Holiday Chic

Blazer: ASOS (on sale), Top: exact, H&M (unavailable), similar H&M, Bottoms: Old Navy, Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Necklace: exact, Forever 21 (unavailable), similar here

I constantly try to find ways to re-style my wedding day shoes because I love them so much. Due to their sparkle and shine, the holidays are one time I always know they will be acceptable. This look is one I love for a more laid back NYE look. This is a great way to look chic without having to wear a dress. Simply put on a pair of black skinnys (possibly even a pair of leather ones), a loose button up top, blazer of choice and a pop of sparkle or shine. I absolutely love the glitter shoes and statement necklace paired together to finish off the look!

A Lofty Christmas

I am so excited to finally share a little bit of the place we call home. Living in a loft has always been on my bucket list, and earlier this fall I was able to cross that off the list. Since we have moved in I have been planning how we would set up the place for the holiday season. I have absolutely loved decorating this unique space for the holidays! I knew I didn't want to fill the place with reds and greens, but instead wanted to create a warm, festive feeling that went with the modern elements of our home. Using white, gold, and silver accents I was able to pull it off! I love the idea of using winter neutrals because you don't have to pack everything up after Christmas. The items we chose can last throughout the winter months as well.

Not having a mantle this time of the year is tough for me. In fact, that might be one of the things I am looking forward to the most about having our own home. This year I had to get creative in how we displayed our holiday decor and hung our stockings. I have to keep reminding myself that we will most likely never live in a place as unique as this, so we should enjoy it and take it all in while it lasts! We are so happy with the look and love spending time together here.

Dress: exact, LC Lauren Conrad (unavailable), similar LC Lauren Conrad

Tights: exact, Gap (unavailable), similar Target in Black Olive

Earrings: exact, Kate Spade (unavailable), similar Kate Spade

Stocking Hangers: Anthropologie

Stockings: exact, Restoration Hardware (unavailable), similar Restoration Hardware

Rug: IKEA, similar IKEA

Pillows: IKEA

Woodland creatures: Target (new and old)

Stag head: Target (old)

Decorative trees: Target (new and old)

Starlit tree: Restoration Hardware

Very Berry (and Classic Black & White)

Dress: Target, Tights: Target (in dark red)

Berry hues are all over the place right now. They were huge this fall, and I am currently trying to find ways to carry them over into this holiday season. This black and white dress is such a classic piece. It was my go-to dress for fall weddings this year. I love these berry colored tights with the dress because they add just the right pop of color to make the outfit complete. I have never been one to over do it on color. I love mixing neutrals with trending pops of color, that way you can easily switch them out and create new outfits. Even better? The dress and tights were both Target finds and I just love those!

Photo via InStyle

My original inspiration for the black and white dress came from this photo of Mollie King, one of my top style icons, wearing this high neck smock dress. If everything she wore somehow found its way into my closet I wouldn't mind one single bit! I absolutely love the scallop trim and sweetheart detailing. Plus, just the simplicity of the whole look itself. In case you are wondering, I searched high and low for this dress and sadly it is sold out. Also, not sure it would have fit the budget (sigh). Doesn't hurt to dream, right? Thankful for more budget-friendly look-a-likes (Thank you, Target)!

NYE Wear

New Years Eve is one of my favorite holidays! I love to get dressed up in glitzy, glam outfits and ring in a new year full of freshness. This year I am loving chic rompers, full tulle skirts, faux fur jackets and feathers. I found my NYE dress months ago at one of my favorite boutiques in Oxford, but if not, I would for sure be rocking one of these combos. If you are still looking for something to wear, you only have a few days left to order for the big countdown into 2014. Let these looks inspire you if nothing else! Have a happy and a merry. 

Gift Guide | Stocking Stuffers for Her

1. Bowknot iPhone 4 Backup Battery, 2. Holiday hair ties, 3. PONDS Cleansing and Make Up Removing Towelettes, 4. EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint, 5. Gold Dots iPhone 5 + 5s Case, 6. Essie Nail Polish in Mind Your Mittens, 7. Essie Nail Polish in Sable Collar, 8. Tweezerman Slant Tweezer in Pink, 9. bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick, 10. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Wild 

Sometimes stockings can be the hardest things to fill it seems. That being said, if someone handed me a stocking with all these goodies loaded into it, I would be one happy girl! A few of my favorites are the holiday hair ties, PONDS cleansing towelettes, EOS lip balm, and the Essie polishes. I am also loving lipstick right now! I never used to be a girl big on lipstick or lip gloss, but I am branching out and learning to love it (especially around the holidays). A red lip can do no wrong! Also, #3, #4, and #10 would definitely be on my "favorite things" list. 

Girl on a Budget | Gifts Under $25

1. Fair Isle Trouser Socks , 2. Hello cork coasters , 3. Emily Maynard Kira Earrings , 4. ASOS Long Cable Fingerless Gloves , 5. Library Letter , 6. Creme de la Creme Print , 7. Knitted Beret , 8. Tiled & Dotted Bowl , 9. Reindeer Trophy Hook , 10. Wishbone Bottle Opener , 11. 'Get it Done' Notepad

These are perfect gift ideas for Secret Santas, gift exchanges, and budget friendly buys! My personal favorites are the Kira Earrings (on my wish list), library letter, and the 'Get it Done' notepad (for the "queens" of to do lists). I also love the tiled & dotted bowls from Anthropologie. I have a few of these and they are perfect for storing small jewelry pieces. I keep my earrings in them and display them on a shelf in my bathroom. Happy Shopping! 

Winter Wear | The Beanie

With winter weather arriving, I am trying to keep myself warm any way I can these days. Recently, I have been loving the look of The Beanie. Some of my favorite bloggers, Julia from Gal Meets Glam, Ashley The Teacher Diva, Taylor from The Glitter Guide, and Jillian Harris have inspired me to try styling them myself this winter. I especially like the ASOS Short Turn Up Beanie, ASOS Rib Boyfriend Beanie, and the Large Lurex Knit Beanie. Need a new hat to keep you warm this winter? Find your favorite here! 

Sweater Weather

I am a summer girl through and through, but there is definitely nothing I love more than a comfy oversized sweater. Is it possible to love the warm summer weather yet die over fall fashion at the same time? I am currently trying to soak up every last ounce of fall I can, knowing that months of bitter winter weather is right around the corner.

I picked up this fuzzy boyfriend cardigan during our recent trip to Denver. While I was trying things on in the dressing room I spilled my Starbucks all over the sweater I was wearing. Although I was happy to have something warm to change into, I will say that I would have purchased the sweater whether I had spilled my coffee or not. Its warm, big, and perfect for pairing with leggings. Even better...it was on the Nordstrom sale rack! If you love comfy oversized sweaters as much as I do this one is still available, and on sale! And for those of you who don't already know, Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns ALL THE TIME. It's like Black Friday and Cyber Monday all year long. Can't beat that!

Sweater: Nordstrom , Leggings: LC Lauren Conrad , Boots: exact Forever 21 (old) / similar Chinese Laundry and Nine West , Watch: ICE (currently on sale)

Gift Guide | For Him

I don't know about you ladies, but every year I have a hard time coming up with gift ideas for my man. Unlike women, men seem to never want anything. Whenever I ask my hubby what he'd like for Christmas I get the usual "white tee shirts, socks, and a pair of new jeans". I mean, I sure do love em' but I need something more exciting to work with than that! So here's the deal. I am going to do my best to help you all out by putting together a few of my favorite gifts ideas for all the men in our lives. A few essentials, some items I love, and a few ideas inspired by my husband. 

1. Lambswool Shawl-Collar Sweatshirt : This sweatshirt just screams cozy. I imagine snuggling up by the fire with my man in this. This would go perfect with dark wash jeans, a plaid scarf, and some fingerless gloves.

2. American Crew Pomade : This is a go-to item in my man's morning routine. It doesn't leave hair hard or crunchy, and it smells amazing! Added bonus for us women. 

3. The Sentry Leather Watch : I love the versatility of this watch. Your man could wear this dressed up or laid back. It will go with anything!

4. illy Coffee : One of Dan's favorites! He had this stuff in Rome, Italy a few years ago and loved it. Although a trip to Rome would be nice, you won't have to take a trip to Italy to get it...you can find it at your local grocery store. 

5. Jet iPhone 5 Wallet : For all of those men who got a new iPhone this year and need a new case. This one is a two-in-one wallet and iPhone case.

6. Clarks Desert Boot : I just love these. They are perfect for fall and winter weather and are really in this season. They come in a variety of colors too!

7. Paddle Your Own Canoe book : This book is one of the items on my guy's wish list this year. For all the manly men out there who love Ron Swanson, this is a must! 

8. Scott-Nichol Woolsthorpe Socks : Every guy loves new socks! Dan once told me if he had a new pair of socks to wear every day he would. These specific ones look nice and warm!

9. Factory Polar Bear Flannel Pajama Pant : One of my favorite traditions we have started is giving each other a new pair of Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. It's something I have always wanted to do and we will continue the tradition when we start a family of our own someday. Until then, I get to have fun finding fun flannel pants like these for my guy! 

Happy Shopping!