Quilted Burberry Jacket and J. Crew Fit-and-Flare Dress

This is one of my all-time favorite silhouettes of a dress: the ever-slimming fit-and-flare. It is particularly flattering on a person of my stature-- small on top with lots of curves on the bottom! 

I have worn this J. Crew Factory dress countless times over the past year, and I have continued to receive compliment after compliment on it. 

My dress is from last December, but here is a similar fit-and-flare look from J. Crew Factory for under $100. 

The bottom of this dress has an adorable shiny gold striped pattern, similar to this clearance dress at J. Crew Factory. (Which happens to be an additional 40% off right now and available in petite!).

I loved the color blocking on this dress; I think it is even more versatile with a plain black top. That way, with each wear, I can switch up my jewelry. I opted for a simple gold monogram necklace for Christmas Eve when I wore this outfit. 

Here is another option for a mixed-media dress, from Nordstroms. Check out the low-V back! SIMPLY LOVELY! 

Can you believe that this was December 25th in Northeastern Ohio? I was not even the slightest bit cold without tights! 

Shoes: BCBGeneration, DSW

Another striped fit-and-flare dress option: with a fun pink stripe on the bottom!

This Burberry coat is probably one of my most prized (clothing) possessions (aside from the pearl necklace my aunts and mom have been adding to since I was very little!).  Admittedly, I would have never spent the money on this coat (unless I found an incredible deal at a Burberry outlet, or I won the lottery-- haha). I received the Burberry coat for a gift from an ex-boyfriend about three years ago. Yes, Mike knows ;) he actually encouraged me to keep it (to be honest, I was thinking of eBaying it), but Mike said it was an heirloom piece-- something we might pass on to a daughter or niece one day!  It is a true classic item.  Burberry is timeless; I know this coat will never "go out of style". My great Aunt wore Burberry skirts and scarves in the 1950s and 60s-- this elegant plaid print is not going anywhere. 

The Burberry Brit quilted jacket is heavy enough for early winter, but light enough to wear through spring and fall. I layer underneath it (I have a size medium for reference), too. The quilted Burberry jacket is available in red, khaki, olive green, navy and black.  It is extremely iconic. 

Cooper kisses! The best animal kisses! Haha. 

Lips: MAC red

I am totally head-over-heels obsessed with the Burberry plaid liner of this coat. Under the collar is more Burberry print, which makes it perfect for popping!

We were lucky enough to see the newly-engaged couple over our whirlwind few days in Ohio. Congratulations to Jimmy and Megan! I am soooo excited for August! We love you both so much!

The end of a warm day in December in Ohio. All smiles! I got to see my Hancock side of the family and celebrate the engagements of my cousins Neil and Kara. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve afternoon with our lunch and Christmas Ales tradition! 

Purse: old Kate Spade, but similar here. 

Cardigan: an old J. Crew Factory staple-- I suggest stocking up on the Claire cardigans during the periodic 50% off sales; similar here and here.  

Do you have an "heirloom" piece for which you've splurged? If so, what is it?
xxoo
Mary