THE [SUPERMAN] CAPE

Ah... I'm dreaming of warmer days! Seems like just last week it was sixty degrees & perfect cape weather... oh wait...  

Well. That was last week. This week Cincinnati is throwing negative temperatures our way. So you might want to bookmark this babe for warmer days. I predict they are only a little bit away. But maybe that's because I'm wearing a superman cape & that means anything I want to happen will happen. That's how it works, right?

I bought this cape in college, wayyy back in 2010. Then, I lost it in the trunk of my car for TWO YEARS. About a month ago, I found it again :D. Feels brand new! So what about you guys? I love that the cape trend has been going strong for four years - how do you wear yours? You can tell me in a second.. BRB while me & my superman cape try to conquer this polar vortex real fast.  

Cape: For Cynthia via TJMaxx (five years ago)(similar)
Sweatshirt: JCrew (two years ago)(similar)
Pants: Thrifted Gap (similar)
Hat: Target
Tote: Madewell Transport Tote
Shoes: Free People (four years ago)(similar)
Photography: Jacob Heath

CASUAL MONDAY + BLANKET SCARF

Get excited people!!! I was on a stay-cation last week & spent a lot of time transferring Magical Simplicity to it's new home & new name. I'll show you guys really, really soon. Meanwhile....

Can we comment on this Cincinnati weather?! What the heck! Last week it was under 20 degrees & up to 60 in just the span of 48 hours. So, rather than bundling my blanket scarf under my huge eskimo coat, it finally got to take the spotlight. 

This is the most comfortable scarf in the entire world. I got it at a winter sale last year at Curate Boutique & never looked back. It doubles as a blanket when I'm traveling for work (airplanes get really unexpectedly cold, don't you think?) & a perfect cozy accessory when just running out for errands. 

Did you guys hop on the blanket scarf trend? How do you wear yours? I've seen some pretty neat ways lately.. I especially love this cape-look by twosixandcounting. Maybe I'll try that someday too :) P.S. We took these photos on Ida Street --- you might be hearing that name around these parts a little more soon ;)

Blanket Scarf: LOOK wool blanket scarf via Curate Boutique (last year) (similar)
Shirt: Merona Chambray Light Wash via Target (last year) (similar)
Pants: Skinny Ankle Jean light wash via JCrew Factory (last year) (similar)
Purse: Woven Faux Leather from SF (similar)
Sunnies: Street Vendor in NYC (similar)
Photography: Jacob Heath 

HOLIDAY CASUAL

I'm home, home, home for the Holidays!

No explanation needed! Wishing you the merriest Christmas there ever was. Love you guys to the moon & back. Enjoy every bit of this time you have with the ones you love. & I'll do the same! I'll talk to you later! xoxox

Sweater: J.Crew Factory

Jeans: J.Crew Factory 

Shoes: J.Crew Outlet (similar)

THE ROLLING STONES TEE

Do I love The Rolling Stones? I had to Wikipedia them to figure out who they really were. I mean, sure, everyone knows The Rolling Stones. But can you really roll off some Rolling Stones originals? If so major props. I music envy you. I, on the other hand, mostly love The Rolling Stones for this. awesome. tshirt.  

My dad gave me this tshirt a few years ago. It is the softest, most perfect, most excellent shirt in the land. So soft, perfect & excellent, in fact, that I usually wear it to bed. But I packed a little light over Christmas & here we are! The Rolling Stones Tee makes its daylight debut!

It's kind of like, my original graphic tee :D What do you think? Can I pretend to be a groupie? I really like the look (& the comfort level) so I think I'm going to no matter what. ;) xoxo

Shirt: Rolling Stones Tee (inherited) (similar)

Jacket: rag&bone via TjMaxx (similar)

Jeans: Jcrew Factory 

Boots: Anthropologie (three years ago) (similar)

Photography: Natalie Folchi of CincinNatalie

STYLING WITH CINCINNATI'S CURATE BOUTIQUE

Oh my gosh you guys. Fun. That's what it was to hang out with Courtney PeGan owner/founder of Cincinnati's Curate Boutique [map]. I mentioned to you guys a bit ago that I had the fabulous opportunity to model some of her outfits for the Holiday Lookbook. (See it here!) 

Behind the scenes, Courtney pulled three fantastic outfits for me. Then the talented Corey Stevens Photography traipsed around Cincinnati with us to get seriously festive. I had one casual outfit & two fantastically fancy ones, ALL of which I loved. In fact, the outfit above inspired me to start wearing beanies & pom hats as much as possible (remember this one?). Since this photo I've actually purchased that very pair of pants. Spoiler alert: they make every outfit amazing.

I literally had so much fun with Curate. & if you haven't stopped in recently (or ever)(gasp!) it's about time you did. & it's conveniently the perfect season for it. (Christmas presents!!!!!!!!)

What do you think guys? Which is your favorite of these styles? This green dress is just lace - all the way down the back. Gorgeous. But... I think I'm still partial to the sparkly number in the middle. xoxo & thank you for reading! 

Outfit 1 | Pants: Liverpool Madonna Skinny Coated Jegging via Curate Boutique

Sweatshirt: JOA Embellished Collar Sweatshirt via Curate Boutique

Beanie: In Stores only (Curate Boutique) 

Outfit 2 | Dress: Chaudry Beaded Cocktail Dress via Curate Boutique 

Outfit 3 | Dress: Line & Dot Moore Keyhole Lace Dress via Curate Boutique

Photography: Corey Stevens Photography

MAKE A ROARING TWENTIES OUTFIT.. FROM CLOTHES YOU ALREADY HAVE

One thing I've recently realized is that Roaring Twenties Attire & Holiday Attire are impressively similar. Sparkles! Make up! Fur! More sparkles! It made it very easy for me when it came time to find a Roaring Twenties outfit for the Cincinnati Opera's 95 Anniversary Gala Ball. (At which I was a volunteer.) (& at which there was a candy bar.) (For which I bought $400 of candy....... um yes.)

Anyway, here is a rundown of the Holiday staples you already have that will make for a great Flapper outfit.

1. Your very average pencil skirt. If you don't have one in your closet, chances are you need one. Here's a good one from H&M. This is the perfect fit & style for flappers who did show off their legs, but did not show off too much.
2. The sparkle shirt. You really must have this! They were all the rage about two years ago -- & are coming back in force this Holiday season! Don't have one? Mine is very similar to THIS. Plus, isn't the very first thing you think of when someone says "Roaring Twenties" sparkle???
3. The shiny shoe. Surely you've picked up something like THIS during a Christmas past! This is actually not accurately flapper attire - but it matches our Great Gatsby inspired re-invention.
4. The crowning piece of your Roaring Twenties outfit: the sparkle headband. Again, think of Christmas past .. didn't you pick one of THESE up back then? No? Head over to Forever 21 now! For Flapper life, you'll want to wear this across your forehead rather than in your hair. (It's totally way more fun!)
5. & the Faux Fur Vest. Umm YES. Nothing screams warmth & comfort more than THIS. & in my research I found many a Gatsby pic in fur :)

I can't even remember  how many times that night I told my fellow volunteers (& new friends!) that I wanted to wear "Gatsby clothes" for the rest of my life. It's the perfect style - stylish but not too revealing. Flirty, but not showing too much skin. Basically, it's just fantastic. & best deal? Every piece of this ensemble is multi-outfit worthy!

^^^^^^^^^ Sorry for my pixels, but here's an insta-selfie.

^^^ Me & my volunteer friends. We all used to intern for the Opera. We are also all amazing. Also: that back drop.

Other tips for being a flapper (that also can be used as great advice for Holiday parties):

- Cat Eyes

- Lots of jewelry; preferably pearls

- A pretend bob to your hair (easy to do!)

- Excellent dance moves

MIXING: COZY + FANCY

Happpppy December! You know what that means? Well, many things, actually, but on the top of the list: Holiday Parties!! I think I'm booked every weekend through the end of the year! (Not complaining :D) Anyway, I wanted to pull a little example together for you guys to help get the creative juices flowing for Holiday attire. 

To me, it is utterly important to have the maximum amount of comfort at all possible times. (That's why you will find me in sweat pants well past noon every weekend.) Even my dress up clothes sneak in a cozy piece. Queue the outfit we're looking at here.

We have the oh so classic sparkle skirt (that I got on after-season sale from TJmaxx a few years ago) + the totally comfortable waffle sweater. Guarantee you can party-on for hours in this ensemble! 

^^^^ That's my "You Can Trust Me Because I'm making this Face" face. Actually, it was more of a "Will taking these photos on public roads ever stop feeling awkward, Natalie?" Face. Anywho, party-on, party-people! What clothes do you swear by for the Holidays?

Sweater: JCrew Factory Warmspun Waffle Crewneck Sweater (a classic!)

Skirt: Tibi via TJMaxx (two years ago) (similar) (also love) <<< Thanks, Tory!

Shoes: Tassel Tie Bootie via Coach (thrifted) (similar)
Photography: Natalie Folchi of CincinNatalie

THE TIMBERLANDS

Why do I own a pair of Timberlands? I bought them in college, at this amazing discount warehouse called Gabriel Brothers. Around that time, I also invested in a pair of Clark Desert Boots & was lusting over a pair of wingtips. So basically, every shoe we put on my little brother, I also tried to buy for myself. 

Don't get me wrong - I'm a very girly girl. (Like painfully girly.) I just love to surprise people with a touch of masculinity. Back then, that meant switching out the shoelaces of these Tims (as I lovingly dubbed them) for something superbly feminine. Queue the red laces! Nowadays, I pair The Tims with the most girly coat I own - a pleated Betsey Johnson Pea Coat. I adore the striking contrast. 

So what about you guys? Do you ever pull trends traditionally meant for the boys into your wardrobe? I've grabbed a few examples from my Cincinnati blogger friends: like THIS bow tie Katie wears at Out + Outfit; THIS sleeveless tuxedo vest & army pant combo Natalie wears at CincinNatalie; & THIS letterman(ish) jacket from Princess at Personal Bravery. What are your other faves?

Shoes: Timberland Basic Roll Top Boots

Coat: Betsey Johnson via Burlington Coat Factory (last year) (similar)

Pants: Matchstick light wash via JCrew Factory

Shirt: Stripe Sleeve Tee via JCrew

Photography: Natalie Folchi at CincinNatalie.

LITTLE RED HOLIDAY DRESS

Did you guys ever watch Gossip Girl? My friend Kate & I were obsessed with it a few years back. We spent many a day with frozen pizza, a bag of Rolos & a bottle of cheap wine watching season after season of dvds in her college apartment. My favorite character was Blair Waldorf. I still adore her flawless style. & Blair always, always had a fabulous dress for Thanksgiving.

I, on the other hand, don't really dress up for Thanksgiving (more of an elastic waist band to make room for the cheesy potatoes kind of gal). But I love the concept! Thanksgiving marks the start of the Holiday season & what a fun & festive time to be wearing clothes! Sparkles! Tulle! Plaid heels! & in this case, the little red Holiday dress :D

Whatever you wear, & whatever your plans.. I hope this Thanksgiving involves delicious food, warm conversation & hours of relaxation. Love you all. Xoxo

Dress: Madewell Ponte Screenplay Dress (last year) (similar)

Coat: Betsey Johnson via Burlington Coat Factory (last year) (similar)

Shoes: Factory Olive Plaid Pumps via J.Crew Factory (the BRAND new one in Rookwood!!!!!!)

Photography: Natalie Folchi with Cincin-Natalie

BEANIE

BrrrrRRRrrRR!!!! It's cold out there!  Last week I scraped the first frost off my windshield. This weekend we had our first dusting of snow. A mute point, now that we've had this incredible snow storm! All that is to say that it's really, really cold. & time to dress the part :D

Thus, my love of hats transfers from summer to fall to winter! Beanies are the best. Especially this one, with it's lovely, extra large pom-pom. Bonus? Hats retain heat & keep us extra warm.

How do you guys feel about the beanie trend? Will there be beanies in your winter wear this season? xoxo & thanks for reading, loves!

Pants: Skinny skinny ankle coated motorcycle jeans via Madewell
Shirt:  Madewell Speckled White Tee via J.Crew Factory Store
Beanie: PowderPuff Girls Beanie via Charming Charlie

Shoes: Factory Olive Plaid Pumps via J.Crew Factory (the BRAND new one in Rookwood!!!!!!)
Jacket: Borrowed from Cincin-Natalie

Photography: Natalie Folchi with Cincin-Natalie

FANCY PANTS

I'm not positive if these pants are fancy, per se, but they sure are comfortable. When I bought them two years ago I got several reactions: "Oh Annie, you look like MC Hammer!" "Parachute pants are back in?" "Annie, are you wearing pajamas to work?"

But I took it all! Why? Because these pants are soooo comfortable. & lucky for me, the jogger pant came back in style. & they are indeed fancy pants! At least if you pair them with heels!

I am obsessed with this trend. My favorite is to wear the jogger pant with a crop top & a hat. But if you see me at the airport -- there's an 80 percent chance I've got them on with a tee & tennies (perhaps the JOGGER pant's natural habitat?). But, dressed up or down: you can't beat these fancy pants!

^^^^ P.S. Tripod pics #2. Smiling is so hard when you're alone!!

Pants: Bobeau Woven Track Pant via Nordstrom Rack
Shirt: Line & Dot Crop Top via Curate Boutique [out of stock]
Hat: Target!
Trench: Ann Taylor Loft [wayyyy old] 

RAG&BONE CAMO COMBO JACKET

So here's the thing, gang. The sun! It's under the horizon when we leave for work & it's way gone by the time we get home. What's a girl to do to show off her new rag & bone camo leather sleeved jacket?!  I. Don't. Know!

But a few weeks ago CincinNatalie suggested I buy a tripod. While her first tripod post looked adorable (see here!)....

Mine.... turned out.... like this:

Spot on! Right? ;D

I guess I have some practicing to do! Like learn how to smile when taking photos alone? Well, anywho. I have a new rag & bone leather sleeved jacket & it's amazing. The sleeves feel like honey & I've been dying to find the perfect camo jacket for more than a year. Combo camo for the win!!! 

Jacket: rag & bone via TjMaxx [similar]

Pants: Madewell Skinny skinny ankle coated motorcycle jeans
Shoes: Madewell Calf Hair Leopard Skimmer 

Shirt: Banana Republic [similar]

Photography: Tripod, yo.

SUMMER HATS FOR FALL

This summer my love for hats reached a whole new level. I went from never wearing a fedora to owning four. I styled them here, here, here, here + here. We all found big floppy hats +  wore them here. I realized hats are not just stylish but also functional (seems obvious, I know, but this was a huge revelation for me). + best of all,  I learned "good hat day" means I have few extra glorious minutes in my bed every morning.  (Because otherwise I comb my hair every day.) (I really do!) (Well.. most mornings.) (Smirk emoji.)

Even though last week I brought the wool baseball cap back into my wardrobe, I'm not quite ready to put my summer hats away (partially because I don't know where to store them in The Studio...). So, sweet Magical Simplicity readers, let's transition! This amazing summer hat called to me from a boutique at The Market while I was visiting Colleen in NYC. The moment I was told about it's end-of-summer 40% sale - it was mine. It's bright pink + so obviously a sun hat. I suppose that makes it's natural habitat the sizzling summer months. But I think I can stretch it out :)

As the weather cools, the trick is to mute the rest of your outfit with basic colors: blacks, greys + whites. It will make room for this transitional pop of color. Plus, don't you think it's rude to distract from something so beautiful, anyway? If you've been obsessing over hats this summer  (like me!) (I mean, really though, can we talk about how much less makeup you need when hats are the ootd?!) --  I'd love to hear how you plan to transition yours into the fall. Suggestions + comments always welcome. + as always, thanks for reading :)

Hat: The Market in NYC
Pants: Madewell Skinny skinny ankle coated motorcycle jeans
Shoes: Frye Laney Lace Up
Photography: Jackie Butler