Sleeping Bag Coats

Sleeping Bag Coats by sparkleisacolor featuring down coats

The time has finally come to break out the heavy duty winter gear. We've been having a pretty mild winter in New England so far, but this week the temps finally plummeted. i took the opportunity to break out my new sleeping bag coat I bought a few months ago. "Sleeping bag coat" might not be the official term for these jackets, but that's what they look like and feel like, so I'm sticking with it.

This coat was hands down the best winter purchase I have ever made. I have a Michael Michael Kors jacket (pictured above, middle right) that i got on sale at Macy's for $90, marked down from $275, or something insane like that.It was a great deal. This coat is so cozy, and so warm, I don't want to take it off when I get to work in the morning. I have to take it off though, because it truly does feel like a sleeping bag and I'm pretty sure I'd fall asleep if I left it on.

So many people have issues with wearing warm coats in the winter and I have no idea why. Sure, they may not be flattering, but they are functional and I think all of the ones pictured above are pretty stylish! Kind of like a modern day Doctor Zhivago kind of look. Besides, who wants to freeze to death because they don't think puffer jackets "look cute?" Bundle up, people! You'll thank me, I promise.

Collage: Cozy Christmas

Cozy Christmas by sparkleisacolor featuring a cable hat

It's that time of year when I just want to relax and curl up by a fire with a good book and some hot chocolate. Unfortunately it's also that time of year when people are frantic, your house is full of guests, and your to-do list is never ending. I know if I get a quiet moment to myself, I'll be wearing something like this to enjoy it. Even if that quiet moment ends up being at Starbucks instead of at home.

Collage: Holiday Style, Take One

Holiday 2011_1 by sparkleisacolor featuring golden jewelry

Since I just can't get enough of making collages, I've decided to make some for the holiday season as well. This is the awesome time of year when we all have an event every weekend and an excuse to wear our most sparkly clothes.In my opinion, the clutch makes this outfit. What I wouldn't give to own that beauty! The sweet dress and glitter clutch pop against the black tights and dancin' shoes.

Unless you're me. I am sadly devoid of holiday plans this year (aside from the usual familial get togethers). My company told us we were too large to fit in one space for a holiday party, so we're getting sweatshirts instead. Yay?

Anyway, if you're one of the lucky ones with places to go and people to see, I'm jealous! Wear something sparkly for me, would ya?

Thanksgiving: "Friendsgiving"

Friendsgiving by sparkleisacolor featuring dolce vita boots

As we all get older, "Friendsgiving" becomes a thing. We get our own apartments, we learn to use the stove, and begin buying food for ourselves. Thus it is only a natural progression that we want to host elaborate dinners for our friends. So "Friendsgiving" was born. Friendsgiving is always better than regular Thanksgiving for several reasons - the turkey is usually fried (seriously, you haven't lived until you've had fried turkey), there is always more alcohol involved. and there is zero family drama. 

Comfort is key on Friendsgiving. No one is going to judge you for going in for seconds (or thirds...or fourths). They'll all be too drunk to notice. A loose-fitting dress and comfy booties are perfect for pre-dinner dancing and post-dinner food babies. A nice, heavy necklace will add just the right amount of glam, while simultaneously pulling your head closer to your plate - ideal for those serious eaters. The arrowhead ring is a cheeky nod to the Native Americans and is cuter than a turkey hat made of paper, like the one you made in second grade.

Thanksgiving: Formal

Thanksgiving - Formal by sparkleisacolor featuring a gold pearl ring

Our second Thanksgiving look is for a more formal affair. Maybe your family just gets really dressed up for holidays (mine doesn't, but it wouldn't kill them...), maybe you go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner, maybe your life is just way more fabulous than most people's...doesn't matter.

I think it's also important to remember that "dressed up" and "formal" doesn't have to mean a dress or skirt. These pants are chic, daring, and will make your legs look a mile long. Paired with a flowy top and tasteful jewelry in seasonally appropriate hues, you'll be a bigger hit than the turkey. One caveat: this may not be the most forgiving of outfits. That's perfect if you're trying to monitor yourself this season - wearing form-fitting clothing will deter you from second helpings!

thanksgiving: classic casual

Thanksgiving - Classic Casual by sparkleisacolor featuring short skirts

With the holidays rapidly approaching (still can't believe next week is Thanksgiving) I thought I would do a few posts for what to wear to all the holiday get-togethers we inevitably go to. I know I like to have a few outfit choices on hand just in case something comes up spur of the moment. 

This first look is almost exactly what I am wearing to my family Thanksgiving this year. Not too dressed up, not too casual, but nice enough for a holiday dinner with the family. The skirt has a nice high waist so there's actually plenty of room for your Thanksgiving food baby under there, but you won't look like you're wearing a muumuu you borrowed from Great Aunt Gertrude. 

The shoes are a nice comfy wedge that is easy to walk and stand in, but not easy enough that you get roped into playing any kind of outdoor sport with the males in your family.The pale colored sweater might be a risk (cranberry sauce! Red wine! Gravy boat mayhem!) but I think we're all pretty good at avoiding spills, right?

What are you wearing to your family dinner this year?