My winter wardrobe staples

I haven't posted an outfit blog in a long time. When I sat down to think of what to show you all, I realized my winter wear has rotated frequently around some staple pieces. Below is a basic overview of what I have been reaching for this winter:

Winter uniform by lovieduck82 featuring an opi nail varnish

1. Chunky cardigans - These are great for layering and I have a few in several neutral colors (cream, navy, brown and tan).
2. Plaid - I love to wear plaid shirts under a sweater, or on its own (when the weather isn't 10 degrees).
3. Thermal shirts - Thermals are essential in the winter, especially this year that the entire country is experiencing frigid temperatures.
4. Skinny jeans - When everything is chunky and layered up top it's nice to keep it slim on the bottom. These are also great to tuck into boots.
5. Riding boots - Snow on the ground means I don't feel safe wearing boots with a heel. My riding boots (I own the pair pictured above) are great to keep me warm and on flat feet when it is slick outside.
6. Structured handbag - A personal favorite of mine. I love structured handbags year-round.
7. Dark nail polish - I love darker shades in the winter. It somehow makes me feel a little more cozy.
8. Gold hoops - I wear gold hoops a lot to warm my complexion in the winter chill.
9. Neutral eyeshadow - I've been reaching for the browns a lot lately, especially those in my Urban Decay Naked palette.

Looking back at 2013

2013 was a great year for taking time to have fun (went on a cruise with my lovely mom) and find my place in the world (with a new career after college). Though I didn't have as much time as I wanted to post more blogs, I felt blessed from the love and support I received from my Facebook friends. A big THANK YOU goes out to all of you who read my blog. You are amazing.
As we prepare for another year, here is a look back on some of my favorite posts from 2013.

Happy 2014! May it be filled with happiness, love and adventure.

Polished Up: OPI's An Affair in Red Square

Today's polish is OPI's An Affair in Red Square. I chose this polish for the upcoming Christmas festivities. This gorgeous red shade is perfect for this time of year. This polish applied like a dream on my nails. It has a smooth formula and I had no problems with streaking. I could have gotten away with just one coat of polish, but for a slightly deeper color I applied two coats.

Christmas outfit ideas

I had so much fun creating outfit ideas for Thanksgiving that I decided to do another for Christmas. I'm hoping the outfits below give you inspiration for your upcoming holiday gatherings. They range from formal to casual. Hope you all are having a fun and relaxed holiday season.

Christmas outfit ideas by lovieduck82 on polyvore.com

Workwear: How to dress up a black suit

Though I work in a casual office, I know there are those of you out there who have to bring out the business attire five days a week. One of my friends specifically has to wear a black blazer with black pants or a skirt every day to work. That can get boring very quickly, so I wanted to come up with some ways to add style and interesting visual elements to an otherwise monotonous look. A black suit can be a great blank canvas to bring out your own personal style with little touches.
Here are some of the things I came up with.

1. Add a statement necklace. This can be paired with a solid collared shirt or with a solid white tee. I like how the crystal-like necklace pops on the white tee in the photo below.

2. Bright accessories, like the hot pink belt below, can be used to add color and visual interest. It's a fun way to show off your style and give a youthful touch to the outfit.

3. Adding a fun printed top is always a great way to make a black suit interesting, but have you ever added a dress underneath? Below is the dress I used for this look. I paired it under a skit, but since this dress has thin material, it can also be tucked into pants without a lot of bulk. This is a fun way to re-purpose those dresses you wish you could wear to work instead of a suit.

*The dress I used

*Without the blazer (great for after work)

I also added a thick black belt for another statement piece and to tie the look together.

A neutral necklace would also look nice with this outfit (like the crystal necklace in the first photo)

*With the blazer

4. Adding a pair of tights not only adds warmth in the colder months, but is also a way to customize your look. Below I'm wearing a teal color that is appropriate for the season and not too loud (to keep it business appropriate). You could also choose a dark pair with a subtle print for another variation.

 

Below are more ways you can get creative.

Black Suit 101 by lovieduck82 featuring lips makeup

• Shoes are always a great visual statement. If you will be on your feet all day, look for flats with an interesting visual element, like embellishments or a little glitter (fun for a holiday party).
• Accessorizing doesn't have to stay within the suit. You can also add visual interest with red lips.
• Your hair can also be a point of interest. A feminine hair pin can make a statement whether your hair is up or down. 
• A blouse with a neck tie is a great way to add visual interest and there is no need for a necklace with this look.
• Add a fun, printed scarf to your bag or briefcase.