Valentines Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. I know that many like to point out the Hallmark of it all… but I like to look past that, and onto the romantic, blush, happiness gained by sharing time with loved ones. Besides, give me some red and pink heart decorations, and I’ll be swooning with joy. Add some glitter and well, it just doesn’t get better! Over the years I have worn a variety of pink and red shades for Valentines Day, but my favorite by far is the dusty rose blush color of this sweater. This is actually one of my favorite colors in general. Blush feels warm and cozy, but it still offers a lighter airy feel. It’s flowery, it’s romantic, and it’s a sweeter, more subtle version of pink. It feels mystical and fantasy-esque, (just a few of my favorite traits). For those of us that like to dress for the holiday, I think it’s really common to go with reds, and louder shades of pink, but why not try switching it up this year? Go light, go airy, go to a mythical Valentines oasis! Why not put on a whimsical blush color to accentuate a sweeter, more soulful side? If a light pink is too subtle for you, then add some shimmer, or a pop of glitter. You could also contrast it with some bolder reds and pinks. The light rosy shade can add depth and make brighter colors stand out. Thus making the outfit feel lavish, bright, and put together.
When I was creating this look I started with the full bell sleeved sweater. On its own it already makes a statement. It’s literally all sleeves! Such a bold sweater made in this color is striking despite it’s muted tone. Adding a high-waited jean skirt accentuates my frame, while the slit on the side shows some leg, to create length and detail. For a short person like myself, slits help add length to long garments that could otherwise swallow the legs! I can personally say, for my more petite friends, it’s nice to feel a little taller! For some extra warmth needed in typical Oregon weather, I added a creamy white shawl. This shawl emphasizes shape within the outfit, and helps contribute to the mythical feel of the look. It’s easy to think that bulky articles of clothing can be too much when paired together, but if the cut of each piece is right, you can pair heavier pieces together just fine! The triangle cut of the shawl is perfectly paired with the bellowing sleeves of the pink sweater. It doesn’t cover them up, but shows them off instead. These two pieces alone give off those dreamy Valentines Day vibes. Holidays are the perfect opportunity to get creative with clothes. There’s already a template laid out. Most holidays have a color scheme, special decorations, themes or events that can be used as inspiration!
This outfit is already soft due to the color scheme, so leaving my hair down and letting it do its natural thing helps add to that effect. On the other hand one thing that isn’t soft about this ensemble is the shoes. For a little spice I added a black combat boot (with black tights for warmth). I think these shoes give just the right amount of contrast to the look without taking away from the chimerical aesthetic. This concept it one of my favorite things about styling, you can pair pieces that you wouldn’t naturally think go together. It’s possible to create a look that says, “I’m sweet as syrup”, while also saying, “I’m actually a badass”. Contrasting two distinctive, yet very different moods, allows for the look to be that much more interesting and pleasing to the eye. I think the combat boots also portray a common Oregon fashion trend, i.e. clothes that provide warmth and comfort while still maintaining style and adding dramatic contrast. Us Oregonians like our clothes to be unique and contrast is a common result of that concept.
So, are you with me? This Valentines Day why not allow yourself try on enchanting? Look in your closet, what makes you feel dreamy and extravagant? Daring and free? Why not try some light dusty pink tones? Get rosy with your style, or simply get inspired by the holiday! I know many people don’t like the old school ‘only couples’ connotations of this holiday, so why not break through them with a fabulous outfit? Whether you take an idea from this blog, or you go a completely different direction is up to you. I just hope this weeks post inspires you to have fun with clothes. Whether you love the Holidays or not, each one comes around again every year, so why not give yourself a reason to have some fun? This look was one of my favorites to create because I love the mood it gives off. It makes me feel romantic and extravagant, but also powerful and confident. For me, there’s not much more I could ask for. And with that, all I have left to say is, Happy Valentines Day! I hope you have as many conversation hearts, and chocolates as your heart could possibly desire.
Maverick Elephant 