The Brunette One: December 2012

12.31.2012

2013

The biggest thank you to all of my readers, friends, and family for your support of The Brunette One – it means the world! 2012 may have been my best year yet {see here, here, and especially here} but I can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring. Cheers to you and yours and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

{image via}

12.28.2012

My Style: Holiday

J.Crew Blouse, Sweater, and Necklace {Similar} || Paige Jeggings || Aldo Boots {Similar}

Christmas a bit more on the casual side of things this year. We celebrated earlier during the weekend to accommodate my brother and his fiancee's travels and weather, and then settled in Monday evening for a family dinner and game night {Sequence - the fiancé and I won the first game - but lost two in a row to my parents - it wasn't pretty}. And as for this color scheme...I will put out a disclaimer...I am neither a UNI Panther fan nor a Vikings fan. I just happen to like these two colors :).

Hoping you had a fantastic holiday and wishing you all a very happy New Year!

12.25.2012

Merry Christmas

{image and design elements by me, quote by Dr. Seuss}

12.21.2012

Merry Happy Everything

Oh, what a week it's been. On Monday, this little ole' blog was mentioned on morning radio talk show, the Elvis Duran show { !!}, I had my very first adult snow day thanks to a blizzard named after Draco Malfoy, and we manned snowy roads for a fur-filled photo shoot for an upcoming feature for a local magazine, oh and one more little thing - I said yes!. My boyfriend and I got engaged {eek - someone pinch me} on Wednesday evening as the blizzard was in full force!

2012 has been so good to me - I keep thanking my lucky stars, a new job, amazing opportunities and new friends made thanks to TBO, and now the love of my life and best friend is now my fiancé! I can't wait to see what next year will bring and I thank you all for reading and following along - it means so very much!

So in the spirit of Christmas, things will be a bit quiet over here the next week or so. Much to celebrate and family starts arriving this evening!

Wishing each and every one of you a happy and merry everything!

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12.20.2012

Your Life, Styled: Holiday Tartan

This tartan city mini made my wish list this year. Holiday perfection all wrapped up in a beautiful skirt. If you are planning on wearing a fun statement piece this season {whether it be top, skirt, or pant}, keep everything else minimal to let that item shine!

12.19.2012

Splurge vs. Steal: Cognac Leather Pant

I've been coveting these J Brand leather pants for quite some time. I would love to say I have almost a thousands bucks hanging out in my bank account just waiting to be spent on these pants but who are we kidding. These James Jeans Twiggy Coated jeans will fit the bill. I would pair them with this, this, this, and oh, this too.

PS. Congrats to Danelle for winning the DSMFABB Giftbag Giveaway!

12.18.2012

Deck the Halls

...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Festive attire for all those holiday parties!

Santa stopped by work!

A bit of sparkle!

A bit of decorating with my boyfriend's nieces and nephews!

How have you been getting into the Holiday spirit this year?

12.17.2012

A Heavy Heart

Last Friday when I heard the news of the tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut, my heart broke into a million little pieces. This holiday season, I have one wish, for everyone to hold their loved ones a little closer, a little tighter. Life is simply too precious. My heart, thoughts, prayers, hugs, everything I have goes out to those directly affected by this tragedy. God bless those sweet, beautiful children and the brave adults who lost their lives protecting them.

12.14.2012

It's Friday...Friday!

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I can't believe how fast this week gone. Mine has been filled with my last ballet class of the season, a fun photo shoot for True Blue Boutique, a vendor dinner & family dinner in the same night {I ate way too much}, a small work holiday get-together last night, and tonight a girl's night with a few of my closest friends. I'm hoping to round out this weekend with some last minute shopping {I only have picked up two gifts so far...this girl has some work to do} and wrapping, along with a bit of relaxation and maybe a Ugly Christmas Sweater party. 'Tis the season!

Here's hoping you have had a fantastic week and an even more fantastic weekend ahead!

12.13.2012

Interiors + Exteriors: Papier-Mâché Animal Heads

I need these papier-mâché animal heads for my living room. Which ones are your favorites? I would love to put something like this up in my living room...now I just need to convince my boyfriend that we need these...

Make sure to enter the DSMFABB Giveaway here!

12.12.2012

Giveaway: Des Moines Fashion Blogger Meet Up

Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned our first Des Moines Fashion Blogger meet up? We gave out some amazing gift bags and I have some good news for you! Now it's your turn! I will be giving away one of our gift bags {full of so many goodies!} If you are in the Des Moines area, make sure to enter...there are surprises in there from a fewlocal hotspots! A little sneak peek below of some of the goodies you could find yourself winning!

$20 Credit to Open Sky || $15 Gift Card to Lulus.com || Silver Ring from Sweet Olive Jewelry || Cashmere Scarf from aimee || Jamberry Nails Sample || Facial Cleansers from Urban Effects Medspa || eden Fresh Body Scrub || MaryKay Samples || Sephora Beauty Sampler ||Sequin Jewelry Bangles|| Back Country Outfitters Sunglasses || Portobello Road Candle Holder || Aveda Hand Cream || Clinique Lip Gloss and Mascara || Stephanie Johnson Cosmetic Bag || Iowa State University Fashion Show Notepad, Pin & Earrings || Shear Style Hair Care Samples

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look for this button on my sidebar!

Good luck!

PS. I have a few extra of these Carrie Bradshaw canvas bags that I'm selling for $10 each. They would make the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life! If you are interested, email me at thebrunetteone@ live {dot} com! {SOLD OUT}

12.11.2012

Your Life, Styled: Everyday Chic

In a perfect world, I would wear some variation of this outfit everyday to the office. Coated jeans, a cozy knit {for less}, and the most perfect leather boots {ahem, Santa...}.

12.10.2012

My Style: Annie Griffin Collection

This past Saturday I accompanied my boyfriend to his holiday work party. We wined and dined with his co-workers and then headed out for a night on the town. This winter white, long-sleeved Annie Griffin Collection dress couldn't have worked out more perfectly, just the right amount of warmth and *festive* style.