As much as I enjoy getting taken in by the red, white, green and gold school of fish that the human race turns into this time of year, I made a mental note earlier in the season to give myself a challenge, even if a small one, this holiday season that would let me try something... different. Of course, it helps that my near and dear ones can stop playing a real life game of Where's Waldo to find me, but mainly, it takes a little experiment like this once in a while to remind me how much I love moonlighting as a style blogger. :)

Back to the experiment itself, I had to review my blogging year to find things I've shied away from and loyal readers will agree when I say that one of those things has been what I consider a random and non-decrepit color- taupe. Add the fact that it had to be styled for the holidays, and I was most definitely in unfamiliar territory! Not surprisingly, I resorted to familiar elements to balance the taupe monochrome- the comfort of a mock-turtleneck swing dress silhouette, the warmth of a faux fur vest, a bold red lip and sassy heels. Also unfamiliar- this messy undone pigtail hair situation. I think I'm liking the Pocahontas-gone-city vibes it gives off.. what do you think? :)