sequined new year

Happy New Year's Eve! C and I will be heading to a friend's house this evening to *ring* in the New Year with champagne and hors d'oeuvres! I am hoping to wear my gold sequined dress from Lulu's {similar} & my new ShoeMint  Mary Jane heels! PS. The heels were a tag team gift -- I ordered, my mom wrapped them up under the tree.  My parents were quite shocked at the heel height of these babies -- pray that I'm not twisting any ankles tonight!

{pearls, sequined dress, black clutch, mary jane heels - similar}

Happy New Year's Eve!

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what are you doing new year's eve?

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It’s an odd feeling looking back on 2011.  I am no longer the recent college graduate I often still see myself as.  I’ve officially been a working girl for over a year, bought my first place, moved in with my boyfriend, traveled across the world for work {Denmark, Russia, Estonia, Finland, & Sweden}, and still managed to find time to work on this lovely blog.  I still have my 2011 New Year’s resolutions taped in my planner which served as a reminder to keep my resolutions in the forefront of my mind.

While those resolutions were certainly attainable and I did manage to move out of my parent’s house, I am not the most motivated person when it comes to working out and eating well.  I am a girl that loves her popcorn in the unhealthiest way possible (salt & extra butter - hmmm hmmm good). And online shopping -- when I work 40 plus hours a week, sometimes that's my only option (it also doesn't help that Zara now allows me to shop from the comfort of my couch). So this year, I’ve decided to be a bit more specific in my goals.

1. Sign up for a dance class.  It's cheaper than therapy.

2. Budget. Budget. Budget.  Save $$ towards something specatular, like a trip to New York for NYFW!

3. For every item purchased, donate another item or two in return.

4. Pinterest exists for a reason - learn a new recipe every week, or every couple of weeks.

5. Drink more water.  It does a body good. 

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To all of my lovely readers, thank you for sticking around, I can't wait for what's to come in 2012!  Stay tuned!

PS. Enjoy this little number from two of my favorite actors.  Happy New Year!

merry christmas

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

'tis the season to...

..& sip on starbucks..

..while listening to a holiday tune...or two..

..as you spend time with those you love..

..enjoying the little things life brings our way..

~ merry everything & happy always ~

all images via pinterest

coveting j.crew

I stumbled upon these wonderful photos over at because i'm addicted.  I am officially asking for every one of these outfits from Santa -- think it's too late to add all these amazing pieces to my *wish* list? Especially that checkered coat, the high-waisted tweed pant, & those gold loafers...

all images via j.crew & because i'm addicted

Holiday Soiree

Throughout this year's Holiday Season - I've made it to two Christmas work parties.  For my own, I wore an all sequined gold number {similar/for less} & for C's - I wore a one-shouldered ruffled Banana Republic dress {similar}.  For the next holiday soiree celebrating this joyous season, I foresee mixing in a bit of color, pattern, coziness, and layering, while still keeping a bit of sparkle in the mix.  And as of late, I have a thing for embellished collars and this gold sequin collar, adds just the right amount *spice* to my outfit.  

What accessories do you add to your outfits to *spice* up your Holiday Soiree wardrobe?

knit sweater//leopard print dress//quilted cross-body bag//wedges//colored tights//collar necklace

DailyBuzz Style 9x9 - Homemade Holiday Gifts

This is it. Christmas is merely days away.  Store parking lots are full.  Lines are long.  Coveted items are sold out.  Anxiety starts to set in.  What's a girl to do when she needs to find those last minute gifts for the ones she loves?  DIY of course!  My favorite DIY that doubles as a chic holiday gift for your mom, sister{s}, and best girl friends are DIY Chan Luu Inspired Wrap Bracelets {see my previous DIY here} & thanks to Pinterest I found an easier-to-understand tutorial that will help you create your bracelet.

Supplies:

• Beading or Sewing Needle
• Thread
• Leader Cord
• Seed Beads
• Button
• Clipboard & Binder Clip

Step 1: Thread leather cord through button, doubling the thread & knot underneath button. 

Step 2: Clip the button to clipboard and attach the other loose cords to the opposite edge of the clipboard to create tension. 

Step 3: String thread 8-10 ft. long through needle. Double the thread and tie the ends of the threads together with an overhead knot. 

Step 4: Tie thread around cord using a lark's head knot.

Step 5: String the first bead and slide needle under both pieces of cord and then pass the needle back through the top of the bead {the bead will fall between the two cords}. Pull thread tight.

Step 6: String the second bead & slide need under both pieces of cord and then pass the need back through the top of the second bead.  Pull thread tight and push the second bead close to the first.

Step 7: Repeat Step 5/6 until you reach desired length of your bracelet.

Step 8: To finish bracelet, thread needle under the bottom cord {or the left cord - depending how you attach the bracelet to the clipboard} and tie a knot around the exiting thread of the last bead.  Repeat, creating a double knot.  Cut excess thread and secure with super glue. 

Step 9: Tie an overhead knot with both cords below the last bead. 

Step 10: Pinch the two strands of cord together and slip the button between the cords to determine where the next overhand knot will be.

Step 11: To create different lengths, continue to create button holes.  Trim excess cord.

Step 12: Complete! Time to wrap that beautiful bracelet and place under the tree!

This post was selected to be a part of DailyBuzz Style’s

December 9×9 challenge: Homemade Holiday Gifts.

pleated envy

YSL Leather A-Line Skirt - $5,285 VS. Forever 21 Pleated Leather Skirt - $22

See this lovely pleated leather skirt? I tried it on months ago at Forever 21 & decided against it.  Eventually, I started seeing the skirt pop up around the fashion blogging community and instantly had a case of blogger-envy.  Especially when Caitlin over at Style Within Reach paired it with a polka dot blouse I also own {last seen here}, and Julia at Gal Meets Glam, paired it with a sleeveless blouse.  Fast forward to Wednesday evening.  I walked back into Forever 21 & what do I spy smashed between a bandage skirt & a sequin cropped sweater...this skirt! Sold out online. Last one in the store & in my size. It's fate, I tell you, fate.

Gal Meets Glam//The Brunette One//Style Within Reach

life passing by

my life lately, in photos.

"one half the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other" emma

spike the punch baubles//valley junction finds//jolly holiday lights//vino & wrapping presents with my dad//c & i taste testing jethro's brunch//date night games//a little boy's wish list - pictures included//free credit at jewelmint//re-designed classics//holiday decor around town

isabel lucas

I stumbled upon this magazine spread featuring Isabel Lucas.  I instantly fell in love with her and every piece of clothing adorning her body. Fringe, texture, sparkle, and sequins, you just cannot go wrong -- especially with those suede heels with velvet bows - pure perfection.

gift guide: stocking stuffers

Lodis Continental wallet, $84; Kate Spade Curling Ribbon Ring, $78; Alex and Chloe heart shaped stud earrings, $90; J.Crew Cashmere Snood, $150; Faux Fur Scarf, $26; Karen Walker tortoise shell sunglasses, $180; kate spade new york 'twirl' eau de parfum, $80;Come to Bed Red Lacquer - Butter London, $14; Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish, $16; Diptyque Epinette Spruce Scented Christmas Candle, $68; Banana Republic Haircalf Leopard Print Belt, $50

dreaming of white this winter

White is no longer meant to be worn just for those summer months. If you aren't comfortable with crisp white blouses, dresses or pants, try one of these gorgeous tops.  With a hint of black detailing, white can be incorporated into these upcoming cold and dreary months paired with a cropped tailored pant or skirt.  How will you wear white this winter?

{J.Crew Chunky-knit Fair Isle Sweater, Moschino Cheap & Chic Contrast Collar Flower Blouse, Blouson JI-Sandwich, A. Wang Cummerbund Draped top, Pu Shell Top, Haute Hippie Two-Tone Silk Chiffon Top, Juicy Couture French Vanilla Cotton Lace top with A Bow, By Malene Birger Anninas Winter Wool Belted Sleeveless Cardigan}

yuletide cheer

Pinterest is the new Facebook.  Except it is just 29384723947x cooler.  I can spend hours pinning away.  Future craft projects, outfit inspirations, and delicious recipes that I may never make but will continue to drool over anyways.  I am so very thankful Pinterest for the Holiday section -- as it has given me so many ideas for the Holiday season!

 My next DIY project - sparkly magazine Christmas trees!

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sequins & chambray

Last night I pinned this sequin number from Lilly's Style and knew instantly I had to recreate it - and for once I had all the pieces hanging in my closet.  This outfit is a bit out of my comfort zone, I normally wouldn't layer such a statement piece over a chambray top, but that's what is amazing about the blogging world, seeing similar items that I own, put together in different ways on other style blogs - I loved how it looked on Lilly & knew that I should take the risk myself! 

{her way -- my way}

 {Mint LA Boutique Blazer, Old Navy Sequin Tank {similar}, Chambray Button-Up {similar}, Black Pants, Boots}

Style Crush: Mary Kate Steinmiller

Mary Kate Steinmiller, editor at Teen Vogue, relishes in feminine details. I love how she pairs flirty tops with patterned full skirts & bold accessories.  In an interview with Timeout New York, Mary Kate describes her personal style, "I'm quite girly and feminine but with a twist.  Something I've learned working at Teen Vogue is to always add an unexpected element to your wardrobe.  For me it's layering clothing and adding pops of neon and quirky accessories."

PS. That amazing statement necklace she wore with her blue ensemble in the photo below -- a DIY must!

To get her look, layer this Sweater, over a Dress worn as Skirt, add brightly colored Pumps, & a statement Necklace.