Comfortable Holiday Fashion from Monroe and Main

This is a Fashionista Event Opportunity, and is hosted by Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic. All opinions are my own.

One thing I noticed pretty quickly when we moved out here to Montana was how casually everyone dressed. I think I’ve seen one suit since we’ve lived here. Casual does not have to be yoga pants and sweatshirts – you can  still be stylish while dressing in less structured clothing. Monroe and Main offers fantastic choices for delightfully comfortable holiday fashion. They are the industry leader in clothing that fits various body styles and you can find clothes in sizes from 6 – 24/S – 3X.

This holiday season I’d like to offer you some easy tips for dealing with the fashion challenges that we all face during these busy days when we are running hither and yon with divergent needs all in one very full day. For example, one day last week the hubby and I were going looking for trees in the woods and then heading out to dinner with very little time in between.

I knew I had a lot to do that day so I started my outfit with some real basics – black Lee jeans and a black Eddie Bauer fleece top.  This black base could then support so many options. To head out into the woods I grabbed my leather car coat (Kenneth Cole, thrifted), my favorite winter hat (bought on our trip to Italy), my winter boots (Bear Paw) and my leather gloves (also bought in Italy.)

I looked like a harbinger of doom in all of that black.

I needed something to brighten me up and I knew just the thing! A reversible, soft to the touch Cape from Monroe and Main! I fell in love with it the minute I saw it and knew it had to be mine. It added a wonderful pop of seasonal red and an added layer of warmth against the chilly temperatures.

But this cape is not only an accessory for coats – oh no! It is going to make a wonderful addition to my wardrobe; it will be like a cardigan only with a lot more flair. As you can see above it looks great with the fleece shirt so I know I’ll be wearing it often.

After scoping out some trees in the woods we grabbed some downed branches and headed home because we wanted to get out to eat.  Thanks to Monroe and Main I am going to show you how easy it is to go from fun in the forest to dressed for dinner. A few minor changes and I was ready to go!

But first we delivered the fallen pieces of tree we brought back. Yes, we were in the woods looking for tree for the goats not for us. They love spruce. And pine for that matter. We had a bad windstorm the other day and it blew a lot of branches down so the goats got a snack. Lucky goats.

Now back to dressing for dinner! I ran a brush through my hair and pulled it into a side pony tail. I changed from my boots into a pair of black loafers. I added a lovely necklace and earrings in shades of orange and cream made by a friend and topped it all off with the very Chanel like Chain Link Jacket from Monroe and Main (it’s also available in black). I’m carrying my Miche purse in blood orange.

I don’t think it took me 10 minutes to pull myself together and be out the door so we could head out for dinner. I love the details on this jacket; it has an exotic animal print lining  and zippers on the sleeves which are an elegant touch! I’ll tell you – I felt special wearing this. I know it will go with so many pieces and while casual is the general mode of dress here if I do need to look a bit more put together this piece will be one that I go to.

I know I’m going to love having this jacket in my closet for years to come. I can just envision so many ways to make it work with different pieces I already own. That is the beauty of a classic piece of clothing.

Here are my tips for easy and carefree dressing on those busy days during the holiday season:

• Start with a basic top and bottom in a neutral color
• Dress for comfort – the days are long and busy
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Add color with your accessories
• Keep your hair style simple so it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance
• Let your personality shine with jewelry, purses and shoes
• Your best accessory is a big smile

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and dress comfortably and with style! Be sure to check out all of the other great bloggers and their Holiday Fashion.

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