This tunic isn’t something I would usually pick out for myself, but I’m becoming more and more of a fan of wearing dresses in the winter, mostly because I’m terribly inefficient at getting ready in the morning. I can make quick judgment calls at the office all day, but I have a complete inability to pick out a top and pants in the a.m. in the span of twenty minutes. The dress approach makes it easy, since by definition it limits the options. And since I can’t own only black dresses, I thought I would try this one when spotting it online (link below). I love that it has a lot of color and pattern but yet is relatively subtle, has interesting detailing around the neck (which also diffuses the pressure to figure out a necklace – another time saver!) and has a great shirttail hemline.

 Anthropologie Dress and earrings | Kate Spade handbag and sunglasses | Rudsak boots | DKNY tights | Michael Kors watch | antique button bracelets

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We were treated to a gloriously warm day this weekend – compared to the temperatures of late, that is – so we headed for a walk downtown to do a little shopping for Small Business Saturday. We were at my parents for the holiday weekend, who live in a small town, so were in perfect walking distance to some favorite neighborhood shops. A special gift store in town was always my favorite for stuffed animals when I was little, so it was just the place to go for a special treat for the kids. My outfit was basic (as that is all I really pack for trips back home) – a classic navy cable knit sweater, pants and boots in the same color, and a peek of color and pattern with the polka dot yellow long sleeve tee. The outfit was updated a bit, thanks to the faux leather trimmed side zipper on the sweater and the floppy hat. I’ve been in search of such a hat for a while, and love this one from J Crew. It comes in more than one size (I have a bit of a big noggin) and it has the floppy brim without being over the top.

Banana Republic sweater, shirt (old) and pants | J Crew hat | Tory Burch handbag (old) (love this) | Boden boots (heeled version here) | Ray Ban sunglasses | J Crew earrings | Michael Kors watch | Melly bracelet
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Happy Thanksgiving! For travel to my mom and dad’s house yesterday, I took my usual approach – take as little as I can, in as few bags as I can. The building blocks for the holiday weekend are what you see here – basic black pants, black sweater, a little color in the accessories, a great overnight bag, and Sorel boots (we are always prepared for outdoor winter activities, though we rarely choose them over, say, watching a movie).

Banana Republic sweater, pants and tank (old) | Sorel boots (other colors here) | Target hat | Longchamp bag | Silver Cocoon necklace | J Crew earrings | Kate Spade sunglasses (70% off)

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