Holiday Party Ready in Velvet

Velvet is everywhere right now and I am loving it! One of my favorite part of adding something velvet to an outfit is the extra textural dimension it gives. Pairing this velvet dress with these lace tights and patent leather heels, to me, is such a fun mix of rich textures, begging to be worn this holiday season. I love how luxurious the velvet looks with these vintage style stockings too! So glam.

VELVET DRESS (on sale with code CYBER, in black here) | LEOPARD COAT (on sale with code CYBER) | TIGHTS | SUNNIES | BLACK HEELS (similar option, mine are old) | REBECCA MINKOFF MINI MAC (similar, mine is old, another option here) | NECKLACE (similar, mine is borrowed from my mom)

Cyber Monday sales are still going strong! Have you guys shopped til you dropped yet? Well, if you need to take a little break from shopping for others, I would highly recommend snagging some holiday dress apparel for you and the family while the sales are still available. For instance, this holiday party ready look. The burgundy velvet is so pretty for the holidays and my tights practically scream special occasion.

My velvet skater dress is currently on sale for 30% off with code CYBER, and while the sizes are selling out like crazy for it in this burgundy hue, it also comes in black, and I am seriously considering picking another up! With 30% off, this dress is only $42 and would be a great option for any upcoming Christmas parties or even for NYE. I've also linked some of my other favorite velvet dresses that are also currently on sale in the shopable links below.

And can we talk about this coat? Hello, gorgeous! I fell in love the moment I found it online and bought it almost instantly. I sized down one size and it fits perfectly, even with the bulk of a sweater underneath. The shape is also swoon worthy. The belt cinches the waist and the cut on the bottom half are so flattering, plus the length is perfect for keeping your bum warm. Oh, and the leopard print. Duh. It is too good! I have received so many compliments on it already. And did I mention it is also 30% off with code CYBER? #rundontwalk

Lastly, I just wanted to give a little non-sponsored shout out to Target for upping their tights game! I mean, this pair is kind of a game changer. I have always loved tights (ever since Rory on GG went to college and started sporting them all the time, remember that?) and I love that these are a little dressier and more elevated than just a plain black pair. Target currently has so many chic options, and so many style reminiscent of the 1950's, I know, because my grandma told me she used to have some just like these. Anywho, I got my normal size in these and they fit perfectly.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

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Friendsgiving Tablescape

We hosted our 3rd annual Friendsgiving Dinner this past Saturday and it is always one of my favorite dinner parties that we have. One of the things I get most excited about is picking a theme for our decor. This year's decor was simple, filled with natural elements, and elegant, with plaid and cinderella pumpkins dancing along the center of our farm style table, rustic burlap ruffle placemats, neutral colored chargers, lace-edged linen napkins, and white pumpkin plates topping the place settings. Mason jars filled with ivory roses were the finishing touch.

BURLAP PLACEMAT | SCALLOPED CHARGER | WHITE DINNER PLATE | LACE-TRIM NAPKIN | PUMPKIN PLATE | DINING ROOM TABLE | IVORY CHAIR | LEAF PRINT CHAIR (end chairs) | MASON JARS | PLAID PUMPKINS | WHITE PUMPKIN DISH (similar, mine is old) | LANTERN | CLOCK | LED BIRCH CANDLE | PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLL CANDLE

Every year we start with a little cocktail hour, so everyone can arrive, grab a glass of wine, and settle in before dinner. This year's event was potluck style and the food was outstanding, all of our friends and family really brought their culinary game. Between the cheesy potatoes, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams, and more, we were truly spoiled. After dinner we had homemade apple pie and it was as delicious as it was beautiful.

To help keep everyone from going into a food coma, we launched into a big group game after the tables were cleared and the dishes were filed into the dishwasher. We had lots of laughs and it was nice to be able to relax and have fun with our friends during an otherwise chaotic time of year. They say that your friends can become a sort of chosen family, and I couldn't agree more.

If you are still looking for some items to complete your own table or place settings for Thanksgiving, a lot of the pieces I used are currently on sale for 20% off; the ruffled burlap placemats, the ivory and gold scallop edge chargers, the lace trim linen napkins, our table, and both our ivory chairs and patterned end chairs. Click the photos below to shop everything easily.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

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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!

Spotlight Weekly Link-Up: Geometric Print

Happy Thursday lovelies!! I am so excited to be guest co-hosting this week's Spotlight Link-Up this week with Jacqueline and Elle. Every week these incredibly stylish ladies host a link-up for all things fashion. This week's theme is geometric patterns, which are an easy way to add a little punch to an outfit. I love, LOVE the dress that Elle is wearing, its a great print and very versatile, especially if you are going from work to play without a lot of time to do a complete wardrobe change. Jacqueline's pants are such a cute print, and although I am still a little hesitant to wear patterned pants, she is totally rocking them, especially with her pup tee and blazer, perfection! Be sure to check out each of their posts for more details. 

Cardigan - Target / Dress - Target / Tights - Target / Purse - Phillip Lim for Target

Booties - Old Navy / Tassel Necklace - Mint Sugar Boutique / Bracelets - Forever 21 & Rue 21

I decided to use this post to show one of my go-to ways to transition my summer dresses for fall wear. Its nothing ground breaking, and I bet you have seen this formula all over Pinterest and the blogosphere, but here's my take. As a huge fan of tights, especially colored tights, I obviously advocate throwing them on with your fave dress as the temps start to drop. When selecting tight colors, I opt to use neutrals or muted toned tights when my outfit is full of brighter colors, and select brighter hues when my outfit is more subdued. Leggings are also a great option for keeping your stems warm. Next, trade out your wedges for booties or boots, maybe throw on a pair of knee-high socks or leg warmers with your taller boots for another peek of color. Lastly, grab a cardigan, vest, and/or jacket - leather, jean, military, or otherwise (I personally tend to grab at least 2 of those 3), and you are good to go. Layered to perfection and warm too!

Since I tend to gravitate towards mixing patterns, I love the idea of mixing in different textures too as the weather changes. This soft knit printed cardigan with the lace shift dress is a perfect example. The lace is both a texture and pattern, so mixing with the geometric patterned cardigan feels natural to me. As the weather gets colder, I tend to add layer upon layer, I just can't help it, its a sickness I swear!

I am so excited to see how all of you style your geometric patterns this week! Even if you don't have a geometric pattern to showcase, we would love for you to share your favorite post. The inspiration I get from my two co-hosts and all you fashionable ladies is boundless! It's so fun to check out what other girls are wearing as they move fully into fall fashion too. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

HOW TO LINK-UP:

1. We kindly ask that you follow the two hosts and co-host of the week: Elle from Living in Color Style, Jacqueline from Stylin' In St. Louis, and Ray from Four Season Fabulous via Bloglovin or GFC. (The first three links in the link-up.)

2. Use the button provided on Elle or Jacqueline's sidebar, or link back to the link-up on your blog.
3. Enjoy reading other blogs and make new blogger friends!