What to Wear: Christmas Errands and Traveling

Like so many other people, the Christmas weekend means that N and I will be loading up our dogs and presents into the Escape and embarking on a road trip across Texas to visit our respective parents and grandparents.  It's not at all glamorous or relaxing, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

And since so many of you are in the same situation, or spending your days going to pick up potatoes and cheese for your mom before taking a niece or nephew to watch Hugo, I wanted to continue the what to wear series with some really casual but thoughtful outfits for the days when you're busy and not having a leisurely afternoon by the fire.

What to Wear: Christmas Errands by cardiganjunkie featuring patent leather shoes

I know I'll be wearing the heck out of my straight leg jeans and cords this week, and think that you can't go wrong with any sort of slim cut cardigan or shirt beneath your coat. 

Are you an errand runner around the holidays, or have you finished all your shopping and are totally prepared?  I'm afraid I'm in the first category...

What to Wear: Christmas Morning

My Christmas outfit series continues today with what I think are some cute options to wear when you're sitting around the house on Christmas morning enjoying a big breakfast and time with your family.

In my opinion, layers will make you look a lot cuter than if you stroll in wearing old leggings, a ponytail, and the college t-shirt you wore to sleep (or am I the only one who does that?)  I know the last thing you'll want to do is get dressed again, but adding a top layer or different shirt to what you already had is no big deal and worth the effort.  Plus, you'll be glad you did when the cameras come out to document the occasion for Facebook.

What to Wear: Christmas Morning 2011 by cardiganjunkie featuring a v neck cardigan

I think I'll be playing around with concept of wearing a button down with rolled sleeves in place of my usual t-shirt or adding a cardigan to my sweatpant and tank top combo.  What about you?

What to Wear: Casual Christmas 2011

Happy Monday! I can't believe that it's already time for Christmas and Hanukkah, and the many gatherings that come along with it.  Since so many of us struggle with what to wear when a new outfit isn't an option, I thought I'd devote several posts this week to sharing outfit ideas with a realistic angle.

I say that because, at least in small town Texas where I'm from, holiday gatherings don't always involve glittery jewelry, dresses or even high heels.  When your family is sitting on the floor playing Mario Cart with solo cups full of Jack and Coke, it won't do to dress like you're off to have cocktails at Chateau Marmont.  At the same time, you're likely to be photographed and you want to at least feel like your outfit is special and flattering.  That's where I come in - here's the first in a series of ideas of what to wear this week and next:

Today I'm tacking the extended family gathering with dinner and presents:

Casual Christmas 2011 by cardiganjunkie featuring skinny fit jeans

I think that comfy cords, jeans or cropped pants will look totally festive with classic sweaters and blouses.  I think I'll be wearing the first and second options this weekend!

What are your family gatherings like?  Am I the only one struggling to fit in with the casual family in jeans?

Words to live by...

Between Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, and wrapping Christmas presents this week, I just ran out of time for other things.  I needed this little reminder:

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: brightontheday.com via Nicolle on Pinterest

Source: lily.fi via Loike on Pinterest

And of course, I can't ignore clothes completely...

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Naomi on Pinterest

See you next week!

Currently Coveting: Jade

Ever since I added a jade green top to my closet, I've been obsessed with the color.  I think it was made for brunettes, and can be worn year round so anything you get is a great investment (look at me justifying the purchases!)

I came across some great things in my Polyvore browsing this week, and wanted to share some of my favorite jade pieces available now.  You know... in case you need to get yourself a little something for Christmas.

jade! by cardiganjunkie featuring kenneth jay lane jewelry