A tale of two festive outfits

Here I am, trying to fulfill the festive challenge! I think I've succeeded, but with two vastly different outfits on the first two days.

1. J Crew plaid flannel shirt, Democracy bootcuts, and Born boots. I also wore a sparkly necklace that I couldn't get a goof photo of since my collar was in the way, but it did add something. I called this my "log cabin Christmas outfit." I like it a lot, but am not sure I liked it for work, where I'm trying to up my style game a bit. It's missing something - the problem is a that blazer would be a natural solution, but I generally can't layer a blazer over another long sleeved item. Too tight I also failed to wear or at least bring my makeup to work to put on. I often forget one of three things in the morning: makeup, jewelry, or lunch. Yesterday it was makeup AND lunch.

The top is one of the first I bought where I realized I needed to size up and get a petite for a button down top. I think even so it only just barely fits near my hips, and that's a problem for me with these kinds of tops, though this fits better than most. The shirt was too short and fitted to look good tucked into these jeans, though that might work with a skirt. It's my only really fitted flannel shirt, as a result, since a 12P (sice I need in J Crew) is a hard size to find.

Anyway, for all my blathering, I liked this outfit though I felt too casual; great weekend look that I can replicate for Christmas in California, though I won't have those brown boots with me.

2. BR sweater, Boden velvet skirt, Born boots. This feels like more of the level of dress I'm aiming for right now, and I managed both makeup AND a necklace. I think it works as something festive but not too over the top (unless you think red is over the top, of course). This BR sweater is one of my favorite purchases of the Fall, as well as the Born Chelsea boots, which have been an immense help with my physical issues.

So there you go - the colors are the only thing these outfits have in common! I'm sure I won't opt for red the rest of the week...

Photos to follow.

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Wit & Wisdom Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans (Regular & Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive) | Nordstrom

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5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I love red in a festive outfit so a high five from me.You look so cute in the second outfit.

Alicewonderland

I like them both. You look good in red.

Christina F.

Thanks ladies! I love red and will definitely be pulling out a few more items in that color to wear before the month is over.

JAileen

I really like the skirt outfit. With the dark shoes and tights it’s a cute modern look.

I think the first outfit looks good for the weekend. Although I’m very casual so I’d wear it any day!

Elizabeth P

Fabulous Christina! You look amazing in red. Great start to the festive season. I’ve been sick so haven’t been able to play yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

Anonymous

These are both great outfits on you , and I agree you look beautiful in red! And I’m laughing at / with you forgetting both makeup and lunch in one day . Some days it’s all I can do to remember my keys as I head to work .

Jaime

(website)

Red is great on you and the jeans in particular look smashing.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You DO look great in red. Log Cabin Sass and Preppy Skirt Fabness.

JAileen, it’s a great outfit! And definitely not too casual for my workplace. I feel I bounce around too much from casual to less casual, and at points along that continuum, but maybe I’m the only one bothered by that. It’s a slam dunk as a weekend outfit for sure, anyway.

Feel better, Elizabeth! It’s terrible to be sick around the holidays.

Lisa, I’m not a morning person. I only remember my keys from long habit. As for other essentials, I future proofed myself by getting a wallet case for my phone. It has my card to get into my office building and my metro card and main credit cards. I’m not likely to forget my phone, and if did, I wouldn’t get beyond the subway station two streets away. I usually remember anything else I’m missing when I’m already almost to the subway and have no time to turn back.

Shevia, thank you. The jeans are super comfortable, too! I needed that this week.

rachylou

The plaid is for me

kellygirl

Red is your color! I love both outfits and adore you in bootcuts. I've been looking for a replacement pair and may give these a try since they come in petite. Gorgeous looks!

karen13

Love you in red. The red sweater/skirt is so pretty. Im glad you are finding the Born boots helpful with your back - I hope it is improving. Mine as been a bit persnickety the past month and my sacral-ileac belt has been an MVP for me (although not helping my style much).

I have this Born Pirlo and find it to be the go to for city walking when I can't get away with sneakers. Even though it isn't a wide, it fit my D foot beautifully, with an orthotic.

Amazon

Børn Born - Womens - Pirlo

Bijou

Red is beautiful on you and not over the top. Glad I am not the only one who forgets things in the morning. I am most definitely a night owl, so most colleagues know to leave me alone until I have had my morning coffee.

Windchime

Yes, you look wonderful in red! Both outfits fulfill the Holiday Challenge with flying colors.

There’s really a lot that has to be dealt with and remembered right away in the morning, isn’t there?! It can be daunting, especially when one hasn’t had enough sleep.

Love the reds, both outfits look great! Im with you on forgetting things- not makeup or lunch but sometimes my schedule book Once my phone...

Suz

You look great in red. I've been having difficulty with the festive challenge so am aiming this week for "festive lite" meaning more or less the kinds of combinations you are going for here.

Rachylou, I do love this plaid.

kellygirl, I've come around on bootcuts for sure in the past year. The Wit & Wisdom bootcuts have been workhorses for me, and I now have three pairs (well, one is the Amazon version). The other two are black and a lighter blue.

karen, the pain is manageable most of the time, with shoe choice being a huge factor. I also use arch support inserts. I just wish the pain would go away! I am seeing my doctor tomorrow for my annual physical, and see if she suggests going back to physical therapy (maybe claiming that my hip injury, which is what bothers me most, is different than the SI injury). Or else maybe a specialist. It was just hard to prove I was making any progress in PT, though I was. I have made some since, but the pain presents in my hip more now and it would be nice to have some guidance.

Bijou, windchime and suntiger I am more of a night owl too. I'm okay mood wise in the mornings mostly, but definitely forgetful. My husband has a very regimented routine in the morning for that reason. I should follow suit.

Suz, we are all festive in our own way. I'm sure you can put together something smashing. My predilection for red makes it too easy. I also have some Christmas specific items with reindeer I have yet to pull out...

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