Thank goodness for mothers. In addition to bringing unconditional love (no matter how long it's been since you've done your laundry) and imported presents (there are some things that you just can't get in NYC), they also come in quite handy for taking outfit photos, even at 10pm on a Monday night. My mother and I spent the evening at a pre-holiday dinner with a dear friend - naturally, we didn't think about the need for an outfit photo until it was completely dark outside. Oh well - that's what a camera's flash is for ;)

Funnel collar tweet coat: Avenue via One Stop Plus

Elbow length knit fingerless gloves: Tracy Reese (no longer available)

Black clutch: Christian Siriano for Payless (no longer available)

Jeweled necklace: Forever 21 (no longer available)

Velvet Boyfriend Shirt: Just My Size

Straight leg trousers: Lane Bryant (no longer available)

Leopard flats: Jessica Simpson