The only rules are to look for lightweight wool and to buy it slightly large.

The first two layers are a little utilitarian, let layer 3 put the pretty and feminine back into the outfit.

Buh-Bye neck see you in the spring!  I have been know to wear scarves around the house to keep cozy.  While scarves add bulk at least it's not at the mid-section or hip area of the outfit.

It's blazer time (and cue cheesy smile)! You can also don a lightweight jacket or leather cropped jacket, it's your choice really!  Just throw on a heavy winter coat when you are ready for the outdoors.

Items in Order of Appearence:

Tanks: Old Navy and UNIQLO

Pants: Mavi 'Alexa' Jeans

Boots: FRYE 'Carmen'

Cardigan: Ann Taylor

Kimono Jacket: Love on a Hanger

Scarf: Echo

Blazer: Ann Taylor

Note:  Many of the items are not current season, but I found many similar items and you can shop the look below.

More Mavi Jeans...

Try it or mock it, this is the outfit formula that keeps me warm. Which in the winter is the closest thing to happy. How do you keep warm in the winter months?