:: Curing the Christmas Blues ::

::top/nordstrom, skinnies/zara {similar}, scarf/nordstrom, sneaker/nike, bag/alexander wang, sunnies/zaful, bracelet/moon & lola, watch/michael kors::

Hey y'all!!! So Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas time has arrived which means shopping is on all of our minds, whether for ourselves or gifts! But, I have a few better ways to get into the holiday spirit that does not include fighting crowds to get a small amount of money off a TV or toy! I've pulled together some great ways to fight off the stress/anxiety of holiday shopping and truly enjoy this time of year!! 

Listen to Christmas Music and put up your tree while drinking hot chocolate! 

I put up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, except this year I did it the weekend before because our extended weekend was packed full of events! I usually get started early in the morning, make some coffee in my favorite Christmas mug, turn on the best holiday station on Spotify and get to work on the tree! I start with the tree because it's the centerpiece of the whole house and then once it's complete decorate the rest of the house around it! Our living room is decorated in mint, sliver, and gold while our kitchen is more tradition red and green. I like each room to have a different feel but flow easily because our living room is open to the kitchen so there are touches of each room's color in both. 

Pop some popcorn, pour a glass of red wine, and have a Christmas movie marathon

I LIVE to snuggle and watch Christmas movies, especially when it's too cold to leave the house. It is a must to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (multiple times to be honest!), The Grinch (Jim Carrey's version & original), Elf, White Christmas, and It's a Wonderful Life. Oh- and of course EVERY Hallmark Christmas movie! 

Grab hot chocolate or any seasonal holiday warm drink and drive through the neighborhood with the best light display while listening to Christmas carols on the radio

We have a Christmas Lane in our town and all the houses dress to the nines for Christmas! It is so fun to grab a few friends and drive thru the light display and then head to a fun place for dinner. Something about twinkle lights during this time of year can really get you in the spirit and to add extra fun, have a best house contest with your friends! 

Have a pizza and ugly sweater party with your friends

There is so much that goes into the holiday season from the shopping to the cooking that it can feel overwhelming! Gathering your favorite friends, ordering a pizza and wearing your ugliest sweater can give you a chance to appreciate that this time of year is about being together, not the perfect present (although it feels pretty good to give those too!). Take a night off from it all and relax!

What are some of your favorite ways to unwind during the craziest but most magical time of year?

xx

:: Recent Purchases ::

Hey there! Remember that time I said I was on a spending freeze? Yea- me either! I picked up a few pieces to add for Fall and a trip to Boston we're taking next week and I thought I would share!

::target dress::

 

I love a long sleeve, flutter dress for Fall! I thought I could pair these dress with booties, tights and heels, or a leather jacket and over the knee boots! Who doesn't love a little leopard in the Fall (or any time of year for that matter)?

 

::abercrombie pullover::

 

Now I know, you've seen this pullover all over your Insta feed! GUILTY! But it's so comfortable! It's sold out in almost every size/color so get yours if you can! I wanted an easy pullover for Boston because it's supposed to be in the mid to high 60's while we're there and I am so glad I picked this one up! I got a small and it fits like a glove!

 

 

::abercrombie jeans::

 

Never in my wildest 31 year old dreams did I think I'd ever buy another pair of Abercrombie jeans in my life but they were having a sale when I bought my pullover so I decided to give them a try. I really like them! I bought a 6 based on their now more realistic measurements (I vary between 4 and 6 in most retailers) and they fit great! Almost a little big!! I would say if you've written off this brand because of their previous, unrealistic sizing give them another try because these jeans are great!

 

::target jacket::

 

Another great find for Boston! Last year at the end of Fall I got rid of my lightweight jacket because it was cream and filthy! I was perusing Target last Saturday and came across this quilted jacket and thought it was a great weight and color for our trip! I bought it in a Large so it could fit easily over sweaters! I also grabbed this sweater while I was at it because why not?

 

 

What are you recent purchases??? PLEASE SHARE LOL

 

xx



:: NSale 2017 Picks::

Well, it's here! My (and every blogger known to mankind) favorite sale of the year! To me, it marks the most appropriate time to start planning my Fall wardrobe because everything in this sale is new product for the next season. Think- booties, leggings, sweaters, cardigans, BLANKET SCARVES. It's a basic B's dream come true. Below are some of the things I picked up during this sale!

This adorable yellow sweater

Ruffled sweatshirt, because DUH!

 Fringe sweater

Lace layering cami

Off the shoulder pullover

Updated Leopard scarf

Whiskey slides

Shop Early Access for card members!! Have fun!

xx

Leopard & Studs

::leopard tank/Francesca's (love this version too), denim/7FAM, bag/red dress boutique, shoes/see by chloe::

 

 

 

Am I the only one who truly hates shorts? I can't be right? I don't know why but I just really prefer a good jean/tank combo or sundress in the summer. I have one pair of black shorts (see this post) that I've been wearing quite a bit this summer but otherwise, it's all jeans all the time.

 

 

Have you been to Target lately? Back to school is already in full swing, yesterday they were putting out school supplies! I was shocked at first but then delighted because back to school means FALL! Like I've said, I'm not wishing away summer but I love a crisp Fall day. It also takes everything I have not to buy every cute notebook I see. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

I am obsessed with this bag! I picked it up for our Mexico trip and it's the perfect Valentino dupe, it's great quality and the price is to die for. I highly recommend! It also comes in black, grey, and red so you'll have options!

 

 

Images by Nicollette

 

xx





:: A Look Back- 2015 ::

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It's been a very fashionable year, cheers to 2016 & a lot more looks to come! 

Images by Nicollette

xx

:: Excess ::

::scarf/asos, chambray/old navy, skirt/express, watch/cluse, bracelet/marc jacobs, flats/zara, purse/rebecca minkoff, studs/wantable, lips/ysl#2::

Can we just talk about how ready I am for it to snow so I have the perfect excuse to sit at home all the time and watch Netflix? I am the most domesticated of cats these days, I'd rather hang out at home than put in the energy that going out requires. When it snows there isn't the obligation to go out and enjoy the weather (unless we're sledding, then I'm in!). 

This look is a bit excessive- big scarf, midi skirt, so many straps on those flats. But tis' so easy! 

Midi skirts have become my favorite type and this one from Express is on serious repeat. Skirts require so much work- from shaving to crossing your legs, it prevents any part of your day from being comfy (see above for why that priority for me shouldn't be a surprise) but the length of midi skirts makes them a bit easier to live in.  

Images by Nicollette

xx