Cozy with Plaid

We all know that we gotta stay warm in these cold times. We throw on pretty wool sweaters, matching jeans, scarves, and heavy coats. We match the holiday spirit, and we can combat the cold. But, have you ever considered stepping it up a notch? If so, consider some experimentation with fabrics and textures that keep the chill out. Consider pairing up patterns with pieces of clothing you never thought of before. Yes, I know that takes time, but consider it an investment. That way, you'll be knowledgable about what textures, fabrics, and patterns work best (and match) with each other and which ones work best in the cold.

For some reason, I never thought of pairing plaid with a leather jacket. I wanted to go for a look that wasn't too dressy, but not too grungy - just something that balanced the two out. I got this, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result.

You can also wear this outfit to many occasions - hanging out with friends, going to the movies, going out on a casual date, to the bar, shopping at the mall, your nephew's 4th birthday (that's what I did!), etc. Fancy occasions? Maybe not.

These petite black watch plaid pants from Loft are actually work pants. What I really like about them are how they can be dressed up and down (and also the pattern is versatile with many things and the pants are very warm). And I know, they are a little big for me. When I initially tried them on in the fitting room, they fit perfectly - it was slim fitting. However, over time, they stretched out. By then, it was too late to return them. I still love them though! I do plan on getting them tailored to fit me better.

Another thing that I think that made the outfit work was how thin the sweater was. It was thick enough to keep the cold air out, but thin enough to not make my upper body look too heavy. Due to my broad shoulders, thick sweaters (especially ones with patterns that horizontally shoot across the shoulder and chest areas) tend to make my upper body look like it's carrying some baggage. I compensate that by trying to look for sweaters that are thin (but thin enough to keep me warm!), not baggy, and well fitted (not skin tight). Also, it gives me another reason to layer on top of my sweater and cozy up even more.

I ended up getting these beauties a couple of weeks back. I am very much in love with them. And just like the plaid pants, these ankle boots are very versatile. You can wear them not only with pants, but you can pair them off with a dress or a skirt. My only complaint is how the leather in front of the ankles tend to sink down even if it is buckled around the ankles. I've tried to rectify the problem by stuffing the shoes with paper so the 'problematic part' could stay elevated. It helps a little, but still tends to sink when I wear them. If anyone has suggestions to tackle this problem, I would love to hear them!

When done tastefully, a splash of color on a statement item enhances an outfit. Whether that statement item is a necklace, purse, blazer, etc, contrast is very important (if you're going for it). And sometimes, it's the only thing that pulls an outfit together. This time, I decided on a dark red bag I bought back in high school. Although the outfit is monochrome and dark-ish, the red bag complements it and is able to stand out.

(Urban Outfitters beanie, Urban Outfitters purse, Topshop cut-out ankle boots, Loft petite plaid pants, Mango pullover sweater, H&M leather jacket similar here, H&M scarf)

I hope you guys enjoyed the outfit! Happy Holidays and stay warm =)

Review: J.Crew Velvet Toothpick Jean

Velvet. 

Many people don't know how to wear it, and many people shy away from it. To some, it's a bit ostentatious, and to others, it's just down right weird. Some might even associate velvet with old people. (I don't know why, but that's a possibility!). But, maybe it's the texture, which makes it difficult for people to mix and match with it. The closest thing to wear velvet normally might be a fancy dress... but velvet is hardly ever worn casually (I think). 

So, instead of velvet being on loose pants, long skirts, dresses, or jackets... what about on skinny jeans?

J.Crew velvet toothpick jean in rustic brick

It was love at first sight when my eyes were cast upon them: The J.Crew velvet toothpick jean in rustic brick. These stylish pants are my all time favorite in this oh so cold weather. The J.Crew website says that these velvet jeans are for holiday parties. I have to say that I disagree. These jeans are perfect for not just the holiday parties, but for every day use. And not only do they feel comfy and warm when being worn, but the velvet material feels amazing. My hands couldn't stop petting the jeans when I first got them.

The jeans come in two other colors, but I thought the rustic brick stood out the most. J.Crew has an amazing color palette for bright, bold colors, and I believe that the rustic brick on velvet displays a very rich color. It's not too showy. The color doesn't hurt the eyes. It just looks warm and cozy.

From afar, these velvet jeans give off the illusion that they are corduroys. However, even when close up, the jeans look great! So if anyone is a bit skeptical about the velvet looking far from casual wear, I assure you that it looks perfectly normal. 

Cons about the velvet toothpick jean:

*A note to those who are petite and who never tried the regular toothpick jeans: J.Crew regular velvet toothpick jeans are not cropped for petities (they are cropped, skinny jeans for those not petite though). They are literally skinny jeans for us that hit at the ankle. They also did not come in short size, but regular and tall. I purchased the regular size.* 

1) The material stretches out. I bought a size 27, thinking that these jeans would not stretch. After wearing it for about 3 days, the material stretched out on the waist, the backside, and the thighs.

2) The material scrunches in large amounts right under the knee and behind the knee. Also, there's left over material that scrunches right at the ankles.

For those who are petite like me, I suggest buying the jeans a size down from your normal size. I wish I could return it for a size 26, but I have to resort to a tailor instead. The tag and receipt is long gone. 

Because these pants turned into a bigger size on me, I believe they're too baggy for me to wear out. Until I get this problem fixed, I won't be wearing these jeans. Although I love these jeans to death, I refuse to wear something that looks waay to big on me... especially if it does not look flattering.  

Again, if you end up getting the velvet jeans, just make sure to get a size down. Please don't pull a mistake like I did XD

I don't know if drying the velvet pants in a drier (possibly at a high heat) would shrink the material, but most of J.Crews clothes are already pre-shrunk (excluding wool sweaters of course). It's something I may try, but I'm a bit hesitant. I don't want to ruin the material or shrink it too much if it works.

UPDATE - 1/7/13

I washed and dried the velvet pants. Note to self: check the material of the piece of clothing because  some of the material is made out of spandex (hence the outrageous stretching each time when worn), which contributed to the material shrinking in the drier. However, I have yet to test the possibility of whether the pants actually shrank smaller than when I first bought them or if they shrank back to its original size. One thing is for certain: they aren't baggy anymore… for now.

I still do suggest going a size down though if you plan on purchasing them.