Transitioning into Spring with a Sweater Dress

For many people spring is literally around the corner, but the white fluffy stuff hangs on a bit longer here in Saskatchewan, but the temperatures do tend to let up and nicer weather outweighs the cold snaps for the most part.  But like the the rest of the world, I yearn for spring like pieces and a wardrobe change, while also remembering that "baby it's STILL cold outside".  That's why I love a good sweater dress, especially in a lighter color such as beige, white or gray.  It's warm and cozy, but the lighter color says brighter days are  ahead!

                           
                           

In order to add a little contrast  to a fairly plain dress, I added the cutest headband, sparkly stud earrings, and layering necklaces.  My OTK boots are getting pretty worn out but I've decided that I am not going to replace them this year, but rather wait for next fall to see what the trends are.  I am finding it's slim pickings in the stores and even online for boot options this year, so I'll just hold on to my $$ and maybe invest in a few other spring transition pieces like white booties that I've had my eye on.

As warmer temperatures increase and the sun shines brightly, we can trade in our parka coats for a lighter coat, as I did above, or if it's really nice you can shed the top layer and just wear the cozy knit on it's own.  If you are lucky enough to live in a climate where the snow is melting away and the temperatures are well above zero, not here for a couple more months, I absolutely love the idea of pairing the sweater dress either with some booties and bare legs, or with little sneaks!  Both of these are darling and I hope to wear them out in the near future, but until then I am keeping my leggings on for an extra layer of warmth.  

Insiration #1 from Julia's blog.

Inspiration #2 from Pinterest.

What are your favorite pieces to style and transition from winter to spring?

Shop This Look:

Sweater Dress:  Marshalls; similar Vero Moda ;  similar

 Aritzia Wool Coat (old); Aritzia (similar)

Jewelry:  Hillberg & Berk

Headband (FabFitFun):  Simons (similar)

Falling for Leopard Print

Happy Thanksgiving friends and neighbors.  Here in Canada we celebrate out Thanksgiving in October so it's long gone, but I want to wish all of you that  are celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday the very best.  

It's been a few weeks since I've posted an outfit inspired post but I've been busy being inspired by other prompts and I can't say no to something that inspires me and gets other creative juices flowing.  If you've missed my last few posts and are interested in reading something a little different you can find a delicious Country Stew Crockpot recipe here and some of my families rituals and traditions regarding the holiday season here.  Now, this outfit I've been saving for a while.  The leopard oversize knit I purchased from Amazon.com with a gift card that I won in a giveaway by the lovely Kallie over at the Flexman Flat, make sure you check her blog out.  It's MASSIVE you guys.  I am actually not sure that I love it.  I ordered a small and it could fit two of me.  Untucked it goes to my knees and looks like an over-sized bag.  The issue is that I live in Canada so I can't return it.  I do like it tucked it but it untucks easily.  Sigh.  I am also hoping to try it with a thick belt to see if I like it kind of like a sweater dress, I am still searching for a belt but haven't gone to the mall in ages.    I do love the print and the coziness it provides.  Anyway, what are your thoughts?

On another note, are OTK boots still in?  I am not sure but I know that I am not ready to say goodbye to these ones.  They are so comfy that I can wear them to work all day, chasing kids, and my feet feel perfectly fine at the end of the day.  In my books that's a keeper. And, faux leather leggings/pants.  LOVE!  I've had these now for three winters and scored them for $40. I've linked similar versions of both items below as both of these have been in my closet for a few seasons now.  

 

My bestie wanted to join me for the photos and he is so sweet that I couldn't say no.  My Tanner boy is 10+ years old and has a heart of gold.  He is an old soul and enjoys cuddling with us, and going for slow walks.  

Enjoy your weekend!  

Shop This Post:

Leopard Sweater

OTKB 

Faux Leather Leggings 

Layering and Creating a New Outfit

 

 

I am back from vacation and it was THE BEST!!!  We left and the weather was so crummy that it was hard to find any positives and there was no break in sight  The trip came at a perfect time and I cant wait to share it all with you.  Until then, I wanted to show off this cute layered outfit that has been on repeat all winter long.  The pictures aren't the greatest, sorry, as I find it's difficult to take  them indoors because,

      A) it's our home and there is kids stuff everywhere

      B) it's so dark by the time we arrive at home that it's difficult to get good lighting

What do you do about shooting pictures inside? 

 

Anyway, I love reusing favorite pieces from my closet to create new outfits, all of these pieces are at least a year or two old 🙂 .  I am really trying not to buy new stuff this month or next because honestly, I am just really noticing how many pieces I have in my closet that haven't been touched so far this year.  I am really going to have to Maria Kondo my fall/winter wardrobe before I store it away for next year.  Moving on,  this sweater vest is a perfect piece to layer over a simple long sleeved shirt and a pair of leggings (because it covers the butt) or leather pants as I've done here.  It doubles up as a tunic but totally different.  I love how the ruffle of my basic stripped top really stands out with the vest over top and adds fun and dimension to a very simple outfit.  Also, the OTKB give me a longer, sleeker look, which also make me feel slimmer because it elongates me :)   The outfit is totally simple and can work for both an office and drinks after dinner without doing any touchups.  Note my H & B necklace is always on repeat because it goes with everything so even though it  was a pricey investment it's one that I pair with my outfits at least once a week, making it well used and so loved. 

 

Today is my last day of holidays and I am looking forward to celebrating with friends and family my husbands 37th birthday that happened while we were in Mexico.  What are your weekend plans?

Cozy Knits for Winter

What could be better suited for winter than  a poncho?!?  They truly are the perfect layering piece and when I came across this one at a local boutique on sale prior to Christmas I had to snatch it up.  I told myself that I could always give it as a gift, but deep down inside I always knew it was mine for keeps.  J  I linked a similar one here and here.  I love this look on any day but especially when it’s so frigid cold outside that it seeps into your bones and follows you indoors (this can happen often in this part of the world).  I styled it with some sleek, slimming pieces such as the OTKB and my favorite skinny black pants.  When you an over sized statement piece like this poncho, I feel everything else can be a little tighter and closer to your body as you don’t need/want to add any  any more bulkiness. 

As promised I am wearing only items from my closet all of January  I am posting my outfits on IG 3-5x/week using the hashtags #shoppedmycloset #wearingmycloset2018.  Follow along or join in the fun and save some $$.  

It's off to work on Monday for me,  Bye bye holidays :(  The good news is that we are getting some warmer temperatures so we can make the most of our last few family days together by enjoying the snow and the outdoors.  What are your weekend plans?

Throwback Thursday to Fall 2016 (Fashion Friday on Thursday)

Hello all!  I didn't get photos done for this week and so I dug through  my archives to see what outfits were my favorites last fall.  I am currently heading to Edmonton, a five hour drive, to run in a half marathon with a chest and sinus infection, I swear I am cursed.  ARGH.   On a more positive note, I hope to get a few hours of shopping in with the family, god help me, for my first day of school outfit and we are visiting with our sweet friend Karli and Shaun. 

For now I leave you with these three favorites from fall 2016.

#1 Lacy Top and Jeans

I adore this cropped top and I don't know why it doesn't get more attention from me.   It's actually packed in my suitcase so it will be making a reappearance this weekend! 

 

#2  First Day of School

Yipee!  These pants saw no action over the summer because I was at the lake, but I still totally adore them.  They are high-waisted, cropped and totally different from anything else I own, which makes them a winner.  Don't you just love the rich, copper color?

 

 

 

3.  Pleather Pants, Fur & OTKB

This whole outfit was on my wish list last fall and I am so happy to have them all return for another season.  None of these pieces are leaving my closet this fall, in/out of fashion, I love them all still.

 

One more thing, I think I want my dark locks back.  :) 

What are you excited to wear again this fall? 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

xoxo Bo