Congratulations Shannon, I'm thrilled for you!

Your column of black and beautiful blazers are powerful basics full of style. Then, you brighten up any landscape with gorgeously happy puffer. You've got it down.

I love how simple and yet how perfect that outfit is on you. I really want to pop a warm charcoal gray hat on that head of yours to keep you warm. Do you commute in hats? I'm not generally a hat wearer but I think -40C would convince me! I love how your salt and pepper hair plays with the colors you wear.

Congrats gorgeous woman on the new job!
Love the pops of color. As Angie has said previously: color, pattern, texture, sparkle. While I often do more than one element in an outfit sometimes less is more. And the foundation of any great outfit is always great fitting basics.

YLF Shannon & I love me a good blazer too.

First, congratulations on the new job!!! That is so exciting and I am very happy for you.

I agree that having great basics is key. Have you read the "into mind" blog? She describes several methods of dressing- modular approach, uniform approach, neutrals + statement pieces approach, and set outfits approach.

Regarding the neutrals (basics) + statement pieces, she writes:

What you need:

a collection of basics that go with everything (denims, tops and jackets in neutral colors, etc.) and several bolder ‘statement pieces’ and accessories. The idea is to start with a foundation of basics and then choose one or more key pieces to be the focal point of your look. The neutrals + statement pieces approach is all about balance. When you put on red lipstick because your outfit just ‘needs’ a little extra oomph or when you swap your heels for flats because heels would be ‘too much’, you are trying to find the right balance between dressed up and dressed down, between boring and too bold. There is no universal ‘ideal level’ of course, it depends entirely on your own unique personal style. A lot of people would consider most of my outfits as being too ‘plain’ but for my style they are just right. What you consider to be a statement piece because of its colour, shape or material, might be a neutral for someone else. In the example above, I included white denim jeans and black leather pants as statement pieces because I would always want to wear them with a more neutral top, but for you they might be ideal basics to balance out brighter tops and accessories.

Your neutrals are your workhorses, so focus on building a strong foundation of durable basics that will last you several seasons and suit your body shape. Include a variety of shapes (longsleeve tops, t-shirts, simple skirts, denim, etc.) and neutral shades (black, white, heather grey, dark grey, ivory, navy, and so on).

I think you've nailed this method! I've come to realize that I am probably happiest when I have a statement item paired with a good basic. So having those good basics really is important!

Shannon, fab outfit and I love the what you are saying here. Our wardrobes need to work for us and clearly this is what yours is doing. I think it also helps when we understand our needs and wants.

Honestly, I cannot even begin to imagine venturing out in temperatures like that!! But you look amazing!! And I'm waving at my red puffer twin!!

It was a nasty day today. It was even colder coming home and I had to stop and get gas on the way. Brrrrr.

Shannon, I think you have hit the nail on the head with this one. Good quality basics in neutral colors to set the backdrop for a few great pieces to shine. I love that cobalt jacket on you. Your skin looks gorgeous against that shade of blue.