Cozy at Home

An evening blog post!  What's going on around here?!  A crazy, busy life is what's going on!

This is my absolute, favorite time of the year but it is oh so hard to slow down enough to enjoy it, am I right?  So tonight I'm going to kick back and relax with a glass of something bubbly, my cuddly cat and your company!  Because this blog is something that brings happiness to my life and should be enjoyed, even amidst the craziest of schedules.

And tonight's topic should make a relaxing night in just a bit more cozy!  Why, do you ask?  Because the focus of The Blended Blog's Wednesday link-ups this month is Cozy for the Holidays!

For this first Wednesday of the month, I decided to feature a cozy outfit that I would wear while relaxing around the house.  I actually wore this for a small Thanksgiving meal spent with my parents but it would also be perfect for a day of holiday baking or enjoying your favorite Christmas movies.

I know that I've mentioned LuLaRoe bunches of times around here and tonight I'm adding one more shout-out.  This brand has become my go-to for comfy, cozy outfits!  You can find more information about LuLaRoe here!

For this post, I'm wearing a pair of LuLaRoe's super-soft leggings and one of their Irma tunics.  In terms of sizing, I typically wear size 8 pants and the One Size leggings are a perfect fit.  Definitely size-down in the drapey Irma, though.  I normally wear a medium but can take a small (or even an extra small) in this top!

A chunky cardigan and fuzzy Ugg boots made for the perfect cozy outfit to enjoy family time and a quick visit to Michigan's main Christmas tree!  Did you know that my parents live just blocks from the capital?

What I'm Wearing:
Leggings: LuLaRoe
Irma Tunic: LuLaRoe
Cardigan: LOFT Outlet (similar, similar)
Uggs: Gift (exact)

And while you're here, don't forget to link-up your favorite December Cozy look below!

Comfy and Cozy on this Confident Twosday

I'm really excited to be co-hosting the Confident Twosday link-up with the lovely Laura of I do deClaire.  Laura is so genuine and always looks perfectly put-together.  Plus, when I read the title of her blog to myself, I usually do so in a southern accent...which is fun.  Am I the only one who does this?  In any case, if you haven't read her blog, you should definitely head on over there!

Now that the fall weather seems to have really arrived, I am just so happy to be dressing in my comfiest, coziest layers!  I purchased this striped hoodie this summer with this exact outfit in mind and have been dreaming of the crisp fall air ever since!  Granted, I'm in the middle of my October 15x31 remix so I have to wait a little while longer to wear this outfit...but you know what I will be wearing on November 1st!

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Eddie Bauer (similar, similar)
Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
Boots: Gift (exact)

I do deClaire (Bloglovin) | Whitney a la Mode (Bloglovin)

An InLinkz Link-up

Christmas Ornament

On Monday I discussed how to wear red and green without looking like a Christmas ornament.  Well, today I decided to go all "deck the hall-ed out" on you!  I wore this outfit to decorate my Christmas tree...and if you can't dress in your red and green finest while decorating from the comfort of your own home, when can you?

After wearing this outfit for a comfy day at home, I've decided that I would actually wear it out and about.  They key to wearing a kitschy item like this Christmas scarf is confidence!  Look festive and your holiday cheer will be contagious!

When I do wear this in public, I will trade out the (ahhmazing) fleece-lined leggings for some jeans or ponté pants.  But I'm telling you, I might never leave if I can just relax in these leggings all day!

For your very own holiday scarf, just do an Etsy search for "Christmas scarf."  There are SO many cute options.  I've listed a few of my favorites below.

What I'm Wearing:

• Shirt: Dressbarn (similar)
• Cardigan: Old Navy (exact)
• Scarf: Etsy- OohBabyInfinity (similar, similar, similar, similar)
• Leggings: Target (exact)
• Boots: Uggs (exact)

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Scarf Edition

It's time for another edition of my Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix!  For those of you new to the remix, I have been linking-up with Caitlin at Greater Than Rubies to showcase how I'm using 20 items of clothing already in my closet to create 30 fall-friendly looks!  Caitlin and some other fashionable ladies have already completed the challenge.  I'm a little behind (sometimes time just flies, ya know?!) but I'm especially enjoying the remix now that the weather is seasonally appropriate.

One of the absolute easiest ways to change-up the look of your wardrobe basics is to add a scarf!  Not to mention scarves are particularly appealing when the temperatures drop.  As simple as it is to throw one on, sometimes the world of scarves can seem a bit overwhelming.  There are just so many cute ones out there!  How do you know which to choose and with what to wear it?  When purchasing a new scarf, I try to keep several factors in mind in order to build a varied collection.  I think about:

• Texture: I try to incorporate thick, chunky scarves as well as light, airy scarves that work in different temperatures and with different outfits.
• Color: In my opinion, buying scarves that are always in the same color scheme will limit your options.  Branch out!  Having lots of different color options will open-up your closet to more possibilities.  (Scarves are also a less expensive way to experiment with colors you might not typically wear.)
• Pattern: Patterned scarves add interesting detail to an outfit but sometimes a plain colored scarf adds that pop that your ensemble needs.
• Detail: Scarves with lace, fringe and other details also add variety to your look.

In keeping these four ideas in mind, I think I have a varied collection of scarves that allow me to dress-up the basics without too much thought.  Did I miss anything?  What do you look for when buying scarves?

Even though this post is about scarf variety, for some reason this is the only scarf I've wanted to wear lately.  It is warm and cozy while still having a cute little neutral print at the bottom.  I bought it while on vacation in Northern Michigan so it also holds sentimental value.  Stay tuned for more outfits featuring this scarf!

I receive this scarf as a birthday present and I have gotten SO much wear out of it!  Never underestimate the power of a pretty floral scarf!  I love this one because the flowers make it fun for spring and summer but the colors also lend themselves well to fall!

As a Michigan State Spartan, I have a slight problem with this color combination (our biggest rival's colors are maize and blue).  I get over it by telling myself that this outfit is, in fact, mustard and navy.  Right?

Again with the neutrals!  All-neutral ensembles are hot this fall and I'm having some fun with this neutral pattern mixing!

Check-out my previously remixed fall ensembles!

• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Skirt Edition
• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Go Green Edition
• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Dress Edition

What I'm Wearing:

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
• Grey/Navy Scarf: Vacation Souvenir (similar, similar)
• Ugg Boots: Gift (exact)

• Pink Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Zara (exact) <-- I think these are the same...I bought mine forever ago.
• Floral Scarf: Gift/Target (similar, similar)
• Green Flats: Old Navy (exact)

• Mustard Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Zara (see above)
• Navy Scarf: Gap (similar, similar)
• Booties: Target (exact)

• Black and White Top: Banana Republic (similar, similar
• Jeans: Zara (see above)
• Scarf: Gift (similar, similar)
• Polka Dot Flats: Old Navy (exact)

I'm also linking-up with Lauren at Style Elixir for Style Sessions!

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Go Green Edition

Now, there is something really important you should know about me.  I am a HUGE Michigan State University fan.  As a second-generation Spartan and a two time graduate from MSU, I practically bleed green.

When Caitlin from Greater than Rubies proposed the Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix Challenge, I knew that I had to include a Michigan State sweatshirt.  I mean, fall is football season, right?

Typically I pair MSU gear with a pair of jeans and that's it!  I'm so happy that this challenge has encouraged me to think outside the box because I absolutely adore some of the spirited ensembles I have put together.

This is a perfect tailgating outfit!  The leggings are comfy.  The boots are warm.  The layers add extra protection from the midwestern fall chill!  I will hopefully get to make the trek home for one MSU football game this fall and I'm already planning to wear this outfit.

This ensemble is a little more jazzy with the high-heeled booties and vest.  I think this would be cute to wear to a sports bar to catch the latest game (which is the way I have to watch most of my Spartan football these days).

What better bottom to pair with an MSU sweatshirt but a GREEN skirt?  Who knew that a sweatshirt tucked into a skirt would look so cute?  This wouldn't work for all sweatshirts but this slimmer style tucks right in.  This look would also look cute with a team t-shirt.

This hot pink blazer and bright purple flats add pizazz to my spirit-wear.  On Fridays, I'm allowed to wear college gear and jeans to work.  These extra pieces are a perfect way to brighten-up an outfit and the end of my work week!

Who is your favorite team and how do you spice-up your fan gear?

Oh, and GO GREEN!

What I'm Wearing:

• Sweatshirt: SBS (similar, similar)

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
• Ugg Boots: Gift (exact)

• Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Old Navy (exact)
• Booties: Target (exact)

• Skirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Flats: DSW (similar, similar)

• Blazer: JCPenney (exact)
• Jeans: See above
• Purple Flats: Aldo (similar, similar)