4 Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Under $60

I love ugly Christmas sweaters. This isn't a controversial or even new opinion. Ugly Christmas sweater parties have become incredibly popular and it feels like the internet is always trying to outdo each other with their sweater. Personally, I like to keep my clothes wearable, so the light-up, bow-adorned, bauble-covered options aren't for me. If you want to get in the spirit, but don't want to go all out, I found 4 options for you: under $60, wearable, and cute/ugly enough to be part of the crowd at a Christmas party. 

Ugly Christmas Sweaters by wiredphosphenes featuring white shirts

1. Dinosaur Sweater, $18.95

So, this is actually a children's t-shirt, but if you're looking for something last minute to wear, it's a good choice: you can get it in the largest size and layer it under a cardigan, plus since it's on Amazon, you can get insanely fast shipping. Also, I think a dinosaur wearing a Santa hat is just the cutest thing on the planet. 

2. Unicorn Sweater, $26

When I originally picked this sweater, the women's version wasn't sold out--luckily, the men's version isn't and it's actually way uglier and cooler. The unicorn is breathing green fire. Sign me up! For only $26, it's a shoe-in for ugliest sweater award. Add some festive bows to really kick it up a notch.  

3. Corgi Sweater, $24.99

I picked some t-shirts for this post because, truthfully, many of us aren't in climates that get cold cold. This corgi ugly sweater t-shirt is the perfect combination of internet funny, ugly, and cute. You've got sweater pattern. You've got breathable cotton. You've got cute corgis. And it's $24.99? 

4. Ugly Cat Sweater, $34

For the cat lover, this sweatshirt is actually so cute it hurts me a little bit. It comes in white or pink, so you have two amazing choices. You won't be winning the ugly sweater award, but you will be getting compliments from all the cat aficionados in your life. 

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. 

Review: Foot Petals Andi Classic Trainer VoxBox*

Disclaimer: As always, an asterisk in the title of this post (*) denotes that I received this product complimentary, in exchange for a review. However, all opinions remain my own. For more information, please see my disclosure policy here. 

A few weeks ago, I received a questionnaire from Influenster. I receive them pretty frequently and, while I do receive a fair number of voxboxes, I didn't expect to receive this one. I remember filling it out, but I wasn't sold on it; after all, I am purposefully sparse with my shoes (I have four pairs only) and didn't feel like I needed more. 

However, when I want to my mail box in the first week of November and saw these shoes waiting for me... I got a little excited. When I had filled out the survey, I fully expected to receive something other than shoes: inserts, maybe, or a foot spray, or something small. But a full pair of shoes? A full pair of shoes? That's pretty cool. 

I've been blogging for nearly 10 years, but the novelty of receiving a pair of shoes to review is still there! 

I was so excited to try these on. I am a big fan of Sketchers GoWalk or Go Lite shoes; I've taken a pair of Disneyland every time I've gone and they are dream shoes for heavy walking. Day to day, I'll admit, I don't do a ton of walking, but I do take Forrest to the park every day that I can and we try to stay active when we're at home. I was excited to add another pair of comfortable shoes to my arsenal (cut to me cringing at this... when did I get so old?) and these really fit the bill. 

Let's get into specifics: I received the Andi Classic Trainer in gray, in a size 7.5. I think I put that as my size for fear that the shoes ran small; however, a 7.5 is really big on me. I tend to wear pretty thick socks, so it's not a huge issue, but I can easily slip these on and off without taking off my socks. So, true sizing or even sizing down would probably be recommended. I do wish I had a 6.5 in these! 

First things first, these shoes are comfortable. Not quite as walking-on-clouds comfortable as my favorite Sketchers, but they are very comfortable nonetheless. They have an insert in the middle of the heel that provides support. They feel a little bit like the orthopedic shoes I used to wear when I worked at a deli, but a lot cuter. 

I picked the Andi initially (way back when I did that survey) because they were the most "plain" and I figured they would go with more of the clothes I wear daily. I really love wearing these with leggings and jeans; they make a great casual shoe for when I'm running errands. They definitely aren't the cutest shoes in the world; in person, they are kind of round and remind me a little bit of turtles. 

Overall, what's my opinion on these shoes? If you're looking for a comfortable walking shoe, they definitely should be on the list. At $99.99, they are pretty steep for a pair of shoes (admittedly, more than I would consider paying usually); but they are extremely comfortable, so if you do a lot of walking (or are planning a trip to a place like Disneyland), they're a great option. 

4 Easy Halloween Costumes

I have to confess to something: I love Halloween, but I rarely dress up. Post-college means that on Halloween, I’m usually working. If I do dress up, it’s using things from closet. I’ve dressed as Amelia Earhart (leather jacket + scarf), a burglar (striped shirt and a mask made of a torn up pillowcase), and Rosie the Riveter. 

I wanted to share 4 easy Halloween costumes for the working girl or the busy mom. These are pieces you probably have in your closet or can grab last minute (without feeling like you’re buying something you’ll never wear again). 

1. Coraline

Coraline Halloween by deepwinter featuring blue jeans

Coraline is one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite protagonists of all time. She’s so spunky and unique. All you really need for this costume is jeans (or striped leggings) and a yellow raincoat (or a yellow dress, if you want to avoid wearing a coat all day). You can wear a blue wig or use temporary spray dye to turn your hair blue, add two barrettes, and voila! You’re Coraline! 

2. Wednesday Addams  

DIY Halloween Costume: Wednesday Addams by alexandrazeres featuring black pumps

This is one of those costumes that’s so easy to throw together, it’s almost criminal. Just french braid your hair, put on a black dress (bonus if it has a Peter Pan collar), put on black tights or black knee high socks, and some Mary Jane shoes. Lipstick, dark eye make up, and a lock of blush is totally optional, but brings the look home. 

3. Eleven

DIY Halloween Costume by danielle-487 featuring Chanel

I debated including this one because dressing up like a little kid seems a little odd—but I’d totally dress up as Coraline or Eleven, so maybe I am just a weirdo. Like Wednesday, all you need is a pink, frilly dress, a kind of bad wig, and a box of Eggos. Bonus points if you wear sneakers and dirty, 1980s tube socks.  

4. Harry Potter

DIY Halloween by fashionbygm featuring peep toe sandals

Everyone has a Hogwarts tie somewhere in their closet, right? Just me? Ok, well, thankfully they’re easy to find (check Spencer’s or Hot Topic in the mall). Then, all you need is a white button up, black pants or a black skirt, black shoes, and some round glasses (which you can find for cheap at the dollar store… really). If you have time, fashion a stick into a wand. Boom! You’re a wizard, Harry! 

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.