You may be surprised to learn that I don’t go out all that often…over the years, I’ve become quite the homebody. And when your home is way out in Western Loudoun, well, you go out even less.

That’s why I LOVE this time of year - there’s always an excuse to dress up! Holiday parties, work happy hours, Christmas dinner, family gatherings…I’ll use any event as a reason to dress up these days!

As you know - Rent the Runway is often my go-to for finding the prettiest festive pieces without clogging my closet. When I spotted these red culottes from minimalist brand, Tibi, I couldn’t wait for them to arrive! Of course, I loved them even more than I thought. They're so flattering.

I knew I wanted to get AS MUCH wear as I could out of these bad boys before I had to return them. So I wore them to work Friday. Then to church on Saturday. Then out to brunch on Sunday. Then out for a coffee date Monday before mailing them out that evening. No shame in the game.

Paired with this dreamy top by Erin Fetherston (who I fell madly in love with after seeing her show at NYFW and meeting her in person at an event), it's a festive way to dress for the holidays without being predictable (ahem, ugly Christmas sweater, I'm looking at you!)

Wearing Tibi culottes, Erin Fetherston blouse, Opening Ceremony bag via Rent the Runway, Kapten & Son watch c/o and Banana Republic suede heels c/o.

SHOP THE POST

There's something truly magical about this time of year. There's a multitude of holidays to make the cold weather more bearable, opportunities to brighten someone's day and a chance to wear something special!

But when it comes to wearing something special, there's another important thing to remember...

You can be as cute as can be but if you're not warm, you're NOT going to be happy.

Ok, maybe that's just me...but I've said it before and I'll say it again - I will not sacrifice comfort (and warmth) for fashion. Never. Ever. My husband ALWAYS makes fun of me for this - he asks me constantly, "why do you need everything to be so soft and comfortable?" UMM BECAUSE I CAN. Hello.

This summer was all about throwing your dress over a tee, but this winter, I'm switching it out for a cozy turtleneck. This one from Uniqlo is super soft, but still lightweight. I don't like my turtlenecks to make me feel like I'm suffocating.

Then - the star of the show - THIS DRESS from South Moon Under. SMU has become one of my top 5 favorite stores this year. I always find something I love and they have such a wide variety of pieces without the selections being overwhelming. I just bought this fuzzy jacket and have been wearing it non-stop since it arrived.