Monday, January 10, 2011

Simple Saturdays: Brightening a Winter Look

As much as I can be a go with the flow person, every so often I find myself getting into a flap (no pun intended seeing as it is this free bird).  Maybe it's residue from holiday madness, but I've been wigging out if all my ducks aren't just so in a row and I am really getting on my own last nerve.  Saturday brought overcast skies and chilly temps at the beach.  When I woke up it took everything in me to sink back under the covers instead of jumping out to rush around the house completing 25 tasks (mission accomplished - the tree's still up and is officially a haven of spiky needle hot mess - not sure how I'm going to get that mother out now...).

By late afternoon we decided to simply meander about town with zero set plans in effort to thwart my newly emerged ocd-ness.  Ever notice how just when you want to throw something on and leave quickly, the weather decides to throw its own wrench into your plans and cause a little chaos?  Cool weather means a coat, and warm clothing in my closet usually consists of black and grey which I am oddly tired of at present (give me 10 minutes and I'll be back).  In an effort to shed the winter blues aka a coat - I threw a longer sleeveless knit cardigan and brightly colored scarf over the usual basics and felt my mood brighten right away.  Here's to discovering more ways to bring out my winter hippie!

 
The scarf totally saves the day.
If you were walking behind me you'd see straight basics.
The knit vest might take you to another place 
(if you're into granny chic, ahem val?)
-but the hint of scarf is really where the fun really starts.
Oh and the bell bottoms...and the mauve clogs (seen here and here).
 A touch of funky brighter jewelry adds a little more zip.
 And ta-da!  You're good to go...the bright flowers help too, of course.

 Suffice it to say the rest of the day/evening tried its best to turn into a gongshow...we decide to go to LA for dinner and a movie only to be met by everyone and their mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle and grandparents attempting to do the same thing.  After several failed attempts to find a place to eat without a two hour wait (drive around and waste gas much??) one of our fave restaurants makes a place for us and the server tells us she'll get us out in time for our 10:45 movie because we left our phones in the car in effort to just enjoy dinner without distractions (imagine the thought).  Cut to scene and her watch must have stopped because we get in the car and it's 10:55.  The theatre doesn't seat after the movie starts, so we get a voucher and go home spent.

Talk about having the ocd whooped out of you - no wonder I didn't take that tree down yesterday.  Yaaaawn.  Hope your weekends were smooth sailing...or skiing :)

Outfit details:  Kersh-Sleeveless Sweater Coat, J.Crew-V-Neck, Hudson-Bell Bottoms, Tolani-Scarf, Old Stud Handmade - Belt, Dulce-Clogs, Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote, Melinda Maria-Moon&Star Necklace, Dean Davidson-Ring, Bracelets-Milijana and my niece!, Sunnies-Anthropologie

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, life. Good attempt at ditching the OCD for a night, and you definitely looked good doing it! Im stuck in the house because of the Snowpocalypse so I'm going to have to try and give the OCD a break - dont have much choice. We'll see how it goes!

Anonymous said...

hungry cat is quite a cool name for a restaurant :D like it!

no sailing and no skiing here. ive been planning our wedding all weekend and it´s no fun. i feel like there was no weekend for me and stupid monday is here again. despite the fact that the sun is shining, I want to go back to bed.

have a lovely week carrie!! i start to plan my CA trip, can I send you an email and ask for some insider tips?

xx
M.
Join my Giveaway and win Lauren Conrad´s Style Book!

Unknown said...

Love the scarf! Very Missoni-ish. And I got some bell bottoms forever ago and still haven't gotten round to hemming them.. must hem pants!

X Cristina

Leia said...

I love the way the scarf brightens the outfit! A twist on basics, awesome!

Leia

Laura said...

The scarf i so pretty !! It really adds some spark to the outfit!!

L x

. said...

Great ring!

RosaLovesDC said...

I also like to wear a bright color here and there during the winter months. It's my way to stop myself from getting the winter blues like you said. You look fabulous in the pictures!

S.I.F. said...

My favorite thing about living up in Alaska now, is the use of scarves. They are seriously my favorite fashion accessories now!

Unknown said...

no worries--i haven't taken down my xmas decorations, either! that makes me feel a whole lot better.

love the outfit! the scarf is very missoni and no one can rock bell-bottoms like you, C!

Anonymous said...

Carrie, you hair is so shiny in that last photo you could do commercials for hair products... well, you are close to L.A., right? I think I will throw on a bright scarf today. So sick of my clothes but honestly, what's left of winter clothing in the stores is kind of lame at this point, so I guess I will be perking up outfits w/ scarves. xo

Jessica said...

Oh the things I'd give for a winter where I could wear just that! I'm stuck in the winter doldrums too - and to perk things up, I'm on the hunt for magenta gloves to wear with my white coat.

I'm sorry to hear that the movie didn't work out, but I bet it was nice to leave the phone in the car for awhile. I'm actually thinking about unplugging a little more often myself. I hate feeling chained to the darn thing sometimes.

Good luck getting the tree out. Ugh.

Lynzy said...

Totally digging the bell bottoms. I used to have so many pairs and now that they are in again I will need to stock up!

I just discovered your blog and am totally inspired. I am looking forward to following you in the new year!


xo Lynzy
http://sparklingfootsteps.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

no worries--i haven't taken down my xmas decorations, either! that makes me feel a whole lot better.

love the outfit! the scarf is very missoni and no one can rock bell-bottoms like you, C!

Bakcocó said...

love throusers!

xx charmediem*

erica said...

Lets start with LOVE your pants I think I need ones like that in my life and you have the best jewelry ever. I am so jealous of your pictures of you walking down the street looking beyond chic... i cannot leave or I might get blown away or become frosty.

xo

Cool Gal said...

*sigh* flowers on the street in January.

Love the bling. :)

Unknown said...

look adoro as ever! - i had one of THE best weekend! .. at a party, one of the guests use to work for Elite models and Bobbi Brown - she gave me the inside scoop and insisted i get into the field - so i'm thinking a career change might be in the works - this is like the Nth person who has steered me into the 'fashion' industry ..

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Secondhand Stella said...

Love your scarf and jeans!!!!

You have such pretty hair :)

Kendall said...

love this look. i am a huge fan of bright scarves in winter!!! thanks for posting! xo Kendall

Taylor said...

This is how I survive winter. Black pants, jeans. Black top white top - funky scarf....today is turtle neck and cheetah-ish scarf!

My decorations are down...but the box is still sitting in the corner, haven't taken down to the storage unit!

Unknown said...

love that scarf x

Courtney Erin said...

Love the scarf - it totally brings it all together and definitely brightens the look. Today is the first day of the new semester so I spent most of my weekend (except for going to Boston on Saturday to attend a conference) getting ready for that and desperately wishing that I could be lazing on the couch watching a movie instead.

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Closet Fashionista said...

Wow sounds like a crazy day....too bad you missed your movie :/
But on the plus side, you look AWESOME :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Diana Mieczan said...

Im also trying to stay warm with some cozy sweaters and scarves. This scarf is adorable and I love those photos,sweetie
Wish you a warmer MOnday
Hugs

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Oh girl...you look fab in those bell's! hectic day but FAB outfit! xo

Abby said...

Love that scarf, and the whole style!

Radiant Make Up said...

gorgeous pictures:)
loving the scarf!! x

TheChambrayCountess said...

It might have been a crazy day in a bad way, but your outfit is crazy in all sorts of a good way ;) Love the scarf combo and the jewels are the perfect additions...I feel like I Need to pull my flares out today....

Nikki said...

Love your outfit! You look fabulous Carrie!

xx
Nikki

Josie said...

You look stunning as always, Carrie! You're right; the winter blahs are definitely getting to me as well. I need to brighten things up with some fun, colorful pieces like you have... That scarf and ring are fab!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

k said...

hello love....the scarf really does make the outfit! I'm glad you had some non ocd time this w/e :) ok i have to go get wine, ciao!

Unknown said...

Love the scarf so much!

Laura said...

I think you make those basics look pretty great! The scarf is awesome and the fit of the jeans is perfect on you.

Valerie said...

Haha, your post is hilarious because I've recently ditched my OCD for pure laziness. Sometimes it's just necessary. The granny chic sweater is so great, Carrie. You know I love a good granny item thrown in the mix. Thanks for the shout out! And what is the deal with your hair?? It looks shiny, silky, completely amazing! What are you using on it these days?

xo
Val

Catita said...

love the last picture! you look fabulous ;)

Marissa said...

I don't know why, but the scarf reminds me of your coat of many colors. :) Just totally brightens it up.

Amber said...

oh man i hate getting on my own nerves, that is never pleasant. hope things get better for you

Tiffany Kadani said...

Colorful scarves really do save the day! So so true! You are gorgeous!

Ashleigh said...

Rockin' scarf chickie!! What I'd give for your 'cooler' weather ;)
Bummer about the movie. Between always being late & prefering not to venture into the cold we are hearting Netflix this winter - some serious couch potato marathons have been happening lately!

allergic to vanilla said...

sucks about the movie C, hate when that happens...beautiful scarf- very missoni-ish as some have stated.

have a fab monday...xo Carlina
AllergicToVanilla.com

Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

Love the scarf, and I just bought my first pair of bell bottoms since middle school and I can't wait to break them out! I'm flying into LA tonight to see my boyfriend and hopefully we'll have an easier time finding a restaurant, ha!
Bisous,
Rachel
lovealamode.wordpress.com

Lila said...

I believe that brighter colors do lift spirits...and yet I find myself in navy, black, and brown all year round. hmmmm!

Finally got our tree down on New Years and boy was it a prickly little thing.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Love your scarf and ring- Your hair is so long- mine is too- I'm getting it trimmed this week- have a good day!

Val said...

You always look gorgeous!!!

valncami said...

love your scarf! your whole outfit is great & you look so pretty :}

we'll be back to visit you soon!
xo, camilla & valerie
abutterflybyday.blogspot.com

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous look!
That scarf IS amazing!

xoxox,
CC

Moosette said...

The perfect Saturday outfit... I wore a similar 'granny' sleeveless knit cardi on Saturday as well - it was perfect for the so cal chilly weather :-)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I've been in a dreary mood as well, but that lovely scarf would certainly perk me up!

Gorgeous Glam said...

I see everyone else loves the scarf too! My weekend was spent antiquing with hubs. Was so fun. I found some great glam pieces.
p.s. yes Camille (sp?) is a nut job, I just can't get over how she talkes about herself. And to think she is roaming around the streets of L.A.! Or excuse me- B.H. Scary!;)

Chas said...

I love your scarf and sweater!

Raez said...

cute look, love the scarf!

xx raez

justagirlLaura said...

"Ever notice how just when you want to throw something on and leave quickly, the weather decides to throw its own wrench into your plans and cause a little chaos?" This is the story of my life!

You always manage to look so wonderful and put-together, no matter what!

J. said...

OCD be gone!!

Loving the scarf Carrie!

kendall k. said...

love your jeans girl.

A Crimson Kiss said...

Goodness, I know that feeling! John snuck out for a long run Sunday morning only to come home and find me scrubbing every surface! Thank goodness for those good guys who get us out of our heads every once in a while!

As for the outfit, I'm loving every piece of it, and most of all that it made you smile! I would totally rock that granny vest, too!

Lisa Griffin said...

hahahah sometimes it takes some force to bust out the ocd behavior, glad you're on the mend!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Logan Living said...

I love your blog! (i just found it, btw)

I can totally relate to this post and your winter hippie look is fabulous!

Please take a look at my blog on accessorizing for home and style: Accessories Please.blogspot

ejb said...

I am loving your Foley + Corinna bag in that rich brown color! I have the black one and just LOVE it! Your scarf is great too :)

Lindsay With An "A" said...

I love love love your scarf!! Thanks for stopping by... yes, I am loving SoCal. Especially since TN is all cold and snowy. Yuck! Thanks for sharing the Melinda Maria discount with us... I love her stuff!

http://lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com

LyddieGal said...

I hate it when the weather messes with my wardrobe. There is supposed to be a huge snow storm on wednesday that is really going to mess up my shoe selections.

But I love your scarf; and I hope you get out of the post holiday doldrums soon.

Chic on the Cheap

Claire Kiefer said...

I love love love that scarf. I recently posted a pic of these two scarves (when I did a guest post for Micaela last week) and I have been daydreaming about them ever since. And they remind me of the one you're wearing in this very post! Ahhhh connectivity.

Leaving your phones in the car is brilliant.

Carrie--you've made me feel infinitely better by confessing your tree is still up. Mine is not only still up, but still sporting lights & ornaments. Ay yay yay.

Annie said...

LOVE that scarf!!

Fé... said...

My favorite piece has got to be the colorful shawl. It reminds me a bit of the flowers in Spring. How I miss them all now that it's all snowy :(

Angela said...

love the scarf.

Stacey said...

That scarf is divine! Loving the wide leg pants too. The look is very boho chic:-). Here's a link for that Moose in the closet if you wanted to check it out further: http://www.voilagallery.com/contemporaryart/william-curtis-rolf/moose-near-specimen-cases-at-deyrolle-color.html

Sarah {Raving Fashionista} said...

That scarf is absolutely fabulous!!! Love the print, colors and length - perfection.

xo www.RavingFashionista.com

grave said...

I like your photo, Your outfits is beautiful.

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