Greetings from East Tennessee!  I’m hoping everyone has managed to crawl out of their bunker of electric blankets and survived the POLAR VORTEX! It’s crazy how this time last week we were all preparing for sub-zero temperatures and today there is an expected high of 50!  I guess it’s true what they say–if you don’t like the weather in Tennessee, wait 5 minutes! (I’m actually pretty sure people say that about wherever they live, but it seems especially fitting for home right now so let’s just roll with it.)  With all this crazy weather it’s hard to dress for any occasion.  I personally hate winter clothes.  I feel my legs are my greatest asset and should be shown off as much as possible.  Hard to do when it’s 15 degrees outside.  I also like to be comfortable, and enforce a strict “minimal makeup and elastic waistbands ONLY” policy when I’m off work and have nowhere important to go.  This, however, is not an excuse to look sloppy.  You can still look chic and put together when you’re going from the gym to the store to home with the right comfy items.

Leggings are always a must.  With so many cute and inexpensive options there is no reason to not stock up on these babies.  I stumbled across an entire rack of basic leggings in black, gray and maroon at Forever21 the other day for $3.80 apiece! My new favorite leopard print leggings only cost me $5.99 at Ross.  What I’m trying to tell you is, if you’re paying more than $10 for leggings, you clearly have more money than brains.

Next, invest in some comfy tanks for layering.  With the Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual sale happening, (thank you Baby Jesus!) I was able to get some super cute tops for a fraction of the cost.  Top it off with a big cozy sweater or jacket and you’re set to go!

Also in the winter time, any smart southern gal knows her furry boots are her best friend.  My personal favorite are my black Michael Kors with button accent and fur trim.  They’re warm and cozy and shield me from rain, snow and mud.  And I got them at a ridiculously good price which makes me love them even more.

Always remember to slap on a statement watch and some sunglasses and I would say you’re ready for whatever the day throws your way.

I would say that most of the reason I am so casual in my off-time is because when I have somewhere to go, I put a lot into it.  Great hair and makeup are the best accessories.  The most expensive, beautiful Oscar de la Renta would be rags without the right hair and makeup to accompany it.  That is why I always invest more time on these areas.  Thursday nights are always date night for me and my honey, Mitch.  Thankfully that was the night after my big haul at Ross, so I had plenty of options.  I ended up settling on the printed guess blouse with a pair of express jeggings, black boots with studded detail and a lace blazer.  I added extensions to my hair, as I usually do when I want to give my look a little more sex appeal.  (Ladies, please invest in a good set of clip-ins.  Not only can they add length and thickness to any hair, but they’re so easy to do and can take your look from pretty to bombshell in no time. But don’t skimp here.  Spring for the expensive ones.) I also added some demi-wispies to my lashes to upgrade my eyes to evening.  My standard go-to makeup look is always a smoky eye and nude lip, but you should find what works for YOU and stick with it.  I am a firm believer that trends should not apply to hair and makeup.  Find what style makes you look your best and work it as your own.  Leave the trends to accessories.  Being pretty never goes out of style and a classic makeup and hairstyle is the best place to start.

So there is my finished look.  Perfect for a wine and pizza dinner, followed by a tequila cocktail and conversation at a little cantina down the street.  Of course I can’t forget my BEST accessory–my Mitch. 🙂