Plush off-the-shoulder sweater

Sunnies: Charming Charlie (c/o) | Sweater: Express (other option here) | Leggings: Spanx (budget option) | Boots: Sole Society "Calypso" (option, option)

I don't know why my love and need and longing for all the cozy sweaters has heightened this season, but when I saw this I knew I had to have it. It's perfectly slouchy without being super oversized on me, and the plush material is extra soft! I will admit that it was freezing the day we took these photos, but I had to ditch the jacket for the photos or else you'd miss the best part of the outfit!

Coat: BCBG (c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets)

Here's proof that I did have a coat. Thankfully, I didn't have to suffer too long as photos usually only take 5 minutes or so to take, if that. It's the getting ready then editing that is the most time consuming parts of the photo-taking process!

Bag: Charming Charlie "Fearless" studded satchel 

But back to this sweater because I love it! And I don't normally think to buy a blue like this when olive is offered as a color choice, but I'm glad I fought the urge to fall back on my olive and get this blue instead. For size reference, I'm wearing a small, and Express seems to be randomly stocking more sizes. Last night, there was only a handful of extra larges left in this color, and that was it. As I'm typing this, there are extra smalls, smalls, larges, and extra larges! So, don't lose hope and be sure to check back if your size is not currently available! 

Looking at these photos makes me feel more into the holiday spirit. I think life has just been so busy lately that I haven't really had the chance to even think about it. On top of that, our department doesn't even do a holiday party anymore, which bums me out. When I first started working there, we would get dressed up and have a nice dinner. Eventually, that turned into a casual buffet and some bowling. Now it's a pot luck lunch on a random Tuesday. Thankfully, our sub-department still gets together, so I have that to look forward to later this week, but yeah, still not the same because I don't get to bring the husband to that.

With my family out of town, the husband's family focusing on the grandchildren (rightfully so, not judging), and us not having kids, it's really easy for us to not even put our Christmas tree up. Our holiday spirit turns into a handful of hours last minute shopping, whereas before, I truly felt like the holiday season was long and warm and cozy and exciting.

So, it was nice to surround myself with some Christmas decor for these photos. I just need to play my *NSYNC Christmas CD, take a breather, put my big girl pants on, and get my Christmas shopping on already! 

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