CUTE UGLY SWEATER DIY

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This is the last weekend of Christmas parties. Can you believe it? If you happen to be attending an ugly sweater party or if your child is having a Christmas party at school here are two fast DIY Christmas sweater you can make. 

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All you need is a sweater from Savers, a hot glue gun, your decoration of choice (red pom-poms or silver tinsel work great) and a pair of scissors.

Step 1: Heat up your glue gun and lay your sweater flat on the table.

Step 2: Cut your tinsel to size and place on your sweater. If you're using pom-poms lay out where you would like them to go first. 

Step 3: Squirt the glue onto the sweater and then place your decoration on top.

Step 4: Let stand for 15-20 minutes to ensure the glue is dry.

Step 5: Get dressed for your party!

This post is sponsored by Savers; photos by Rennai Hoefer.

HOW TO WEAR A PONCHO

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The first time I had ever heard of a poncho was when I got stuck in the rain on a class field trip and we had to turn trash bags into rain ponchos. Did you ever do that? Yeah, it's not attractive in the slightest. Maybe that early experience is to blame, but I don't really think of ponchos as a fashion must-have.

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However, this winter they are definitely a trend worth trying. It has been three months since I gave birth to Levi, and I'm still avoiding tight clothes. This sweater poncho is the perfect fashion statement. It's elegant and it keeps me warm. I simply wear it with a pair of black leggings or jeggings and a great pair of shoes.

The thing about these ponchos, however is that they can get in the way when you are carrying a baby or bending over a lot. It's definitely a lot of fabric to handle. If you have little ones that you are constantly helping, I would say leave this for a date night out.

Get the look: Sweater poncho, leggings, boots

WINTER STYLE RUT SOLUTION

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Every year I look forward to the cooler months where I can finally break out my cozy sweaters, boots and scarves, but after a month or so of wearing these clothes I start to crave color. You see, it seems to me that every pair of boots is either black or brown and every winter coat is also black or brown. Add a bunch of jeans and black leggings to the mix, and you have quite the boring color palette. 

So, what's my solution? Throw some red pants and patterned shoes into the mix. You can find pumps and flats in a variety of colors. I especially love these black and white houndstooth pumps from Land's End. The block heel makes them super comfy to walk in, and they are great for dressing up a casual weekend outfit or for wearing with a dress to church.

I am also obsessed with HUE leggings. After having Levi, stretchy pants are what I live in until I can fit back into my jeans. These red jeggings are festive and stylish. They sure pack a bunch in a sea of black and brown. 

If you're nervous as to how to wear these bold winter fashion statements, just remember to keep what's on top simple. A black tank and blazer is totally acceptable when they bottom half of you is so bright. Try it and get out of your black and brown winter rut.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer ; product was sponsored by Land's End for this post.

HOW TO WEAR TURTLENECKS

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I used to hate wearing turtlenecks as a kid. I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and wearing turtlenecks was all I seemed to do because it's so cold there from September to April. I hated how they felt constricting - always pulling or scratching at the collar. 

As an adult, however, I have come to love turtleneck sweaters. Rather than feeling constricting I find them really comfortable, especially cotton cable-knit sweaters like this one from Lands' End. You can wear them with jeans or you can even wear them over your favorite dress.

Right now knits and skirts are a trendy combination, but with just having had a baby three months ago I'm not really in the market to buy a lot of skirts and pants. My waistline is slowly receding, and I would rather wait to spend the money on clothes that I will wear a long time. So, instead, I just pulled on this turtleneck over my pink, pleated maxi dress to create the illusion of a top and skirt.

This is a smart way to avoid looking and feeling frumpy in a turtleneck. When winter comes and many of us are stuck indoors all of the time it's easy to feel sluggish and lackluster, so try this combination out the next time you get dressed. And, if you're looking for a great outfit to wear for family photos I think this would be a wonderful option. You can even add a pretty wreath and you have a gorgeous Christmas card! PS - My dear friend Katie Sterbenz is selling these custom signs in her etsy shop for $20. Go get yours now, click here!

Photos by Ten 22 Studio; product was sponsored by Lands' End for this post.

PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

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Well, December is upon us and winter is in full effect. My Pinterest feed is full of holiday musings, hearty recipes, and of course some killer winter fashion. Oh how I love this season.

I pinned the image below to my Winter Style board and it got an overwhelming response from all of you. I love this look because it's simple with only 4 pieces, but all of them are great on-trend winter staples. First, the boots. Thigh high boots are one of the sexiest winter shoe options around and they're great because they enable you to still wear your little dresses without your legs freezing. And to pair perfectly with your thigh highs, we have chunky sweater dresses. Perfect for running errands with leggings underneath but also easily dressed up for a holiday party. You'll also be noticing a lot of blanket coats out there. Some are poncho style, but the ones pictured below give you the same look with a little more functionality. Lastly, winter is the time for quilted leather. Thanks to Chanel, there are a ton of these cute quilted cross body bags for sale in just about every fast fashion store.

We all know there's a ton of extra expenses that pop up during the holiday season. Save some money on your winter style by shopping smart, and get through your holiday gift giving all the merrier. We know you can find your look for less!

Look for Less #5