Pop Your Black

jeans (Paige Denim), coat (J.Crew 30% off with GIFTNOW), sweater (HM c/o), blouse (J.Crew 30% OFF), sneaks (J.Crew sold out--love THESE ON SALE), bag (Michael Kors), ring (Lagos), watch (Cartier), bracelet (Sylvia Benson c/o), shades (Gucci)

So close.  I was sooooo close to almost having a head to toe black look--but I couldn't--something within me just had to toss on a splash of color.  Aside from black and white, truly not sure if there is a more classic look than head to toe black.  Why I never gravitate towards all black is beyond me because I love it on other gals.  

As mentioned in THIS POST, I am a huge fan of Paige Denim...they're coated numbers are serving up a major dose of versatility, too.  They're easily dressed up or down, with a blazer or tshirt, a chunky sweater or a silky blouse--limitless possibilities!  

Lastly, a few Giveaway updates---congrats to Erin Mussler for winning the SOLO DINER GIVEAWAY and a sincere thanks to all who participated!  Also, be sure to check out yesterday's Beginners Photography Class Giveaway--perfect for anyone who wants to learn to use their camera more efficiently and take better pics.  Alright gang, have a great weekend and stay warm--it is crazy frigid in the Bluegrass!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Behind the Lens

all images c/o Kristin Tatem

You have a fancy camera.  You have hopes of capturing images that have that editorial, crisp, yet blurry in the background feel.  You take said fancy camera for a test drive..and nada--no blur, no crisp, no magazine worthy, hell, barely even Facebook worthy pictures...it ultimately ends up on an auto setting and your dreams of becoming a photog are quickly diminished.  Not any more, gang, not any more.  I am truly so thrilled to be announcing the launch of my girl's, Kristin Tatem, online  class, Beginners Photography Class.  I have taken this class live twice and I am telling you, you will be amazed at how she explains how to get your camera to work for YOU--many lightbulb moments indeed.  Truly, the proof is in the pudding--just scroll through my posts and you can see the passion she has behind the lens--kid knows what she's talking about--and in turn, I now take better pics of my little ladies.  Moms who want to capture moments with their children, bloggers, business owners (think Etsy), and aspiring photographers will all benefit from this Online Class.  And because it's Christmas and I love giving stuff away, The Beginner's Photography Class is giving away one FREE ONLINE CLASS to a 

s + s  reader.  Entry rules are simple and stated below.  Giveaway will end next Wednesday eve--make it a good one--outfit post coming to you manana!  

ENTRY RULES:

-you MUST like Beginners Photography Class on FACEBOOK

-extra ENTRY if you Pin ABOVE s + s collage using PIN IT button in upper right corner of image

-PLEASE leave comment below stating how you entered, EMAIL ADDRESS and What you would like to takeaway from class (ie:  mom wanting to take pics of kids, better blog pics, etc)

A Coat & Kicks

coat (J.Crew 30% off with code MERRYMERRY), sweater (Lilla P c/o), shirt (J.Crew), skirt (Forever 21 UNDER $20!!), necklace (J.Crew see similar HERE & HERE), sneaks (New Balance for J.Crew 30% off with code MERRYMERRY), bag (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, David Yurman, Anna Beck, other Anna Beck saddle ON SALE HERE)

We had a little 'warm' spell last week where I could actually let the stems come out and play!  Those days are no longer as I stare at large snowflakes falling outside my window as I type this.  I've preached until I'm blue in the face about thinking outside the box regarding SNEAKS, here's just another example of how they complement looks other than workout wear. And after a long search and wearing the hell out of my navy blue sweater (see HERE, HERE, & HERE), I FINALLY found a perfect substitute from Lilla P--it's the perf cozy knit that I've already worn to death!  Alright gang, I've got to scoot--busy day ahead.  Make it a good one and STAY WARM!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Caramel Cream

jeans (Paige c/o Blossom of Lexington also available online HERE with zippers HERE), sweater (HM c/o, alternatives HERE & HERE), heels (J.Crew), scarf (Banana Republic other houndstooth HERE, HERE, HERE), bag (Louis Vuitton), shades (Ray Ban), watch (Cartier), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck,  SIMILAR SADDLE RING ON SALE)

The fit, the color, these Paige Caramel Coated Jeans really speak for themselves and require minimal counterparts (Lexingtonians snag yourself a pair at Blossom).  A Chunky Knit sized up for an extra cozy feel complements the coated denim perfectly--I'm a big fan of the pairing (see Exhibit A & EXHIBIT B).  Feel like kicking up the casual feel a notch?  I'd try pairing them with THESE GUYS but let's be honest, I need another pair of sneaks like I need a hole in the head!  Alright gang, cheers to a smooth start to our week--make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Casual Winter

coat (J.Crew), sweater (Gap), jeans (Current/Elliot), button down (J.Crew love THIS SALE PLAID), chucks (Converse), specs (Warby Parker c/o), watch (Cartier), bag (Michael Kors), rings (David Yurman, Lagos, Anna Beck), bracelets (j.crew, Sylvia Benson c/o, Jeweliq c/o)

Cableknits, Plaid, with a side of Sneaks--sold!  You've got my favorite winter rig happening right here and I've already repeated the hell outta it.  Another fave I'm currently digging is a red & Camel color palette.  It's definitely a wintery combo and yet it's still cheery--the weather is so dang drab at times and a gal can only take so much black and gray.  Remember how we discussed Coats several weeks ago and the importance on where you should invest?  I clocked this Cocoon Topper for several months last year and finally took the plunge and I am SOOOO glad I did---it is the perfect addition to my collection and I have not for one second had an ounce of buyer's remorse--that's when you know paying a smidge more for an item is worth it!  

Alright gang, it is crazy nippy, wet, and wintery here in the Bluegrass but that ain't stopping me from attending one of my fave annual holiday parties of the year---you ready for me, Ash, let's make this Landis Ludachristmas one for the books!  Enjoy your weekend and big thanks for swinging by!  

PS:  Make sure to check out yesterday's GIVEAWAY--if you've got a little nugget in your life, this one's for you!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem--WELCOME BACK