My Style: Thanksgiving

 Old Navy Sweater {Similar} // UO Scarf {Similar} // Gap Jeans // Target Loafers {Similar} // BaubleBar Necklace // Shira Melody Bracelet 

I believe we should have four day weekends more often. Enough time to spend with friends, family, savor the Thanksgiving leftovers, enjoy too much wine, game nights and cuddling with your loved ones, and finally decorate for Christmas. We ate way too much at my boyfriend's Thanksgiving then we drove to Iowa City to meet up with my family. Upon arriving I was informed that we would be heading to our local outlet mall for a little Black Friday shopping...something I've never done before! From 10:30pm - 1am we shopped until we dropped. I ended up with a few things for myself and even a few things for the boy for Christmas. A successful haul, however; I think I value my sleep and shopping from a computer a little more than the craziness of Black Friday shoppers :)

And on a complete side note, this girl has some new hair! Though the photos make my hair looks a bit more red in these photos than it is in real life {which I don't mind in the least}, I could not be more thrilled with how it turned out! If you are in the Des Moines area make sure to ask for Robin at Estilo Salon & Day Spa! 

Don't forget to head over to Chloe Rose Boutique - 30% off your entire purchase {excludes sale items} with the promo code CMBRUNETTE30. Valid from November 26th-30th!

Guest Post: A Sequin Dress at Breakfast

My dear friend Kiley, from A Sequin Dress at Breakfast, is here today to share with us her latest lust vs. must! 

While there are some items that are worth splurging on (a timeless purse, classic watch, and great pair of black heels for example), others are not. While this summer every girl should have a pair of bright colored sandals, the season can be rough on shoes and it doesn't make sense to spend more than needed on such a seasonal and easily worn down item. While I love Dolce Vita, and $70 for a great pair of shoes isn't unreasonable, it does seem silly when these Target ones are nearly identical in appearance but much less in price. These sandals come in all the best summer colors - turquoise and pink are my favorites - and with the money you save you'll have enough to pick up one in every color!

Look for Less - Olivia Palermo

I was perusing images on Pinterest this past weekend and fell in love with this look by Olivia Palmero.  Queen of mixing patterns, textures, and prints - she neutralizes the mixing of leopard and floral by adding a black feathered blazer & a cognac carry-all.  As I just invested in a pair of floral pants - this is a great idea for remixing! Below is the look for less - all items $100 or less!

Cropped Blazer // Blouse // Floral Pants // Leopard Heels // Tote // Watch

{images 1, 2}

life passing by

After a stressful week, I made sure to make the most of this past weekend. I spent Saturday celebrating my mom's birthday and spending quality time with my family.  We indulged at The Waterfront {where my mom took on The Chuck Norris & won} and followed up with a movie.  We finished our night at our local restaurant and bar, Sam & Gabes, with cocktails and great music. Sunday morning was left to catch up on my magazines & enjoy a delicious breakfast.  I eventually found the motivation to go into work for a few hours but made sure to enjoy The Grammy's {did you catch my live tweeting?} as I pretended to clean my room. 

my life lately, in photos

 

The Chuck Norris / Chocolatini / Leather & Leopard {inspired by Style Within Reach} / First Attempt at a Fishtail Braid {cc: Jason Wu for Target} / Spike the Punch / New reading material / Sunday Morning Reading / Sunday Morning Breakfast / Color Blocking Nails / Coveting this LBD / my artwork, displayed / $5 Target Hat

scarves, scarves, scarves!

Everyone has those days. You know the ones I’m talking about. You can barely force yourself to get out of bed let alone force yourself to get ready for the day ahead. Yesterday was definitely one of those days.  Thankfully, when Veil Vision, a boutique specializing in one-of-a-kind vintage scarves at a price that's easy on the purse strings, approached me to style one of their scarves, I could not pass it up. Scarves are one of the most versatile accessories & they spruce up any outfit with the least bit of effort and a whole lotta style. I threw on a pair of jeans, a cozy knit, & my favorite *glitzy* flats and I was set for a day full of errands.

  

{Scarf c/o Veil Vision, J.Crew High-Waisted Skinnies, J.Crew Fisherman Sweater, BCBGeneration Flats, Target Leather Jacket - Similar}

And for you lucky readers, use this coupon code "BRUNETTE1"* at check out for 20% off your purchase of your own vintage scarf! For other ways to style these gorgeous scarves, head over to Veil Vision for some inspiration and advice on styling your vintage find!


*May not be combined with any other coupon or previous purchases. No minimum purchase necessary. Not valid on gift card purchases. Limited to 3 uses per customer. Valid on sale and clearance items. Offer is non-transferable, not valid for cash or cash equivalent.  Applies to Merchandise only not value of Gift Cards, shipping charges, or applicable taxes. Expires March 31, 2012.