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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le mustache

Quirky jewelry is always a fun addition to a more sophisticated look, like a full skirt and a perfectly matching bag. This mustache necklace from Golden Stella x Hello Beautiful isn't just adorable, it's also for a good cause: spreading awareness for Movember (and men's health).  

{Gap dress (worn as top); Kate Spade skirt + clutch (similar look: splurge: skirt + bag//save: dress + bag); Coach boots (old); gifted Golden Stella mustache necklace; JCrew necklace; Juicy Couture watch (similar)}

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the holiday gift guide: under $50

A list of gifts all under $50 -- how's your holiday shopping going?
1. Printed Backup Battery for iPhone $39.50 2. Gap Printed Canvas Oxfords $49.95 3. Kate Spade Scotty Studs $48 4. Catbird Katrina LaPenne Braid Rings $33 5. Kate Spade Lip Crayon Box Set $38 (I have these + they are awesome) 6. Urban Outfitters Mustache Watch $29 7. Johnathan Adler Smart Phone Dock $48 8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Enamel Lips Studs $42 9. Night Python Satchel $48 10. Holga 35mm Camera in Neon Pink $50 11. Gold Heart Ring $40 (on sale) 12. Lemon Zest Confetti Necklace $48 13. Marc by Marc Jacobs Julio iPhone Case $48 14. Vans for JCrew Men's $50 15. J Crew Factory Sequin Evening Bag $44.50 (on sale +30% off) 16. Gun Bookends by Mahzerandvee $26 17. Pendleton Plaid Bowtie (his) $38 18. Ban.do Bowtie (hers) $25
Click here for gifts under $25
xo!
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quick change

A quick look at what I wore a few days ago. Switched to flats after the high heels started to hurt -- as much as I love walking with an added 4 inches of hight, flats are definitely my BFFs (forever). Especially these polka dot skimmers. I have no idea what I'll do when they get completely destroyed, but I'll probably (absolutely) cry.

1 {H&M top; JCrew skirt; Zara heels (similar, different color but similar); vintage Coach bag}

2 {JCrew jacket (last year, the outlet has something very similar + 30% off + similar here -- ps it's the best jacket I've ever owned) + skirt; H&M top; Madewell flats (similar, similar); vintage Coach bag}

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pink polish

Oversized, cozy sweaters are my absolute, most favorite things for chilly fall weekends, and adding polished accessories -- pink lips, a handful of pearls and metallic flats -- makes it perfect for Sunday brunch. I usually find more luck in the men's sweater section, but this pink Gap pick (bought a few sizes larger) is the ideal mix of stripes, color and those extra long sleeves I always run to. 

{Gap sweater (on sale until 11/12, I bought it a few sizes larger + more colors!); J Crew minnie pants + shoes (on sale!); vintage Coach bag; F21 pearls (similar); Karen Walker sunnies; Kate Spade lip crayons}

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the holiday gift guide: under $25

Since our first snowfall came and went (on the east coast at least), it's beginning to look a lot like Holiday Shopping Time. Boo, I know. To help relieve the headache that holiday shopping often is, I've made a list* of little somethings that are all under $25 (and totally cute):

1. J. Crew Fair Isle Socks $16.50

2. Mr. & Mrs. Cocktail Glass Set $18

3. Urban Outfitters Camo iPhone Case $16

4. Kate Spade Bobby Pins $18

5. Forever 21 Bow Bracelet $10.50

6. Stila All is Bright Lip Glaze Set $25 (a $110 value)

7. Ban.do Heart Shoe Clips $25

8. Madewell Bulldog Studs $18

9. Free People Arrow Midi Ring $18

10. Gap Reverse Fair Isle Hat $19.95
11. Honey Dew Lace Boyshort $18 each
12. Knock Knock Procrastinator Pen $14
13. The Perfect Start to Your Day Cookbook $19.95
14. Sir Walrus Bottle Opener $18
15. Debora Lippmann 'Cleopatra in New York' Nail Lacquer $18
16. Old Navy Men's Camo Shirt $25 (on sale + limited online, but check your stores)
17. Fresh Balsam Candle $20
18. Jeweliq Royal Bubble Earrings $17
19. Fraidy Cat Flashlight $9.99
20. Colorful Fair Isle Gloves $8.80
21. The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior $20
22. Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstic $25

*rollover to see the numbers! adorable sequins thanks to pugly pixel

***
Congrats to the Jeweliq Giveaway WINNER: 
Shira of Sequins & Polka Dots --Lucky #1!! 
Keep reading for more giveaways + thanks to everyone who entered xo

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vote

Get out there and vote! Double points if you wear something extra patriotic.

{Old Navy men's vest (on sale + tons of colors!); Ralph Lauren top (old but similar); Free People flag scarf; Madewell jeans; vintage Coach bag (tons on ebay); F21 bracelet; Karen Walker sunnies}

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER MY JEWELIQ GIVEAWAY (click here)

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a coach classic

I visited Newburyport this weekend (such a cute town -- bakeries, coffee shops and vintage hideouts everywhere) and did a little window shopping to warm up from the cold. Didn't really have anything in mind that I was looking for, but stumbled on this vintage Coach classic for only $20. Seriously! Love when that happens. I almost walked out without it (no idea why since it retails new for $298), but I'm so happy I grabbed it.

ONE DAY LEFT TO ENTER & WIN FREE JEWELRY FROM JEWELIQ!

{Zara blazer (old but similar); Old Navy men's shirt (on sale!/similar but more $$); Gap jeans (I have these too); Coach Willis bag (new here, vintage on ebay); Steve Madden pumps (old); J Crew bracelet; Karen Walker sunnies}

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