Spoiler alert to my family: this is probably one of my Christmas outfits. It's bright pink, which isn't exactly Christmassy, but I feel like Mrs. Claus Gone Wrong when I wear red Velvet, so it's the closest I could get. I know velvet is a big trend right now—and I'm fully on board with that—but I think I was four the last time I really wore it. So my challenge for this week is making velvet feel a bit cooler and age-appropriate. Here's how I put it together.

This black leather moto jacket is one of the few remaining pieces I kept from my three (very long) years at Banana Republic. I will keep my thoughts to myself on the quality of the rest of the line, but this jacket is incredibly soft lambskin, fits like a glove, and should probably retail for twice what it does. I think BR recently put everything on sale for 50% off (including leather, which they rarely promote), hence why it's nearly sold out. If you see one of these in the future, however, pounce on it. It's worth every cent.

Since the skirt is so bright, I had to balance it with a lot of black on top. This sweatshirt was a Black Friday score, and one that I was incredibly happy with. It's incredibly soft and lightweight, and it looks rather fancy. It's hard to see, but it has a cool crisscross detail in the front. I'm not normally one to order something in several different colors, but I'm tempted to do so for this one.

And, oh yes, the skirt. I kind of impulse-bought this one at Zara (story of my life), and while it's definitely a bit brighter than what I normally wear, I think the risk paid off. Also, it's good for twirling.



I am obsessed with these shoes and have been wearing them pretty much nonstop since they arrived. They're pretty comfy, thanks to the kitten heel, and they have a crazy elongating effect on your legs, especially when you wear them with pants. They are sadly sold out at the moment, but hopefully Mango will restock them soon.


I'm firmly in the leopard-is-a-neutral camp, and I thought this look needed a little pop of print, so a fun little clutch it is! This one was last seen in this post, and I love how it looks just as great with jeans as it does with a dressier outfit. And did I mention it's only $45?



OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic leather jacket (very similar by Madewell) || Athleta criss cross sweatshirt || Zara pleated velvet skirt (similar here too) || Mango satin knot mules || BP leopard haircalf clutch || Stella & Dot disc necklace and wing necklace