Earth Tones With a Pop of Red

Howdy! I've been MIA because of my busy schedule lately. Here's a quick outfit post before I finish cleaning up and head to the gym.

Gap Sweater    |   Gap Pants   |   Gap Beanie   |   Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

This sweater made an appearance in my last post, and I'm wearing it again here! Slouchy sweaters are a no-brainer when it comes to incorporating them into your outfit. You can wear them with everything: mini skirts, pencil skirts, a-line skirts, jeans, trousers. Since my ensemble is mostly earth toned, I opted to wear a bright red beanie for a pop of color and extra warmth.

I've been thinking about the act of multitasking, and its effectiveness. Some say that it's not really multitasking but task switching, and that multitasking actually results in lower productivity because you're not entirely focused on one thing. What do you think? I'm always multitasking because I often feel pressed for time, and feel that things get done faster if I do several things at once. I eat breakfast while getting ready in the morning or while walking to the train. Sometimes I exercise while watching tv at home. I cook, clean, and do laundry at the same time. But now I'm rethinking this whole multitasking strategy. Sometimes I find that if I start several projects at once, I get sidetracked and then the projects are halfway done. And this is only my personal life.

At work, the multitasking increases tenfold. I always have a list of things that need to be done for the day. But there's also emails that need to be answered. People coming to you in person with questions all day. Last minute requests, deadlines to be met, tasks to delegate. Does this sound familiar to you? I'm sure you can relate. So, do you multitask and if so, do you find that it's effective? I'm really interested to know!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Textured: Cozy Sweater and Suede Skirt

Gap Sweater on sale!    |   old Forever 21 Skirt (similar)   |   Apri Booties via Marshalls

There was a period where every single top I picked up in stores was part of the cream, off white, beige family. I would see tops in other colors and think "this sweater in red is so pretty. But the cream, the cream goes with everything!" And as much as I like color, sometimes I just dig the good ole' neutrals more. They just make any outfit look, well, classic. They look great when worn with a rich, vibrant color like the cognac skirt I'm wearing. Check out this post to see how I last styled the same skirt.

Collared Top and Pleated Floral Skirt

Gap Top on sale for $24.99    |  Gap Skirt on sale for $31.99    |  Zara Shoes (old)  |  Gap Clutch

Rich Hues

Loft Trousers   |   Loft Top  |   Nine West Flats  |  Target Clutch  |   J Crew Bracelet |   Random Necklace

If plaid, tweed, and red velvet flats with bows doesn't scream preppy office attire, I don't know what does. I purchased the top I'm wearing over a year ago from Loft, and never wore it till now. I forgot that I even owned it till I found it when I was cleaning my closet one day. Ten points to Gryffindor for rediscovering clothing in your closet! And let's face it, dress pants can be boring sometimes. Try a pair of printed pants with festive, textured flats for a spin on your office look. Check out my previous posts here and here to see how I wore my plaid pants.

Charmed

This face explains how I've felt for the past two weeks. I've been busy running around  and feeling spread thin. This weekend was all about r&r; catching up on sleep, Pretty Little Liars, and The Walking Dead. And the ten degrees temperature increase this weekend was perfect for running, taking pictures without freezing and wearing cute dresses like this paisley one!

Aldo Boots (similar)      |   Joe Fresh Dress (similar)    |   J Crew Necklace (similar)

Chic in Shift: Red Lips, and Polka Dot Shifts

 Gap Dress (similar)     |   BaubleBar Necklace and Earrings    |   Ecote Boots (similar)

 Aside from fit and flare dresses, I also love shift dresses. This is probably one of my favorite outfits that I've worn recently. I wanted to brighten up this dark Gap dress with a red lip, red bag, and some gorgeous BaubleBar sparkle.

 

 How do you brighten up a dark outfit?

Chambray and Thrifty Ways

Gap Shirt     |   Lucky Brand Jeans   |   J Crew Necklace (similar here and here ) 

Tretorn Rain Boots    |   Ann Taylor Tote  |    BaubleBar Rings

Can you believe that this is my first chambray shirt? Whoever came up with chambray is brilliant. I would describe it as a mix between a denim and an oxford shirt. Softer than denim but less preppy and more laid back than an oxford. Since there was a lot of blue going on in my outfit, I brightened it up with this necklace. It's almost possible to wear a bright, floral necklace and not have a good day!

I'm a big fan of tote bags and leopard, so I was naturally drawn to this bag. I bought it half off the original price which was even better. The zippers on the side are functional, so I can choose to hide or show off the leopard print. And as much as I love tote bags, they tend to lose their shape because I carry too many things and end up with bag sag at the bottom. I didn't want to spend $20 on a base shaper, so I used my thrifty ways to make one out of cardboard! It's not the best as cardboard tends to bend but it works for now.

Flannel and Wax

  H&M Shirt   |   Gap Tee    |   Zara Bottoms

Every time I take outdoor photos in the winter, I have to repeatedly tell myself "Don't let the cold show." I can handle the cold weather, but my hands and toes started to feel so numb that I had to wear my gloves. Bundle up and stay warm folks!

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