3...2...1...

Hi pretties! The exhaustion of the holidays have set in and retail is still busy as ever but we still have to look good right ;) New Years Eve is next up on the holiday roster and I'm pretty excited because I got my dress already even though we're probably just going to be celebrating at a friends house. Who doesn't love throw back house parties? So here a few snap shots of my holiday weekend and the dress I am going to be wearing for NYE

My godmother got me this beautiful stationary and decorative plate (it made me cry lol)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Katie bracelet in rose gold.

J.Crew sweater (it's sold out now) and new Mindy Kaling book! 

New Years is always stressful because there is so much anticipation and build up that inevitably you're left with some disappointment. Despite all that I usually try to find a pretty dress anyway so at least I know I tried ;) The dress I found this year is actually one I wore year before last in the gunmetal but they had it in rose gold! 

This is the dress in gunmetal to ring in 2010

In rose gold to ring 2012! 

(Forever 21 available in gunmetal, rose gold, and blue)

I can't wait to share pictures from my New Years! What are your plans?

xoxo

Merry Christmas Eve...

This picture picture reminded me of my brother and I when we were little! Wandering through an enchanted forest at Christmas time with our dog Tuffy (she was a precious little princess). 

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year and I am always like a little elf singing Christmas carols, driving down Christmas Lane (it's the street in my town and all the house get fully dressed in lights and decorations for people to drive down and see), wrapping presents, or watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. For the next two days I will be happily hanging out with family, friends, and my love enjoying food and drinks! 

Sadly, this year there won't be a white Christmas but I can dream and in my dreams it's snow filled and beautiful!!! Just like this picture!

Just wanted a share a few snapshots of somethings I picked up whilst Christmas shopping, yea I'm selfish!

A cheetah sweatshirt! I couldn't resist-I love being comfy but I hate giving up style!

(Forever 21)

This Kimono type jacket. It's hard to see the print but it has flowers! It's actually pretty thick and I love the sleeves! I wore it out the evening I bought it. 

(Forever 21 jacket, Old Navy black tank, Coach bag, Smashbox Pout lipgloss)

This was my outfit for shopping-the weather is pretty mild so I didn't want to get too hot. I was also wearing my new leopard loafers! 

(Michael Kors vext, Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Coach bag, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick, Candies leopard loafers)

Merry Christmas everyone- xoxo

It's not a purse...

Hey pretties! So I've noticed a new trend making it's debut that is driving me crazy because I hear it all the time at work. When people (men and women) refer to a cross-body or duffle bag as a satchel and when I show them a bag that's shaped like a doctor bag or a bowling ball bag I get a dirty look like I don't know what I'm talking about.

I am officially blaming the movie "The Hangover" for this because who can forget the scene when Zack Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper are standing by the elevators and Bradley Cooper's character asks why Zack's character is wearing a purse and Zack says, "It's not a purse it's a satchel". WRONG!!! That is not a satchel. Why people are listening to a guy in a movie about what type of silhouette a bag is, is beyond me.

Cross-body bag...

Similar-can be found on Coach.com under cross-body bags

This is a satchel! doctor bag/bowling ball bag shape. No cross-body strap, although there is a shoulder strap. 

Next time you are working with an associate and you are looking for something particular describe the style before you attach a name to it because it could be confusing for both of you! 

Also, for those of us who HATE* fake designer handbags (or fake designer anything) a word of advice about buying designer bags at a discount online-if the price seems to good to be true generally it is. There are some great sites for finding designer at a discount like hautelook.com or gilt.com but most of these sites require a member id and login which isn't hard to do-you just make it up. A lot of stores/designers will also require you to login through your email address in order to shop their factory stores online. If you are EVER* unsure about whether you're looking at authentic bags on a website call your nearest store or call customer service to see if that website is an authorized dealer of their products. And if the product doesn't look like anything you've seen in the stores or the ads it's probably fake and you should report the website to the company that is being knocked off so they can take action!

Oh, the joys of being in designer retail!

5 days until Christmas! 

xoxo

Breaking all the rules...

It's the Monday before Christmas and I'm like a little elf-I'm so excited and praying for snow! So we all know the old rule of no white after Labor Day but I don't think people care anymore! Thank goodness! I don't wear a whole lot of the color besides a white tee or pretty white sweater but I don't own a white pair of jeans which for now is fine with me. Last year I bought a white Coach Poppy Ski Bunny Glam Tote and wore it from November all the way through to February (or maybe longer) and I've pulled it back out to use this winter too! Magically I didn't destroy it and turn it an awful shade of abused!

It's kind of hard to tell in the picture but it's like a puffy, ski suit material that almost reminded me of the Chanel Bubble bag.

I love the Bubble bags and the Ski Bunny came in black but the trim was white and it didn't look as expensive as the white did. Besides I like to bend the rules and be different from all the women searching for something darker through the winter. And I should know how many women do this, I help them find that darker bag all day at work. 

xoxo pretties! 

Home for the holidays...

Happy Saturday pretties and to those of you in retail you know this weekend is going to be worse than Black Friday, so I feel your pain. It snowed last night so the world is finally dressed in white for Christmas, now we just have to keep our fingers crossed it stays that way until the 25th! The hardest part about the holidays is not letting the stress of the parties, shopping, work, etc get to you before it's all over. There is nothing fashionable or pretty about a girl with bags under her eyes, maniac attitude, and sloppy outfits due to lack of planning. Here are some tips to get it together in the next week to enjoy yourself and everyone else for the most wonderful* time of the year!

Do something for yourself. Whether it be as simple as a relaxing bath or getting a hour long massage at your favorite salon anything that you feel will de-stress you is worth the time so that you are in a good mood. I thoroughly enjoy driving around looking at the Christmas lights whilst listening to Christmas music at night or turning on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and pouring a glass of wine. If you go home for Christmas do something that you enjoyed when you were a kid like sledding or ice skating (you can do this in your town too obviously) because when you're home you get bogged down with all the people you have* to see while you're there. Do something you enjoy whether it be alone or with a few of your favorite people.

Work out. No, shopping does not count as a work out but you can count it as the cardio you do before lifting weights, yoga, or pilates. It's a fact that working out puts you in a better mood and we all know how most people eat this time of the year. Prevent the depression that sets in after the holidays for the small amount of weight that was gained from all the eating and drinking. I am not a huge work out buff, I generally hate it but I know how bad I can feel about myself on December 26th when I see the food baby that has been growing in my stomach. Even if it's once or twice a week the extra activity will boost your mood and your energy to get through. Plus, it's head start on that standard New Year's Resolution to lose weight.

Be prepared. I don't mean as far as gifts or parties but the people you're going to be spending time with. Be honest with yourself about your friends and relatives so you don't get irritated so quickly with them. For example, if you have a friend that is always* late be prepared to wait or allow yourself that extra time to get ready or get something else done whilst you wait. If you have an aunt or an uncle who tends to drink too much, tell them you've taken care of their favorite drink and only buy a small amount of it so they don't drink too quickly or too much. If your grandfather harasses every boy you bring home fill in your boyfriend ahead of time and be prepared to change the subject so that awkward situation can be avoided. Dealing with family and friends over the holidays can be the catalyst to all the stress but if you're honest about who you're spending time with it won't be so bad.

Dress to impress. My favorite time of the year to dress extravagantly and make a minor spectacle of myself! Pull a few options out a week in advance (so like today for example, I do it months in advance) so when the day rolls around you have already thought about it then choose according to your mood and activities. Christmas Eve is the night I usually go all out and dress to the nines, I mean we're celebrating Jesus' birthday for Pete's sake! When you feel pretty you have a confidence about you that is hard to shake which in turn allows stress to roll off your back. Or if you prefer to be comfortable, dress comfortably so you're not futzing with your clothes all night. I save the comfy outfit for Christmas day so I can lay around all day and be lazy- the phrase "Eat, Drink, and be Merry" comes to mind.

This is the dress I'm wearing for Christmas Eve with opaque tights and black booties

This is the detail of the pattern on the dress

(Proenza Schouler for Target no longer available)

I usually try to wear the colors of the season but something about this purple silk felt festive to me this year! Plus, I think I've only worn this dress once so it needs a little action (and it's a size 1 so it makes me feel awesome that I can still fit in it). 

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday season, it'll be gone before we know it!

xoxo

Blue Christmas...

Hey pretties! Just wanted to share my outfit with you today!

chambray shirt + dark denim=J.Crew, hot pink belt=Coach, leopard loafers+=Candies for Kohl's, nude+pink bangles=J.Crew, rose gold watch= Fossil, lips=Maybelliene Fuchsia Fever

I have become mildly obsessed with these since I got them yesterday

I see them in heavy rotation

Bangles are pretty and light weight. (multi-tasking with nail varnish and starbucks) Thanks J.Crew for the impulse buy.

Being silly whilst on the phone with the B/F. Hopefully he wasn't saying anything important

Christmas is officially 12 days away and I am loving being smack in the middle of the season because I am a Christmas elf ;) I have lots on my mind as of late and will hopefully have some exciting news to share with everyone but until then I will be stressing :|

This outfit is extremely comfortable and I love the pop of color with the lips & belt and the loafers which are becoming a favorite! Happy Holidays <3

xoxo

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Kiss kiss...

Relaxing Monday morning before work tonight, thank goodness this weekend was crazy! As it gets further into December the holiday shoppers are getting more and more crabby and it's up to us to keep them in a good mood. As you can imagine after work all I want to do is sleep. So I thought I'd share a new shade I got the other day while shopping at Ulta for a gift- it's Maybelline Color Sensation in Fuchsia Fever

More pictures to follow!! 

What to wear...

...with a white and black tuxedo jacket? I recently ordered a white tuxedo jacket with a black lapel and when I got it my head was spinning with what to wear with it.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's tuxedo jacket.

My first thought was a pretty sequin tunic with tights or leggings and red heels, this outfit it great for a night out or cocktail party (especially during the holidays). I am not a huge fan of tights with open toed shoes so the peep toes are perfect for leggings and the closed toe are great for tights.

(both shoes are Aldo)

For a more laid back look a black v-neck tee shirt with gray or dark denim skinnies would work for a more formal luncheon or casual dinner with friends or your significant other

(both skinnies are j.brand)

*Finish the look with some cute heeled booties or flat/heeled boots.

A red dress would be pretty with the jacket or something hounds tooth to be on trend. I am so excited to put together some outfits and show you guys what I come up with! 

xoxo pretties 

I whip my hair...

Evening pretties! I FINALLY got my hair cut! I honestly think it's been since like June which makes me really upset because my locks were whack and I don't like going that long without seeing my stylist (she's pretty great). I wanted to show you the results! I had her take some of the length off and just do partial highlights so my hair is a little darker for the winter!

Before...long and luscious 

(LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's pink tinted blazer & Old Navy leopard blouse)

After...midlength and healthy

(Old GO designer for Target cardigan and some random scarf-comfy for salon visit)

Every once in a while I like to take some of the length off my hair to get it super healthy and rid myself of split ends! In about two weeks I'll want the length back and just go back to trimming it :) But I love it and feel so light and fresh for the holidays! yay! 

(BTW 19 days til my most favoritest day of the year wa hoooo)

xoxo

Current Obsession...

Happy Sunday pretties! I am so glad the weekend is over because work was hectic at best and it always reminds me, I still have to do my own Christmas shopping!! But anyway, as you know I'm obsessed with nail varnishes and cannot stop painting my digits all the colors under the sun. I feel like a boy without nail polish and I think I'm at the point where my nail physically hurt without nail polish (bad). But recently I've been really into lipstick, I am normally a lip gloss girl (Smashbox Pout is my absolute fav) but I find myself craving lipstick (and nude liner to ensure no running off my lips). I bought two the other day at ULTA and have a few that I would normally wear with Rosebud Salve to make it look like gloss but now I've been wearing them on their own! I wanted to share with you!

The other night I wore my favorite of the ones I have so far, it's Revlon Orange Flip, to get drinks with my Comm Chicks. Jordan and Katie are girls I went to school with, we took just about every class together in the Communication Department and walked across the stage with each other. They're pretty special ;)
I love that my lips match my bag :)
(The photo is filtered through instagram)

I am also really in love with this cardigan, it's navy with navy velvet leopard print. I feel like the lips bring out my eyes (or maybe it's the cardigan?). 

This is my collection thus far, I intend on expanding. (From left Chanel Rouge Allure Imagination, Revlon Orange Flip, Revlon Candy Pink, Revlon Nude Attitude, Too Faced Free Love; lip liner-Elizabeth Arden Taupe)

*Side note: My grandma Dennett wears Revlon lipstick in the green tube so it reminds me of her every time I use it! She lives in San Diego, CA so I don't get to see her that often so it's my little homage to her <3

xoxo

Sweet home, Chicago...

Hi pretty, lovely people. One of my favorite past times is snuggling with Meowf and looking through fashion blogs (thank you Coach for getting me hooked but also inspired to start this blog) and I found one that lives in Chicago, IL! I nearly fell off my bed I was so excited! Most of my favorites live on the east coast and one is from Seattle, WA but does not live there (sad Seattle is the bees knees, I should write about it huh?!)

alovelyescape.blogspot.com is so wonderful! I feel like our style is similar in that it's pretty laid back but every once in a while we punch you in the face with an amazingly styled outfit! And like any good blogger alovelyescape not only posts outfits but delicious recipes and DIY projects! I don't know what it is but a good snapshot of a scrumptious meal really makes me happy!

Gray + pink = fun!!

Any other fashion lover who is a bears fan & wears legit gear (no pink in sight) to the game is alright by me! 

So, if you get a chance check out her blog it's wonderful for those of us in the Midwest (reminds me of a Nelly song, Midwest Swing anyone?)

xoxo

English Tea...

Two posts in one day...sayyyy whaaaaat?! But I wanted to quick post about the two Butter London polishes I got yesterday. They're limited addition for the holidays so if you like them you better hurry and get yours!

Dark Knight is black with pink and blue glitter and it's so pretty! It's on my toes right now (dress code...BOO) but it will make an appearance on my digits for New Years Eve.

Tart with a Heart is pinkish/nude glitter that I put on my fingers for now. I am going to try it over Chanel Peridot too. But it's a fun/festive nude for the holidays!

I took this picture of the bottles...it's that little bird so cute? loves it!

xoxo

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Christmas at Tiffany...

Hi pretties! Today is awful weather wise, it's cold and windy! I think my house might blow over. I wanted to do a post today about my Tiffany & Co. jewelry collection because I wear at least one piece everyday so when I do more outfit posts you'll already know what I have! I take off my jewelry every night and most especially to shower so I usually rotate. I am not trying to brag or boast about my collection, they're mostly gifts from loved ones over many years so they've become little treasures that I adore! So here goes...

Most girls who own Tiffany know this ring and probably own it already. It was the first piece I got, I think I was a junior in high school. I used to twirl it around my finger in class so it has stretched a little but I like to wear it more in the fall/winter because it has a tough look to it. It's probably my fav because it's was the start of my love of T&CO.

The Elsa Peretti heart necklace was a graduation gift from my godparents when I graduated high school. It's the medium size and I wore it on this chain for a very long time but my necklace collection grew so now I usually wear it on a longer chain from T&CO like this...

For Christmas that same year I asked Santa for these matching drop earrings. I know the stud earrings like this are more popular but I love these because they're delicate yet eye-catching. I usually wear my sapphire stud earrings from Kyle but these are nice when I dress up and want a little more bling. 

I asked for this bracelet to finish the set :) I hardly ever wear all three pieces together because I'm not that match-y match-y but I wanted a heart bracelet that not everyone had so I figured why not. It's very delicate (like the earrings) but it's so easy to wear on my baby wrists :)

Since Sex and the City and Carrie (not me) always wearing a pinkie ring, I really wanted one but couldn't find one that would actually fit. Then I found this ring in the catalog T&CO usually send out right before Christmas and thought I could order the smallest size and if it didn't fit squeeze it to size. Luckily I didn't have to do that because the smallest size fit anyway. Lots of hearts, right lol but it's so cute and really easy to wear on my baby finger. 

This bracelet is from my boyfriend! This color blue is my favorite color and it's delicate enough I can wear it with the Elsa Peretti bracelet without ruining either one. I usually wear this one all of the time, except in the shower, my other pieces usually get rotated. 

I fell in love with the keys, as did everyone else, and I couldn't resist one with a diamond in it. I thought it would be cute to wear with my heart necklace, like the "key to my heart". I know it's corny but I kind of like my jewelry to tell a story. 

The most recent piece of T&CO jewelry I've acquired was when I was in New York City for a few days and I went to the Tiffany & Co store there and you can't NOT buy something. I love rose gold, as you know, and this was the perfect mix! I usually wear it on the same chain with the key but I also like to wear it on it's own. (It's the smallest one FYI). 

So that's my jewelry collection but for Christmas the last few years Kyle has started a tradition of getting me ornaments for the Christmas tree so I can have a whole tree of them one day and it also chronicles our relationship, we don't really have an anniversary so I've used the number of ornaments to help :) Right now we're at two, I know we've been together longer but whateves...(also not bragging about these ornaments! Two I've purchased myself and two were gifts)

This was the first one Kyle gave me and it's my favorite. 

This one is very pretty and festive, I got it for myself last year

This one is so sweet, I also gifted myself this one last year.

Kyle gave me this one last year for Christmas!! It's so beautiful! 

So, there it is. I want to stress I AM NOT BRAGGING about this collection but I wear them a lot and wanted to share them with you. I hope you're having a great week and remembering all that you were thankful for this past holiday. 

xoxo