Yesterday was still cold, and as I leave my thermostat low, I knew I wanted to wear something warm! So I pulled this dark red sweater off the shelf: it's actually a sweater dress and made in the most lusciously thick and soft lambswool/cashmere blend. Unfortunately, it hits about 3 inches above the knee, and even when I added thicker tights, I felt a bit self conscious. Then I threw another dress on over top! The sweater dress has funny exposed seams (intentional, because the shoulder and underarm seams are right way in) that make it look a bit raggedy and remind me of orphanages, as does this grey dress (that I consider a placeholder for my dream fit and flare dress). The grey dress doesn't fit quite right so I distracted with a matching dark red belt (and should have adjusted things before I took the pics!): this belt has a really neat back detail: studs on one side, suede on the other, and it comes to an interesting point. I liked how the light tights looked with everything, but I wanted to bring some lightness up into the top of the outfit, and as I don't have an off white belt, I decided to layer my off white silk long sleeve shirt underneath. All 3 necklines together made me feel a bit prim, but not in a bad way. The touches of lightness at the neckline and the sleeves made me happy, and even though it's three layers, I didn't feel at all stuffed or uncomfortable, or have to keep readjusting. I think it was because the silk is so drapey, and both of the dresses are knits. In fact I took an unplanned nap in this pre photos so it must have been comfortable! And I was incredibly warm too: I didn't realise just how insulating it was until I changed into pjs and had a brief moment in the exposed chilly air.

I wanted to pick up the gold in the belt with a brooch, but the 3 necklines were enough on their own, so I ended up trying it in my hair. Surprisingly, it stayed all day with no fussing (even through the nap!)! Does it look weird? With this leaf, you've now seen all of my brooches. And of course then I had to put on my gold rings, which I still haven't gotten a detail pic of!

For my walk, it was pretty wet out, so I used the same weatherproof boots as the day before. And the same coat and hat! The only thing I changed was the scarf: I chose an off white one to keep with my colour scheme. Does this coat work with skirts? I got it as a birthday present to myself this year, back in April, off ebay (as a kind of celebration of my decision to move north in 2014) so I didn't try it on beforehand. I think it fits quite well and works with trousers, but the skirt is narrower than most of my skirts and dresses: does this look strange? And I'm used to belted wool coats: does this have enough waist definition to go with skirts/dresses? I only have 2 other wool coats, one of which is a-line so looks best with trousers, so I'd be happy if this one goes with skirts, but I defer to the experts.

As always, all comments/suggestions/etc. welcome!