Parka and a shirt dress

This is an intersting get-up, no? I got my inspiraiton from the 'Banana Republic' ad below:

Again, I wouldn't look at this outfit and say 'oh I would like to wear this' nor would I actually be interested in buying any of the items in the photo. However, it is a great remix idea for clothes I already own and would not have thought to wear in this fashion. And that is what I am always looking for. Ideas to remix my existing clothes. Otherwise would go broke trying to keep up this blog. :)

The big item here is the super long and cozy winter scarf. My stepdad got this for me as a xmas present (he went against my mom's idea of buying a joint gift and picked this one out himself) years ago. It has matching mittens too. I haven't worn it many times so jumped on the idea of wearing it with this combo.

The shirt dress is my summer purchase from Turkey and I have been looking to wear it in the winter. I like that it is rayon like material instead of cotton as it doesn't need much ironning and is very soft.

I am actually wearing a crop grey cotton cardigan underneath as well for an extra layer. When it got warm it was nice to take off the parka but would have been too cold with just the SS dress so it was perfect.

The parka is something I have owned for a few years now and love it. The color and the cut goes with everything and I am a sucker for fur lined hoods.

As you know I even have the super similar looking gold bib necklace. Wore this a bit lower than normal and pushed it under the neckline so it is more subtle.

I love fingerless gloves. They are ideal with kids as I can still do everything but keep my hands warm at the same time.

Down Parka - Guess (from Burlington Coat Factory)

Shirt Dress - Koton in Turkey

Winter Scarf - J Crew

Belt - Limited

Grey leggings - Forever 21

Boots - Steve Madden

Bib Necklace - Kohl's

Socks and fingerless gloves - I have no idea, had them forever

Today's Activities: Went to the outdoor preschool class which was meeting at this georgous park right by the bay this morning. The weather was calm, crisp and sunny and it was just beautiful. The playground structure was not super nice but the location made up for it. Half hour into the class a huge fire truck came with a full fireman crew to teach the kids fire safety. They had the youngest one put on the full gear so kids can see what fireman would look like if they were ever trapped and to not be scared of them. It was very educational. Then the kids got to take photos with them and inside the truck. Played their hearts out for 3 hours and came home and napped hard. In the afternoon had a family friend come over to play with the kids while I worked on my projects and cooked etc... Going to the movies with my friend tonight so posting early. Have plans to see Burlusque and Love and other drugs. I am going to be even more behind in project and blog reading so again I apologize.

Posing with my daughter. Her vest is fur lined like my jacket....

Her individual poses. She asked me to take photos of her boots like I do mine!

And here we are with the young fireman Nath...

Casual Betsey

So, thought this outfit would come out a lot cooler than it did. It is just OK. Cozy for sure. Basically trying to get use out of my dressy dresses in my closet by making them work into my everyday life by adding chunky cardigans and rugged boots.

Had added this belt but than took it off. Like it without.

Had bought this chunky cardigan from F21 last year. I had fallen in love with its fur lined hood and fur wasn't really in last year. This year this became a hot item.

Here are my new feather earings purchased yesterday. I really really love how these look. They blend with my hair but stand out in wisps. Kids love them for sure. 

I apologize now for being totally behind in my blog reading. I really do want to see what you guys are up to but I have a few crazy projects with deadlines that I have to finish before mid December. I hope to line them all up and hopefully readup a bit very soon.

Blue Dress - Betsey Johnson

Chunky Cardigan, Grey ribbed tights - Forever 21

Boots - Steve Madden

Earings - Thread Show

Today's Activities: Went to preschool after being off for a week and a half. During naps ran around like crazy putting laundry, picking up, cooking and paying bills. Took the kids to the indoor play area in the afternoon so I can start on my crazy photo projects. Last year I decided instead of keeping a memo book (diary) to note my memories with each of my kid's I would write these up in an ongoing photo album project and add photos. Well, started really good with 4-5 pages for each kid early this year then never touched it. Now realizing it is the end of the year and I need to finish and order I am in a rush. Plus I always create photo albums for family members depicting their memories with my kids each month. This also takes quite a long time and I need to get all these done plus our xmas cards all by Dec 15th before my coupon for snapfish expires. So, my nights are going to be dedicated to these for a while.

Oh, today was my son's turn for a change to pose with me. Shot all taken at his request. He likes to view each one afterwards and approve.

Thrad Show

Posting quite late as this is yesterday's outfit. Here is my inspiration photo:

I added black lace tights and boots for a more edgy look. Plus a cozy long cardigan to keep warm...

This silk dress was purchased for a new year's eve party years ago on sale from Banana Republic. I love its deep teal color and it is one of those cuts that is neither tight nor baggy. The only thing is it is 100% silk so dry cleanning. But, figured it is better to wear it and need to get it cleaned than to have it sit in closet unworn.

This faux fur scarf and the owl pendant seem to go great together. I had this same color scheme I realized the other day when I wore a black dress with teal tights and similar accessories.  

Since the big outing with this outfit did not involve kids I got to take a purse for a change instead of a diaper bag. Figured this beaded purse with the blue and brown tones would be perfect. And I had bought this purse last year from the same show!

My Dad, who took the photo, felt the lace tights were a bit much but I like them...

Teal silk dress - Banana Republic

Black chunky cardigan - La Redoute Catalog

Leather belt - The Limited

Lace tights, faux fur scarf, necklaces - Forever 21

Purse - Thread Show

Lace up peep toe boots - Juicy Couture

Sunglasses - Channel

Today's Activities: Took the kids out for breakfast with mom and step dad while my husband played tennis with my dad. We then visited the Hallmark store where my son could pick one ornament. Of course he had to choose the new tangled girl (my brother had taken him to see that yesterday). My daughter got a set of princesses. We came home so they could hang it on their tree. My parents entertained the kids while I picked around and got ready. As soon as my hubby and dad got back I took off with my mom and sister for the 'Thread Show' We went to this last couple of times with the kids and I just don't get much out of it that way. There is alot of jewelry vendors and it is just impossible to look with the kids. So, this time we were kid free and had a great time. I must have tried on every type of feather earing while my sister bought way too many stuff with skulls. My mom's purchases were clothing heavy. I of course did not take any photos of the stuff I bought yet...But I got feather earings, wing earings, butterfly earings, and heart earings made out of recycyled records! When you list them all together they do sound quite interesting huh? My mom also bought me this great vintage coat, it is black crinkled patent leather with knit trim. For $40!

Here are some photos from the show.... Took these first thing than forgot to take any photos like of the actual vendors!