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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Neutrals With a Punch of Red

Hello! Just wanted to take a few minutes to say Merry Christmas to all of you. With the holidays in full swing we've had a lot of things to go to from kids' music concerts to church Christmas pageants and everything in between. I've long said goodbye to my "ugly Christmas sweaters" in favor of more understated yet festive attire. I threw this outfit together for my older son's Jazz U concert last week:

Sweater, Banana Republic, Rag Doll Clothing Exchange
Pants, New York and Co.
Tank, What to Wear, Edwardsville IL
Necklace, Rag Doll Clothing Exchange
Boots, Payless Shoe Source
Add some Christmas ornament earrings and you've got an instant festive, holiday outfit.
 
Another frugal, fashion for the home I used this season was to decorate my outdoor plant pots with evergreen boughs from a friend's garden. Hard to beat FREE!





We also attended a Celtic Christmas celebration in St.Louis called "Christmas in the Kitchen" featuring the music of Mitzi MacDonald and Keltic Reign. You haven't lived 'til you've seen Santa in a kilt!

One last thing.....Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Barber-Hallquist Family caroling, 2013
 
Thanks for stopping by....hope your holidays are joyous!
Please comment below to let us know any family traditions that you celebrate...

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Being Flexible

Hope you all are enjoying a wonderful holiday season! One of my best casual-wear purchases was this reversible black and red zip (fake) down vest. I can wear it either on the red or black side. Then I can wear either a white/off white turtleneck under it, or a red/black/grey/white long sleeve. So many variations! I procured it and the off-white turtleneck at Goodwill. I've definitely gotten my money's worth.

Merona vest(Target), Goodwill
Off-white turtle neck, Goodwill
Cato jeans, Cato
Clogs, Clarks, Macy's

I like the idea of being flexible during this time of year. I've learned over the years that being flexible can really allow me to be so much more relaxed during the holidays. Writing a list of people for whom I'm purchasing gifts on a post-it note in my datebook with their sizes has helped me to stay organized. I tune my car radio to the station that plays Christmas music and sing along--this ALWAYS improves my mood! Also, to keep it simple, I remember my friend Abys(www.simplify101.com) saying "done is better than perfect".
 


earrings(miniature ornaments), Walmart

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite article of clothing that is versatile and can be worn with many different things or different ways? If so, I'd love to hear from you down in the comments. Comments are open to anyone now. I get my fashion inspiration from others.....so please, join in the discussion!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Val