post holiday

Every year I am amazed at how quickly the holidays zoom by. It feels like Christmas was here for a second, before NYE became the next big thing to plan for. Like really, 2013 is only days away -- where's the pause button?! How was everyone's holiday? 

{ASOS jacket (old, but similar, similar); JCrew turtleneck (on sale!) + skirt (old); Coach bag; Zara booties (old but similar, similar); Hue tights}

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merry merry

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

{JCrew sweater + necklace}

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the holiday gift guide: last minute gifts

Hello Procrastinators of Christmas! Still have those last minute gifts to buy (me too!)? Or are you starting from scratch today? Either way, here's a list of thoughtful presents you can find at the drugstore, grocery store, Target or your local mall to get everything you might need, so the only thing you'll have left to worry about is the wrapping:
1. Merona Crossbody $19 2. Hello Kitty Toaster $19 3. L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss Collection $5.99 each 4. Homemade Holiday Cookies (recipe, cookie decorating set) 5. Lucky Magazine 1 Year Subscription (buy 1, give 1 free!) $15 6. Paris, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down $17 7. Thorny Rose Wine $9 8. Blue "Snow" Hat $12 (on sale!) 9. Red Plaid Tie $19 10. Hot Tools Curling Iron $39 (on sale! or check your local TJ Maxx) 11. Essie Nail Color in Bordeaux $8 12. Too by Blu Dot Bowl Set of 4 $14.99 13. Someecards Calendar $13.99 14. Lindt Bear Chocolate $4.50 (any grocery/drug/Target store) 15. Elf Ultimate Collector's Edition $31 16. Simon Giftcard (awesome no brainer gift) 17. Floral Dove Jewelry Stand $10.80 18. Skull Socks $3 19. Sally Hanson Salon Gel Polish Starter Kit $69
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playing kate

For the past few seasons, my Kate Spade crush has emerged into a full blown, undeniable love affair (cc: my holiday gift guides). It's no secret that I am drawn to all things colorful and girly, but Kate has been seriously catching my eye lately. So much so that I have been slowly building up my Kate wardrobe (aka hitting up the sales racks), starting with this full girly skirt, and gorgeous-so-excited-they-had-my-size blouse.

1: {French Connection top; Kate Spade skirt; Coach bag; Steve Madden pumps}

2: {JCrew jacket + pants; Kate Spade top + clutch; Steve Madden pumps; F21 pearls; Karen Walker sunnies}

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the holiday gift guide: my wishlist

With my holiday presents picked, paid for and neatly hidden away, I thought it would be fun to do a list of gifts I am pining for this Christmas season. Because you need to treat yourself now and then right? Here are a few things I've been dreaming of finding under my tree:
1. Etta Sequin Pumps $350 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Barette $62 (on sale!) 3. Take a Bow Sweater $98 (30% off your order!) 4. Sleep Mask in Gold $4.99 5. Loren Hope Color Block Necklace $125 6. Jewel Print Skirt $298 7. The Cambridge Satchel Company in Polka Dot $185 8. Scallop Ring $38 9. Bow Eyelashes $7.99 10. Present Bow Lamp $99 11. Initial Signet Ring $198 12. Wildfox "Fox" Tee $166 13. Pocket Datebook $25 14. MAC Lipstick in Show Orchid $14 15. Karen Walker Super Duper Sunglasses $250 16. Beauty Cosmetic Bag $6.80 17. Rabito iPhone Case $32 18. Smooch Brooch $30 19. Silver Constellation Studs $24 20. Moonrise Kingdom $25 21. Moving Bunny Chase Watch $35 22. Gypsystone Ring Set $28 23. Canning Jar Pendant by Yellow Owl Workshop $44 24. Catbird Alphabet Earrings $32+ each 25. The Zipcode Bootie $208 26. Sorrento Platter $58
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a moment of silence

Today I'm taking a moment of silence to honor those heros and morn the devastating losses at Sandy Hooks Elementary School. I'm hugging my family extra tight -- reading and watching the accounts of this unthinkable crime makes my heart break and my stomach sick. I can't even begin to fathom the heartache of this little community, our nation, and of the children who were suppose to be safe yesterday at school.

For all of the families, children, teachers and friends affected by yesterday's tragedy, my thoughts and prayers are wholeheartedly with you. 

cranberry

I bought this scarf for $7 (hello H&M, I love you) and it's driven me to throw on some cranberry hues: less harsh than black and much more fun than brown. 

Happy 12/12/12!

{Juicy Couture dress (old); H&M scarf (similar, similar but $$) ; Coach bag; Zara boots (old but similar); Juicy Couture watch (similar); Hue tights; American Apparel bow; Sephora lip stain}

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the holiday gift guide: classic gifts

Still on the hunt for a perfect gift? Me too -- it honestly feels like it never ends, and the scary fact that Christmas is a mere 17 days away (14 hours...12 minutes...jk.) has me thinking of what it takes to get those really tough candidates crossed off my list. 
Here's a list of classic gifts -- pieces that will stand the test of time, and are guaranteed to make your giftee jumping for joy. Think mom, sister, the girl who has it all -- these picks might be a little more pricey, but she'll probably have it for, like ever (or something close to it): 
1. Kate Spade Copa Cabana Wallet $89 (on sale! from $178) 2. Michael Kors Large Gold Runway Watch $275 3. Longchamp Le Pilage Large tote $145 4. Coach Willis Bag $298 5. J. Crew $125 (select colors on sale for $98/$59) 6. Kate Spade Open Spade earring $48 7. Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves $98 (on sale! some colors $59) 8. Coach Single Legacy Tassel $38 9. Club Monaco Celine Cashmere Scarf $198 10. Heaven & Heath Snow Glob Ornament $18 11. Catbird Classic Heart Studs in Silver $64 12. iPad Mini $329 + up 13. Kate Spade Bow Watch $195 14. Monogram Jewelry Box $78 15. Polka Dot PJ Set $24.99 16. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll $17.99 17. Club Monaco Skye Cocktail Ring $49 18. YSL "La Laque Couture" Nail Lacquer Set of 3 (a $75 value) $60 19. The Frankie Pump in Snake Print $228 20. Framed Giclee Print by Andy Warhol $74 21. Pearl Bee Earrings $80 (I have a very similar pair by Kate Spade and I LOVE them!) 22. Dipped Toile Dessert Plates $12 each 23. Monogram Passport Holder $135 24. Kate Spade Monogram Note Cards $26
::Want more? Visit the rest of my Holiday Gift Guide for 80+ gifting ideas::
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sequin punch

Staying sparkly and bright on this weirdly warm December day. I love these shoes, but wish they photographed true to color -- in real life they are BRIGHT orange and so fun to wear. You can definitely spot me from a mile away. This top was an awesome score from Forever 21. It looks really expensive and is well made, and an ideal pick for rocking daytime sequins, but the price ($22.80) had me sold. 

{JCrew blazer (old but similar + similar on sale); Forever 21 top (similar); Madewell jeans; JCrew flats (color sold out, but similar) + bracelet (on sale! check your stores); Coach bag; Target hat}

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two-toned tweed

I've been throwing this tweed coat over virtually everything lately -- jeans and tee's, collared tops and cigarette pants, thick wool scarves and a high bun -- but this look might be my favorite that I've worn. The brown, silver, and metallic gold stitching perfectly pops against the leopard on leopard, something I would absolutely wear to any holiday party (in a perfect world there would be one every weekend...a girl can dream). Plus, I'm head over heels, crazy in love with the lady like shape (and the two-toned sleeves).

{Warehouse contrast sleeve coat c/o (+ on sale!); Topshop dress; BCBG shoes (similar + on sale!); Coach bag; Juicy Couture watch via TJ Maxx (similar)}

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the holiday gift guide: gifts for girls

As difficult as guys are to shop for, I find that getting gifts for my mom or girlfriends can sometimes be twice as challenging. Here's a list of sparkly, girly, and bold gifts that any girl would love (myself included), and all priced under $160: 
1. Animal Skater Dress $72 2. Bow a Dear Necklace $49 3. XOXO Bangle $38 4. Sidewalk Skimmer in Glitter $118 5. Trunks Full of Taste Shaker Set $9.99 (on sale!) 6. BCBG Studded Retro Headphones $68 7. Kiss the Cook Cheese Board $38 8. Catbird Star Ring in Gold $96 9. Tory Burch Coley Slippers $135 10. Cat Ears Watch 11. Paper Fashion 2013 Calendar $30 12. Nars Kiss Mini Lip Gloss set (a $94 value) $45 13. Crystal Cluster Earrings $99 14. Kate Spade Winking Wallet $158 15. JCrew Heartbreaker Sweater $98 16. Cashmere Heart Gloves $58 17. Rhinestone Link Bracelet $24.80 18. Kate Spade Sprinkles Cosmetic Case $138 19. Cupcake Soap Dispenser $14 20. Fox Glass Set of 4 $49.99 21. Dot Marc Jacobs Perfume $69 22. A La Mode Poster $20-$50 23. Madewell Checked Blanket Scarf $88 24. Sole Society Carlee pump $49.95 25. DKNY Crossbody $143 (on sale from $205)

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unplugged + loving grey

How was everyone's Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend?! 

I was really good and only bought 1 thing (release the confetti, angel choir and sighs of relief via my bank account), and will be sharing my find with you guys in the near future. I've never been a Black Friday person, but hit up the weekend sales last night. Other than that, I've been unplugged since Thanksgiving. And man does it feels nice to let technology lie and focus on other things like family, food and my current go-to color: grey -- in shades of dark, light and holiday glitter.

{JCrew top + Minnie pants; UO blouse (old); Coach bag; Zara heels (old but similar: flats here + here, heels here (LOVE THESE! cc: Santa Claus)); Juicy Couture watch (v. similar); JCrew necklace (on sale check your stores + similar) Sephora lip stain in 'Always Red'}

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the holiday gift guide: gifts for guys

Gifting for guys can sometimes be tricky, but I've gathered a list of thoughtful and manly options all comfortably priced under $150 that goes a little beyond giving a case of beer (although that would go great with any of these gifts, and probably much appreciated too).
1. Camera Lens Mug $28 2. JCrew Factory Sherpa-Lined Flannel Jacket (sold out online, but check your stores) $45 (on sale + 40% off)  3. Around the World Leather Watch $34 4. Old Navy Men's Boxers $8.50 5. Ted Baker London 'Para' Cuff Links $90 6. Phoebe Richardson Skeleton Espresso Cup Stack $85 7. Recover Wood iPhone 4/4S Case $38 8. WTF Stamp $9 9. Moose Head Wall Hanging $105 10. Leatherman Mut $149 11. Original Blend Gift Subscription (delivered monthly for 2, 3, 6, or 12 months) starting at $38 12. Polo Ralph Lauren Tartan Reversible Scarf $40.60 13. Camelbak H.A.W.G. Hydration Pack $120 (on sale) 14. Coach Deerskin Glove $148 15. The Art of Shaving: The 4 Elements Kit $25 16. Beer Tasting Tool Kit $24.95 17. Eastland High Fidelity Boot $110 18. Rugby Silk & Leather Skull Wallet $45.50 19. Anonymous Ism Deer Socks $28 20. Cashmere Hat $68 21. Old Navy Patterned Crew Sweater $32.50 22. Men's Backup Battery for iPhone $39.50 23. Ray Ban Classic Wayfarer $150
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a very tart holiday

I recently discovered (and fell in love) with Tart Collections -- a west coast clothing label  specializing in laid-back looks with a dangerously glamourous side -- and fell in love again when I spotted this fun feathered mini. I mean, how perfect is this skirt for those fast approaching holiday parties? I could see myself rocking it with sequins for a glam night out, or a turtleneck for that timeless casual-chic vibe Tart does so well. Make sure you check out their holiday lookbook for more swoon-worthy pieces.

{JCrew top; Tart Collections kimberly skirt (coming soon!) c/o; Steve Madden heels (old but similar); Kate Spade clutch; Juicy Couture ring (old); Sephora lip stain in "always red" -- the BEST lip stain I've tried this far}

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