One of the things I love most about fashion is that you don't always have to make the pretty choice, or the most flattering one for that matter. You can express yourself without even saying a word. Today was one such day. I wasn't wearing a particularly flattering look, but something about it felt right, like the perfect mix of casual and polished.

I'll be the first to admit that this top wasn't the easiest to wear and I pretty much felt naked all day. The color of the houndstooth is so unexpected, especially for me, that I really love how much of a departure this look is for me. It's not good to get too comfortable, after all.

Outfit details:

Hair bow: H&M

Rose gold earrings: Made Her Think (no longer available)

Houndstooth blouse: Avenue

Trouser jeans: Old Navy

Rose gold watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Heeled loafers: Avenue (no longer available)

Handbag: Chanel

Say hello to my furry friend (sorry, just couldn't help myself!) Even though Snowpocalypse 2010 was weeks ago, evidence is still laying around the city in mounds. The one behind me in the photo above was mostly caused from snow drifts to my waist. With another snowstorm  predicted for this week, I might as well name my neighborhood's new mountain - I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon.  (Side note - I guarantee my neighbor (walking down the street on the right) is convinced that I'm a crazy person.)

Obviously I created this entire outfit to focus on my new furry friend - my faux fur vest from of all places, TJ Maxx. It's tough for me to wear camel or brown shades, as they aren't colors that I naturally gravitate towards and admittedly find difficult to wear. I've made a fashion resolution that now when I see anything I like in a shade of brown, I am obligated to my style evolution to purchase it. Let's just call it thinking outside the black.

Sunglasses: c/o Nautica (no longer available)

Lipstick: c/o MAC - Kittenish (no longer available)  w/Nightmoth Lip Pencil

Earrings: c/o ShopBop - Made Her Think (no longer available)

Faux fur vest: TJ Maxx (clearance for $27 - win!)

Black v-neck rouched top: Lane Bryant (no longer available)

Knit jeggings: Lane Bryant

OTK flat boots: Lane Bryant (no longer available)

Have you ever challenged yourself to a style resolution?