Winter Greys

Crossing items off my to-do list is incredibly empowering and motivating.

This week, I met my brand new little niece, celebrated Sean's birthday, had a snow day, and completed the painful tear-filled task of filing my tax return. I don't even get a refund and I don't know why, but at least H&R block was offering totally free filing this year.

Every Friday my mind is abuzz with all things I want to do over the weekend, the blog posts I want to write, the to-do lists I want to check off, my nails, I so badly want to paint, and then before I know it, Sunday evening is staring me in the face and nothing is done.

Maybe this weekend will be different, maybe it wont, but I know more than anything right now, I am craving some changes in my life. A manicure might not make a whole lot of difference in the grand scheme of things, but it could be a start.

       

The Rundown
Cowl Neck Sweater J.Crew c/o Swap.com similar
Grey Skinny Jeans Gap similar
Grey Wool Peacoat J.Crew Factory
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on eBay similar
Tilly Tote Matine
Leather Gloves J.Crew Factory similar
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today)

Snowy Shores

I feel safe in the rhythm and flow of ever-changing life.

The conflict of the snowy day - do I want to just hunker down on the couch all day, or do I want to  bundle up, venture out, and try to capture some of the magic that is a snowstorm?

The snow was really coming down, and with the cold and the wind, I'm surprised we got any decent photos at all. I even did something I've never done before - left the car running while we took photos! I'm always super conservative when it comes to leaving the car running, I won't even go through drive-throughs!

What is it about the beach all covered in snow that I find so intriguing? perhaps because it's the opposite of everything that comes to mind when I think about the beach, or perhaps the absence of people, either way it's one of my favorite places to go when it's snowing.

        

The Rundown
Black Sweater Banana Republic
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway

White Parka American Eagle similar

Snow Boots Pajar similar, on ebay
Fur Pom Knit Hat Amazon similar

Reversible Plaid Scarf Gift similar
Leather Gloves J.Crew Factory similar

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Winter prep

Ignoring the fact that it has been slightly seasonally warm lately, winter is still coming, and before I fall into my rut of sweaters and denim, I'd like to explore a few basics that can make even jeans and knits feel new and fun.

The back of this Clu Striped Sweater Dress is silk ruffles, so that is super fun. The rest is wool, and with those long sleeves all that's needed is a pair of tights to keep cozy. see more sweater dresses

Any excuse to make this Kate Spade Fox Clutch appropriate to carry around every day would work. It's just too cute. see more bags by Kate Spade

A pair of Hunter Shiny Red Rain Boots have been on my list for a while. They might be too much, so I haven't gotten them, but then again, they might be just enough when trudging through the white snow. see more Hunter boots

Silk might not be my first choice for a lining as it is in these Carolina Amato Blue Leather Gloves but the color is just too gorgeous. see more gloves

I know I would have too much fun walking around with this Kate Spade Umbrella, wouldn't you? see more umbrellas

Some prints were just made for the winter, and this Capulet Plaid Blazer demonstrates that perfectly. see more blazers

This post has been sponsored by Shopbop. Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap.

All about the layering

My approach to layering is that less is more. I would love to pile it on and still look like a J.Crew model, but that is never going to happen. I try not to bring in too much bulk and stick to a limited color pallet.

I hate it when my sweaters bunch in the middle over a button down, so by choosing a thinner knit I can fold it under, thus giving the sweater a more cropped appearance that allows the button down to show and the bunchiness to be eliminated.

What are your layering tips?

The Rundown
Jeweled Sweater Kohls similar
Chambray Shirt Tommy Hilfiger via TJMaxx similar
Herringbone Vest "Whatever You Like Vest" c/o Mint Julep Boutique
Jeans Joe's Jeans via Saks off Fifth
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on ebay similar
Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Serendipity and Grace
Black Leather Gloves J.Crew similar
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Marching through winter

Even though these photos were taken in February, I thought it befitting to post them today, as the first of March greeted us with yet another snow storm.

My weekend in Boston was fun, though only a further confirmation of the fact that I am not a creature built to withstand the cold, even indoors I did not wish to be far from my coat.

My new Cole Haan booties, the ones which took me four months to find, were put to the test this weekend, and I'm pleased to say that after a day (approximately 18 hours of wear and walking) my feet were not in any severe pain or discomfort. This is kind of amazing for me.

I purchased them for $95, which is about half off their list price of $198, though last I looked they were down to $83, which is frustrating, but what can I do? (From what I understand the price adjustment window with Amazon is seven days after shipping.) I'll I can say is that I'm happy I had them to wear over the weekend, and for the comfort and what I assume to be high quality of the boots, I'm confident I will get my cost per wear way down.

March is a new month, and a new chance to stick to my budget, right?

The Rundown
Houndstooth Coat Kohl's similar
Jeans Joe's Jeans via Saks off Fifth
Booties "Calixta" Cole Haan
Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Serendipity and Grace
Pom Pom Beanie Amazon
Plaid Scarf Borrowed from my Mom similar
Black Leather Gloves J.Crew similar

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle

Spots and dots

It's strange to say, but I don't think it was until I actually looked at these photos that I realized I was having an insanely good hair day.

Have you entered to win a $50 Gift Card to Target yet?

The Rundown
Polka Dot Chambray Shirt c/o JACHS
Jeans Max Studio via TJMaxx similar
Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on ebay similar
Huntley Tote c/o Joie similar
Black Leather Gloves J.Crew
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Tassel Necklace Thrifted similar

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work
and
Penniless Socialite's Look What I Got

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this necklace)

Photos while it's blizzarding

Blizzarding is a word. Okay? I feel like these photos don't accurately capture the onslaught of snow I was dealing with, which is disappointing. When a person drives to the beach to take photos with a timer during a snow storm, that should be quite evident.

At least I had a coat with a nice hood to keep me warm; a coat I thought was gone, until I found it in a garbage bag while sorting through some of my sister's things.

I got this coat in 2009... I even did a blog post on it, though this was before I was taking outfit photos. When my sister went away to school three years ago she took it with her and I hadn't seen it since.

Once rediscovered, I revived the wrinkled mess of a coat with my new clothing steamer, brushed out the fur trim, removed the pills with a sweater comb, and finally went over it with a lint roller. Good as new.

Have you entered to win a $50 Gift Card to Target yet?

The Rundown
Blue Oxford Check Shirt c/o JACHS
Distressed Jeans Old Navy similar
Duck Boots BA Sport similar
Grey Duffel Coat American Eagle similar
Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via ebay similar$
Anchor Belt ASOS similar
Black Leather Gloves J.Crew
Knot Necklace Thrifted similar