Refined in Black, White and Plum.

Just like that, the first week of 2016 is gone. Before we know it, it will be February already. With that thought Happy TGIF to you! 

I have had such a busy week. There is just so much to do, especially with the beginning of a new year. As we speak my main (white) Christmas Tree is still up and so is Vivian's mini tree and a bunch of other decorations, though I have taken at least half of them away. Like I said, I still have outfit photos and pictures from December and some Holiday-related ones too so you might see my Christmas Tree a few more times. Because it has been real cold and because it has been dreary gray in the mornings and quite dark in the evening when I come home, I have ended up taking a lot of indoor photos these past few weeks. But during December I love taking photos by the Christmas Tree and/or the mantle to feel that festive spirit and the glow of the holidays I so love. Sorry, not sorry (about the pictures by my tree).

There is a story behind this cozy, over-sized cardigan. My mom has knitted it (for herself) about 30 years ago, for about as long as I have been alive. It is in a pretty basket-weave knit and now she has passed it on to me. She has kept it so well, even after several washes, you would never guess it was vintage. I first wore this Cardigan the day I took Vivian to the mall to take pictures with Santa (photos to follow below). I couldn't wait to wear it again so the next day I wore it to work. I paired it with a Black+White Striped Tee and my Black+White Windowpane Pants - some of my favorite pattern pants. I also added Plum Accessories: Suede Pointy Pumps and a Warm+Elegant Fleece Scarf and Matching Cloche Hat. I also dressed them up with my Topaz Statement Earrings by Givenchy and a Crystal+Chain Long Necklace by White House Black Market. Since it was worn during the Holiday season I went for bright red lips and even wore a light gray shimmer eye-shadow (almost like a silver). It resulted in a Refined Black+White Look with touches of Plum. Despite all the the geometric stripes, patterns and two different shades of plum, I still think the look is quite monochrome. Of course I love wearing these pants with a striped top like I did here (which ended up being one of my favorite outfits in 2015) and just like last time I wore another pair of suede pumps. What do you think? Do you own a sentimental, hand-me-down piece in your wardrobe?

The Accessories:

Plum/Dark Purple Skinny Fleece Scarf w/ Fringe Hem: NY&Co. (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Purple Topaz Drop (Statement Earrings) w/ Oval & Diamond-Shaped Stones: Givenchy (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Red+White Faux Snakeskin Watch w/ multifaceted Bronze Glass Face: A Local Boutique in Albania (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Silver Chain Long Necklace w/ Glove & Rectangle Multifaceted Crystals: White House Black Market (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Plum/Dark Purple Fleece Cloche Hat: NY&Co (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Purple/Grape Pointy Toe Suede Stiletto Pumps: Charlotte Russe (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

White Basket-Weave Knit, V-Neck Grandpa Cardigan: Handmade and Hand-me-Down by my Mom (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

White+Black, Elbow-Sleeve Tee w/ Black Lace detail on the back: Forever 21 (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

B+W Windowpane Pants: H&M (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Plum/Dark Purple Fleece Cloche Hat: NY&Co (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Plum/Dark Purple Skinny Fleece Scarf w/ Fringe Hem: NY&Co. (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Purple Topaz Drop (Statement Earrings) w/ Oval & Diamond-Shaped Stones: Givenchy (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Silver Chain Long Necklace w/ Glove & Rectangle Multifaceted Crystals: White House Black Market (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Red+White Faux Snakeskin Watch w/ Multifaceted Bronze Glass Face: A Local Boutique in Albania (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

Red Lustrous Lipstick: Revlon "Cherry Blossom" Super Lustrous (identical, Steal), (similar, Splurge).

Purple/Grape Pointy Toe Suede Stiletto Pumps: Charlotte Russe (similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal).

And below is a casual way I wore this White Cardigan when we went to the mall to take photos of Vivian with Santa. I paired it with my Medium-Wash Blue Skinny Jeans by Target, Leopard Booties by Target and underneath the Cardi I wore a Blush, V-Neck Bow-Tie Blouse by Express. Here are a few photos with my most favorite ladies, the two ladies I love the most (my daughter and my mom, of course).

P.S. Linking with Adri with Jessica, Allison, Andrea, Birdie, Carrie, Christie, Claire, Dawn, Doranda, Elle, Good Random Fun, Heather, 

Jaymie, Jennie, Jolynne, Lauren, Linda, Lizzie, Megan, Melissa and Rachel, Mix it Monday, Molly, Patti, Rachel, Tara and Vicki.