3 Outfits for Holiday Inspiration

Another day, another outfit post! Today, I wanted to share 3 outfits I put together inspired by some of my new favorite Christmas songs. I hope you love them as much as I do! 

When it comes to dressing for the holidays, I firmly believe that comfort comes first. Nothing is better than a sweater and jeans combo--but that doesn't mean we shouldn't dress it up a bit. Let's get started. 

1. Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane - Winter Outfit 1 by wiredphosphenes featuring candy cane ornaments

This sweater from Topshop is what started it all (just click the name of the outfit to see all of the outfit details). It's absolutely so adorable and perfect for a casual holiday party. Pair with jeans or leggings, boots (heel optional), and a basic bag for a more simple look; you can add jewelry or a scarf as well. 

2. Winter Things

Winter Things - Winter Outfit 2 by wiredphosphenes featuring a ski hat

The song "Winter Things" is about enjoying Christmas even if you list somewhere that's warm around the holidays. So, if you're in a warmer climate, this outfit is for you! This dress is a gorgeous Winter white and the pattern is beautiful; I picked a few colors out of it to focus on. If you're the hat wearing kind, adding a beanie and cardigan always makes everything a little more wintery; pair with these gorgeous oxblood flats from Zara and keep your make up simple but bold (like with a metallic oxblood lip). 

3. Snowman

Snowman - Winter Outfit 3 by wiredphosphenes featuring off white sneakers

I know, I know, another sweater and jeans combo. But I want you to consider: all white. White fair isle sweater, paired with metallic white shoes and a cute, graphic white bag. Keep your make up simple: blush, pink-mauve lip (Wet'n'Wild Rebel Rose is my favorite), and a gray-toned smoky eye. Simple, chic, and perfect comfy for lounging around the Christmas tree. 

4 Outfits to Wear This Winter

Winter is one of my favorite seasons for fashion. It might be because I love sweaters; I also just love being warm. However, in the winter I struggle with staying warm, especially at work (and also at home, to be honest). I tend to always be wearing more than one layer at a time. 

For this post on winter outfits, I decided to share some of my favorite outfits I've saved from Polyvore; they've been inspiring my outfits for the last few weeks. With each outfit, I'll provide some modifications for every climate. Let's jump in! 

1. In the Office

use words to build people UP not drag people DOWN by exco featuring green home decor

I love a long sweater; I've been wearing this similar one from Maurice's pretty much nonstop since September. I love pairing it with dresses and tights; this high-neck floral one featured is perfect, but this is another good option. Pair with loafers if you're somewhere like Oregon, where it never gets too chilly, or boots and over-the-knee socks. 

2. On the Weekend

Street Style Chic - Winter Style by latoyacl featuring a pink long sleeve shirt

I love this outfit because it's so light and bright. Sometimes, in winter, it's easy to go for dark colors--but mixing it up with some wintery whites is a great way to change things up. This plaid sweater is adorable; if you want an alternative, this plaid top from Forever 21 is a great statement piece. Pair with your favorite jeans and some gray or tan booties, a rose gold bag, and muted make up for a pretty-and-pale winter look. 

3. At a Fancy Party

I am thankful for... by alaria featuring a lighted candle

Picking fancy party attire is one of my favorite tasks every holiday season. This outfit is incredible because of the sequin top; it's hard to replicate, but this top comes close. I decided to switch the color scheme up and recommend this metallic bodycon skirt. (Remember when everyone wore bodycon skirts every day!?) Finish with some tights to keep warm, your favorite coat, and some cute boots or pumps. 

4. At a Casual Party

Tame Winter with SOREL: Contest Entry by kamarkhalili featuring shoulder handbags

Not every party requires sequins, unfortunately. This is one of the outfits that probably everyone can throw together from their closet: a sweater dress topped with your tried-and-true denim jacket and a plaid scarf. Add your favorite boots or moccasins for a look that's comfy and cool. 

3 Outfits That Are Perfect for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I would even go so far as to say that I may prefer Thanksgiving to Christmas (because really, they're part of the same holiday, aren't they? Thanksgiving is Christmas practice) because there isn't the added pressure of gifts. 

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that everyone experiences slightly differently, but overwhelmingly, we all have the same experience. For as long as I can remember, my family dresses up on Thanksgiving. I can't exactly tell you why, but it's expected that we will all wear something nice--not just sweats and t-shirts, that's for sure.

I've always looked forward to picking out my Thanksgiving outfits (and now I probably put more effort into Forrest's); this year, I decided to put together a post of cute, low-effort Thanksgiving outfits that combine trends with tried-and-true comfy-cozy classics. These aren't fancy (so if your family usually goes all out, these aren't the answer), but they are put together. 

1. Classic Cozy

Thanksgiving 1 by wiredphosphenes featuring Hat Attack

If you're used to dressing up a little fancy on Thanksgiving, but want to dial it back for a little more comfort this year (to be fair, after the year that 2017 has been, we all deserve a little more comfort), this is a great option. This sweater dress from Hollister is super cute and would look great paired over tights or leggings (I am imagining it with maroon tights, ala my fashion posts circa 2012!); add some knee high boots or comfy flats, and some simple jewelry and make up. 

2. Trendy Cozy

Thanksgiving 2 by wiredphosphenes featuring long sleeve shirts

If you live in a warmer climate and want to play around with some hot trends, this is the outfit for you. Straight cut corduroy skirts are everywhere right now (I had this exact skirt in 2011, I think) and this one, in a pale, romantic pink, is very cute. Pair with a plain sweatshirt, moccasins, and a dark berry lip for a more Autumnal look. 

3. Relaxed Cozy

Thanksgiving 3 by wiredphosphenes featuring leather combat boots

Listen: you're here to eat turkey. You want to wear your comfiest jeans (these ones are delightfully high-waisted, so no stomach tucking); you want to wear a comfy, warm top (this turtleneck is chic-but-comfy; isn't it funny that turtlenecks are in?); and these boots layered over some warm, cozy socks will be perfect. For make up, a berry lip will help you feel a little fancy, even when you're digging into your 5th dinner roll. 

3 Outfits Perfect for the Pumpkin Patch

I love going to the pumpkin patch every year. There is a small window of time in Oregon where the leaves are changing and the patches are open--before the rain starts and turns all the pumpkin patches to absolute rivers of mud. Some people don't mind going when it's muddy--but I do! 

However, I made the unfortunate choice when we went the weekend before last of wearing a white sweater. With a toddler. Oops. even though it wasn't muddy, Forrest did end up an absolute mess! And so did I at the end. 

So I put together 3 perfect pumpkin patch outfits that are easy to clean, not white, and great for leisurely finding the perfect pumpkin OR chasing a pumpkin-obsessed toddler around. 

1. Casual Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch 1 by wiredphosphenes featuring orange home accessories

No other responsibilities? Wanting to keep it as comfy as possible? This is the outfit for you. Your favorite skinny jeans, some comfortable brown booties, and a cute graphic t-shirt under a pretty cardigan. (I also love this cardigan from Maurices for this outfit.)  

2. For Running More Errands

Pumpkin Patch 2 by wiredphosphenes featuring slim fit jeans

If you're going more places than just the pumpkin patch, this is a perfect outfit. Lunch? A winery? Shopping? Playdate? This is the perfect mix of comfortable and fashionable, without being fussy. Knee-high brown boots and a cute, slightly oversized sweater to keep you warm, topped with a scarf and some cute accessories (I love this apple bracelet!). 

3. Family Photos

Pumpkin Patch 3 by wiredphosphenes featuring a creamy lipstick

You're taking this opportunity at the pumpkin patch to get some cute photos. (Genius.) This dress from the GAP is so cute; I love the little bell sleeves and the relaxed fit is perfect for Fall. Add some tights, classic black riding boots, and a scarf to keep things optimally cozy! 

4 Outfits Perfect for Rainy Fall Days

I love rainy days. It’s not everyone’s favorite thing, but nothing makes me happier when it starts to rain after a long, dry summer. (This may be because of my hyperawareness of forest fires.) The air smells fresh; everything gets dewy; the sound is beautiful. I love rain Sundays spent with a candle burning, watching my favorite movies. I love rainy days in the office getting work done. I love rainy days! 

For blogtober, I thought a post about rainy day outfits would be perfect, especially as we get further into October and the rain really starts to set in. Here are 4 I put together recently that are perfect for every different occasion. 

1. A Rainy Day with Friends 

Rainy Day 1 by wiredphosphenes featuring a cross-body handbag

Do you ever see something (like, say, this dress) that makes you just want to stop everything and buy it? Immediately? This dress is one of those things for me. It’s absolutely so cute—if you have access to New Look and can get this dress, please do so and tell me it if it is absolutely as perfect as I imagine. I love the color. I love the interesting cut. And I love how cute it will look with some plain tights and some knee-high rain boots. I completely imagine this outfit for a day spent out with friends—when it’s rainy, but not too cold yet. Pair with this cute cross body bag with rose gold jewelry, a simple shimmery eye look, and a neutral lip color. 

2. When You Just Stay Inside

Rainy Day 2 by wiredphosphenes featuring a white mug

How realistic is this for a rainy day outfit!? One of the things I miss about my pre-parenthood life is, honestly, rainy days spent at home by myself. Drinking too much coffee, wearing sweatpants, cleaning the house, and watching terrible movies on TV. This outfit was made with that nostalgia in mind. I love these sweatpants from Madewell—I may be asking for a pair for my birthday. Paired with a cute-and-funny sweatshirt, some cozy socks, and your favorite coffee mug… yeah, the perfect rainy Sunday, can we agree? 

3. Casual Workplace

Rainy Day 3 by wiredphosphenes featuring a mac cosmetics lipstick

This isn’t necessarily realistic for everyone in terms of work appropriate attire—but at my workplace, this would be downright fancy. (And I have some substitutions for if you work in a stricter office, don’t worry!) I love the trend of simple, warm sweatshirts; it’s never warm enough in my office. Paired with high waisted jeans rolled up over some cute boots (like these maroon velvet ones), it’s perfect for a simple day look. Add in this amazing coat from Romwe, a messenger bag, and some simple, pink make up and you’re ready for all that rain outside. 

Want to make it a little more office appropriate? Swap the jeans and sweatshirt for a simple white sweater and black skinny trousers. See? It works just as well! 

4. Date Night

Rainy Day 4 by wiredphosphenes featuring a butter london nail lacquer

Is this the most 90s outfit I’ve ever put together? Yes. Yes, it is. Actually, the trend of square-shaped corduroy skirts is giving me major flashbacks to the mid-2000s. I think I wore a gray, corduroy skirt that was three sizes too big to my first date with my now-husband. Yikes. 

I love this dusty pink skirt though; it brings those squarish skirts into the 2010s, at least. Add some tights, a cute t-shirt, and your favorite pinky boots to make sure your date knows you’re absolutely the toughest girly-girl on the block. 

4 Easy Autumn Outfits Perfect for October

To really kick off blogtober, what better than to post some gorgeous Autumn outfits? 

The thing I look most forward to every year when it comes to Fall is finally being able to wear my flannel shirts, sweaters, and huge collection of boot socks every single day. It really doesn’t get better than that to me! I decided to round up some of my favorite Autumn outfits from around Polyvore to show off some of this year’s best trends. (And pssst, I made all of these ones!) 

1. Cozy Grandma

Grandma Autumn by wiredphosphenes featuring a white cami

The hippest grandma you’ve ever seen! I’m a sucker for a cozy cardigan and you can find ones like this for great prices at Maurices right now. Add in a flouncy floral skirt, an easy tank top or t-shirt, and your favorite oxford heels (I know these are a little 2012, but I still think they’re cute!). As it gets colder, you can add black tights, a heavier undershirt, and your favorite coat to keep the cuteness going. 

2. Colorblock & Jeans 

A Winter Day by wiredphosphenes featuring Kevyn Aucoin

This may be called A Winter Day, but it works for a breezy Fall day too. I love a color blocked sweatshirt; you can find similar ones here and here. Add in your favorite skinny jeans rolled up over some cute boots for a very punk 80s feel and you’ve got yourself a cute outfit for milling around the house, going out to lunch, or going to the pumpkin patch. 

3. Jumper Madness 

School Break by wiredphosphenes featuring Michael Kors

Listen: I love these overall skirts. I love them. I own two. That’s right: two. This one is originally from Topshop, but you can find a similar, all black one here. Add a cozy long sleeve (or a turtleneck!), some cute flats, and your favorite bag and you’ll rock that 1970s Autumnal university student vibe. 

4. Sweater Dress

Out and About in Autumn (3) by wiredphosphenes featuring Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

I’m obsessed with this sweater dress, but unfortunately, it’s sold out. I found some other, equally cute dress options here, here, and here, but none that really fall into that “chunky knit, baggy sweater dress in a perfect mustard yellow” niche. (But trust me when I say, watch this space, because I will find a better sweater dress option!) Pair with some cozy over-the-knee socks and your favorite pair of booties, and this is such a cute date outfit, it actually makes me want to plan an Autumn date ASAP. 

Do you have a favorite Autumn outfit? Share with me in the comments! 

5 Casual Summer Outfits That Are Perfect for Vacation

It's June! That means summer has arrived and we're all anxiously looking forward to vacation (hopefully...) I know for me, my upcoming vacation felt like a Very Big Deal. I haven't talked about it much, but I've been working on losing weight the last few months; I've managed to shed over 15 pounds, as far as I can estimate, which is a big deal. I'm below my pre-pregnancy weight and I finally feel like clothes look like clothes on me again. 

For that reason, I ~splurged~ and actually bought three new shirts for my vacation. That's right, three shirts and a new pair of $10 Forever 21 jeans is a splurge these days. Oi vei. 

Here are 5 outfits that will be perfect for any summer holiday, regardless of where you're going. 

1. The Disney Outfit

Lifetime Pass to Disneyland by nonniekiss featuring black flats

The secret is out: I'm going to Disneyland for my vacation. What can I say? It's my favorite place. This is a perfect outfit for Disneyland: comfy top, comfy jeans, small purse. I don't recommend flip flops; your feet will kill at the end of the day, but some cushioned Vans or sneakers would look cute too. Cool, casual, totally easy. 

2. The Tropical Outfit

Summer Outfit by eternalsonata featuring a sleeveless dress

If you're the lucky soul who gets to go somewhere sandy and sunny for vacation, well then, this is the outfit for you. A pretty patterned dress will keep you cool and will look great over your bikini. Interesting sandals, sunglasses, and a simply lipstick will mean good Instagram photos. 

3. The Road Trip Outfit

~Oh I miss those days as the years go by~ by maloops featuring flower jewelry

You're going to be in the car, on the move, for a long period of time. Comfy jeans, a pretty hat, and a loose top are perfect. A patterned top is perfect for the car because, if you're like me, you'll spill something on yourself inevitably (or, um, your toddler will launch a juice into the front seat). Comfy flats and simple accessories mean you'll look cute along the way too. 

4. The Explorer Outfit

Dusty Books by kearalachelle featuring a leather satchel

So you're going to your dream city: Austin, Texas, or New York City, or Los Angeles. This outfit is for you. Comfy, cool, and very hip, you'll fit in. A cute patterned dress, a comfy cardigan (because I always like to have my arms covered), a roomy bag, and some quirky shoes. 

5. The Stay-Cation Outfit

Grunge by avonsblessing94 featuring high heel platform shoes

You're harumphing through this post because, harumph, you don't get to go on vacation! Don't worry; this is my first summer vacation in, seriously, six or seven years. If you're staying at home, or maybe just traveling to visit family, you can still get a special outfit. This outfit is perfect for staying at home, going out on the town, or visiting family: a simple, tank top dress topped with your favorite cozy flannel and paired with some killer boots (if you're feeling a little gothy) or some plain black flats or sandals (if you're not feeling so gothy). 

5 Young Professional Outfits to Wear This Week

It feels like half a century ago that I wrote my post on how to dress professionally as a new graduate. Looking at my photos makes me realize how much fashion has changed since I wrote that post (4 years ago!?). It's time for a refresh, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite Polyvore sets for workwear.

These outfits are definitely more appropriate for a "casual" office; if you work as a lawyer, paralegal, etc., you probably won't be able to wear these exact outfits. But they're great for a little inspiration! 

1. Black & White

OOTD by felytery featuring white flats

I love a good stripe-focused outfit. This one has all the makings of professional wear--a nice pair of black pants, a striped top, and a jacket--with a nice, young twist. If you work in a more "strict" dress coded office, you can wear your standard trousers or pencil skirt, and a snazzy white blazer over a striped blouse. Pair with black pumps for the same chic, French feel.   

2. Pastel Florals

Casual by mahafromkailash featuring bootie boots

You know how I said this outfits were more for casual offices? Yeah. This is one I could probably wear to my office--which has approximately 0 dress code rules except "please wear clothes"--but others might have a difficult time. There are ways to take this outfit though and use it for inspiration. Mainly: that floral bomber jacket. I really want one, although I feel like maaaaybe it's a little bit too young for a 28-year-old mother. That being said, a floral bomber jacket paired with a sheath dress and some boots would be perfect for any office. Or even over jeans and a nice blouse on casual Friday. 

3. Light & Bright

Casual by regettacanoe featuring a liquid eye-liner

Winter is dragging, isn't it? It snowed yesterday here in Oregon. Snowed! That's why I included this outfit, although please ignore those absolutely heinous shoes. A clean, crisp yellow knitted sweater with a chic white pant (or white jeans, if you err on the side of caution when it comes to white) and some nude heels is as summery as it gets--even in the office. Again, if you work in a stricter office, top with a blazer (a black or gray blazer would be amazing, or even navy if you want to work a more retro vibe). 

4. Layers to Love

Work wear Layering ! by arohii featuring a shirt top

This is a Very Winter outfit, because, again, winter is really dragging itself out the door at this point. I love brightly colored pants and these maroon ones are so, so cute. Paired with a cozy, knit sweater, over a collared shirt, and paired with heels, it's cute and creative, while still being warm. 

5. Look Forward to Summer

Summer Work Wear - Shirt Dress by beebeely-look featuring parker pens

If nothing else, we have summer to look forward too, right? I find summer a very difficult season to dress professionally in. It's hot! It's sweaty! The air conditioner always breaks in every single office everywhere. I love this simple dress--topped with a denim jacket or a light sweater in the summer, it's perfect for the office, especially when paired with some strappy brown sandals.