V is for Velvet

This vintage velvet dress always elicits compliments. It is the most supple shade of purple and perfect for a cold and gray Valentines Day. Thanks for the love, Loves!

Cat Ears

Dottir

My head scarf gave me prominent cat ears and it was what I needed to get through the day.

Also, this scarf with this shirt. 

No, I did not buy them together. Yes, they are almost always worn together because how could you not.

Fashion Hazards

I love this dress in theory, but in reality, it chokes me every time I sit down. I think it should be a rule that all turtleneck/mock turtlenecks should be made with stretchy material because whatever this dress is made of is pretty unforgiving.

Snow Day

Handmade by Kristina

Today, I got up at the regular time, took a shower, got dressed, went outside to start my car and said

"Nope".

I went to work every day during the Polar Vortex when half of my co-workers stayed home. I've been trudging through all of the snow for weeks and I finally came to my breaking point. When I stepped outside to ANOTHER blizzard, I just couldn't go through with it, so I stayed home. and nobody saw this cute outfit

Head Scarf

Dottir

Some days my hair just looks a mess. Sometimes it's because I took a shower the night before and slept on it funny. Other times it's because I tried a new styling technique that did not go according to plan. Whatever the reason, my coiffure isn't always coiffed and on those days I opt for a head scarf. This was one of those days and I think this was one of those outfits that came together perfectly

Favorite Winter Dress

Dottir

Lula

This dress is insane. It's basically a full body sweater so it's super cozy and warm, but it's also knit with metallic gold thread, so it's fancy? It's not terribly flattering either. It's bulky and the white and gold shades wash out my complexion, but when we hit this part of winter, all I want is this dress.

Best Outfit Yet

This outfit was a real stunner! 

I received so many compliments that I was uncomfortably blushing all day.

The dress is a thick wool bodycon mock turtleneck number that emphasizes all the right things and downplays everything else. It's very subtle and elegant. I've only worn it a few times since I acquired it, but it's always a hit and it's warm!

This wrap is pretty spectacular. It's hard to capture it's loveliness in a drawing, but it's black sheer with black velvet edging and a metallic flocked floral print. My matching patina-ed earring and necklace set from Poppy helped to pull everything together. 

Also, these boots. Still amazing!

Polar Vortex

We had a very cold week here in Minnesota, so I thought I'd highlight some of the ways I managed not to freeze to death.

I've never worn this huge angora sweater outside of the house before, but I found it necessary on this extra cold day. Sometimes you just need to dress like a bear to feel safe.

Dottir

Ooh whee!

I've lived through all of the cold, mid-western winters that have occurred over the last 35 years, but I don't think I've ever been so afraid of the cold. I'm literally shaking in my boots. You guys, I know everyone is so sick of talking about the Polar Vortex, but it was terrible and I'm not happy about it.

One good thing that has come of all of these cold winters is that I'm very adept at layering. 

People always wonder why I wear skirts and dresses in the winter. I'm always way warmer in skirts than pants because I can easily add layers under a skirt.

Another abysmally cold day and fantastic feat of layering. Can I get another sweater under there? Certainly.

Honorable mention goes to this coat.

I wear it every time temperatures dip below zero

It's very ridiculous and at the same time very necessary.

Every time I put it on, I say "Don't worry, I've got my big coat" and then I do a little dance.

I'm sure by now, after all of the below zero days we've had this season, my friends and family are very sick of my coat announcements, but I don't really care. It's the only happiness I have. 

Earmuffs

These earmuffs have proven themselves invaluable this winter and I'm campaigning to bring earmuffs back.

They're super soft and warm. And they're incredibly cute, no doubt.

In my opinion, their best feature is their ability to muffle sound. I wear these at work when I need to concentrate. They were also a life saver during a social outing with a very loud talker when I had an excruciating headache and no escape.

Social Science vs Retrorama

I wore this outfit to an event at the Science Museum called Social Science: Speakeasy. 

I went with a friend who I used to attend Retrorama with. Retrorama was an annual event put on by the History Center that stopped taking place in 2015. Retrorama encouraged attendees to dress up in their best vintage, participate in a fashion show, imbibe in retro cocktails and snacks, dance to live music, partake in activities and explore the museum's exhibits. We thought that this would be a good replacement. We were wrong. Despite below zero temperatures, the event at the Science Museum was well attended. So well attended, that the entire museum consisted of lines. I felt like I was at Disney Land, but not in a fun way. It was impossible to get a drink or partake in any of the special activities they had arranged for the night. We did explore the exhibits, but I think I would have preferred to do that on any other day with the regular Science Museum crowd, kids and all. I do not recommend this event and this is my plea to the History Center to bring back Retrorama. It was our special thing and we had a good thing going with the photographer.

Retrorama 2010

Retrorama 2010

Retrorama 2011

Retrorama 2012

Retrorama 2013

Retrorama 2014

Lutsen

Dottir

I spent a very cold weekend in Lutsen and wore a couple of versions of this outfit all weekend. 

It's my snow bunny look. 

I don't ski.

Keeping it Cozy

This was one of those days when I didn't want to wear clothes. Pajamas were at the top of my wish list, so I opted to wear this super soft and roomy top paired with this cozy cotton sweater. The corduroys fit like leggings and these shoes are the most comfortable shoes that I've ever worn. It's not pajamas, but it's pretty damn cozy.

Silk Scarves

A fun scarf tied around my neck has always been a favorite way to add interest to an outfit. I used to own a lot of polyester scarves in fun patterns and colors, but I've been slowly replacing all of those polyester scarves with silk. I love the way silk hangs and how it feels against my skin. They're also great for temperature regulation. A silk scarf will keep you warm when you're cold and cool when you're hot. It's a perfect accessory.

Dottir

I've been obsessed with this scarf lately. I've owned it for as long as I can remember, but I've never worn it as much as I've worn it this winter. I guess my newly found love for silk scarves and winter white has brought it to the forefront.

Also, I love these boots with black leggings and a tunic. There's something very 60s about it.  

Jeans

The sweater is from Mighty Swell Vintage in case you were on the edge of your seat about it.

These jeans are the same cut Levi's as these, but they fit completely differently and serve a different purpose in my wardrobe. Jeans aren't really my thing, but I'm starting to see what all the fuss is about.