Hooks the Look

Winter White Floral

Rarely does the phrase “winter white” conjure up images of flowers but nonetheless, that’s the name I’ve given to this pretty floral cardigan. I bought it a couple of months ago and had considered wearing it to the black and white birthday party I went to in November (see Party Girl: In Real Life for details on what I did wear). Until, that is, The Husband pointed out that the invitation had said “black and/or white only” and this cardigan didn’t qualify. Fine, whatever.

After all the sparkle and dazzle during the holidays, I’m returning to the basics of my wardrobe and work-related style with this floral print cardigan that I’ve paired with a fit-and-flared skirt and boots. I often prefer the softer lines of a cardigan over the rigidness of a jacket and find that a sweater/skirt combo to be an easy go-to for my professional attire.

Since it was a fairly recent purchase, the cardigan is still available on-line, although I did find another pretty, but pricey, option for you to check out. If you are a regular Target shopper, then you already know that at least once a season, a new set of cardigans in a variety of colors and patterns is released. As evidence by my closet, there’s usually one or two of these newly released beauties that will find their way into my wardrobe. Hello, my name is Rena and I’m a sweaterholic.

The fit-and-flare tweed skirt was one of my Thrifting Overload finds I wrote about last September and then featured in Up Down All-Around: Bomber Jacket. The shape of it hugs my curves like a pencil skirt but is less restrictive and has the longer length of an a-line skirt, a combination that is the best of both worlds. I was able to find two reasonably priced and very similar options for you to consider adding to your wardrobe.

In this close up, you get a better look at the floral pattern and how nicely it goes with the tweed. With a white top and pumps, this cardigan and skirt combo will be just as a fitting in Spring.

Let’s take a moment for some boot love. The ones I’m wearing are by White Mountain and I’ve had them for a couple of years but I did find several similar options if you are in the market for adding to your own boot collection. I like my footwear to have a little bit of personality and buckles on boots are a detail that I’m drawn to. My boots have a slouching effect and 2.5″ heel that I find comfortable to wear all day long.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s post is Charlotte from Sublime Mercies. The tagline for her blog says “style, disability, feminism … and finding small beauties in a big bad world” and she writes about her love of beauty in nature and in style, and how that brings joy into her life as well as how it has helped her in her many personal struggles. Charlotte is also a huge fan of florals.

Are florals abloom in your wardrobe when the weather is bleak or did you just think of snow when you saw winter white in the title of this post? What is your go-to look for work? Is there a tried-and-true silhouette that you find yourself most comfortable wearing?

Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Loading InLinkz ...

23 Comments

  2. robjodiefilogomo

    I have quite a few cardigans too—but the way you presented it cracked me up!! I think they are perfect for so many occasions. I always say they are like a more casual blazer!
    And the floral print is very lovely. Since it is a floral linkup, I included my mom’s photo with her floral maxi that she made this summer!!
    happy weekend!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena Post Author

      Jodie, you and I are kindred spirits in so many ways. I’m so glad you used your mom’s photo for the link you added. Her skirt is gorgeous and you’ve styled it so well for a casual wedding.

  3. Sheela Goh

    Hello, my name is Sheela and I am a cardiholic (doesn’t quite have the same ring and flair as sweaterholic, does it?) GRIN I’ve always had a soft spot for cardigans, the relaxed blazer. They add a hint of formality without being too stuffy and proper, you know? When you posed the question of what my “work go-to” silhouette was, I realised my favourite combination almost always consisted of some leather, and usually that’d be pants. Leather pants. With either a tank and (tadah) cardigan, or a ruffled shirt. And, of course, always the booties 🙂

    • Rena Post Author

      Sheela, I’d say that we need to start a support group but only if the focus of the group is not abstaining from buying sweaters. I haven’t ventured into leather pants but after reading your way of styling them, I may have to give them a try.

    • Rena Post Author

      The moment I saw the cardi, I grabbed it and put it in the cart. No second guesses with this one. I think it would be great to do a collaborative styling venture but maybe we should wait until the new set of cardigans come out. Let’s see if we choose the same print again.

  6. Nancy

    I always love the lenght of your skirts! I wear it myself too. And the cardigan is fabulous, love green! And its also perfect for spring.

    • Rena Post Author

      I think that a longer length skirt (or dress) has a softer and more feminine look than one that’s above the knee but shorter skirts work well for some looks too. I’m so glad you like the cardigan and the colors. I will be showing it again in an upcoming post.

  7. Andrea

    That’s a very pretty cardigan! I can see why you had to pick it up… 😉 And I very much like the skirt! You look great.

    I usually wear pants, a blouse/top and either a blazer or cardigan to work.

    Thanks for the link up & Happy Sunday!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • Rena Post Author

      Andrea, your work style sounds a lot like mine and thank you for the lovely compliments on my outfit.

    • Rena Post Author

      I’m glad you like the floral pattern and agree that flowers as suitable for Winter as they are for Spring or Summer.

  15. Jennie

    Very pretty cardigan! I like the large floral print on the dark background. You just made me realize most of my cardis are solid and a floral print like this would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Thanks so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday, Rena!