And So It Begins... Holiday 2012 Outfit Ideas

Yeah, I know today is Halloween.  I hope it's fun, and that you see lots of cool orange and black stuff on the internet today. 

However, since I posted all of my Halloween themed content on Friday, I decided to jump ahead to what will soon dominate our free time.  Yes, it's time to start thinking about holiday parties and all the outfit planning that goes along with them.  In a few short weeks, we'll be attending Thanksgiving dinners and then the first wave of Christmas parties.  Time has flown!

If you plan on buying new outfits to see you through the season, now is the time to start shopping.  As usual, I'm here to help with some ideas.  First, I'll start with the phrase that actually makes many hearts sink a little bit - "It's just a casual party, you can wear jeans."  I doubt I'm alone in that I'd rather put together a special outfit than look like I'm about to go to work, but with more makeup and cameras.  However, the right combinations can make you stand out a little but not look overdressed.

casual holiday party by cardiganjunkie featuring vince camuto

I love bright tops, unique jewelry, and slim cut pants as an alternative to basic jeans and sweaters.  Plus, you'll always be cozy in a black sweater dress and boots.  However, nothing above is going to prompt questions about where you're going later, or why you're so dressed up. 

Check out a more formal option after the jump...

Reader Request: Bachelorette Party Guest

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Today I'm excited to be helping my friend Christina, who is attending a bachelorette party this weekend with two nights of bar hopping.  She's hoping to get some outfit ideas now that the weather is cooling down, and I think a lot of us are facing the same dilemma. 

Most "going out" dresses are skimpy, and carrying a coat is a hassle, so you either end up cold or in an outfit like one of these:

bachelorette guest - city by cardiganjunkie featuring chain jewelry

I really like a short dress with sleeves for going out since you can wear whatever bra you're most comfortable in and look seasonally appropriate without burning up in a crowded bar.  Wedge heels are easier to walk in than a typical stiletto, and a bold necklace makes the entire outfit a bit more unique. 

5 Things Friday - Halloween Edition

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone's week was awesome, and you have fun Halloween plans.  We're (sadly) not attending any parties this weekend in favor of a road trip but my new company is having a costume contest and Halloween buffet on Wednesday, so I'll be getting my share of candy and themed cocktails.

Until then, here are five things I deemed worth sharing on the internet:

1. These are the prettiest pumpkins, and it doesn't look hard to do!

Source: alifesdesign.blogspot.com via Jazmyne on Pinterest

2.  This year, like all others, I have failed to plan a proper costume.  I'll probably do some sort of 60s inspired ensemble, but a while back I shared how to throw together a costume of sorts that you'll actually wear again (in pieces).  Here's the post, and a recreation of the look:

last minute costume by cardiganjunkie featuring a black hair care

3.  I think these cupcakes are the cutest, and look super easy to make.  I'd use canned white icing for the eyes, though.  I'm lazy.

Source: parents.com via Haley on Pinterest

4. This cracks me up.

Source: huffingtonpost.com via Haley on Pinterest

5. Last year I made these milkshakes and they were a HIT.  Sadly, if I made them again this year I'd have to drink 90% of it myself since my husband doesn't like sweets.  Someone make them - you'll be glad you did!

Source: blog.craftzine.com via Haley on Pinterest

And with that, I bid you good weekend!

Always in Style: Simple Chic Jewelry

If you've read this blog for a while, you know that I love me some jewelry.  Just this weekend I was putting my closet back together and realized the extent of my necklace collection.  I may have a teensy little addiction:

However, lately I have been more and more drawn to simple pieces that I know will look great ten years from now.  Of the 30+ necklaces shown above, I think the one I've worn most often in the past five months is the simplest - the Dana necklace designed by Noa Sade of Lionette. (the picture below shows three)

All season I've been aspiring to recreate everyone's favorite layered necklace pin (check out the Kei Jewelry Etsy shop here) and load my hands with delicate rings instead of chunky tortoise cuffs and enamel necklaces:

Source: shopkei.etsy.com via Haley on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Haley on Pinterest

Check out a super cheap option and my favorite new designer after the jump:

Reader Request: 5 Day Winter Packing List

Good morning!  This week I'm excited to help my friend Jan prepare for her upcoming 5-day vacation in New York.  She's not looking to bring her whole closet with her, but needs a variety of outfits.  It's especially tricky to pack a single bag with cold weather clothes since they take up so much room but if you bring a limited palette and versatile pieces, it's possible.

Here's what I would pack:

5 day winter vacation packing list by cardiganjunkie featuring a tee shirt dress