Merry + Happy: A Christmas Pup

I'd like to introduce to the newest addition to our family, Lola Bella. We rescued her this past weekend and she is the perfect Christmas gift. We are currently in the midst of a home test, but I have a feeling she may be around for the long haul. :) We wish everyone a very merry & happy holiday and safe travels over the next week! And if I haven't said it enough over the last few months, thank you for coming back each day and for making this year one of the best, The Brunette One wouldn't be what it is today without all of you! Make sure to stay tuned later this week for a quick announcement on the winner of the Serene Sky Boutique Giveaway! Otherwise I will be seeing you in the new year! 

Merry Christmas Eve!

xx

Merry + Happy: #uglyxmassoiree

Last Friday night a few of my very best girlfriends got together for a little soiree of the ugly sweater variety. Despite our choice in ugly sweaters {I DIY'd mine the night before!}, in our own ways we each still managed to glam up our look. I wore a gold flower pin from ban.do, Emily donned a fur vest, Jenny wore cluster pearl necklace, and Katelyn wore a glittery bow headband. 

We were blown away by Emily's tablescape and holiday decor, girl really outdid herself. By the end of the night we were full of champagne, the giggles, and had fantastic DIY headpieces to show for. Instead of a white elephant gift exchange, we each were instructed to bring a gift we would want ourselves. Gifts were attached to string and each string was wrapped throughout Emily's apartment, wherever we ended up, that was the gift we took home!

See all of our photos from Instagram!

Merry + Happy: DIY Flower Pouf

While I've long been obsessed with ban.do, I don't always have the budget to splurge on my favorite stylish and playful hair accessories {though I've just add this and these to my Christmas Wish List}. So, this holiday season, I've taken the Pom Pom Flower into my own hands. 

Materials:

Tulle or Fabric of Choice

Felt (color match to tulle)

Hot Glue/Gun

Hair Clip/Pin (or both)

Scissors

Needle & Thread

Paper Plate

Step 1. Cut the edges off your paper plate, use the smaller circle as a template. Trace and cut out 10-15 (depending on the thickness of your flower). Tip: Fold the tulle and cut out all the layers at once. 

Step 2. Cut out two small circles from the felt. Stitch one tulle circle onto the felt as a 'base' layer. 

Step 3. Fold the remaining circles into quarters, sew the corner onto the center of the 'base' tulle layer/felt. Repeat with each tulle circle you cut out. Make as full of a flower as you wish. 

Step 4. Once each layer is sewn onto the 'base' tulle/felt layer, add hot glue to the back of the felt circle and cover it with the second felt circle. Hot glue your pin or clip (or both) to the backing. Let dry. 

There you have it, an easy and festive holiday DIY to adorn yourself for all of your festive soirees!

Merry + Happy: The Blogger Buzz December Edition

Sharing our stocking wishlists...

ONE: Samantha Peterson of The Brunette One

• A new crossbody to wear throughout all the seasons.
• All gold, all the time with this gold feather from Williams-Sonoma.
• A place to hold all of our wine.

TWO: Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood

• I already have a place picked out for this print in my living room! The room is basically British themed and I love how punchy and bright this is! Evelyn Henson is really fantastic!
• This cake stand is so fun! I can just imagine putting fun cakes on this at the party I have to throw for my birthday bucket list! 
• I need this necklace! I love the script and I feel like it would be a staple in my wardrobe and I could layer it with other necklaces!

THREE: Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

• A chocolate bar that's equal parts pretty and delicious.
• Seriously, best candle EVER. I'm hoping for the "Aloha" scent.
• The Macaron foil art print from Jenny Bevlin — pretty please, Santa?

FOUR: Laura Podlich of Beauty & the Beard

• Loren Hope Sophia Studs in Pine
• Rifle Paper Co. Dot iPhone 5 Case
• Anthropologie "L" Gem Pouch

FIVE: Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

• I'm smitten with Meg Gleason's work. The pops of color and two-centuries old letterpress from which her products are printed. I die. This hand-bound "letterquette" is just lovely!
• Gin in a Teapot — I'm certain it was created with me in mind!
• Being punctual never looked so sparkly. This watch from Kate Spade would look snazzy on my wrist.

Merry + Happy: Smart Couture Giveaway

I couldn't help but say "Yes!" when Smart Couture approached me about showcasing one of their pieces, I've already worn it more times then I can count! Smart Couture believes in elevating the typical cubical style by making a personal statement.  Since I'm a working girl, I'm always trying to find ways to stay excited about what I wear to the office and what better way to make a statement then this gorgeous necklace! This holiday season, Smart Couture and I are teaming up to give one of you lucky readers 'The Samantha' necklace! 

To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below! To be entered to win, the one mandatory entry is joining Smart Couture's newsletter. Entries must be posted by the end of day Monday, December 16th, and one winner will be chosen at random and announced on this post the following day. Good luck!

[No purchase necessary to enter, open to US readers only. $42 total value. Winner of the giveaway will be contacted via email once the giveaway closes and announced on this post soon after.]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Style: Shimmer Party Dress

 gifted Lily & Violet Dress | Hanes Tights | DIY Flower Pouf {tutorial coming soon}

This past weekend was a bit of a whirlwind. Holiday parties, a late celebration of Thanksgiving Drinksgiving. I did as I intended on Sunday and spent the day cuddled up on the couch catching up on DVR while Mother Nature dropped a blanket of snow outside. 

Speaking of holiday parties, do you have any work parties on your calendar? Make sure to check out Lily and Violet's collection of  party dresses! I loved the subtle shimmer of this dress, and of course it's in my favorite hue. But I have my eye on this dress and this dress as well! 

Now until December 17th they are offering free shipping! So this is the time to pick up your party dress!

Merry + Happy: December Updates

image via

Is it me or is December this crazy for everyone else as well, and it's only day 5! I'm hoping to slow down a bit to really enjoy the holiday season as it took me awhile to get in the spirit. We put up our tree on Monday evening while watching Elf, it was perfect. I've spent the rest of this week adding holiday charm here and there to our house. Have you started decorating yet?!

Posts are a bit sporadic as real life is keeping me on my toes these days. If you don’t follow along on my Facebook or Instagram, I've started contributing to a few publications in addition to Grey Likes Weddings (which I will be posting to more in the next few weeks as I've finally started diving into the all the details). You can now find me writing for a local magazine as a style contributor, dmJuice and to Divine Caroline as their DIY contributor.

In addition to those freelance gigs, I've started really working on the details of our wedding as I mentioned earlier, we are now six months out (pinch me)! Where does the time go?! We just received second round of engagement photos, and we have been hard at work finalizing our guest list so we can send out our Save the Dates. I went through an internal debate between designing and printing my own, or use a service such as Minted or Wedding Paper Divas. I ended up designing them and will hopefully do the same for our invitation suites.  So if you don’t see me around much on the blog, know it’s because I've finally stopped procrastinating on the wedding front.

I have a few holiday posts lined up next week, but I won’t be doing a gift guide on the blog. Like I've mentioned last week, I've put together all of my favorite finds here & here to help find you the perfect gifts to give this season for everyone on your list! If that isn't enough inspiration, I've curated a few more gift guides over at Divine Caroline: Gifts for the Hostess with the Mostess, Gifts for the College Student, Gifts for Your Apartment, Gifts for the Preppy Girl, and my own wish list!

I've got another busy weekend ahead, my office's holiday party on Friday evening and Cody's on Saturday. Plus our Friendsgiving on Saturday during the day. Sunday you will find me in my sweats and curled up on the couch, all day long, that's for sure!

Merry + Happy: Cyber Monday

In case you didn't get your shopping fix on Black Friday or over the weekend, have no fear, Cyber Monday is here. This is my kind of sale shopping, from the comfort of my own computer! 

ALDO :: Save 15% off site wide. CODE: CYBERDEAL13A

Ann Taylor :: Save 50% Off Entire Purchase. CODE: SHOP50

ASOS (US) :: Save 30% off site wide. CODE: GIMMEMORE

Bauble Bar :: 20% off everything with code CYBER20.

Club Monaco :: Up to 30% off with code CYBER.

C. Wonder :: Save 40% off 4 items or more, full price or sale + free ground shipping. CODE: GIFTS40

The Dreslyn :: Save up to 60% off site wide. CODE: CYBER10.

Emerson Fry :: Save 20% off on all full-price items, (with few exclusions).

DATES: Dec 2 - http://rstyle.me/ad/gkb35c77w

Equipment :: Save an extra 20% off all sale items. CODE: HOLIDAY2013.

Furbish Studios :: Save 25% off + free shipping on any order over $100. CODE: MONDAYMADNESS 

GiGi New York :: Save 10% when you spend $150+; Save 15% off when you spend $250+; Save 30% when you spend $500+. Free shipping on all orders and also receive a free Zip Pouch when you spend over $100.

Heels.com :: Save 30% off site wide. CODE: CM30.

J.Crew :: 30% off everything with code MONDAY.

Kate Spade New York :: 30% off EVERYTHING with code CYBER30! 

Lily + Violet :: 12/1 - 12/2: 10% off $75 or more, 20% off $125 or more, 25% off $200 or more. 12/1 - 12/17: Free standard shipping 

Loeffler Randall’s fall Sample Sale. 

LOFT :: Save 50% off EVERYTHING! CODE: CYBER50

Madewell :: 25% off your entire purchase with code FEAST25.

Moda Operandi :: Save 40% off select pre-fall and fall merchandise.

DATES: Dec 2 - http://rstyle.me/ad/hndphc77w

ModCloth :: Save 20% off site wide. 

Nordstrom :: Shop new markdowns of 40% or more on a wide variety of items.

Poppin :: Save 30% off all orders over $75. CODE: POPCM 

Revolve Clothing :: Save an extra 20% off final sale items. CODE: Cyber2013.

Shopbop’s Big Event :: Up to 30% off with code BIGEVENT13.

Target :: BOGO 60% off on apparel, shoes, and accessories.

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Save $15 off $75, $25 off $100 and $50 off $150 and enjoy free shipping.

image via

Merry + Happy: Black Friday Sales

In honor of the upcoming honorary shopping holiday, I've decided to share another round up of all the amazing steals and deals this Friday (and sharing the tips & tricks I noted last year).  More codes are coming, stay tuned the next few days!

Tips & tricks for the Black Friday Shopper: 

1. Make a list and do your research. Search locations, compare prices, and return policies! Don't want to be stuck with an item that does work or doesn't fit!

2. Sales are now starting on Thursday evenings (crazy!). Arrive early to your late evening, pre-midnight, midnight, 4 am stop. Pick up some Starbucks, bundle up, and find your spot in line! Just don't trample anyone when they open the doors!

3. Work in teams. Stores may open at different times, refer to guideline number 1 to make sure you are covering all of your wish lists!

4. Don't want the rush? Hit up your local small businesses and boutique! 

5.  Black Friday shopping just isn't for you? Prefer to sleep in? You can always online shop! Make sure to read the list below to find out the deals!

ALDO :: Save an extra 30% off all reduced footwear + save 50% off select Men’s footwear. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1

ASOS (US):: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2 CODE: GIMME20. 

Ann Taylor :: Save 40% Off Entire Purchase. SALE INFORMATION COMING / CODE COMING

Bloomingdale’s :: Save up to 50% off. DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 1. 

BonLook :: Save up to 50% off on select eyewear. Also enjoy free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 & Dec 2 only.

C. Wonder :: Save 30% off 3 items or more, full price or sale + free ground shipping. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1. CODE: GIFTS30

Charm & Chain :: Save 20% off all orders under $150, save 25% off orders between $150-$400, and save 30% off orders over $400. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2. CODE: thanksgiving20, thanksgiving25, thanksgiving30 (respectively) - http://rstyle.me/ad/nca3c77w

Cynthia Rowley :: Save up to 65% off fall markdowns, save 50% off angora sweaters, and save 20% off full-priced clothing. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2.

The Dreslyn :: Save up to 50% off site wide. DATES: Nov 26 – Nov 29.

French Connection :: Save 30% off your total purchase + free ground shipping on orders over $150.

DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. CODE: W13COUPON. 

Heels.com :: Save $25 off your purchase over $100, save $50 off your purchase over $150, and save $75 off your purchase over $200. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 1. CODE: BF75.

Henri Bendel :: Save 25% off your order over $100 and receive a $20 Splurge Card with every purchase.

DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 1 CODE: TURKEY25.

Hurley :: Save 30% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Nov 29. CODE: CARVE 

ILY Couture :: Mix and match select items (1 for 50% off, 3+ items for 65% off, and 5+ items for 75% off).

DATES: Nov 29.

Jeweliq :: Save 20% entire order and 30% off orders over $100. Free shipping.

DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: BFTREAT20 & BFTREAT30 (respectively).

Joie :: Spend $250, save 20% off – Spend $500, save 30% off. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. 

Kate Somerville :: Save 30% on all orders. DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2. CODE: HOLIDAY2013

Kendra Scott :: Save 20% off site wide and enjoy free shipping (excludes LUXE collection and gift cards). DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. CODE: BFCM201. 

LOFT :: Save 40% off  EVERYTHING! DATES: Nov 29 – Nov 30. CODE: ENJOY.

Loren Hope :: Save 20% off orders over $100 + free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: THANKS.

ModCloth :: Shop hundreds of new items at 50% off. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1.

Nordstrom :: Save 25%+ off on select brands. DATES: Nov 27 (10AM PST) – Dec 1 (10PM PST). 

Nordstrom :: Save 33%+ off on select brands. DATES: Nov 28 (10PM PST) – Nov 29 (10PM PST).

OTTE NY :: Save an extra 40% off sale items. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 29. CODE: BLACKFRIDAY.

THE OUTNET :: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 26 (10AM EST). CODE: THANKSGIVING. ALSO: Enjoy free standard shipping (Nov 30-Dec 1, Code: FREESHIPWKND); Enjoy free shipping (Dec 17-Dec 31, Code: HOLIDAYGIFT).

Poppin :: Save 25% off all orders over $75. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 1. CODE: POPBF.

Rent the Runway :: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Nov 30. CODE: RTR2013. 

Serena and Lily :: Save 20% off site wide and enjoy free shipping. DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 2. ALSO: Receive a $50 gift card when you spend over $100 on December 2. Code: THANKS20.

Shopbop/ East Dane :: Save 15% when you spend $250, save 20% when you spend $500, and save 25% when you spend $1000. DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 2. CODE: BIGEVENT13.

Sole Society :: Save 33% off all jewelry, handbags and shoes (with new offers being presented everyday at 10am). DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2.

t+j Designs :: Save 30% off the entire site (excluding Monogram Items, Glam Gift Sets, and Flash Sale Items). DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2. CODE: TDAY30. ALSO: Shop the Thanksgiving Flash Sale for items as low as $6! (Nov 27 – Dec 2). 

Target :: Save 40% off select denim, women’s loungewear, and women’s party dresses. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 30. 

Tory Burch :: Save 20% off orders over $300, save 25% off orders over $500, save 30% off orders over $750 plus free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: HOLIDAY.

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Free shipping on orders over $50. DATES: Nov 22 – Nov 29. 

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Save an extra 50% off all sale merchandise. DATES: Nov 29

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Save $15 off $75, $25 off $100 and $50 off $150 and enjoy free shipping.

DATES: Dec 2. ALSO: Free shipping on orders over $50 from Nov 22 – Nov 29.

Wallis :: Save up to 30% off site wide. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 30.

West Elm: Spend $100+, save 10%. Spend $250, save 15%. Spend $500, save 20%. Spend $1,000, save 25%. Good till 12/1 with code STOCKUP.

Merry + Happy: Holiday Mantel

Shop the Look:

This time, every year, I tend to hit a snag when it comes to documenting my outfits. The temperatures have started to dip too low for any sane person to walk outside sans puffy coat and snap what he or she may be wearing that day. Keeping in mind daylight savings time, I can only shoot on the weekends. I spent Saturday running around with my mom and talking table decor and flowers. The next items on our list are finalizing the guest list and getting out our save the dates (which I happen to be designing...I am crazy, as I think I have a million hours a week to do it all).

Sunday was spent watching a movie in bed with our breakfast, then scouring open houses with my parent's, we love browsing dream homes, and making a fun Christmas-themed trip to Target. My long blog to-do list went unchecked and I simply enjoyed the day. I'll be paying for it tomorrow and Tuesday as the Thanksgiving weekend starts on Wednesday evening for my family.

As for the outfits, they will be a bit more sporadic through this winter months and I have a few that will be hitting the blog within the next few weeks that I can't wait to share, just asking for a bit of patience and understanding! So in lieu of an outfit post, here's a little inspiration I have to decorate my mantel for the holidays!

Don't forget to enter my Chloe + Isabel Earrings giveaway!