What to Wear for Thanksgiving

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks from tomorrow?  Do you think it feels early this year?!  Early or not, I'm not complaining.  The holiday season is my favorite time of year and I'm ready to kick it off with a morning Turkey Trot, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, family time and delicious food!

What does your family wear for Thanksgiving?  Are you a "let's get dressed-up" or a "pajama pants all the way" kind of a group?  My family falls somewhere in between.  We like to look nice but still be comfortable (I mean, obviously we have to be able to fit bellies full of food into whatever we're wearing).

This is the sort of outfit I typically reach for on Thanksgiving morning:
stretchy jeans...check
cozy, tunic-y sweater...check
fall colors...check!

So tell me, what do you plan to wear for Thanksgiving.  Or better yet, show me!  Head over to The Blended Blog or my friend Alison's blog, Puppies and Pretties, to link-up!

Kellyann. Sarah. Andrea. Deena. Carrie

Lana. Vanessa. Whitney. Abbie. Shelly

Common Threads Challenge: Week 2

Well hello!  I hope you're all having awesome and stylish weeks!  For those of us participating in the Common Threads Challenge, we're over halfway done.  Can you believe it?!  I'm still loving this series and how it's stretching my creativity and my closet.

Previous Common Threads Challenge Posts:
Introduction
The Pieces 
Week One

But y'all, one thing I've learned about myself is, no matter the intention to get dressed, I will wear leggings and a sweatshirt on the days when I don't have to leave the house.  And I had two of those days this week.  So here you are, the five outfits I wore for the CTC this week!

October 10th featuring my Tunic: I'm pretty darn pleased with this outfit!  I wore it during a sixish hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin.  Even though I was wearing leggings and a fuzzy tunic, the scarf and d'Orsay flats made me feel very put-together.

October 11th featuring my Skinny Jeans: Like I mentioned in a previous post, I knew I would be attending lots of sporting events this month so I included my skinny jeans as one of my five items.  Nothing beats jeans and a sweatshirt, right?!  Go Edgewood Eagles!

October 12th featuring my Ankle Boots:  I purchased this swingy, boxy cardigan in Belgium and have been waiting for the weather to be cool enough to wear it!  They are all the rage in Europe this season, by the way.  I thought it would look classic and chic with stripes and these ankle boots!  I felt great for a day touring Milwaukee and the Lakefront Brewery.

October 13th featuring My Ankle Boots: Ever since my boyfriend told be about a local apple orchard and shop, I've been so excited about spending a fall day there.  And this was the day!  We found our way through a corn maze, tasted wine, went for a hayride and enjoyed donuts and cider.  Shades of olive and the ever-popular blanket scarf felt so very fall for this autumn excursion.

October 14th featuring my Tunic: Okay, so I did manage to get dressed on one of my lazy days this week.  Although I was quite productive despite not leaving my house.  Anyways, at least I'm wearing one of my pieces even though it's not that exciting, right?

So I realize that I didn't wear my mustard cardigan or olive skirt this week!  That's probably because I think of them more as "work" pieces and I had the week off.  Don't worry, they are getting lots of wear and you will see them again soon!

And don't forget to link-up your Common Threads Challenge looks below!

New Year Styled: Utility Vest + Link-Up

Military vest?  Utility vest?  Cargo vest?  Regardless of what you call it, this was one of my first blog-inspired purchases.  When I first started reading style blogs, I will admit to buying many items because I wanted to be just like the bloggers who inspired me.  Most of those purchases have since been donated but this vest is here to stay!  It really has been a great layering and point of interest piece to add to outfits.  I'm still so happy that I purchased mine in this pretty purple color instead of the traditional olive green because it is very me.

I usually wear this vest with neutral combinations.  A great example of a typical outfit featuring the vest is this ensemble that I wore this exact week but last year!

For my New Year Styled challenge with The Blended Blog this week, I wanted to do something a little bit different than I've done before.  So I added color!  I started by finding a scarf that went well with the vest and built my outfit from there.  I'm so pleased with the results.  I think this is one of my favorite outfits I've created recently!

How are you styling your new year?  Are you enjoying the seasons latest trends or are you remixing what you've got?  I would love for you to link-up with us below!

What I'm Wearing:
Sweater: Target (similar)
Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar)
Scarf: American Eagle (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

Thankful

Want to wrap-up in your own cozy scarf from Zaful?  Enter to win a gift card below!

Happy Thanksgiving, my lovely friends!  I hope this post finds you with a warm (non-travel) mug of coffee in your hands while enjoying the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

As I mentioned earlier this week, I will be spending the holiday with my mom and dad.  We are planning to watch the parade (and the subsequent dog show), eat our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and then nap to the sound of the Lions football game in the background.  While I may not be wearing this exact outfit today, I will be wearing something very similar.  Since we're spending the holiday just the three of us and aren't traveling anywhere, it's leggings and comfy clothes all the way for me!

While I love my blanket scarf as much as the next girl, this is the first I've thought to use it in a comfy "stay-at-home" kind of an outfit.  The scarf makes the outfit even more cozy but also makes me feel a bit more put together.  And yes, yes I do own slippers that match my cat.  See!?

Comfy and Cute for Thanksgiving

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just a few days away?!  What are your plans for the holiday?  Are you spending it with family or perhaps a group of friends?  Are your gatherings a bit more formal or super casual?  And do you know what you're wearing yet??

My Thanksgiving celebration will be a bit different than usual this year.  My sister, niece and brother-in-law will be with his side of the family so it will just be my mom, dad and me indulging in the feast!  I'm thinking that since we are having a mini-Thanksgiving, we will be dressing very casually (I'm hoping for leggings and a tunic), but normally we get a little bit dressed-up for the occasion!

If your family dines more formally for Thanksgiving, this is the perfect dress!  The fit is what does it for me!  It skims the body so you don't look like you're wearing a sack but it's loose and soft enough to accommodate the inevitable stuffed belly.  Not to mention the pretty, burgundy color is perfect for the holiday season!  But do you know what I love the best?  The scallop detailing on the sleeves and hem.  It takes a basic, comfy dress up a notch!  I'm wearing my typical size medium and it fits perfectly!  You can purchase your very own holiday dress from Shein for an amazing price.  Seriously, you will have plenty moolah left over for Christmas shopping!  Or maybe you can find gifts for your favorite gals at Shein!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Shein (exact)
Scarf: Cotton On (similar)
Tights: Nordstrom (similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)
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All Wrapped Up

It's already the last week of our October Style Series at The Blended Blog and this week we are featuring scarves!

I know that some people feel overwhelmed by blanket scarves but I absolutely love them!  There's something so comforting about be wrapped-up and cozy even during the most chaotic of weekdays.  I'm also relieved that the blanket scarf trend seems here to stay, at least for one more year.  I've been seeing them everywhere!

I received this great, neutral version in the Fall FabFitFun box.  It's originally from Modcloth and was included in my box full of seasonal goodies.  I found everything from a cute travel mug to an awesome eye shadow pallet in this season's delivery.  Interested in receiving a box for yourself?  You can get $10 off your first one if you use my code (plus I get a bit of credit, too)!

What are your thoughts on blanket scarves?  Love 'em or leave 'em?  And don't forget to link-up your October looks below!

What I'm Wearing:
Tunic: Wilt (exact)
Ponté Pants: Gap (similar)
Scarf: Modcloth via FabFitFun (similar)
Flats: Target (similar)

Styled by Someone Else

Happy Tuesday, loves!  I'm currently savoring my last week of freedom before heading back to school for teacher meetings on Monday.  Although our first football game is this week, so coaching season is already in full swing (I coach cheerleading, not football if you were confused for a second).

So I took a little break from being a style blogger today...but I still have pictures to show you!  How does that work, you ask?  I invited my mom, sister and niece into my closet to create some new outfits for the Styled by Someone Else series with The Blended Blog!

Let's start with the outfit that my mom created!

My mom was so thoughtful in helping me with this post!  She read up on current trends online and kept her eyes peeled for fun street style inspiration.  When she came over, she was envisioning cowgirl boots, a shorter skirt and a long cardigan.  My closet didn't yield the exact pieces she had in mind so she used her inspiration and some fun color combinations to create this outfit!  You guys, I love this outfit!  I can't wait for the weather to cool off so I can wear it!

My second outfit today was the creation of my 18-month-old niece, Eloise!  Didn't she nail it?!  You may be wondering how an almost-toddler put an outfit together so well.  First of all, she's a style prodigy.  Secondly, she did have some help.  While my mom was picking out her outfit, Eloise started carrying these shoes (that actually belong to my mom) around my apartment.  This was clearly a sign that she wanted me to wear them.  From there, my mom chose two outfits that went with the shoes.  We held them up for Eloise and I wore the one that she ran to first!  I liked this outfit so well that I kept it on for an evening of cocktails at the local art museum.

As for my sister's creation, you will have to wait to see it on Friday!  Without knowing it, Kayla put together an outfit that worked perfectly for my upcoming Blogging Besties prompt!  I decided it would be fun to extend the "styled by someone else" fun all week!

Eloise and Izzo get in on the styling action!

I am the luckiest to have these three in my life <3

Where I'm linking-up!

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Winter Parties + Link-Up

Does anyone else ever find themselves stumped about what to wear to a winter party like a baby shower or a birthday party?  During the summer it's just so easy, throw on a sundress and a pair of wedges and voilà, you're ready to go!  But during the winter you have to account for chilly weather and the potential for snow and slush.

In the last month I've attended a baby shower and a birthday party.  Leading up to the events, I struggled in creating an outfit but, in the end, was pretty happy with what I chose!

I wore this outfit to one of my best friend's baby shower (not to be confused with the other best friend's baby shower).  The ponté dress was put-together without being too dressy for a brunch shower, the wedge booties seemed a bit more dressed-up than my usual black flats, and the scarf added interest and kept me warm!

Speaking of the elements in this outfit, they are some of my favorites for this season!  So much so that it might be time to add a few more to my wardrobe.  I wear both of my pairs of suede booties so frequently that I've been thinking it would be fun to purchase another, nicer pair in a different color.  Here are so many cute bootie choices.  I am kind of loving the H by Hudson pairs that are currently on sale!  Which color do you like better, the grey or brown?

What I'm Wearing:

Scarf: Cotton On (similar, similar)

Dress: Old Navy (similar)

Tights: Nordstrom (exact)

Booties: DSW- Nine West (exact)

And now it's time for that weekly link-up!

Create28: Blanket Scarf

Ok, I have a little confession--i am doing a post on blanket scarves...yet I don't actually OWN a blanket scarf...like a "for reals, giant, scarf that can keep a family of five warm"-type blanket scarf.

Living in California, 99% of the time, I would overheat and DIE in a true blanket scarf (although it would come in handy when camping!), so I purchased what I call the "California Blanket Scarf." My version has a lot more scarf and a lot less "blanket!" Yet I feel I can get roughly the same look with overheating.

I picked mine up at Sears (Yeah, my boots on Wednesday from Sears, now this!??! So odd..I can't figure out why I keep finding stuff at Sears!!) but nearly the same version can be found at Target HERE--i have seen the pattern closer to mine in stores but not online.

There are two ways I like to wear this scarf ~

1) Tied with Stripes ~ Even though plaid technically has stripes, for some reason I love adding even MORE stripes with my plaid! This "tie" is super easy and I feel gives the right amount of "bulk" to get the cozy blanket scarf look without drowning my 5'4" frame.

Jeans (my FAVE to wear with boots!): exact
Striped Tee: Target (similar)
Vest: via Jane (similar, similar)
Boots: Frye (similar)
Scarf: Sears (see similar options below!)

My scarf is roughly the same size as the Target one. All I did was hold it out lengthwise, then bring together two of the corners and TIE! I leave the other ends loose to some added volume :) Then I just wrapped it twice around my neck. Easy!

2) Just Hanging ~ Sometimes I just like the look of the plaid, but I don't need the extra bulk/heat around my neck, so I will just drape it over my shoulders.

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Booties: similar, cute option


So the "California Scarf" is basically the look of the blanket scarf with less bulk. :)

Have you all made the trendy plunge and purchased a blanket scarf (REAL or California Style)?!!!? I'd love to see the ways you style them! Link up with us on Mondays or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks on Instagram! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow when Carrie shows us some pretty Fall blouses!

I will leave you with some great blanket scarves and "California Blanker Scarf" options! (click on any pic for more info!)

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

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Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

Create28: Cape

Every once in awhile you have to branch out and try something new!  And what better time to do it than during Create28: Fall Looks!?  Late this summer, I noticed that capes and ponchos were hitting fall style line-ups.  Given my love for oversized cardigans, it was just a small (fringy) leap for me to fall for a warm, cozy cape!  Knowing that this was a look I wanted to try, I bought this beautiful reversible one from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (my first #NSale purchase ever)!

But then I got it aaaannnnnddddd I didn't know what to do with it!  So what's a clueless cape owner to do?  Consult Pinterest of course!  You can check out my board devoted entirely to capes here or the pin that inspired this look here!

I don't know about those model-looking girls on Pinterest, but I don't think this is an indoor, all day kind of an outfit.  It was very, very warm!  So heading further into the fall, I think I'm going to wear the cape in lieu of a jacket.  And next time I can't wait to wear it with the beautiful grey side facing out!

Have you tried a cape or a poncho this season?  Show us on Instagram (#Create28FallLooks) and make sure to come back tomorrow to see how Casey styles a skirt for fall!

What I'm Wearing:

Chambray: Old Navy (exact)

Cape: Nordstrom (exact)

Scarf: Zara Knock-Off (similar)

Skinnies: American Eagle (exact)

Booties: Old Navy (similar)

Where I'm linking-up!

Hearts and Plaid

Ahh, the ever-coveted Zara blanket scarf (or the copy cat version, rather) makes its first appearance on my blog!  I purchased this scarf before the leaves started turning colors, let alone falling off the trees, because I was still upset that I had missed-out on the original version last year!  I'm so happy that this scarf is still the "it" thing to wear this season, even though I would have worn and loved it regardless!

From Pinterest to style blogs, there is certainly no shortage of inspiration as to how to wear this cozy scarf!  I've worn it a few times already with solid colored tops but I had so much more fun mixing the plaid with my new, heart-covered LOFT sweatshirt.  Although the prints are really different, I found that the cream colored hearts worked well with the background color of the scarf which tied the two prints together into a cohesive ensemble.

Do you own a version of this plaid blanket scarf?  What's your favorite way to wear it?

What I'm Wearing:

Sweatshirt: LOFT (exact)

Scarf: Cotton On (similar, similar)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Boots: Macy's (exact)

Linking-Up:

The Brandied Pair and Style Honestly- Fab Five Fridays

DC In Style- Monday Bloom

Fizz and Frosting- Mix It Mondays

Greater Than Rubies and Tucker Up-The Lovely Lookbook

I Do DeClaire- Confident Twosdays

My Closet Catalogue- TARDIS Tuesday

Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius- #HowIFall