Leather & Lace...and Cozy Sweaters

by Laura Perkins

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old, but here is the same sweater in different colors)  ||  Pants: Madewell  || Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old, but here is the same sweater in different colors)  ||  Pants: Madewell  || Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old, but here is the same sweater in different colors)  ||  Pants: Madewell  || Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) 

Wow, it's already December! And starting to get cold! Time to break out all my chunky sweaters. Today's look is a little bit rocker, a little bit flirty and oh so cozy! Leather and Lace is a perfect mix of masculine and feminine (am I right, Stevie Nicks?) I'll share a secret with you. My black pants look like leather but are actually what's called "coated"! So they give you that leather shine (without looking like cheap faux leather) for a price that doesn't break the bank. Definitely a good investment! Of course if you own real leather skinnies, more power to ya! :) I'm obsessed with over-sized sweaters for winter (you can easily hide any weight gained from all the yummy holiday treats! Plus they're so comfortable and a big trend right now!). This is also a great day to night look because the baggy sweater balances the dressier and tighter (faux) leather pants. The pretty lace trim is actually part of the sweater (although you could recreate this feminine look with a longer lace trim tank top underneath). I paired this outfit with heels because I love dressing up a casual style but you could definitely rock this look with flats, especially when you're at the office or home with family. Add a statement necklace or sparkly clutch to this ensemble and you're ready for a Christmas party!

For your entertainment, here's the Stevie Nicks and Don Henley song "Leather and Lace" that inspired the title of this post! :)

Anthropologie Holiday Gift Guide

by Laura Perkins

I personally love giving gifts for Christmas and couldn't think of a better place to shop than Anthropologie. I'm not usually one to enjoy shopping on Black Friday (because I'm still in a turkey coma) but when you can get 25% off everything today and do your shopping online, I don't think it gets any better! There are so many beautiful, unique gifts at Anthro from statement jewelry and fancy mugs to cozy loungewear and festive cocktail attire. So whether it's a gift for your bestie, a secret santa, one of the lovely ladies in your family or you're just trying to give hints to your loved ones, I've put together a list of a few of my favs to help you out.

Use code Holiday25 today only!!

The Statement Jacket

by Laura Perkins

Jacket: Target  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Sweater: American Eagle (old, similar)  ||  Wedge Boots: J.Crew

Jacket: Target  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Sweater: American Eagle (old, similar)  ||  Wedge Boots: J.Crew

Friends! I had to share all the deets of this statement winter coat with you because it's such a steal! This cute Navajo print wrap jacket is only $39.99 from Target!! Whoa!! Now that's a good deal if you ask me! They have four fun color options (the plaid one is also adorable!) and all have a flattering feminine shape to the fit. I really liked this bold pattern for that cool western style. Plus it's a nice change from my typical black overcoat (read boring). You can dress it up or down (although I like it for casual days with ankle boots). Effortlessly chic!

Now go get one before they're gone!

"All About That Hat"

by Laura Perkins

Hat: Anthropologie (in stores only)  ||  Sweater: American Eagle (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Hat: Anthropologie (in stores only)  ||  Sweater: American Eagle (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

"Because you know I'm all about that hat, 'bout that hat..." Haha. I'm such a dork and have definitely had the song "All About That Bass" in my head. In all seriousness, I'm obsessed with hats for fall/winter. Not only do they keep your head toasty in this cold weather but they instantly update your look.  Plus they are my go-to for bad hair days. There are so many adorable hats out there right now. I scored this one from Anthropologie (for some reason it's only available in stores but there are a ton of cute ones online too!). I loved the flat brim and higher western structure of the top. Plus I've been wanting a navy hat ever since I spotted Bayleigh Bingham in my NYFW street style video for Loehmann's. When you're shopping for the perfect hat, make sure to try a bunch of different styles on. I've heard friends say to me that hats just don't look good on them. My response is "then you haven't found the right one yet." So don't give up. Your hat is out there...waiting for you! And to all my Florida friends - you can definitely rock a hat with a short sleeve blouse or skirt to give you that fall look without sweating bullets!

Styling tip: Since my hat has a bit of a western structure to it, I like to pair simple, feminine apparel (like this lace back sweater) with it so I don't look too country or masculine. And because the hat is pretty large, I think it looks best styled with a more fitted top vs. something baggy.