BREAKING OUT THE BIG GUNS

A faithful reader asked yesterday if I was cold in my velvet blazer.  Well, yes, I was.  When I take my pictures outside, I opt to ditch the coat for the glory of a cute outfit and beautiful backdrop.  Once it gets this cold, I wear the warmest coat I can find, which means function over fashion.  So, I thought I'd share one of the pieces that I run for after taking those daily shots.

While function takes priority, I don't abort the fashion aspect altogether.  I've mentioned before how much I hate buying coats and nothing has changed on that front.  I definitely prefer higher quality when it comes to outerwear and that, of course, comes with a higher price tag.

Since I'm such a bargain hunter, I end up agonizing over the purchase for most of the winter, refusing to give in to anything less than the deal of the century.  I prefer not to pay more than $100 for a winter coat, which can be a pretty difficult task, but it's not impossible.

We live in a valley in central Pennsylvania where the winters can get a little brutal.  It's not so much the cold or the snow that will penetrate your core, it's the wind!  I moved here to go to college almost 11 years ago, and since then, a long puffer jacket has been a crucial part of my winter wardrobe.  I hate being chilled to the bone and nothing blocks it out quite like down.

I happen to have three long down coats at the moment, but since the purchase of my third one, the first two will be on their way to goodwill very soon.  Since they're so old, they are way too big and and after having to wear them and feeling miserable in them last winter, I vowed to replace them.

Well, my stubborn and miserly ways have proven fruitful once again!  RueLaLa was an awesome sponsor of the Weardrobe Conference back in September and left us each with a sizable credit to use in one of their discounted designer boutiques.  Long before the impending winter chill, RueLaLa launched a Betsey Johnson boutique where I snagged this cloak of winter warmth.  After my account credit, I only paid $40!  It was the most boring and practical purchase at the time, but now I'm 100 times thankful for my foresight!

Oh, Betsey, your unexpected details make me giddy!

P.S. Drop me an email if you'd like an invitation to join RueLaLa!

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Truthfully, this is just the tip of the iceberg.  I mean that quite literally and figuratively.  While it's below freezing, it's only slightly below and I've been here long enough to know that it's going to get a lot colder before it gets warmer.

I couldn't figure out what was dripping on me while taking photos.
I looked up and saw these pretty icicles.

I was really rushed to get out of the house this morning, so the hair is a little wonky and the shades were definitely a necessity.  I quickly grabbed what was fresh in my mind, hence the similarity to Friday's outfit.  Today called for 2 things: comfy and warm.  Check and check.

Flannel: Target boys dept., $5 - Sweater: TJMaxx, $20 - Jeans: JCP, $20

Shades: RayBan, courtesy of Lucky Style Spotter - Boots: Target, $35

HOOTERS ON ICE

It started to snow when I was taking my pictures.  Now, it's just blustering around, but there's a winter weather watch for tomorrow and Wednesday.  Snow, sleet, ice.  Should be fun.

Have you ever just stood in the snow trying to catch snowflakes in your mouth?

Mmm...

I'm wasting no time remixing this plaid skirt.  I loved it the first time around, but I'm loooooving it this way.  Since it's a wee bit cold for bare legs, I went out this morning and bought myself a pair of "caramel" colored tights - like nylons, but much, much thicker.  I figured they would be perfect with outfits like this.  They give the illusion of bare legs without the frostbite.  And added bonus:  they help keep my socks up.

While they do serve the purpose just fine, all I could think after I put them on was a.) I feel like I'm going to work at Hooters and b.) I'm now ready for the Ice-capades.  Aaaaand, of course, once these notions came into my head, they were there to stay.

Anyway ... I'm happy to report that I did, in fact, get all of my work done today.  Go me!  Although, it was a sad, sad moment when I realized that my Mariah Carey Christmas CD no longer works.  Sad face...

Skirt: Thrifted, $2 - Hooters/Skater tights: DKNY via TJMaxx, $6 - T-shirt: American Apparel, $22

Sock: Target, $6 - Boots: Kohl's, $16 - Velveteen Blazer: NY&Co, $21

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Oh, Monday ... you're here so soon.

A few things on my brain for today:

1.  I had a shamefully unproductive weekend.  It's possible that each day involved a nap, a movie (or two or three, but who's counting) and a game.  The only thing that got accomplished from Friday's list was eating Indian food.  Wow ... I suck.

2.  Due to aforementioned sheer laziness, I am currently glued to my laptop and kitchen table until I finish the work that MUST get done today.

3.  The bright side?  I've loaded up the home disc changer with all of my Christmas CD's and lit my favorite cookie-scented candles.  If nothing else, at least my house sounds and smells like the season.

4.  My manager is going to be in town this week, which means I'll be getting reviewed at some point.  I've already put together my outfits for the week, knowing that if I look good and feel good, then I'll do good.  You can quote me on that :)

5.  I'm super stoked to report that I have been easing back into running at least three times a week for the past month and my back is feeling fanfreakintasic!  All of my efforts (i.e. getting out from behind a desk 40 hours/ week, removing heels from my daily rotation, ice and strengthening exercises, etc, etc) are finally paying off.  I'm even LOVING going out in the cold.  Once you get all bundled up, it's pretty fun, even if my butt does get numb.

Hope you are all enjoying your Monday!  Outfit post coming soon ...

FOR YOUR PLEASURE: THE UGLY SWEATER SERIES

Installment #3

Okay, you guys ... this one's UG-LY.  I came home from work this morning and this is what greeted me.  Youch!  Honey, you're cute, but that sweater is not.

Has anyone else noticed his beard growing with this series?

In other news, it snowed today.  Which, surprisingly enough, I'm okay with.  This is when it should snow.  It should NOT snow in October or April like it sometimes does around here.

Nothing beats how the snow looks sticking to the trees, though.  That's my favorite.  It's a winter wonderland at its best.

And this is what snow does to a gremlin:

P.S.  I got my Indian food today and it was aaaamazing!  Man, I love that stuff!