What Is That Thing?

What makes us decide "today, I want to wear this and not that"? So many factors can be involved - the weather, the occasion, the way you feel, whether you want to be not just dressed up, but also comfortable, or you want mainly to feel at ease and not so dressed up at all... and so on. I still have days (will I always have them?) when I open my closet... and I don't like anything! The whole new closet to me please, right away! But today was not like those days at all. I opened my closet, briefly scanned my stuff and in a few seconds knew that the leopard print skirt was what I wanted to wear. Once you settle on at least one part of your outfit, the rest comes together pretty easily. At least, that's how it works for me.

I wanted a bright color - so I reached for the red turtleneck (a $10 sale find). I noticed this poncho while I was digging for the sweater, and thought that it would go well today. The weather was mild, gray but no rain or wind, and I pretty much needed something cozy over my shoulders to walk from the car to our favorite Indian restaurant, and then a natural food store nearby, and back to the car. 

I thought I'd wear my new suede boots (I bought them on clearance together with the poncho, and paid only $25 each for good quality items, originally priced $170 to $200). But it's so wet here - I opted for my leather boots today and will leave my suede beauties for a dry sunny day. We'll get one some day, won't we?

The necklace is one of the new-ish purchases. I thought of it right away, after the skirt/sweater/poncho were selected... and the red ring seemed like a perfect compliment for both the turtleneck and Art Deco inspired layered necklace. I have to say Lane Bryant is becoming so much more imaginative lately, in many ways - jewelry is one of them. 

Is there anything I did not tell you about this outfit yet? A few more words about the poncho. You know of course that I love shawls, ruanas, ponchos, wraps, etc. - I always keep my eye open for them. This one is by the old trusted brand Pendleton, a mix of wool and acrylic, soft and wonderful quality. I fell in love with the color scheme (you can wear either black or camel side up, so it's like two ponchos in one really). Love it! Love the whole outfit, actually. 

Tell me, you beautiful artistic people, what do you think it is when you know for sure what you want to wear and then the whole outfit comes together easily? What is that thing that makes dressing up effortless on some days and difficult on others? 

Skirt, turtleneck and necklace - Lane Bryant

Poncho - Pendleton via Lane Bryant

Boots - Naturalizer

Purse (old) - B Makowsky

Cinnabar ring - Chaos NY

Remember that Write and Link is open during the whole month of February.

Have a great weekend all! 

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