Bidding Adieu to Winter with a Favorite Look + Styling Tips

Let’s take this last leg of winter and put together our favorite outfits as a way to bid adieu to the crazy weather, shall we?

This skirt is one of my favorite pieces- it almost looks like leather, but is actually just incredibly thick material with an ever-so-slight sheen. It also has an elastic waist band, which works well for my yo-yo waistline these days. It is also affordable- under $20! If you buy cheap fake leather (PVC), it usually looks like, well…cheap fake leather. Why not go for something that moves better and isn’t as likely to just look plastic-y? Buy it at Forever 21 here; available in black and tan.

TIP: If you go for “vegan leather” aka fake leather, don’t cheap out. It will look like fake leather.

Glasses are my staple- Jean Reno 1348 from Iristocracy, and yes, I wear them on the daily. I am almost channeling Jenna Lyons, whom I adore for more reasons than just her taste in eyewear.

As for the shirt, this is tough to tell in the photo, but it is a ruffle front collarless button down that I found at a thrift store for a dollar, but I think it is originally from Target. It is the thinnest material, almost linen in feel. The point is, it is so thin that you can tuck it into a skirt without a huge amount of bunching around the waist. I never understand how gals can tuck basic starched white collar button downs into slim fit skirts without seeing the tails in the front or back!!

TIP: Find an extremely thin button down to tuck into skirts in order to avoid bulk around the waist.

This J. Crew Factory Blouse is on my wishlist for spring- this style is the next denim shirt!

Earrings are just basic gold oval discs from The Limited- I wear them whenever I don’t want to take away from other jewelery I have on. The necklaces are my current favorites, layered together.

The top is my absolute fave- my cousin sent this to me for my birthday, and it is a simple gold bar with the initials of my children on it (and coincidentally, the initials of my husband and I!). The middle necklace is a plain gold chain that was the first piece of jewelry my husband bought for me. The third is my first necklace from Rocksbox (read my review on Shop Girl Daily!); I love that it is a bit longer than most of my chains so I can easily layer.

TIP: Add Necklace Extenders to your chains in order to create different levels for layers or use a gold or silver bracelet.

 As for the bracelets, the top two are an extra from Birchbox, and the bottom is Kate Spade New York- “Good As Gold” and is a perfect layering bangle.

TIP: For easier bracelet layering, mix up materials. Too much metal gets clanky, and tighter-fitting leather or material bracelets work well for mixing.

As for the boots (because in the Midwest, is there anything else to wear?) I adore these black lace-up combat boots that I purchased last year. I looked for about a year for the perfect pair, and I found them!! They add instant edge to ANY outfit- skirts, formal dresses, jeans, you name it. They don’t actually lace up (key if you are trying to get out the door in this century), but have a hidden side zipper. They look a little shiny in the photo, but are inky black leather with a light pebbling. Bonus- they have adorable little spikes on the heels! They are Circus by Sam Edelman Gillian Boot available on Amazon.com for around $60, in both black and cognac. Comfy, sturdy, real leather and a STEAL at this price. Buy them, you won’t be sorry!

TIP: Add a rough piece to a pleated skirt to tame down the “Britney Spears” factor- leather boots or jacket are perfect.

How about the hair? This is the easiest hairstyle ever.

I simply blow dried my hair (in the powder room, one foot out the door while keeping an eye on my kids eating breakfast), sprayed Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo in (received in last month’s Birchbox, love it!) and gathered in a low twist at the nape of my neck.

TIP: To add volume to fine hair, mist with dry shampoo. Massage into roots, then lightly brush out.

I then screwed Goody Spin Pins in Blonde and misted my hair with my must-have hairspray, L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray.

TIP: For an easy hairstyle, use spin pins to secure a low twist and finish with a light mist hairspray.

How are you celebrating the end of winter? What have been your favorite outfits and hair styles?

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase through the link. It doesn’t affect your purchase price and allows me to buy more fabulous items to review!