Winter Brights Casual

Not too sure about your neck of the woods, but here in Chicago we're basically living in a frozen tundra.  Not great.  And having lived here my whole life, I'm no stranger to cold.  But this is the kind of cold that makes your toes burn and freezes the snot right in your nose.  Not even kidding a little.  

So it goes without saying that I've been bundling up (as in, 2 scarves, up to my eyeballs) but there's no reason to sacrifice a little color in your wardrobe, even if it is only white and gray outside.  As per usual, I did a little browsing at the usual haunts (Forever 21, H&M, Target) to find a bright but warm casual winter combo.  

Rainbow Maze Sweatshirt - Forever 21, $24.80
I could curse myself for even finding this sweatshirt because I must.have.it.right.now.  And it's not conducive to a strict wedding budget, which I'm now on.  However, for $24.80, it's actually quite a steal and while I fully recognize that some people may find this entirely tacky, I love love love it.  It's just obnoxious enough.  If that's even a thing.  

Superstretch Treggings- H&M, &17.95
Nope, I have no clue what a "tregging" is.  I'm assuming it's some sort of variation of a "jegging" but heck if I know where the "T" is coming from.  The point is, these are superstretch, which means comfort and that's all that matters.  When you're trudging from car to office to train to bus in the snow, comfort is key.  

BP. Ribbed Infinity Scarf- Nordstrom, $22
First and foremost, this scarf is about warmth and a big knit is where it's at.  But I also like the black here because I think it helps to tone down the shirt just a bit.  I think a necklace would be a bit too much so a dark scarf adds interest but doesn't compete with the cray cray pattern.    

Mossimo Kyla Buckle Boot- Target, $34.99
You just can't beat a Target boot.  For any large footed girls (ahem, me) and any wide calf-ed girls (ahem, me), Target always comes through with a very decent size selection.  I love the look of a giant cozy sweater with super casual combat boots here.  The boots manage to tame the sweater a bit.  

What do ya' think?  Are you with me on this tacky fun sweater?  

Splurge vs. Save: Marc Jacobs Chronograph Watch

Ah yes, the elusive Marc Jacobs Chronograph Watch.  Well, elusive to me at least.  I've been pining over the Marc Jacobs watches for a few years.  At first, I was determined not to love them because I it seemed like everyone and their mother loved and had one.  But the more I saw them, the more I pined over them.

So let's get down to business:  The Marc Jacobs Henry Chronograph in Rose Gold is $275 and it's a thing of beauty.  I've had the pleasure of holding the watch in my hand and can attest that it feels like a well-made watch.  I've also had the displeasure of leaving the watch in the store because a watch like isn't in my budget.  Mamma's gotta eat.

The Merona Bracelet Watch in Rose Gold from Target is $19.99.  I happen to own this watch and while it's not of the caliber as it's predecessor, I quite enjoy it and get plenty of compliments when I wear it.  I think it looks great stacked with some bangle bracelets for a little extra punch.

In this case, I think a great watch can actually be a good investment.  This style is somewhat timeless (pun!) and it's easily something you could wear every day.  However, if you're like me, it may be out of your budget.  Target offers a fun and comparable alternative for a very attractive price.

Would you splurge or save?