Gift Guide: For the Homebody

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Today's gift guide is dedicated to the homebody. If you have someone on your list who would rather stay in and sip wine, read a book, watch something on the DVR, or just sit by the fire place, than go out of the house for pretty much any reason, then this gift guide is for them! I definitely am a homebody. I prefer my down time to be in my home, snuggled up on the couch with a hot beverage in hand catching up on some tv shows. And any Saturday or Sunday that I don't have to put on make-up or leave the house, is a win in my book!

One of my guilty pleasures on the weekends is staying in my pajamas as long as I can. If I don't have to leave the house, there is a good chance I am not getting dressed in what I call "real people clothes" for the day and instead lounge around sipping coffee until wine is acceptable. So, I have found the softest, coziest pieces that any self proclaimed homebody would be excited to receive for Christmas.

I really do love a good pajama set and have included a few as gift ideas. This lavender set and this soft heather grey with white stripes set, are both under $75 and come in multiple colors. They are both a great classic style and cut, too. Another option is this cozy fleece sweater and shorts set, I'm obsessed with the color and material! Plus, how cute would it be with these over the knee socks? Love! Another way to stay cozy is to throw on a chenille cardi. If you pick this one up for anyone on your list, they will definitely live in it all winter long! Cardigans not your gal's thing? Maybe a robe is a better option, and while this one is a bit of a splurge, but is worth every penny. I mean, your mom totally deserves to be pampered anyways, right?

Another great part of not leaving the house? Wearing slippers all.day.long. How cute are these bow topped moccasins? They come in 4 colors, including a gorgeous blush, and have the prettiest perforated detailing. Plus, with a rubber sole, they can be worn out of the house in a pinch, like to collect your package deliveries, wink, wink. Another option are slipper socks, aka the epitome of comfy, and this pair will the little pom poms would make a great gift or stocking stuffer. Another popular slipper style is a slide, and I think this cable knit pair with shearling lining would be an adorable addition to anyone's closet.

As winter weather starts rolling in, layering becomes second nature. Warm accessories make a great gift for any lady. This scarf is a delicate, not chunky knit, so its perfect to wear inside all day. At under $50 it is a great piece for anyone who is typically a little chilly. One thing I wear pretty much every day, inside and out, when the temps drop, are beanies. This cream beanie and grey beanie both have a pom on top, are only $25, and would make a such a darling gift.

Skin care is something everyone becomes a little more concerned with during the winter season. The rigid temps and cold air suck the moisture right out of everything, especially our skin. This hydration set by Fresh would be a great gift for a homebody who has extra time to pamper, a secret santa exchange, or any hard to shop for lady on your list, because the products are really good and its a great basic essentials set. I'm obsessed with the lip treatment!

Some other ideas, besides clothing and accessories, for the homebodies on your list would be decor items to make their spaces a little more joyful. I love both these pillows. The faux fur heart throw pillow is darling and super soft, and you cant go wrong with a cable knit pillow. Plus, how amazing are those buttons? If you have a candle lover on your list, this mini set of luxe candles would be a perfect gift. The scents are amazing and the pastel colored containers are super pretty.

Coffee table books are another great, but under-rated gift idea. This "The Year of Cozy" book would be a welcome and gorgeous addition to any coffee table. And who doesn't love a good throw blanket? Especially when its snowing out. We have this blanket in 3 colors and it's a good thing we do because otherwise K and I would fight over them constantly (yes, it's boy approved!). It comes in so many colors and is 25% off, making it a steal at only $29.

Fianlly, when staying in or being snowed in, both coffee and wine can be of the highest importance. Stock up on cheeky mugs and wine glasses as great and affordable gifts for the ladies on your list. I especially love this $16 gold lettered mug, since it is a little sassy, as well as this $12 wine glass, which can be pretty accurate.

Hope you all have a great Monday!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I'm taking a moment to share some of the family photos we took this fall. Family is everything to me and as we reflect on what we are grateful for today, I can't help but feel profoundly blessed to call this amazing group of people my family. I'm so lucky to have not one, but three amazing sisters, a mom who is also the best friend, and the cutest, sassiest little grandma on the planet! And the guys? They are just the best and are seriously troopers for putting up with all our craziness. Plus, look at how good everyone looks! #blessed

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Hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year, and it's rapid approach has me feeling giddy with excitement! One of my favorite traditions is stuffing stockings; the combination of gift-giving with decor is perfection in my book. Growing up, my three sisters and I each had matching stockings in 4 different colors. Every Christmas morning, we would come down to the family room and see them hanging from the mantle, filled to the top with tiny treasures. My mom would always carefully individually wrap the contents and inside we would find adorable items such as lip balms, lotions, patterned socks, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, beauty products, notepads, pens, and other things that were practical but also fun. 

To this day my sweet mom still fills our childhood stockings for when we come over to exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas. It's one of my fondest memories and cherished traditions. Now as an adult, I always look for extra, smaller items to share with my sisters as part of their gifts each year. Plus, K and I have stockings of our own to fill with festive goodness this year to expand the tradition! 

Below are some of my favorite items to give and receive as stocking stuffers. These items also work well if you exchange gifts with your girlfriends, or participate in Secret Santa exchanges. I have also included some items that are inspiring my stocking stuffing for K too. Happy shopping!

under $10
lip gloss | make-up brushes  | mascara | brush | nail polish | compact | tea | head phones | bbw lotions 

$10 to $25
eos | iPhone case | socks | mug | hair ties | ring | philosophy lotion | chocolates

$25 to $50
wine topper | key chain  | earrings | scarf  | hat | stationery

$50 plus
bracelet | perfume | gloves | wallet | candle | perfume | gift cards 1 2 3  

under $10
bbq sauce | beef jerky | hat | scarf | head phones 

$10 to $25
whiskey stones | giant candy bar | measuring tape | cologne | shave cream | shaving kit

$25 to $50
nuts | passport case | movie  | belt | socks | candle | shot glasses

$50 plus
watch | neck tie | bow tie | movie theater gift card

Happy shopping this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

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

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

What to Wear: Holiday Party Edition Part 2

Happy Tuesday lovelies! Hope everyone's week got off to a good start yesterday. Today I am back talking about what to wear to holiday parties, and today's outfit inspiration focuses on another classic holiday trend: lace. In yesterday's post, I incorporated sequins into some holiday outfits that played up crimson, the quintessential Christmas color. But red isn't the only color that I think of this time of year; I think of the icy blue tones of frost and the navy blues of the increased midnight hours, as well as red's complimentary color green; decking our halls in emerald jewels and evergreen boughs; these are all colors and tones that I am drawn to this time of year. In honor of these blue and green hues, I have composed some outfits featuring gorgeous lace dresses in this pallet. As with yesterday's post, I have styled each color two ways, showing again how you can recycle your holiday outfits throughout the season.

green outfit top: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet / blue bracelet
blue outfit top: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet
green outfit bottom: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / belt / necklace
blue outfit bottom: dress / clutch / shoes / earrings / bracelet / necklace

When styling a lace dress, the dress should be the focal point, and all of the accessories should complement it. The perfect neutrals during the holidays, in my self-proclaimed "expert opinion," are silver and gold, and there is no shortage of metallic options right now! This brings me to accessory talk time: ok, I believe it is a personal style choice whether you think more is more, or less is more, but my preference for most holiday parties: work, family, church, etc. is that less is more. That being said, for this post I have chosen more delicate and subdued pieces that add a touch of sparkle and glitz, without leaving you looking like you are wearing an accident from the glitter factory. Also, keep in mind that you don't need a statement necklace, especially with a lace neckline. If you feel it's too much, skip the neck candy, the lace is enough. You can always add your sparkle elsewhere. I have styled these dresses both ways, just in case. And, if you are a more is more girl, that's fine too, just double up on things from each of the outfit options!

Will you be wearing lace this season?

What are your go-to colors during the holidays?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

What to Wear: Holiday Party Edition

Hello Loves! Today I want to talk about one of my favorite type of outfits to plan: party attire! Now that December is in full swing, holiday parties will be popping up on our social calendars through the new year, and I, for one, could not be more excited. To me, no other time of the year is as rich with color, texture, and most importantly, SPARKLE. The entire month seems to be dripped in gold and dusted in glitter, from Christmas tree decor, to twinkling lights, to glossy wrapping paper; it doesn't seem like anything in existence can escape looking shiny and bright. I think you cannot help but feel that way too, a little more shiny and bright now than during the rest of the year. So, I think, if you feel it, flaunt it! Holiday apparel is very reflective of the mood this season ushers in with it, and it is almost impossible not to fall in love with all of the fancy party pieces on the racks. This week I will be posting some outfit ideas and pieces that I think are perfect for many of the occasions this holiday season where you want a little extra sparkle in your wardrobe; appropriately dedicated the "Holiday Sparkle" series. 

To kick off this series, I would like to introduce a holiday staple: sequins. Now, personally, I don't own a single sequined thing. GASP. Well, its true. I am not quite sure why, I guess I prefer my jewelry to sparkle and shine, not my clothing. That being said, I have been considering how I would incorporate a sequined item into my closet. I have been eyeing the numerous sequined tanks and thinking that would be a safe bet, not too much bling, an easy way to dip my toes into the sequin pool, but it is winter...and winter in the mitten is fierce. So, I started thinking about ways to incorporate a sequined piece as one of my signature layers (keeping in mind that I didn't want to look like a disco ball upon outfit completion), and thanks to the amazing line of winter apparel at J.Crew Factory this season, I was able to find two sequined pieces that I wouldn't be too intimidated to wear this winter. Knowing that many of us can't afford a new outfit for every party we attend this season, I put together two outfits for each piece, and since the color family is similar, the sets are pretty interchangeable, giving you plenty of outfit styling ideas with fewer individual pieces. I know I love to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to styling my clothes, and I bet you do too! 

set one: sequin sweater / plaid pants (option) / polka dot top / plaid skirt / bag / pumps / bracelets / nail polish / eyeliner 
necklace / earrings / headband / tights

set two: sequin skirt / polka dots sweater / plaid shirt / bow sweater / clutch / heels / necklace (option) / earrings 
tights / bracelet / nail polish / lipstick

So, as I mentioned above and you can see in the sets, all of the items I selected are very interchangeable, the color pallet is red, black, grey, and white, so three neutrals and one vibrant color. I think that this is the best way to achieve a cohesive look when mixing patterns, while looking polished and put-together. I would wear all of these outfits, and any combination thereof. As you may have observed, I am a big proponent of plaid and all of these outfits have the option of styling the more feminine sequin piece with a touch more rugged print and texture of a plaid or flannel. Pairing different textures, mixing patterns, or contrasting feminine pieces with masculine touches are all easy ways to create playful and interesting outfits that don't come across as too daring or too much of a hodge-podge. 

I hope this helps inspire you when deciding what to wear this holiday season, either by remixing pieces you already own, or adding something new, with numerous styling possibilities. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for more outfit inspiration and styling ideas for your holiday soirees this year!

Will you wear sequins this holiday season?

What trend are you most excited for this holiday season?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Holiday Gift Guides - The Guy's Edition

Happy happy Monday (night) loves! It never fails that there are just too many things to do, and so little time to do them in! I really wanted to get this up last week, but life had other plans (we plan and God laughs, right?). Though, I'm sure you were all rushing to prepare for Turkey Day and the madness that was Black Friday, so hopefully you can relate and forgive me, pretty please; I am posting now, after all =) I shall try really hard to post again with a Thanksgiving day recap later this week (fingers crossed)! But, until then, I would like to share with you some items that I have been perusing for the men on my shopping list, in case you need a little inspiration! Confession time: I hate, loathe, dislike, etc. the word 'man'...and its plural 'men.' Its so weird and formal and gross to me (hello new bucket of issues to discuss with my non-existent therapist). I much prefer the word 'guys' to 'men' so that is what I shall try to stick to going forward. Now, there are significantly fewer gift guides for the guys than for the girls, since, in my experience and opinion, guys are much easier to shop for. Get them the newest electronic toy, latest movie release, new socks to replace the ones lost to the monster living in the dryer, and they are happy as a clam. Sweet and simple right? Well, I have rounded up some duds, toys, and other fun things to keep the guys in your life stylish and entertained heading into the new year. 

plaid shirts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
striped sweaters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
comfy cardi's: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
slippers / belt / moccasins / messenger bag / grey beanie / green beanie
knit scarf / wallet / fair isle hat / plaid scarf 
plaid tie / stripe tie / grey stripe tie / check tie / dot bow tie / check bow tie / watch

plaid / table tennis / travel case / aftershave / shave cream / hat

monogrammed beer mugs / tee / shoes / beer making kit

flask / grooming creme / travel mug / hoodie / bbq tools / cutting board

cardigan / frames / journal / pen / razor / dove set / wallet / belt / socks
keurig / watch / gingham shirt / bicycle book ends / blanket
scarf / sweater / ipod shuffle / headphones / messenger bag / starbucks k-cups

I hope this gives you some inspiration for the special guys in your life, or your weird uncle, or your distant relative you are not even sure is related to you, but you feel obligated to buy something for (we all have them, right?). I mean what guy doesn't love when they don't have to go clothing shopping for an entire year, because you do it for them at Christmas? And, although they will not admit it, they like to feel a little pampered every now and then too, so a few manly 'beauty' items never hurts either. Did you see those beer mugs?? Now our love of monogramming can be shared by our counterparts in a way that makes beer actually sophisticated and a little cute (but don't tell them that, of course). Whether he's a guy's guy, the sports aficionado, the brainy guy in a tie, a hipster, the strong silent type with a pipe and a book, or just a goofy guy who stole your heart, there is something for him on this guides. With that, I wish you all happy shopping this holiday season ladies!

What's on your guy's wish list?

Are the girls or guys on your list easier to shop for?

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!