His & Hers Gift Guides

I don't want to panic anyone, but Christmas is a month away. Say what?? Yep, only 30 days away, crazy right?! It's even beginning to feel a lot like Christmastime. We received our first real snow in the motor city this past week and with Black Friday on the horizon, I am just buzzing with excitement! Christmas is my favorite time of the year; I love the bustle of the crowds, the spreading of good will, and the joy of celebrating the reason for the season! I must also confess that I am one of those crazy people who is almost done with their shopping. Giving gifts is by far one my favorite part of the holidays and I have been plotting and planning and shopping for months now. Next is wrapping, ribboning, and bowing, an OCD person's pinnacle of bliss. But before I get too carried away, I thought I would share some of my favorite things to buy (and in some cases, receive). 

To start, gifts for him. I think guys are always harder to shop for than girls because they are actually really simple and we tend to overthink it. I tend to follow three general rules: can he play with it, will he wear it, and does he already use it. Pretty simple, right? First, boys like toys - electronics, movies, tools, and the like, are all things that guys get abnormally excited about, we don't have to get it, we just need to know it. Next, most guys are hopeless when it comes to shopping for themselves and rely on their partners to select and even purchase their clothing and accessories for them. Christmas is the perfect time to do this without having to drag him along complaining as you find pieces to replace or fill his closet. Lastly, is it something he already has or uses, again, really simple. Guys will use their stuff until it falls apart. Look for items that could use replacing - chipped coffee mug, worn wallet, scuffed belt, or items that he may enjoy a little higher end version of like shaving lotions and grooming tools.

mug | regimen kit | flashlight | sweater | travel case | tie | french press | chrome cast | wallet | bbq tools

grooming cream | slippers | beer glass set | headphones | grooming kit | measuring tape | hat | pajamas

scarf | belt | messenger bag | watch | flask | gloves | socks

For the special ladies in my life, I like to find gifts that they may not be inclined to buy themselves because they are busy taking care of all the other people in their lives. We all know women like this, they care about their family and friends and often put them first. The ones that always take your calls, make your coffee date chats last hours, dance with you til dawn, and wipe away your tears; your persons. Pamper and spoil these girls that are always there when you need them, time and time again, all year long with some comfy pj's and a pair of slippers, some gorgeous beauty products, or jewelry. Look for luxe finishes, rich textures, and anything gold to brighten her holiday season!

jewelry tray | lip gloss set | bow bracelet | knit blanket | mug | notebook | perfume | curling wand 
slippers | nail polish | yes please | mittens | pajamas | earrings | watch | philosophy set | socks | ring dish | rings | candle | handbag


Happy shopping this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

J.Crew Factory Sale

There is nothing I love more than a good sale. Actually. Scratch that. There is nothing I love more than a good sale on sparkly things! With the holiday season right around the corner, I nearly squealed with delight when I saw the newest arrivals at J.Crew Factory this week - tons of glitter, metallics, and sequins. I was already penning an epic lust list when news of the 50% off sale reached my inbox this morning. I can't wait for these pumps to show up, I am already planning on all the ways I can pair them through the new year! Below are some of my other favorites, take advantage of the sale now and start planning your festive outfits too.

tee | skirt | pumps | sweater | socks
earrings | scarf | sweater | skirt | tee
button-up | loafers | hat | loafers | tights | tights

More sale items to love:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Festive Bar Cart

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, I can't help but want to spread some holiday cheer, or cheers, as the case may be! Since this is the season for entertaining, I am planning on giving my bar cart a little refresh, setting it merry and bright through the new year.  Here are some tips for adding some holiday flair to your bar cart.

1.) Silver & Gold. Nothing makes it feel quite like its officially Christmastime than dusting a little silver and gold on everything in the house, bar cart included! That's one of the reasons I am loving this silver and gold etched decanter, paired with this monogrammed bar tools set and this cocktail shaker; the perfect metallic trio!

2.) Put a Print on it. Let guests know they are invited to partake in a cup of cheer with a festive print displayed front and center on the cart. I plan on switching out the print currently on my cart, and I think the one below would be a darling replacement. Check out Etsy for cheap downloadable prints or have a fancy gold foil one mailed right to your door step. Nothing adds pizzazz to a cart quite like a cheeky print.

3.) FUNdamentals. There are certain essentials every cart should house, but there is no reason those essentials can't receive a little holiday make-over! Here are a few of my must-haves with a little seasonal twist: old fashioned & highball glasses with gold accents for the holidays, cocktail napkins in a fun print - I'm obsessed with the plaid ones pictured, a bottle opener with personality, & charming coasters - these gold dotted ones that say cheers are my favorite!

4.) Keep it Organized. An easy way to organize your cart and add a little something extra is with a tray. Display glasses and other accessories on it so people can easily locate and make their cocktails. Guests shouldn't have to shuffle all the contents around to make a beverage. You can also add decorative bowls and containers to showcase cocktail garnishes or collect unused tools, like stirrers.

5.) Make it Your Own. Choose some pieces that feel uniquely you! If wine is your go-to, find fun wine charms & stoppers to add a personal touch. If you are a cocktail connoisseur, stock up on unique straws & stirrers, see those adorable antler ones? So fun! Or just pick pieces that you love, like how this plaid-obsessed girl can't wait to scoop up the plaid ice bucket!

6.) Stock it up. The last and most important part of making your bar cart festive is stocking it! Consider what you and your guests will likely drink (spiked cider, wine, seasonally flavored martini's), and make sure to buy those ingredients including appropriate liquor, mixers, garnishes, and ice. Let the party begin!

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Shop more festival bar accessories here:

Looking for a bar cart to up your hostessing game? More options here:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

C. Wonder Sale

I normally don't post on the weekends but this sale was to fabulous not to share. C. Wonder is hitting.it.out.of.the.park. right now. Their seasonal apparel is on point and there holiday gift collection is the stuff dreams are made of. Seriously! I am obsessed with their check collection and itching to add every piece of their holiday gold barware to my home bar cart. What's even better than their items, is the price. Right now they are having their 30% off friends and family sale. Best news ever. I know. Just add the items to your cart to see the discounted pricing. Below are the items I am swooning over - both for me and for gifts, of course!

Shop items here:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!

Fall Essentials: Shoes

Today is the final day of my fall essentials blog series and I have saved the best for last; shoes. For me, fall allows the greatest diversity of footwear and I get the most excited for shoe shopping during this season. It's warm enough to wear flats and pumps, cools off enough to wear riding boots and ankle booties, and unpredictable enough to warrant a need for rain and cold-weather boots. I love the variety of colors, patterns, and types of shoes that autumn ushers in. Living in Michigan, where we experience tons of precipitation and a wide range of temperatures, I have a legitimate need to buy new shoes just about every season. I mean, #shoedeath (a serious, weather-based, fatal disease sweeping our nations' closets), is a real problem and one that cannot be ignored!

This year I have been living almost exclusively in leopard shoes and boots - of all varieties. My leopard shoe collection seems to be a newer obsession, while my affinity for boots spans many years. I have added quite a few new pairs for fall and am sharing some of my favorite fall footwear below. These 8 pieces will cover just about every occasion this season!

Rain Boots | Oxfords (1) (2) | Booties | Pumps | Bean Boots | Plaid (1) (2) | Moto Boots | Riding Boots

Here's some of the ways I have styled my leopard pumps so far this fall:

More fall shoes to love:

Which shoes will you be adding to your closet this season?
Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Fall Essentials: Pants & Skirts

My exploration into all the pieces you need for fall continues today with pants & skirts. I would describe my style as having a split personality: my work wear is fairly preppy, while my not-at-work wear is pretty much a mixture of everything else. During the week, I tend to rely on skirts with tights & a layered button-up with sweater; its my go-to business casual outfit. After work and on the weekends I tend to rely on leggings with boots, over-sized sweater, and a scarf, its my go-to comfy casual formula. With that in mind I have included both work appropriate and weekend ready options to get you through the season. And how perfect is that midi skirt for the holiday season?!?

Dark Wash Jeans | Plaid Skirt | Pencil Skirt| Skinny Cords | Pixie Pants | Ponte Pants | Midi Skirt | Casual LBD 

Here are some ways I have styled my plaid skirt this fall.

Even more pant & skirt options for fall:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Fall Essentials: Shirts & Sweaters

Today I am sharing the 8 shirts that every closet needs this season. I wanted to focus on the types of clothing I like to layer; button-ups, sweaters, and cardigans, as well as a variety of textures and prints that can be mixed and matched with each other.

1.) Chambray Shirt. This one's pretty much a no brainer, but an essential nonetheless. It can be worn under cardigans and sweaters or open over a graphic or embellished tee. Throw it on over your favorite summer dress and tie at the waist to transition you warm weather favorites into the fall.

2.) Leopard Print Sweater. My love of leopard print meets a new point of obsession with this leopard cardigan from Target. It's perfect for layering over a chambray shirt, plaid shirt, or turtleneck. Since leopard has been declared a neutral, the possibilities are nearly endless!

3.) Graphic or Embellished T-shirt. My pick for this season is this gorgeous gold block/stripe tee, which will transition through the holidays nicely as well. It's perfect for wearing under an open-front cardigan or jazzing up a blazer.

4.) Fair Isle Sweater. I love a good fair isle print, I mean, seriously, who doesn't? But this little sweater in particular has stolen my heart. Whether on its own, or over the chambray, a plaid shirt, or a turtleneck, this black and white sweater would be wonderful!

5.) Turtleneck. They aren't just for your granny or the 90's anymore. This updated striped turtleneck is so soft and cozy, you'll want to live in it til spring! It's been an instant favorite in my closet, perfect with a cardigan, vest, or button-up.

6.) Plaid Shirt. I "need" another plaid shirt like I need a hole in the head, but how can I resist this vibrant red buffalo check? It's the perfect transition piece from day to night! Dress it up with pearls, your leopard cardi, and a black pencil skirt for work, then swap the cardi for a cargo vest, and the skirt for leggings and boots to hit the local bar for happy hour.

7.) Aztec/Tribal Print Sweater. I bought my printed open front cardigan near the end of summer in preparation of the impending cooler temps and it may just be my favorite piece this fall. Since most of these types of sweaters are oversized, they are perfect to throw on over just about any solid shirt, embellished tee, or even a button-up - I thinking of you, chambray shirt.

8.) Burgundy Everything. You may remember it from last year's "oxblood" color trend and this year its back - pretty much a continuation of the same thing, but with a new name. These deep reds and berries have stolen my heart and taken over my closet. Make sure to snatch up a piece or two in this rich hue. 

chambray | burgundy | turtleneck | leopard | fair isle | buffalo plaid | tee | aztec cardigan

Here are some ways that I have styled my leopard cardigan this fall already, it mixes with lots of other items on the list too!

More fall shirts to love:

What shirts and sweaters are you reaching for this season?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Fall Essentials: Outerwear

My fall essentials series continues today with outerwear. I am definitely one of those people who loves to feel crisp fall air on my face; I also love that with crisp air comes the ability to pile on the layers. Knits, flannel, fleece, you name it, I love to wear it - usually all at once! Vests have become a staple in my wardrobe and with blustery winds around the corner, my, I am already breaking out my gloves and earmuffs with them. This fall I have been wearing my army green, cargo vest on major repeat and have included some ways I already styled it this season. Whether its rainy or sunny, chilly or verging on freezing, I have included an option for you to bundle up in as you make your way out to the pumpkin patches and cider mills this season.

Puffer Vest | Knit Scarf | Jean Jacket | Cargo Vest | Knit Beanie | Faux Fur Vest | Moto Jacket | Blanket Scarf (option)

I really love my....cargo vest!

More outerwear options to love:

What are your favorite pieces to layer this fall?
Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Fall Essentials: Accessories

Today I'm kicking off a series on fall essentials. I don't know about you, but I transition a lot of my fall apparel into my winter looks and try to hold off on pulling out my winter coat until it's absolutely necessary. I mean, the winter solstice isn't until December 21st after all. So, even though it may seem a little late to talk essentials, remember everything I am calling a "fall" must-have, can still be worn for many more months!

Let's begin with the finishing touches you add to your outfit. I love fall accessories probably more than any other season's. There is an ease and simple chicness that comes with dressing for comfort in fall and the accessories tend to follow suit. I typically swap pastel and neon tones for rich, saturated ones, and start reaching for scarves to add to every outfit. 

Speaking of scarves, I am beyond obsessed. I own way, way too many scarves, to the point where I am literally in a seasonal rotation. The storage bins in my closet are bursting at the seams with off-season piles of them. For fall, I tend to gravitate towards flannel, knit, and over-sized scarves. I'm definitely verging on unhealthy when it comes to collecting Zara's plaid blanket scarves.

Other accessories I am loving this season are typically functional as well as fashionable. The name of the game as I see it is practicality; staying warm (scarves and tights) and staying dry (hats and umbrellas). I also look for something special in my functional accessories, such as touches of interesting texture and color. I am loving the floppy felt hats popping up in stores; such a romantic shape and so soft to the touch. I am also happy to see a wide variety of tights out again this year, the intricate patterns are divine! See the rest of my essential accessories below.

Tote | Scarf | Hat | Earrings | Umbrella | Necklace | Nail Polish (L) (R) | Tights (L) (R) 

Shop more fall accessories below:

What accessories are on your radar this season?
Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!