Outfitted :: Animation, Animals, & Motifs

It was really hard to get going yesterday. I've been slacking hard-core with my outfits these past couple days. I tell myself I'm "taking a break" and end up wearing my pjs/sweatpants all day, and after doing so for a couple days it's hard to motivate myself to look presentable.

So full disclosure on this outfit: I barely took a shower (read: just washed my face, water only, cold water...) and struggled super hard coming up with this look. This is actually very similar to an outfit you've seen here, with slightly different elements. But that is how unmotivated to get dressed I was feeling, my ability to think creatively was nonexistent. I blame the snow for my laziness.

However feelings of cabin fever outweighed my desire to be lazy, so I convinced DCT to take me out to lunch and, unbeknownst to him, take outfit pictures for me.

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Outfitted :: Parisian Stripes

Thrifted Stripe sweater (similar from American Apparel) / H&M Boyfriend jeans / Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Baby Q Aidan / Charlotte Russe booties / Elizabeth & James sunnies / Random scarf

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Outfitted :: Snowy Day Layers

As I'm typing this, snow is continuing to fall here in Chicago, these pictures don't do justice for how much snow is now on the ground. I won't lie it makes for beautiful scenery and if it's going to be this cold you might as well have some snow to go along, right? 

What I like about snow days is that yes it's cold, but it's not freezing like it was a couple days ago, some simple layers is all you really need to get by. My essentials are a fuzzy sweater, wool coat, chunky scarf, and knit gloves.Very simple yet very effective for keeping nice and toasty in the snowy elements.

Jessica Simpson Coat (super old!) / Vintage Sweater / Free People blouse (also worn here) / Circle scarf / Urban Outfitters gloves / H&M Jeans / Charlotte Russe Booties / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

These gloves were a must Urban Outfitters sale purchase. I had misplaced my previous pair/certain my cats had took off with them and hid them in the deepest, darkest corner beneath my couch. But of course, as soon as I returned home with newly warmed hands, my old gloves *magically* reappeared....My cats are such a**holes sometimes.

In other news, I found out one of my best girlfriends from college got engaged last night! I'm so excited for her, we've come a long way since freshmen year of college and now I have a NYC/DC wedding to look forward to in the near future!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, no real plans on my end, just a little R&R and blog prep, there's a lot of planning for Kinks are the New Pink for the future! As always, thanks for reading and Happy Friday!!

Outfitted :: Borrowed From The Boys

One of the perks of DCT and I living together is the easy access to his closet, he can be quite the little style maven (with a little help from your's truly) and with the abundance of sharp button-downs and snappy blazers it shouldn't be surprising how often I actually steal borrow from his closet.

I went a little old school with this menswear-inspired 'fit, a waistcoat layered under a blazer and loose fitting tie makes me feel a little 'Mad Men'. I love the effect the layers create for an overall 'put-together, yet undone' look. It was DCT approved and he even made note to try this look himself (minus the sassy clutch and heels).

H&M blazer (similar Ark & Co blazer) / Borrowed waistcoat / Anthropologie button-up / Borrowed tie / Theory pants (similar ASOS high waist pants) / Mia Newberry pump (different color) / Patterned clutch purchased from Etsy / Michael Kors watch + bangle

Style Tip: When wearing menswear as womenswear keep it simple if it's your first time testing it out. A tailored blouse paired with an oversized blazer and brogues is an easy, everyday look that has masculine touches but isn't overtly menswear. It's all about finding that balance between feminine and masculine, so pile on the jewelry, add a red lip, or grab a fun clutch. As you get more comfortable with the look then start playing around with more male accessories such as ties, waistcoats, fedoras, and even suspenders!

I have to tell you, I just about froze to death taking these pictures, silly me did not check to see how cold it was supposed to be that day (14 degrees), and though you thankfully can't see in these photos my eyes and nose were running like crazy, a couple walking their dog went by and I think struggled with asking me if I was mentally ok (I wasn't), and by the end (which I think I only lasted 10min, if that) I had the shivers and couldn't feel my hands. It's a hard life for us bloggers in the winter.

It's going to be a cold couple of days here in Chicago (our predicted high is 12 degrees, but it'll feel more like -5 degrees), don't worry about me though, I plan to be buried under piles of blankets and my mind will be on a beach in the South of France. Have a great Monday, stay warm Chicagoans, and thanks for reading!

Author's Note: This post was inspired by and created for the IFB Project #80: Menswear...For Everyone.

Outfitted: Blanket Cardigan

Freeway Blanket Cardigan (similar ASOS Fringe Detailed Blanket Cardigan or in Vintage Pattern) / Lazerade by Veda Velvet Shorts (similar TopShop Velvet Shorts) / Target Tights / Etienne Aigner Thrifted Boots / Gifted Scarf / Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag

Why hello there Monday, and hello to the freezing temperatures, I think the real Chicago winter has finally landed. DCT and I went out last night for pizza, beer, and some Golden Globes watching (side note: I didn't realize how many good movies came out this year, so glad both Argo & Les Miserables won in their respective categories, both of them were sooooo good!). When we left I seriously contemplated hailing a cab to drive us the one block to our apartment, fortunately (or unfortunately) DCT was able to talk me down off that cliff though I still feel the icy, burning cold in my legs.

Winter layering has become a big thing for me and my closet lately, this look is actually a little parred down compared to what I have been layering. But through it all, this blanket cardigan has been an essential. Thin enough you can pile sweaters underneath or jackets overtop, yet thick enough to wear on it's own, it's a great balance that makes it much more versatile than expected. And I mean, it has the word 'blanket' in it's name, just thinking about it makes me feel warm and cozy ;)

I'm also in love with this color palette - warms reds, oranges, and browns paired with cool blues, greys, and greens are my favorite for the winter. It beats wearing black all the time and is still totally cold weather appropriate (though we all know I'll still rock a summery pink in the dead of winter, haha!).

Stay warm out there! Thanks for reading!

Outfitted: Blue Christmas

Hi all! For those of you who celebrated, I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. My day was pretty low-key, presents were opened that morning and then the rest of the day was spent lounging around, reading new books (which I never get to do anymore), cooking, and drinking everything from mimosas and eggnog, to wine and amaretto spiked hot chocolate ;) Needless to say a very fulfilling Christmas, haha!

Co Crepe Dress (on sale at Urban Outfitters!) / Grey Ruffle Coat (Christmas gift, similar here) / Charlotte Russe Glitter Booties / Michael Kors bag

So remember that little challenge I gave myself for the holidays? Where I would wear one dress, styled in different ways, throughout the season. Well, I had all the intentions of continuing that challenge for Christmas, however when I took that dress out my closet to pack for Germany I found the nastiest tear in the front, which I'm completely convinced was the result of my cats playing in the closet and climbing over our clothes. Needless to say they are no longer allowed anywhere near the closet and my holiday challenge had to be put on hold till I can figure out a way to remedy the problem.

So instead of my metallic gold number, I put this simple cobalt blue drop-waist shift dress on for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Paired with a heather grey ruffle coat, tights, and glitter booties (the same ones from this post, fell in love and had to have them!) I'm loving how the blue truly pops against all the neutral accessories.

Some of these items were special Christmas gifts that I just couldn't wait to share with you, the coat and vintage cameo ring from my mother and the Michael Kors bag (my new baby) from DCT :) I would say I made out pretty well this Christmas, haha!

I have one more day left in Germany, which will probably be spent at a holiday market downtown enjoying the last bit of time with the family. I'm glad I was able to get over here for Christmas, but sad it had to be such a short trip (darn you adult responsibilities!). 

Once again I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday and as always, thanks for reading!