I gave myself a challenge this December, to inject a bit of Advent and Christmas into my everyday looks. If you're interested you can pick up installment one here:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ay-capsule

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This week, I took the idea to work at the University. Both days were rainy and relatively warm, so I'm wearing fishnets and pumps.
1. This burgundy top has an embellished neckline resembling roses. No necklace necesssary! The jacket is actually a peplum jacket. I can close it, but prefer to see more of the top and a longer waist here.

2/3. What say Christmas more than a red dress? Here I added my patent tortoise shell pumps. They're reminding me of a roaring fireplace in my current Christmas mood. I should call them my "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" shoes! The gold necklace is too short for my busty self. I purchased a longer set yesterday, so I'm all set next time!

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Here I am in my shopping formula for a bit of errand running and Christmas shopping. It's getting colder now! Purple, a favorite of mine, is also represented in the Advent wreath, and I've always associated it with this time of year. On the first Sunday of Advent (just past), the first purple candle, called the Prophecy candle, is lit, and parts of the book of Isaiah are read. You can see how I've layered for warmth, repeating the deep grape purple in my coat. I've added a bit more holiday sparkle in my star earrings, which are far more shiny than my camera shows in this badly lit closeup.

My goal is to dress for the season without looking obvious or resorting to novelty items. It has been fun, and has lifted my mood a bit. The fact that I already have a closet of jewel tones and sparkle helps!

I've started to see my black blazers as representating the night sky that held the Star, my brown boots as a marker of the simple barn the Christ child was born in. Very rarely do I invest (sorry about that pun) in so much symbolism, but it's adding a bit of fun and a reminder of the holy things in life to my day.