I hope you all are surviving the holiday countdown!  In today's post, I am sharing this look that I wore out on a date night with Sean.  We saw Chris Hardwick at the local comedy club and went out to dinner.  It was such a fun night and the best comedy club experience we have had to date!  I will share what happened to us during the show at the end of the post.

Before we get to that though, I am reviewing this sweater from Lane Bryant and boots by Comfortiva.  Enjoy!






Instead of buying lots of gifts for each other, Sean and I typically hit up Black Friday deals for things we want.  Some of these items might be placed under the tree for later.  I made a list of specific types of items I didn't have in my closet to see what I could find during all the sales.  This wine-hued sweater was down to $20, so I decided to buy it.  I don't have too many long-sleeved options in my closet and have been more susceptible to cold as of late.  I love the burgundy color of the sweater and the lace-up detail at the neckline.

I purchased the Ribbed Lace-Up Hacci Top in a size 22/24.  I feel it is pretty true to size, though one could size up for a more oversized look.  I do wear a cami underneath the top to smooth out my tummy a bit.  The top is still available in black and grey on the website.  While it is called a "top", it feels more like a soft sweater to me, though it isn't super thick.  The rayon/spandex fabric is stretchy and very comfortable to wear.  This works really well for my personal taste because I am always hot in businesses and at other people's homes during the winter.

I like the slightly longer length, but the arms are a bit short.  I tend to pull them down a bit when it is chilly out, or you can push them up if they are bugging you.  I was wearing this top when I went into the Lane Bryant store the other day.  One of the employees said she also had the same issue with the arms being shorter than she would like.  As you can see in the photos, it isn't a huge deal, but if things like that bug you than you should definitely know about it.  I've worn this top quite a few times in the last few weeks.  It is comfortable and easy to throw on for running errands.  Because of the thinner sweater-like material, I can wear any of my jackets with it as well.


I paired the top with my trusty dark wash, T3 skinny jeans from Lane Bryant.  I've had these a while, but it is still a style they carry.  I can usually wear them a handful of times before they stretch out in the legs, which is a bit longer wear than some of my other LB jeans.  The T3 is a stretchy, spandex panel that smooths the tummy out a bit.  My only complaint with them is that sometimes the double-button waistband can cut into my tummy roll and irritate my skin.  I either wear them when I know I won't be sitting down a lot (because that is when it can rub against my skin), or I make sure to wear a cami tucked in so the waistband cannot rub me directly.  The latter usually solves the problem.

For accessories, I donned my cool Dragon Eye Necklace I bought at Rose City Comic Con back in September.  I cannot find the name of the vendor anywhere.  I wore it to show some nerd cred because Chris Hardwick is also a huge nerd.   I've since worn it to some other nerdy events and received lots of compliments on it.

I also decided to wear my new Comfortiva Cascade Boots since it wasn't raining.  I haven't sprayed them with the protective waterproofing spray yet.  I have about five new pairs of shoes I need to spray as soon as I can.  I found the boots on Zulily recently.  A brown ankle boot was on my list of items I was looking for during Black Friday.  I wanted to have a different casual option other than sneakers for the winter.  Y'all know I am all about Comfortiva and Cobb Hill, so I decided to go ahead and buy them.  I couldn't find an 11 Wide anywhere else online, nor for a discounted price. These boots are regular $100, but I bought them for $60.  I was able to do the payment plan with Zulily where I paid half up front and half the following month.  While I do wish they had a little more arch support, I find them very comfortable.  I love the side zip that allows me to put them on rather quickly.  The aged leather look is really cool, but they also have a textured shimmery detailing at the heel and ankle that gives them a little something extra.  I still have issues with my ankle after rolling it last year, so I love how supportive these feel at the ankle.

Ribbed Lace-Up Hacci Top - Lane Bryant
Skinny Jean with T3 - Lane Bryant
Comfortiva Brown Cascade Leather Boot - via Zulily (Also available at Nordstrom)
Dragon Eye Necklace - Bought at Rose City Comic Con


Before I get into my story about our experience during Chris's set, I just wanted to show you the view from our seat and Sean's studded Yoda shirt, which is relevant for something that happens later. We've been going to Helium Comedy Club in Portland for a while now.  We love going to Helium because it is clean and nice and everyone has been really friendly.  I think the food and drinks are pretty good for a comedy club; and they have some really great comedians come through.  We’ve seen folks like Nicole Byer, Maria Bamford, Dave Chappelle, Marc Maron, Tracy Morgan, Chris Kattan, Patton Oswalt, Ron Funches, and a few others I’m sure.



I should also add that I have been doing a winged liner look lately and people seem to respond to me in a much friendlier way.  Could it be the holidays?  Could it be that I am in a better mood so I am smiling more?  Could it be my anxiety has been a bit better lately so I see more positive things?  Sure, to all of these.  But it just might be the winged liner, y'all.