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 

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