Rock Your Holiday Season Multiple Ways With Monroe and Main

This is a Fashionista Event Opportunity, and is hosted by Still Blonde After All These Years and ModlyChic.

One of the things that always gets me when it comes to the holiday season is the hustle and bustle of it all. It always seems like one minute, I’m enjoying fall, and in the blink of an eye it’s below freezing, Santa is everywhere, and I’ve got just a few more days to get all my holiday shopping done. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season and all the joy that’s in the air, but sometimes, I just wish things would slow down. The good news is, Monroe and Main offers some incredibly versatile pieces that can help you look fab while you’re feeling like you’re a part of that crazy scrambling-to-leave scene in Home Alone.

When I browsed through the Monroe and Main holiday catalog, quite a few things jumped out at me as perfectly versatile holiday pieces. The first piece that caught my eye was the red and black plaid Block Party Blouse, which is great for dressing up or down, thanks to its great plaid pattern and sheer fabric. The Henley Lounge Top struck my fancy next, with its comfortable ease and layering ability. I figured the black Accented Scarf would be a lovely addition to my wardrobe, and perfect for dressing up either top or adding to a dress for a little extra warmth. In the bag section, the Perforated Side Bag in blue caught my eye, with its convertible strap that could make it either a crossbody or a clutch–that’s like two bags in one! And last but not least, I snagged a black Timber Baseball Cap from the men’s section, because I’ve been wanting a black leather cap for ages, and love the idea of going sporty-chic instead of wearing a traditional knit cap when it’s cooler out!

I was able to come up with three easy outfits to show the versatility of all these great pieces from Monroe and Main. Really though, the options are endless, and I had a hard time narrowing it down to just three looks. I could have done three times as many looks with all of the options these versatile holiday pieces gave me!

For Running Errands: Gifts and Groceries Galore

It seems like almost my entire winter revolves around running errands, either to pick up gifts, grab groceries, or try to fit in a coffee date with a friend. This look is perfect for doing any of that—or all of it, if you can fit it all into your day! Wedge sneakers make it easy to run around in style, without your feet killing you. Skinny jeans are a comfortable and easy option, and for this look I opted for a railroad striped pair for a little subtle pattern-mixing.

On top, I layered my Block Party Blouse under my Henley Lounge Top, letting the shirttail hang out for a little holiday whimsy. While the sheer Block Party Blouse doesn’t add much warmth to the look, I added my Accented Scarf (which complements the zippers on my shoes and the studs on my bag perfectly) to keep me warm-but-chic. I topped it all off with my leather Timber Baseball Cap, because who has time to worry about styling your hair when there’s a gift list a mile long and a grocery list to match?! I wish the hat were a little smaller, but it is a men’s cap, and I have a kind of small head, so… eh, I’ll deal.

For running errands like this, a cross-body bag with an outside pocket is an absolute must for me. This kind of bag keeps my hands free for pushing a cart, carrying bags, or gabbing with girlfriends while I’m out, but keeps my purse close. The outer pocket on the back of the bag is a necessity for keeping my phone, my shopping list, and a lip balm handy. The Perforated Side Bag is nice and roomy, but still compact enough that carrying it isn’t a burden. It’s also super stylish and provides a really nice pop of color during the otherwise drab winter months.

It was pretty warm (for winter in Chicagoland, I mean) when I took these pics, but I loathe wearing a heavy jacket inside.  The bulk and the heat always end up bothering me more than the cold dash to the car.  Chances are, I’d layer on a mid-weight leather jacket for running around, if I needed it… but last weekend, I certainly didn’t!

One Festive Night: Be the Chic Center of Attention

The second I added the Monroe and Main Block Party Blouse to my cart I knew I’d be pairing it with my silver sequin leggings for the ultimate holiday look. The red and black plaid is perfectly dressed up thanks to the airy chiffon fabric to begin with, but pairing it with these sequin leggings makes it perfect for a holiday party, whether it be my husband’s family’s Christmas Eve dinner, my family’s Hanukkah celebration, or a friend’s New Year’s Eve party. The top did seem a little boxy on me, but the dipped back helped lessen that.  I love the idea of tucking this into a high-waisted pencil skirt, or a cute A-line skirt… also great options for festive party looks.

I layered some necklaces underneath my black Accented Scarf, which I let hang loose and open. The layered accessories add a little gold sparkle to balance the silver sequined bottom, and the scarf gives me a little extra warmth on top without being too heavy, as cardigans or jackets tend to be once rooms fill with people, stoves start heating up, and the drinks start flowing. I opted for black lace-up, peep-toe booties over thinner black socks for a little bit of added warmth for my toes.

And finally, I removed the strap from my Perforated Side Bag and carried it like an oversized clutch. It makes the ideal bag for parties… big enough for the essentials, cards (both to give and receive), and it packs a colorful punch, all without being cumbersome or in the way if you set it down. This is a look that can hop from party to party, or even from job to job at parties. Whether you’re the hostess with the mostest or just a guest ready to roll up your sleeves and wash dishes, this holiday look is festive, timeless, and sure to turn heads, no matter where your partying takes you!

A Cozy Morning: Simple and Relaxed

There’s nothing better than spending a cold winter morning sipping on a hot chai latte, reading a book, and snuggling with your loved one(s), four-legged or otherwise. And the Henley Lounge Top is just as great for laying around the house as it is running errands, only this time, I didn’t layer it. When paired with a cozy pair of fleece PJ pants it provides just enough warmth, and yet you’ll still look stylish if carolers come to the door.

The soft cotton Henley Lounge Top is absolutely perfect for, well, lounging around. It’s thicker than a t-shirt, and the sleeves are great rolled up or down all the way. The embroidered detail makes this shirt easy to wear around the house or out and about, like I did for the first look, both because it makes it more than just a plain Henley but also because it’s not bed-time specific or childish-looking.

I think the only thing I don’t like about the Henley Lounge Top is that it doesn’t come in more colors and embroidery options! I’d love to have this top in navy, black, grey, oatmeal, teal… you get the idea! I’d layer it over everything, and wear it for all kinds of events during the winter months (and even in the fall or in spring). Really though, I think of everything I chose, this is my favorite, with the bag coming in a close second.

Need more ideas for what to wear this holiday season?

Monroe and Main has a great blog that can help you with your hard-to-make wardrobe choices.  With tips and tricks, like ideas on how to broaden your wardrobe, how to maintain your cold weather outerwear, and even a guide to plus-size shapewear, Monroe and Main’s Fashion Fit for You Blog is great for getting style ideas, learning some wardrobe tips, or even picking up some ever-important tricks to make your wardrobe last longer.

Thanks to Monroe and Main, You Can Win (Almost) Endless Holiday Looks!

With Monroe and Main, you can get tons of great holiday season looks with just a few great pieces.  And Monroe and Main is giving one lucky Suburban Style Challenge fan a great Holiday Accessory Prize Bundle worth $104! The Monroe and Main Holiday Accessories Prize Bundle includes three great holiday accessories that will amp up any wardrobe this season. One lucky winner will get a black Lace Scarf, a goldtone Teardrop Necklace/Earrings Set and a Metal Mesh Bag in black. All three of these pieces are the ultimate in holiday versatility… so get entering below for your chance to win! Lots of daily entries this time around, so enter early and enter often to increase your chances!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Twenty More Chances to Win!

That’s right, there are twenty chances to win this Monroe and Main Holiday Accessories Prize Bundle! Each Fashionista participating in this event has their own giveaway, and you can enter them all. Each blog can only have one winner, and each winner can only win one prize bundle, but hey, the more chances to win, the better! Hop around on the linky below, and don’t forget to claim your daily entry above for each blog you enter at  Happy entering!

Disclaimer: I was compensated with product in exchange for writing this post. Compensation received does not affect my review, and opinions above are all my own. For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Special shout outs to my husband for being my photographer and to my parents for letting me borrow some of their photogenic home for a couple of my looks. Oh, and to Trixie dog, for being a good sport and a great poser. Love you all!

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