Black Out: The End

Looks like we made it. Look how far we’ve come, my #BlackOutStyle babies. This was my January 31st outfit, the triumphant end to my two-week wear-no-black challenge. Can I be honest? I’m glad I did it, but I’m also glad it’s over. I’ve never been a big wearer of black, but I definitely missed it some days. I hope those of you who joined in officially (or maybe just tried to wear a little less black but didn’t tell anyone) had some fun and challenged yourself to try some fun color combinations.

Speaking of fun color combinations, how about mustard and cobalt? I’m a fan.

similar Boots // similar Sweater // similar Belt // similar Stud Bracelet // Cluster Bracelet // similar Coat // Jeans (on sale)

Let me recognize my fellow participants one more time – you guys rock.

• Nicole, VV Boutique Style (co-host and brains behind the challenge)
• Katie, Style on Target
• Erin, Loop Looks
• Joelle, Clothes But Not Quite
• Laura, Rock That Frock
• Lydia, Cotton to Couture
• Shannon, She Does Create (designer of the awesome foxy prize!)
• Kristen, Sunshine Speech & Language (non-style blogger)
• And our lovely non-blogging participants are Heather, Beth, Chantel, Kim, Chantal Y., Wendy, Adrienne, Stephanie, Denise, Angele, and Sara!

Winterize

Winterize: you can do it to your car, and you can do it to your clothes. The former is a practical, grown-up thing to do, but like most practical, grown-up things, it’s totally lame and boring. So we’ll skip it. The latter is the fun one because it involves wearing clothes. I’m super good at wearing clothes. I practice almost every day.

I got this amazing t-shirt with rainbow carousel animals over the summer (let me say it again: RAINBOW. CAROUSEL ANIMALS. AMAZING.) and wore it quite a few times (see below). I saw no reason to put this baby into hibernation. All I had to do to winterize was add about 17 more layers. Tank underneath, sweater on top, tights, socks, jeans, boots, and (not pictured) a scarf, puffy coat, and ear muffs. Yeah, it’s pretty damn cold here. I actually took these photos the day before I wore the outfit because it was a comfortable 37 degrees, compared to the bone-chilling 5 degrees the next day.

January really puts things into perspective. Oh, and according to this article, I am allowed to complain about the cold. So I will continue to do so.

similar Shirt (horse print) // another similar Shirt (multi-color dot) // similar Sweater (on sale) // similar Necklace // similar Boots (on sale) // Bag (under $25) // Nails “Oui” // Lips (mine is a custom color from Bite Lip Lab, but try Cin Cin)

Summer, summer, summer, winter…It’s the real-life remix…

Black Out Challenge Week 1: Complete!

Coat // similar Shirt // similar Sweater // similar Jeans // similar Boots (on sale) // similar Necklace // Sunglasses // Lips

You know what I didn’t realize? That I would be struggling to complete not one, but TWO wardrobe challenges this month. Not only am I doing the Black Out challenge, I’m also doing the Don’t Freeze to Death challenge. Let me tell you, doing both of them at once is not easy. When you have to wear 2-3 layers and slush-appropriate shoes every day, it’s pretty hard to not wear any black. Granted, the Black Out co-host Nicole and I agreed there should be 2 passes per week allowed for tights, shoes, and subtle patterns. But I already took both my passes this week on Tuesday…didn’t have time to take photos of that outfit, but I’ll re-create it some other time. Like in the spring.

This outfit was the biggest struggle of all. I nearly gave up and stayed home, but I had brunch plans, and nothing stands between me and French toast. I had an internal debate with myself over whether this sweater was cheating, because up close it’s very clearly black and white yarn all mixed together. Finally I realized this was a totally insane thing to be worrying about. It’s a gray sweater. And the Black Out challenge is not about eschewing all neutrals, it’s just about not dressing like you’re going to a funeral when the weather is already depressing enough.

But enough about me and my problems. Let’s talk about all the people who tried the Black Out challenge this week! I hope the rest of you will consider joining in for the last week…Don’t forget about that adorable fox necklace you could win!

• Nicole, VV Boutique Style (co-host and brains behind the challenge)
• Katie, Style on Target
• Erin, Loop Looks
• Joelle, Clothes But Not Quite
• Laura, Rock That Frock
• Lydia, Cotton to Couture
• Shannon, She Does Create (designer of the awesome foxy prize!)
• Kristen, Sunshine Speech & Language (non-style blogger)
• And our lovely non-blogging participants are Heather, Beth, Chantel, Kim, Chantal Y., Wendy, Adrienne, Stephanie, Denise, Angele, and Sara! Thanks for joining in, ladies.

Polar Vortex Style

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A couple weeks ago when it was negative a million degrees, I assumed this “polar vortex” thing was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Apparently it is a twice-in-a-month occurrence. Awesome. The first time around, I was lucky enough to be able to stay safely inside. This time I actually have class and other things to do. In addition to what you can see above, I’m also wearing tights and socks under my pants. (Let me tell you: it makes a big difference!)

And because I’m amazing, I managed to pile on all these layers without wearing any black! That’s right, no polar vortex is going to stop me from completing my challenge. Who else is doing the Black Out challenge? Be sure to share your outfit photos on Twitter or Instagram and tag it #BlackOutStyle. Nicole and I will share the names (and links for bloggers) of participants at the end of the week!

similar Sweater (on sale) // similar Vest // similar Hat // Coat // similar Pants (on sale) // similar Boots (on sale) // Lips (mine is a custom color from Bite Lip Lab, but try Cin Cin)

Yes, you’ve seen all these things before. It’s the Real Life Remix…

Winter Brights

I decided to take the Black Out Style challenge to the extreme and bust out two super bright colors in the hopes they would play nicely off each other. I think it worked. And before you say anything, I know these jeans look black but they’re actually just a super dark wash. Just trust me. (If you’re confused, you can read more about the Black Out challenge here.)

I wore this on Sunday for brunch and a movie, and at brunch someone mentioned that my hat looked extra bright with this sweater. I just love it when people get me.

Also, American Hustle is pretty great. Not a huge surprise when pretty much everyone in the cast is nominated for an Oscar. I believe Amy Adams got an extra nomination for best acting by cleavage in a starring role, right? Perhaps I’m mistaken…somebody check me on that.

similar Sweater (on sale under $15) // similar Hat // Bag (under $25) // similar Necklace* // Bracelet // similar Boots (on sale) // Jeans (on sale under $35) // Lips “Punch Drunk”

And the award for most versatile yellow sweater goes too… (It’s the Real Life Remix)

*Necklace purchased with gift card provided courtesy of H&M.