My Style >> Neutral + Bold

It's been a looooong time since I've done an outfit post.  I'll admit that I've purposely avoided doing them, mainly because after a long day working at a clothing label, I'm in a mindset where I want to focus on pretty much anything that doesn't involve fashion.  Also, I work from a home office and studio you guys.  That means that during the week, it's a rare thing to find me clothed in something besides ripped leggings, mismatched socks, and one of my husband's t-shirts. (Sometime, I even brush my hair.)  And finally, I just can't take myself seriously with these poses that I do.  I mean, what's up with the longing gaze into the distance (see dreamy photo below)?  I really do attempt to look normal and you know, smile, but somehow I inevitably make these pseudo-ethereal stares and/or postures.  I suppose that between the years I've spent styling band photo shoots and my look books, combined with that good ol' theatre degree that I have, it's not much of a surprise that the whole 'not posing' thing is somehow challenging for me.  Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.  Oh yeah, and we also have a pretty terrible camera right now and could really, really use a new one (said in an extra whiny voice).

I've made a conscious decision, however, to rise above my excuses, and I plan to start sharing outfits at least once a week.  In the end, I love styling and I love playing dress up, and that's what really matters, right?

I went out to dinner with friends a couple of nights ago, and I was in the mood for something comfortable and casual, but put together.  Lately, I am all about pairing neutral, earthy pieces with pops of bright color.  Originally I had some eggplant colored tights on with this dress and sweater, but it felt a little bland.  So I tried the bold mustard tights, and voila!  These tights have seriously been a wardrobe staple for me this winter, and I'm looking forward to carrying them into spring.  And see those boots?  They were made by Earth Shoes and I got them ten years ago.  Yes, ten.  And I wear them constantly.  I've never had a shoe or boot hold up like these babies.  They're champs. 

For the accessories, I wanted to wear something that complemented the cardigan, which was my favorite part of this look. A couple of weeks ago, Michelle from Fawn and Lark sent me a package with a pretty handmade ceramic triangle brooch and earrings.  They have a gorgeous, earthy quality to them and the red is so rich, and they worked perfectly with the rest of the outfit.  (Thanks Michelle!)  I also piled on my usual hodgepodge of bracelets, including one of the braided leather wraps that I featured in Monday's tutorial.  And that fabulous bag is a vintage Coach bag that my mama gave me a few years back.  Score!

Dress: Mountains of the Moon (my clothing line) 
Cardigan: gift from my sister  //  Tights: Target 
Boots: Earth Shoes  //  Bag: vintage Coach 
Earrings + brooch: c/o Fawn and Lark

This ending up being the perfect outfit for a casual meal out, and I have a feeling I'll be wearing it a few more times before the weather becomes too warm for boots and tights.  (Speaking of - it is going to be 75 degrees in Chicago today!  I cannot put into words how awesome this is.)  One more little piece of unnecessary info: I'm growing my bangs out for the first time in years, but this is no excuse for the fact that I have not had a hair cut in six months.  I've sort of given up on styling it and have been letting it discover its wild inner beast.  I did actually pull the brush out the day we took these photos though, so that's something. 

Do you like to pair neutral shades with bold pops of color in your outfits?