HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE HOME

For friends and loved ones that prefer a night in over a night out, the best gifts are ones that can add style to the home. Not sure what to get? From quirky decor to classic candles, there are several Have fun with it and make sure whateer you pick is something that you could see fitting into their home or daily routine. Here is my Holiday Gift Guide 2012 with recommendations for the home:

Silver Pouf - Zinc Door {for the trendsetter!} // Faux Fur Throw - C Wonder {also love this one!} // Grey Chevron Pillow - DwellStudio // Owl Vase - Kate Spade // Martini Shaker - Bloomingdales {gift for him!} // Ikat Tea Pot - C Wonder // Mr. & Mrs. Mugs - Jonathan Adler {for the newly weds!} // Keurig Counsel - Target {for the caffeine addict!} // Wasabi Pear Candle - NEST Fragrances // Kiss the Cook Cutting Board - C Wonder {for the chef!} // Anis 12 Fragrace - Le Labo // Peacock Matchstick Holder - Jonathan Adler

Happy Shopping!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: BEAUTY BASICS

We all have that one person on our list that already has everything, right? My solution: the gift of beauty. I'm a firm believer that a girl can never have too many nail polishes or perfumes - right? Here is my Holiday Gift Guide 2012 recommendations on beauty gifts for anyone on your list:

Invisible Volume Maker {perfect for a girl-on-the-go!} - Shu Uemura - Art of Hair // Bare Escentuals Makeup Set {all the basics in one box!} - Bare Essentials // Coco Noir Eau de Perfume {classic scent for the style sophisticate!} - Chanel // Lauren Conrad Beauty Book {ideal guide for the beauty newbie} // Dot Eau de Perfume - Marc by Marc Jacobs // Rich Caviar Eye Palette - Bobbi Brown // Organic Lip Balm - Eos {cute stocking stuffer!} // Little Beauty Bag - Bloomingdale's // ecotools brush set {psst...under $15!} - ULTA Beauty // Shine Spray & Shampoo - Bumble and bumble // Holiday Mini Nail Set - Kate Spade New York

Still not sure? Another great beauty gift is a salon gift certifcate for a little pampering outside the home.  For the Kansas City gals, I recommend Hoopla Studio for nails and waxes + Parlor: A Beauty Bar for blow outs. For those in major cities, The Dry Bar is always a safe bet. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GOING GOLD

This season, one of my favorite hues {besides red & green, of course!} is gold. From bright metallics to gilded golds, I just can't get enough. Plus, the shiny shade is perfectly festive, without being overdone - making it ideal for any gift! Here is my Holiday Gift Guide on all things gold:

On a Budget
Eye Lash Curler {the best!} - shu uemura, $25 // Gold Eyeliner - Yves Saint Laurent, $25 // Mercury Candle {perfect hostess gift!} - Z Gallerie, $30 // Pave Crystal Bow Earrings - ASOS, $56 // Pattern Play Pillow - One Kings Lane, $65 // Twirl Eau de Perfume - Kate Spade, $65

A Little Splurge:
Powerstone Round Tray - Diane von Furstenberg, $70 {available at Bloomingdales!} // Jeweled Ballerina Flats - Zara, $90 // Convertible Clutch {two-in-one!} - J.Crew, $90 // Classic Pave Bracelet - J.Crew, $125 // Mepra Due Ice 5-Piece Flatware - Gracious Home, $130 // Rectangular Sequin Watch - DKNY, $135 //

Price-y Pieces:
Gold Piggy Bank - Harry Allen for Areaware at Avenue 32, $275 // Turner Necklace - Jene Despain, $360 {available at Shopbop!} Addie Skirt - Diane von Furstenberg, $410 // Embellished Wool Cardigan - Marc by Marc Jacobs, $465

GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE GLAM GIRL

The busiest weekend of the year for holiday shopping may be over, but it's not too late to find a great deal on gifts this season! I'm still working on a few Holiday Gift Guides for 2012 and will be sharing my tips on budget finds throughout the next few weeks. As a last-minute shopper myself, I haven't even made a dent. Here what is on my list for the glam girls - from sisters to girlfriends & mothers with a love for all things girly.  Bonus: All items are under $40!

Faux Fur Vest - H&M // Suede Loafers - Zara // Lacquer Tray - Nate Berkus for Target // Holiday Classic Candle - Nest Fragrances // Gold iPhone Case - Kate Spade // Supercalifragilipstick! - Kate Spade // Ice Cluster Drops - BaubleBar

OUTFIT POST: ARMY JACKET

With Thanksgiving week here, I thought I'd share a casual outfit post featuring one of my favorite pieces in my closet right now: the army jacket. I found this one while browsing H&M at the start of fall and I'm so glad I did. I've worn this sturdy jacket with just about everything in my closet at this point - from a classic LBD,  silky blouses and casual t-shirts. 

Jacket - H&M {also like this one and this one} // Black Blouse - H&M {love this one} // Skinny Denim - Paige // Booties - Standard Style {love this pair though} // Necklace - Brianna Fano c/o ILWYW {on sale during Thanksgiving weekend with an extra 20% + free shipping!} Polish - Essie

This is a much more casual look that I wore for a weekend of errands and spending time outdoors. However, it was the perfect way to add a comfortable layer that seemed to pull the outfit together perfectly. 

What is your go-to layering piece this season?

LATELY

I feel like so much has happened lately....in a good way! On a slightly personal note, things have been transitioning in all aspects of my life. Several new and exciting opportunities have been presented to me in the last few weeks {including a new job!} and I feel like my hard work is finally starting to pay off. It's almost too good to be true. 

Here are a few snap shots via Instagram of what I've been up to. 

1. I was presented with an opportunity to leave my previous job in retail/entertainment/hospitality PR for an agency focused on beauty. I finished my last few weeks in the office in this outfit - leather leggings, waffle knit + gold toe heels.

2. Picked up a few fun office essentials from Target. With my new position, I'll be working from home. The agency is based out of L.A. and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity.   

3. My favorite part of the new job? Testing out new beauty products, of course! 

4. Eating way too many sweets as part of the many celebrations lately.

5. This has become my new mantra - and daily motivation. 

I'd love to hear from you on any new & exciting things that have happened lately!?

HOLIDAY GIFT GIFT: FOR HER

Too soon? I thought I'd share my first Holiday Gift Guide of the season, starting off with a few things I've been eyeing for the past few weeks for myself and the special friends & family in my life. For Her is comprised of my favorite scents, beauty tools, jewelry and fun little items that will make anyone smile. The prices from under $40 to $300, making it easy to find a stocking stuffer or big holiday gift for anyone special this season. 

Under $40 {perfect small gift or stocking stuffer!}
'Sprinkles' Mini Nail Polish Set - Kate Spade New York // Cobalt Tie Collar Necklace - Bauble Bar // Small Square Studs - Kate Spade New York // Blush & Bronzer Set - NARS

Under $100 {a special present this holiday!}
Working From Home iPad Sleeve - Kate Spade // Twirl Eau De Perfume - Kate Spade // Say the World Champagne Flute Set - Kate Spade New York

Under $300 {for a loved one who deserves a nice gift!}
Quilted-Leather and Metal Flats - Tory Burch // Bracelet Watch - Michael Kors // Pyramid Stud Gloves - Mulberry

Stay tuned for more gift guides coming soon!

COZY SUNDAY

Sunday is my favorite day of the week.From going to my favorite brunch spot for a mimosa, running errands and ending the day relaxing on the couch, it's nice to cozy up in comfortable layers. With the temperatures dropping, my Sunday uniform consists of thick knit sweaters, simple jewelry and riding boots.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces for a casual, yet chic outfit: 

Bar Necklace - Gorjana // Fair Isle Socks - Gap // Faux Fur Snood - Michael Kors // Waffle Knit Sweater - Acne // Riding Boots - Tory Burch // Leggings - Kate Spade // Studs - Kate Spade 

OUTFIT POST: FAUX FUR

One of my most coveted purchases from last winter is my faux fur vest. I remember searching all over the city {and Internet} to find the perfect one and trying on several styles that ranged from low to high. I wanted something that wasn't overly fluffy or bulky and could be styled a variety of ways. This shorter style that hits right above the waist was just right to flatter my figure. 

I think this is a great reminder to always invest in pieces that are the right fit, style and shape. Instead of  jumping on a trend bandwagon, sometimes it's best to wait until you find the right version for you. 

*photos by Landon Vonderschmidt 

Black Denim - Madewell // Cap Toe Heels - Amazon.com {under $30!} // Black Lace Blouse - {similar} // Faux Fur Vest - love this one, and this one, both under $60! // Rhinestone  Necklace  - LOFT

What is your favorite trend that you are carrying over from last season?

KATE SPADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Oh la la, the Kate Spade Holiday Gift Guide is here! From bright pops of color in lemon-y yellow to soft metallic, this collection is all about making a chic statement. The gift guide is broken down into three parts - under $75, $150 and $300. Take a look and start your holiday shopping here. 

My favorites have to be the gold cap toe heel, Ta Da! earrings and the perfect pink striped party dress. 

HOLIDAY INSPIRATION

With the election {finally} over, the holiday season is officially here. From cheery commercials on repeat to festive decorations showing up in stores, I can't help but get in the holiday spirit. Plus, winter happens to be my favorite time of the year. I know most dream of sunny days and warm weather, but I prefer bundling up in layers, the anticipation of the first snow and having an excuse to embrace my fair skin. 

Here are a few of my holiday inspirations, so far.

The perfect place setting for a holiday get-together. 

The ideal holiday party ensemble - from the deep navy hues to pop of red nail polish. 

It's time to bake! These sugar-y snicker-doodles are on my to-do list.

Decorating the house with subtle candles for a glowing effect. 

{1, 2, 3, 4}

PERFECT PAIRS: J.CREW

With temperatures getting cooler by the day, I've suddenly been reaching for more casual pieces and layering on accessories to dress up the look. This week, I thought I'd focus the Perfect Pairs feature on my shopping cart from my favorite fall/winter one-stop-shop, J.Crew. 

I love the idea of pairing cozy sweatshirts that fit just right with bold baubles for a day of meetings. For a casual day, I'd layer the same sweatshirt with a wool plaid scarf or intricate earrings for just a hint of sparkle. 

Would you pair a sweatshirt and bold jewelry? 

Grey Sweatshirt // Two-Toned Knit Sweater // Wool Plaid Scarf // Flannel Scarf {under $25!}

Fall Floral Crystal Necklace // Crystal-Encrusted Collar Necklace

Crystal-Encrusted Earrings  // Crystal Earrings 

HOLIDAY JEWELRY

With the holiday season around the corner, I've been on the hunt for statement jewelry and accessories that will add festive appeal to my favorite winter looks. An intricate collar instantly adds flair to a cocktail dress, while gemstones and metal accents are the ideal statement piece for a basic blouse or cashmere sweater. 

Take a look at my top budget-friendly picks that range from from $25 - $200. 

Cara Accessories Collar - Nordstrom // Deco Triangle Necklace - Dorthy Perkins // Ebony and Gold - ModCloth // Black Geometric - House of Harlow 1960 // Tempest Necklace - Stella & Dot

I LIKE WHAT YOU'RE WEARING

For those of you that follow my Instagram, you may have noticed I recently took a few snap shots of an accessory package that came in from the I Like What You're Wearing team. I Like What You're Wearing is a hub for rising fashion designers and style-setters that are always looking for the next big thing in the industry. Plus, the site offers an online shop with fun accessories and stylish fashions. Check out a review of the site from Forbes here. 

So, why am I receiving packages for their team? I've been asked to be a style and accessories contributor and have been working on my first collaboration post, coming soon! I thought I would share a sneak of the shoot i did featuring pony hair collars by on-the-rise designer, Budsuki. Stay tuned for the official article on ILWYW.com. 

p.s this opportunity has definitely inspired me to take more outfit photos. 

Stay tuned for more posts on my personal style on here - soon!

DIVINE DECOR: LIVING ROOM

Today marks the two week countdown to closing on our house. Reality is starting to hit, and I'm more and more excited {and a bit nervous} as it approaches. Although I've spent what seems like months and months pinning my favorite rooms on Pinterest, It's time to make decisions. I've decided to start with the living room.

I'm a firm believer that a living room should be comfortable and chic, as the place that is both for entertaining and spending time being lazy. I'm want to fill the space with touches of faux fur, hints of gold and more masculine pieces. As a girl on a budget, I'm planning to mix high & low pieces. 

Shop my living room inspiration here:

HELLO, NOVEMBER

*via 

Another month has flown by... Where does the time go? October is now over and it was honestly one of the best months I've had in awhile. From big and exciting news to new opportunities and of course, a few fun parties, I've learned that it's important to take in each moment as they come. I hope that November also has a few good things in store, but how could it not? To me, this month is all about spending time with family, cooking {and eating} comforting foods and planning for the quickly approaching holiday season.

What are you excited for this month?