I have to be honest, my crazy little mind has been working overtime…
THE STORY
…Working overtime on what? The weather. Yes, I know…everyone is super excited about the fact that it’s a good 15 to 20 degrees above normal depending on the day. And yes, it is kind of nice to not be buried in three feet of snow. Buuttt…it kinda has me freaked out. The grass is still pretty green, the birds are still chirping in the morning and next Saturday’s high is predicted to be 62 degrees. Um, next Saturday is December 12th. This is NW Pennsylvania. Just sayin’. Now you have to admit, that is pretty peculiar.
I’m a huge fan of apocalyptic fiction of all varieties; with the exception of zombies of course, zombies are just silly. I’m pretty sure the human race will not be brought down by the shambling undead. Weather patterns outside the norm often play a role in end of the world stories, and this my friends, is most definitely outside of the norm. Therefore, I obsess over it a little bit. And what’s even more pressing than the coming apocalypse? The fact that I cannot for the life of me figure out what in the hell to wear to work. It’s December. I should be wearing sweaters. And my fabulous fur lined sneakers. But it is too freakin’ warm. And since it’s December, it’s not like I can show up in shorts and sandals, am I right?
THE OUTFIT
I wore this outfit last Thursday when it was chilly enough to layer a sleeveless plaid duster over faux leather leggings. I got away with the turtleneck because it’s lightweight tissue thin material. I layered the lace shirt extender underneath and that almost pushed it over the edge into too warm territory, but the lace detail looked good so I suffered for the sake of fashion.
I have to say, even though the plaid duster is pretty fabulous, this look is all about the red ankle boots. No matter what I wear them with, they are always center stage so it just made sense to keep everything else pretty basic. I threw in the striped socks for some subtle print mix, but all day long I was waiting for a house to fall on me. I was definitely feeling a wicked witch of the west vibe. Note to self: do not wear striped socks with red shoes.
The faux leather leggings are from Nordstrom. I picked them up last year and the same style is still available. I had a lesser quality pair which I really didn’t love, but when I picked up this pair I was sold. They fit perfectly without being at all hooker-ish and they have a great pocket detail on the back so they are actually more like pants. With that being said, I still usually go for butt coverage when I wear them; I’m weird like that.
THE TIP
Don’t fear the faux leather legging my friends. Done right, they are classy and can easily go from casual to dressy with a simple change of footwear and tops. They look just as great with a pair of Converse and a flannel as they do with heels and a sequin top.
LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Duster: Nasty Gal; Leggings: Nordstrom; Lace Extender: Grace & Lace; Boots: Aldo (Similar, Similar)
Love the plaid and the color of those booties…and yes, the weather has been crazy!
Tara recently posted…Sunday Wants # 128
Love this plaid - looks fab with your hair. Yeah, I think about the climate too - warmest December even for Florida in a long time, and we live 100 yards from the edge of the ocean. : 0
thanks for linking,
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti recently posted…Lady In Gray, Giveaway, And Visible Monday!
Awfully cute look! Your reassurance about faux-leather leggings is smart. I used to worry about them but now see them looking great on gals of all ages. And you’re equally right about the wisdom of buying quality clothes: the cheap stuff falls apart and looks bad almost immediately.
On a more somber topic, I fear we’ve broken the planet. The warming you observe is universal and not a good thing for those of us who want to keep living here.
Shybiker recently posted…Meet The 2015 Bloggy Award Winners!
I love your plaid duster and those fun red booties!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Jill recently posted…12 Days of Giveaways - Day 7!
I LOVE this outfit, the plaid duster and leather leggings look GREAT together! Winter can stay away for all I care 🙂
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…The Creative Corner Link Up Party - 12/06/15 (and Meal Plan 88) & 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day Six
Loving every bit of this outfit, especially those red booties!
Love the plaid. Perfectly styled.
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
Whitney Nic James recently posted…Personal Style | Style Inspiration
i have a duster (long sleeve) like that and i love it! i wear it all the time!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Sandy a la Mode recently posted…5 Ways to Style Holiday Outfits for Mamas and Daughters
1) We’re both gingers now! Huzzah!
2) I’ve been watching a lot of My So-Called Life over the last weekend, and that duster sooo makes me think of the long flannel shirt Rayanne frequently wore. I loved/love the way she dressed, most of the time. You caught the carefree aspect without looking ridiculous and try-hard.
Leah B. recently posted…#PimpMyMedicalBoot part 2: selection of socks, tape, and paint
I recently purchased a pair of faux leather leggings, they’re so comfy. Love the red plaid on you plus the lace slip underneath is lovely. You look great!
Lorna Mai recently posted…Warm Or Cool Pastels?
I fear the faux leather leggings .. lol. I do! I am looking for a patch or two of faux leather on a pair of leggings. Haven’t quite found anything yet, although haven’t been to the mall for a while. The non stop holiday music is a bit much.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Motion Medica Skin Care
love the red and black combination! perfect winter colors. You look amazing
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
IRENE recently posted…Scuba Mix
Love your boots Debbie, the colour is great 🙂
Thanks for sharing at creative Mondays
Claire recently posted…#XmasStartsWith Marisota Bloggers And Blog Hop..
Obsessed with this duster.The length on it is so dramatic!
http://michellespaige.com
The warm weather is in Michigan too. We will have 57 by this weekend. I love the warm winter so much. 😉
Take care and keep in touch!
Please stop by today for Color and Grace Fashion link up!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
Grace Liang recently posted…One year blog anniversary and fashion linkup
Oh, forgot to tell you I really like this outfit of yours! 🙂
Grace Liang recently posted…One year blog anniversary and fashion linkup
I finally got into leather leggings. When I do, I bought 3 pair. Love yours with the red booties that are hot! The lace underlay is lovely and you know how to layer my friend!!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I agree this outfit is all about the amazing red booties but your leather pants and the duster are pretty freaking amazing. I am always a huge fan of red and black together and those are Albania’s colors too. Perfect outfit: edgy yet elegant. The lace and little detail with the striped socks are perfect!
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