Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

This sparkling cuff is a whopping
$10.80 at Forever 21 and adds
fun without fret to any holiday outfit!

It is officially the holiday season. And what Christmas would be complete without Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas" somewhere on that holiday mix? When it comes to fashion, the holidays can be a bit stressful. There's nothing that will get women in more of a frenzy than the hunt for a perfect holiday outfit. The process can be anything but jolly!

This year take a deep breath, head to your closet and see what you have before you panic. Is there a dress, top or skirt that you wore last year or a couple years ago that could be revamped with different jewelry, hosiery or footwear? If you have many events to attend maybe you treat yourself to a new dress and work with what you already own for the remaining soirees. And don't forget the age old "phone a friend option". It can sometimes take a village to dress for the season! Imitation is the highest form of flattery so your gal pal will love that you ask to borrow some seasonal flair.

Save some money, save some stress and definitely have a Holly Jolly (Stylish) Christmas and you'll Love What You Wear!

The Groundhog Day Song

Don't let this guy stand in the way
of dressing well each day!

Yep, there's a Groundhog Day Song. Who knew? I suggest you listen to this masterpiece. Well, only if you have time to waste! I know we can all feel like we're living in the Groundhog day movie, doing the same things day in and day out. Dressing each day can feel a bit Groundhogday'esque. I hear, "I don't know what to wear" or "I hate getting dressed in the morning" from a lot of people. This is often the excuse for dressing in less than stellar clothing.

While I understand that getting dressed may not be the highlight of your day it certainly shouldn't seem like drudgery. Everyone who chooses not to live in a nudist colony is tasked with the processes of daily dressing. If you have to get dressed each day why not look good? It takes the same amount of time to put on ill-fitting, unattractive clothing as it does to don clothing that fits well and makes you feel great.

When you go to your closet that is not located in a nudist colony tomorrow morning, make choices that boost your looks and help you feel good. Why not? You will, after all, be wearing those clothes for several hours. And you just never know when George Clooney might visit your home or office- just sayin'.

Don't let Groundhog day syndrome stand in the way of dressing well. Shoot that groundhog right between the eyes and Love What You Wear!

Good Life

Good Life!

This Thanksgiving week I'd like to take a break from the fashion musings normally found here for a heart check rather than the usual boot or scarf check. As I heard the song "Good Life" today, released almost exactly a year ago in 2010 by New Republic, I couldn't help but think about what "Good Life" means as we head into the holiday season.

I know we're all grateful for the Good Life. I also know how we can lose sight of the things that make our lives great. Living in the Pacific Northwest is high on the list of things to be thankful for. What an amazing place- even if the weather can be less than stellar it sure creates majestic scenery. Oh, and how about all the boots and scarves we get to wear when the inclimate weather is upon us? Oh, but there I go digressing onto fashion...

How about the fantastic families we come from? And the families we've made? I consider my family not only my husband and kids but also the friends that make our family better than it would be otherwise. Having a roof overhead with heat and a bed to sleep in- all worthy basics we take for granted. Now's the time to remember how fortunate we are.

So cheers to the Good Life! For great families, good friends, yummy food and celebrations. So many reasons to be thankful. Take the time this week to concentrate on the things that make you happy and leave the rest for next week. And, while we're at it, we might as well wear something cute (and expandable) this Thanksgiving. Love What You Wear (and be thankful!).

One Love

This is the kind of love that
stands the test of time!

Don't hate me because I'm about to talk about a Pat Benatar song! Back in 1988 the song "One Love" was a vinyl release on Pat Benatar's "Wide Awake in Dreamland" album. Bear with me. Listen to this song! And while we're on the subject, what is your closet One Love? Okay, maybe not one love but the thing you can't live without? Is it your favorite boots, jacket, belt or scarf? Please don't say it's your sweats!

We all have that closet One Love, and we don't necessarily have to get rid of it, even if we've had it awhile. After all, long term relationships should be celebrated! What you should think about is how you can put a spin on your One Love item. If it's a jacket, perhaps it's time to roll up the sleeves if you haven't done that before or think of different tops or dresses to put beneath it. Have you worn it with a skirt in the past? Maybe that's just the combination needed to freshen things up. How about your favorite boots? Do you just wear them with jeans? I bet they'd look great with a dress that's hanging in your closet, perhaps making the dress more casual for a Seattle style date night?

Just like the one love in your life, the one love in your closet needs some attention and perhaps a new perspective. Think about it. Take care of your closet One Love and You'll Love What You Wear!

Black Brown and Beige

These black/brown combos
 are as well composed as a
Duke Ellington tune!

Well, what a handy song title. "Black Brown and Beige" was written by Duke Ellington in 1943. It refers to a very heavy subject. I, however, would like to discuss something not so heavy. When I'm not busy strategizing my world peace plan I ponder the age old question, "do black and brown really go together?"

The answer is a resounding YES! I believe the people who combine these two colors are the clever fashionistas among us. Those black boots can easily be mixed with brown elements in other parts of your outfit and vice versa. The less matchy, matchy your outfit the more interesting it is and shows your creativity.

That's right folks- dressing is a bit of an art form. You are a walking canvas so start painting and don't be afraid to mix your black, brown and beige. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

A Fool For Your Stockings

Yes, it's true, "A Fool For Your Stockings" is really a song. Really. It was the B-side of ZZ Top's hit single "Legs" released in 1984. Although "A Fool For your Stockings" is not a well known tune, the cool stockings and patterned tights available today are definitely an accessory for which you should be in tune!

Don't be a fool, decorate your legs!

Having a few pair of patterned hose and/or tights can add flair to your wardrobe. Do you have a great solid colored dress or skirt? Add some funky leg wear to the mix with your favorite boots/booties or heels and suddenly your otherwise blah outfit shows personality.

Virtually all colors and patterns are fair game. If, however, you are new to the funky stockings game you may want to begin with black or gray and get more colorful as your comfort level builds.

Go ahead- decorate those legs, you never know who will be a fool for your stockings and You'll Love What You Wear!

Lost In My Mind

The boot that currently has me
"Lost In My Mind"

Ooh, I really love this song. "Lost In My Mind" was released this year by a Seattle band called The Head and The Heart. A great tune that's part of a very cool album- check it out.

There are so many ways I get lost in my mind. There's the really important things that find me mulling and there are the less serious things that get me thinking. As you might imagine I get lost in my mind thinking about my next great boot purchase. There's always room for another pair of boots in the closet (well, not really, but I'm always willing to make room). My husband often wonders why another pair? It's difficult for him to understand the many ways boots can be worn- with jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses. Then there are the various types of jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses that add even further complication and, quite frankly, the NEED (okay, want) for more boots!

I have happily possessed many of the boots in my closet for years and they are still in high rotation. A good pair will last nearly a lifetime. If there's an area of your wardrobe where a splurge is in order it's for a quality pair of boots.

Get lost in your mind dwelling on your next boot find. Sport them all fall, winter and spring and You'll Love What You Wear!