And with this post now I’m caught up!

1: Dark straight jeans | black knit top | lace-print cardi

Worn with black patent loafers | gold bangles | gold 3-chain necklace

You know, I have never once put this top on and felt fab. Blerg.

2-3: Dark skinny jeans | purple layering sweater | black long cardi

Worn with tall black boots | gold 3-chain necklace | gold dragon pendant

This skinny jeans/layering sweater/long cardi outfit formula was my staple for a couple of years but lately I feel uninspired by it. Maybe the tops feel too heavy and bulky? Or maybe I want more pattern? Not sure.

4-5: Black ponte leggings | navy/black paid tunic | lace-print cardi

Worn with cognac riding boots | black/silver enamel bangle | silver bead necklace

I like this, although I think I prefer the black/gray floral cardi here (more fitted at the waist so creates better proportions).

6-8: Medium-wash skinny jeans | white pin tuck popover | black cable-knit cardi

Worn with cognac riding boots | pearl necklace and earrings | vintage scarf as headband

I think of myself as needing color in my outfits, but I felt great in this. Clearly all neutrals are ok as long as there is a good handful of them — plus, interesting accessories.

9-10: Black ponte leggings | black watch plaid shirt | burgundy long cardi

Worn with cognac riding boots | gold 3-chain necklace

I think it was fashintern who suggested why not wear the burgundies and purples in this capsule with the blues and greens. I was skeptical, I thought I would need something to bridge the shirt and cardi, but I liked this fine.

11-12: Double-date-night with my husband, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law

Dark skinny jeans | silk tank with lace overlay | black open cardi

Worn with black ankle boots | gold 3-chain necklace | gold pendant with aquamarine | gold bangles

13-14: Christmas Eve

Black skirt leggings | lace tank | lace-print cardi

Worn with pink ballet flats with green rhinestone clips (repurposed earrings) | green rhinestone necklace | gold bangles | Damascene fan earrings

15-16: Christmas Day

Navy skirt leggings | gray floral sweatshirt

Worn with pink ballet flats | vintage pink necklace

CONFESSION: I didn’t actually wear the pink ballet flats with either of the last two outfits. We hosted on Christmas Eve so I didn’t wear shoes at all. And, then it snowed so I wore tall black snow boots on Christmas Day. I knew when I ordered these shoes that they wouldn’t be very practical for our December weather in Seattle, so I’m going to buck the seasonality of velvet and make sure I get some wear out of these shoes at warmer/drier times of the year. Pinky swear!

As always, thanks for reading, any comments and suggestions are most welcome!

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