What I Ate Wednesday + What I Wore Wednesday (a day late)

Peas and Crayons host "What I Ate Wednesdays," and my friend and fellow blogger Mindy is a participant, so I'm jumping on the bandwagon. But since this blog is more or less dedicated to my closet, I'm adding my own spin.

First,

Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites with smoked ham and cheese, Cream of Wheat with fat free milk, Granny Smith apples, raisins, and Splenda, Blueberry green tea, and then the side of the remaining apple slices and cheese. 

Pre-Work Snack/Late lunch: English muffin with light Laughing Cow cheese and apple slices and cucumber filled with cottage cheese and dill. I know, a very cheesy meal. 

During Work Snacking: This ^^^^^ AMAAAAZING stuff and celery sticks. 

Late, Comforting Dinner: Shirataki Noodles (spaghetti shape) with "alfredo sauce" (2 tablespoons skim milk, 1 tablespoon cream cheese, 1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese, roasted red pepper flakes, garlic sea-salt, and a whole lotta black pepper.)

and..

I love big, bright scarves. I probably need to stop wearing them so much, it's like a winter uniform. Yesterday I wore this purple one with this light blue cardigan from Old Navy and a soft floral sky-blue tank top by Lauren Conrad. I also wore my favorite Jessica Simpson jeans and boots. 

For accessories, I went with my new favorite chunky watch by Michael Kors watch, small stackable rings, and sparkly purple earrings, both by my beloved Jewelmint.

Hope you all enjoyed! Next week I'll try to be on time with this post! 

the feather trend: leave it in 2011?

Feathers. I don't know about you, but I was totally on board. Last year I bought feathery earrings, and this summer I put those feather extensions in my hair. I loved everything about it.

But if this picture tells us anything, the feather trend is feeling a bit…. dated. 

But what if you're like me, and you have a (jewelry) wardrobe somewhat devoted to this past trend? 

I took two pairs of my feahter-y earrings, and tried to style them and make them wearable without seeming "so last year." 

The first is the Wing It earrings from Jewelmint. 

These big, dramatic purple and brown feathers are the closest I can get to GOOP's without a celebrity price tag. Instead of dressing them up, I decided to downplay them and style them more casually. 

A nice, everyday outfit. My Stylemint Lenox tee, a old Old Navy scarf in similar colors, Lauren Conrad leggings, and Old Navy riding boots. 

I used to love showing off my feathers, but I think downplaying them as a subdued accessory helps keep them on-trend and keeps you from looking dated. Add your feathers to your favorite go-to casual outfit (stripes and scarves are always a safe bet) to keep them wearable. 

I have another beautiful pair of feathers from the Plume Delight Etsy shop. 

I decided to let the peacock colors pop by pairing them with muted colors.

I paired my Plume Delight feathers with a simple t-shirt with lace detailing and my trusty cowboy boots (every Southern girl needs 'em!) I also added a simple gold bracelet, so I could accessorize but not over-accessorize.

So, my advice for feathers in 2012 is to keep it simple. Instead of being the center-of-attention, as they were in 2011, use them as simple, pretty, and soft accents to your everyday casual outfits. 

Much like Jessica Biel does

But if you can't let the trend go, I have to admit I love RHOBH Taylor's big, glamourous peacock earrings! So big! So colorful! So Housewive-y! 

the holidays are over, but the sparkle lives on.

One of my favorite, timeless fashion trends is the burst of sequins and sparkle that come every year in late November and last until New Years Eve.

 The holidays are all about the sparkle. A cocktail dress coated in sequins at any other time of the year may seem gaudy but is incredibly appropriate during the holidays.

Unfortunately, after New Years comes and goes, wearing sequins kinda feels like wearing white jeans after labor day.

Take this top for example:

I love this Target top I got on clearance this fall. It was a great, comfy, SOFT piece to throw on with jeans and boots during the holiday season. But now, barely a day after the holiday season ended, it feels a bit dated. 

Instead of pushing it into the depths of my closet, I tried to find some pieces that could take the sequins out of the holidays.

I tucked the sequin shirt into an LC: Lauren Conrad blush knee-length skirt I had to give it a lighter, almost springy feel. I also paired it with a simple, pendant necklace (by Jewelmint). This gives the holiday sequins a structured, on-trend look. 

I also paired the outfit with my beloved Shoemint leopard print booties, simple drop earrings, and a chunky, statement watch. 

For a more professional look, I added a long (and warm!) trench, and paired with a simpler shoe and accessories. 

but..

If you're not a skirt girl, I think this top (or whatever your holiday sequin top looks like!) could be made reusable by tucking it into cigarette jeans (colorful ones would be tres chic!), a skinny animal print belt, and some simple flats. If your holiday sparkles are less fitted than mine, and tucking looks tres silly, I'd recommend wide-leg trousers with a more flowy top, chunky wrist wear, statement flats, and a fitted blazer. The possibilities are endless! 

The moral of this post is to not trade in your holiday-wear just yet and go shopping for a better model. Transition the pieces into January and early spring. 

Take a cue from the ex-Mrs. Humphries

or the frequently bedazzled ex-Mrs. Brand

(maybe there will be less celebrity divorce in 2012..)