Valentine’s Day is one of those days of the year that come with SUPER high expectations. Like New Years - people expecting you to stay up until midnight (I’ll just go ahead and admit that I BARELY lasted until 11:30), wear your most sparkly dress and have the most champagne-filled instagram of all.

Valentine’s Day can have a similar vibe. Who is going to have the prettiest peonies? Who’s going to make the grandest plans of all? Did you make heart shape pancakes for breakfast? Because cereal isn’t gonna cut it today, guys. And while I’m sharing some SUPER fun Valentine’s Day ideas next week, I’ll be the first to admit it can all be a bit much.

Over the next few days, I’m forgoing the typical heart-scattered, red and pink filled posts for more subdued, romantic looks. Because let’s be real - take a look at my Instagram. Hearts, stars and horseshoes? Hardly. To be honest, I had no idea how neutral my fashion has been lately until I noticed that BASICALLY every outfit I’ve worn over the past few months have been black and white (with splashes of blush and maroon thrown in for good measure.)

When planning my Valentine’s Day looks, I had to swing by one of my favorite local shops, South Moon Under at Mosaic District. They carry my favorite romantic brands like Free People, Gorjana and ban.do! I love that they’re always thinking ahead, so I was able to pick up this cute outfit that’s great for layering in the winter, but could be worn alone once the weather warms up! (Like it did this past weekend - BLESS.)

This flowy Free People blouse I picked up from SMU has the perfect flirt factor without ONLY being for Valentine’s Day.

I paired it with the most versatile faux suede skirt (that I’ve worn apprx. 10 times since I bought it last weekend) and my color block Maison Martin Margiela boots. To take the look up a notch, I added a bold, orangy-red lip from Makeup Meltdown and my favorite blush cross-body bag from Estiletta. I imagine I’d wear this to a wine bar near our house before a late dinner (like the Europeans do!) We watched A Good Year last night and so of course, I’m all like, ‘let’s rent a villa in France and drink all the wine!’ Because why not! ;)

Wearing Free People top, suede skirt, Gorjana bracelet and leather belt via South Moon Under c/o, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar), VASKA bag via Estiletta c/o, Free People necklace c/o and Makeup Meltdown lipstick in "Siren" c/o.

Something I’m learning with short hair is that DANG IT SUCKS WHEN IT’S COLD. When the and blows, I feel this coldness in the back of my neck and I”m like WTF is happening right now?! Why do I feel that? WHY DO I NOT LIVE IN FLORIDA?!

My severe case of CNS (cold neck syndrome) has lead me to invest in quite a few pair of scarves this winter. The one I’m wearing here is almost identical to the Zara one that sold out EVERYWHERE after being spread around like wildfire on Pinterest. Best part? It’s SUPER SUPER soft and affordable! I got it for Christmas from Goodnight Macaroon, a super cute little online boutique (where I got this dress, this military-style jacket and the sweater I’m wearing today!)

Funny story - I had put this scarf on my gift guide and 3 of my family members bought it for me! THREE. I also bought it for my sister if that shows you how much I love it. (AND HER!)

If you have any scarves you’re obsessing with this season, please share them in the comments below! My neck will be hibernating in scarves like these until Spring - might as well look cute while doing it! XO!

Wearing Free People jeans, Goodnight Macaroon scarf (similar) and sweater, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar), Calvin Klein jacket (similar), Angela Roi bag