Deck the Halls: $200 Holiday Challenge
Posted on November 16th, 2015
I had so much fun with my $200 Jewelry Challenge, so I decided to put together a similar guide for holiday decorations!
Christmas decorations are not a strictly necessary purchase… but they sort of feel that way to me. I’m pretty open about my consistent homesickness, and during the holidays these feelings only intensify. I realized this was in part because I felt cheated of the holiday season when I was living in a little dorm room and only got to come home right before Christmas, so since then I’ve done my best to make my own little home festive, too. It’s cheaper than therapy, after all.
This was my 7 foot Christmas tree in college. I did not mess around. We also had this mini tree and tree skirt on the coffee table, which I loved.
But decorating gets expensive– without careful planning. If you choose to allocate $200 to decorating, you can fill any apartment to the brim with holiday cheer. I haven’t included a tree and corresponding accessories here– that’s a different decision– but even without it this will make a huge difference.
One of my biggest secrets is bows– I stick these on doors and on the corner of picture frames, fill vases with them, scatter them on table tops… Try Target for the big ones.
A pretty table can also make a big difference. This plaid table runner is a bit of a splurge, but it’s so festive while still being neutral enough to work with other pieces, too. (Our table was a little too big, unfortunately, so we ended up with this one instead). It’s crucial to layer on other elements for texture, and this berry garland is the perfect touch– for less than $8. I also filled a simple glass vase with this $3 assortment of mini ornaments for an instant centerpiece. Add festive candles, and you’re all set!
Of course, I would love to be hanging a big boxwood wreath on our front door, but given the budget we’ll be doing a tinsel version for 1/10th of the price instead.
See the rest of my selections below– stick with this and your home and wallet will be merry and bright! With promo codes, everything all together comes in under $200.
A little creativity– and tinsel– goes a long way in making spirits bright!
20% Off Anthropologie Home Items!
Posted on November 15th, 2015
Life better when you appreciate little luxuries. One of my favorites is going into Anthropologie and smelling each and every candle until I pick out a favorite. If you’ve been to Anthropologie, you’ll know what a time consuming task this is–but oh so satisfying when you bring home the winner.
Lighting a candle makes the day that much fancier, and particularly during the holidays can really put you in a festive spirit. Anthropologie’s home goods are 20% off this weekend, so I stocked up on some of my favorites. Boulangerie has long been my go-to brand (Pumpkin Souffle and Oatmeal Cookie in particular!), and I couldn’t resist leaving with Balsam & Cedar and Mulled Wine scents, too. I’m a sucker for holiday smells and beautiful jars (like this golden pear)! And I figured I should pair the candles with equally beautiful matches.
It’s like baking a pumpkin pie, whipping up a batch of mulled wine, and having a real Christmas tree! …without doing any of those things.
Shiny Little Lilly
Posted on November 12th, 2015
Of course everyone associates Lilly Pulitzer with printed shifts and shorts, but I love how their whole collection outfits you with colorful glamour. I got into Lilly Pulitzer jewelry when I was working for them (unsurprisingly), and I was always pleasantly surprised at how versatile and chic some of their pieces were. I have a pearl and gold statement necklace I bought a few years ago that I wear all the time! So I was disappointed the past few months when their collections did not include any jewelry, but figured they had gone a different direction.
Guess what? Resort has gone live, and jewelry is back! I’m sure the timing coinciding with the gift-giving season is not coincidental 
I’m excited about many of the pieces, but I think several of the necklaces in particular would be great additions to your accessories rotation.
Rams Head Bracelet // Beaded Necklace // Ringleader Necklace // Critter Earrings
With an amazing price point, the crab earrings would make such a good present! I’m a sucker for any mixing of gold and pearl. These longer necklaces have me thinking Kendra Scott, too. Plus maybe this turquoise-accented piece...
Maybe just one of everything. To be on the safe side.
Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Proposal
Posted on November 4th, 2015
The cat is out of the bag, and the lineup has been set: we have a bridal party! Twelve wonderful men and women will stand beside us on August 27. Because they have meant so much to us, we want to make sure they have fun and feel the love through this process, too. I had so much fun putting together the proposals for my bridesmaids!
Obviously, it would have been easier to do something amazing if my bridesmaids lived near by, but unfortunately none of them live in Seattle. In fact, our bridal party is spread across nine cities and three countries! So my options were somewhat limited, but I decided pretty packaging was a good place to start.
I went with a popped the question theme (cliche, but reliable) with a split of champagne and some of my favorite gourmet popcorn. Their motto is “Meet your new addiction” and they are not kidding. I also included yummy roasted pumpkin spice almonds that I’ve been making in big batches from this recipe.
But my favorite part of the boxes were the smallest, lightest component: the notes. I headed to Anthropologie and got a stack of these Rifle Paper cards, and attempted to put into words how much each of these girls means to me. I have been friends with them for a combined sixty years, so that’s a whole lot of emotions to process!
It meant a lot to me that Ian wanted to write notes to each of them, too. We feel very lucky to have really built a strong group of friends together, rather than a “his friends on his side, my friends on my side” kind of thing. He wanted to let them know how much it meant to him, too, that they would be standing with us.
Guess whose handwriting is whose. 😉 I was grateful that Ian allowed me to write notes for his groomsmen proposals, too.
I was pleased with the final result! And even more pleased that each of my bridesmaids said yes to joining us next summer.
{My proposals were somehow more pink than Ian’s}
A Latte Love for Coffee
Posted on November 2nd, 2015
November is a notable month. We have Thanksgiving, and the anniversary of my first dates with Ian, and the anniversary of my brother’s diagnosis with Type One Diabetes.
But today is a different anniversary. One year ago today, I had my first coffee. I had slept about three hours the night before, and was running around Manhattan watching my little brother run the New York City marathon. My mom suggested caffeine might be needed– a different kind, the sort that was no match for my trusty Diet Coke.
She was right. I had coffee a few times in the winter and spring, and then moved to Seattle this summer. I got a Starbucks card the day I started my job at Nordstrom. I made it to Gold in 31 days. You do the math. Things escalated quickly.
Coffee makes me feel like an enhanced version of myself. So I just wanted to give a quick shoutout to my daily 11am skinny vanilla latte. I get up at 5:30am, and pretty much immediately start counting down until my Starbucks trip. Because, as they say…
Tartan Spirit
Posted on November 1st, 2015
You can wear stripes any day of the year. Tartan… not so much, unfortunately. Good luck making that work with your spring florals. I love a classic plaid, so now is the time to get in on these pieces for a traditional and festive look! Grab some champagne and let’s get started– with shipping times being what they are, you’ll want to start your outfit planning now.
When it comes to wearing multiple tartan pieces at once, extreme caution (or avoidance) is necessary. We’ll take a head to toe approach here so you can figure out which options for incorporating plaid resonate most with you.
…Around your neck for caroling and Christmas light viewings: One // Two
…Tops to tuck into a full black skirt or style casually with jeans: One // Two (I have last year’s version and wear it often) // Three // Four (elbow patches!) // Five (on sale!)
…To make a statement over a sleek black ensemble: One
…One and done dresses: One // Two // Three // Four (pictured above)
…Skirts: One (my #1 pick!) // Two (scallops!) // Three // Four
…Fancy Pants: One
…To keep your legs warm: One
…And the only time head-to-toe plaid is appropriate… while you’re waiting for Santa, of course!
Let’s make the most of our seasonal attire! In the months of November and December, outfit repeating is highly encouraged.
Wedding Wednesday: Say Love It But No Thank You to the Dress
Posted on October 28th, 2015
My title is running the risk of being longer than the actual post.
I cannot believe this is really happening… but I am beginning my hunt for a poofy white dress to call my own in NINE DAYS. My mom is flying out to Seattle, and our search begins next Friday! So as usual, I’ve been doing research; I want to make sure I’m prepared to make the most of the appointments we have.
What I’ve realized is there are so many options. Possibly even infinity. And I like a lot of them! But a lot of the dresses I like are for brides who are not me at weddings that are not mine. To get it out of my system, I’m sharing some of them with you today!
The first bride who will look beautiful but is not me is the Barefoot Bohemian. She’s having an incredible outdoor wedding at a barn she built with her daddy when she was twelve. Her reception will be at a beautiful outdoor tent with lots of twinkling string lights, and you know she’s having a naked cake. Basically, this is her whole wedding.
If I’m that bride, I’m wearing Anna Campbell. Her dresses are so unique, and are guaranteed to make you look like a gilded age goddess. The detail is exquisite!
And if the beading is still too much, she gets this dress for a subtle statement.
I am also not a sunshine courthouse bride. I have only worn a long dress two times in my life before, so I would be lying if I said the idea of showing some leg isn’t tempting. Short dresses are for brides with a short list of wedding day worries! These two make eloping look chic.
Lace is a good choice for elopement, like the Dawson dress from Oscar de la Renta or this BHLDN dress… but this beading takes the cake!
The high-neck, low-back trend is definitely having a moment. I wish I could pull this off (and I’ll try it?), but I don’t think I have the arm muscles. Not to mention I might appreciate a dress that breathes at a late August wedding…
Rosa Clara utilizes this frequently– from behind, I want to look like this on my wedding day. This is such a classic look, but I like how this one is a little more unexpected! An option here at a wonderful price point.
But of all the brides I’m not but kind of wish I was…
This is the dress I would be wearing. (I would also order the body to go with it)
The back! The touch of sequins! The bows!
PS Honorable mention to my outfit if I’m the flower girl. Does this come in adult sizes?
New Neutral
Posted on October 26th, 2015
I tend to really invest in wardrobe stables– both financially and emotionally. Besides my most favorite party shoes, I only own two pairs of heels; I have these Cole Haan pumps (on sale!) in both nude and black. I own two identical pairs of these jeans, and no other denim. When I find something I really like, I am reluctant to replace them.
…But this reluctance might be getting a little out of hand. Yes, my trusty pair of nude flats had a hole in the bottom– on both shoes– but it wasn’t that big of a deal. Right? I explained this to Ian on Friday morning, saying, “I should be fine. It’s not even supposed to rain today, so my feet will stay dry…” He stared at me dumbfounded for a moment. And then told me to get new shoes before I came home from work.
We had been through a lot of puddles of sticky beer together, but even I can recognize that it is high time I put them out to pasture.
My search began on Friday afternoon, as I scoured Nordstrom’s online shoe selection… but nothing really stood out. I was excited to see the J. Crew Cece and Kiki flats, but Cece was too dark and Kiki was too light. I was looking for something just right. Plus, I don’t trust me with a near-white shoe.
So off I went to Nordstrom. I tried on the new Reva, which was the perfect color but made my bunions hurt. #grannystatus A persuasive salesman also convinced me to try the beautiful Chloe Lauren scalloped flat, but much to my relief they didn’t fit my foot that well. $500 crisis averted. I ended up leaving with a replacement pair of the Caroline flat, which I knew was a good decision. I had coveted the Caroline flat for more than a year before impulsively pulling the trigger in 2013, but I clearly had gotten my money’s worth. Plus, with the amount it rains in Seattle, I thought the patent leather might hold up better.
But why stop at one Nordstrom when you can go to two? I headed to a different location Saturday afternoon because they carry Tory Burch’s latest flat innovation: the Minnie travel flat. And it was instant love– easily the most comfortable flat I’ve ever encountered! To quote one esteemed internet reviewer, “like walking on marshmallows.” I couldn’t agree more, DBFlorida.
But be warned: they are cut very generously. I wear a size 9 in the old Reva, an 8.5 in the Caroline, and an 8 in the new Minnie. The leather is super soft, but I do think it will stretch with wear, as well. Given the added comfort of the split sole, I have no trouble imagining walking several miles (preferably through Paris with a croissant and a latte) in these babies
(For reference– old Reva on the left, new Minnie on the right)
So if you’re in the market for flats, I definitely suggest the Minnie. And in two years when I wear holes through these, too, I’ll be sure to share my latest recommendation.
Wedding Wednesday: Kick Off
Posted on October 22nd, 2015
In case you missed it… I’m engaged! And while I personally devote an alarming amount of my brain power to thinking about one little weekend 10 months from now, I am attempting to spare you the daily drivel. So I thought maybe I would limit it to an occasional Wedding Wednesday?
You’re welcome.
So, the basics. Ian and I grew up together in St. Louis, so there was never any doubt that we would be married there. Even though almost none of our friends live there anymore, my family is still there and it’s in the middle of the country. We also had a clear idea for the reception venue. My grandparents were one of the very first weddings at our club, which has always been an important part of my family, so it will be extra special to dine and dance in the same place they did 59 years ago.
But beyond that… clean slate! Which it turns out is both exciting and complicated. There are so many elements to pull together and decisions to be made, and what is tricky is they have to be made so they can all work together. For example:
I like all three of these cakes. I would be genuinely pleased to have any of these at my wedding. But they’re clearly pieces of very different larger puzzles– casual vs. formal vs. fun, modern/chic vs. classic vs. whimsical. And I like to think Ian and I are multi-dimensional people, so a range of wedding aesthetics could fit with our personalities.
I asked Ian for input. “My darling fiance,” I said, “What elements do you picture at our wedding? What’s your vision?”
“As long as we have craft beer, I think we’ll be fine.”
So that was helpful.
At this stage in the game, I’ve actually found the real weddings on Style Me Pretty to be a more helpful resource than Pinterest. Pinterest is great for researching specific elements, but I’m almost not ready for that yet– what I need is guidance on an overall look. Style Me Pretty allows you to search by location, season, venue… just what I need!
Though south of the Mason Dixon line most people wouldn’t technically classify St. Louis as southern, but I do love lots of elements of this “Elegant Southern with a Playful Twist” wedding. Not going to lie, I’ve hardcore stalked that dress…
I also like aspects of this wedding. Minus, you know, the nautical part.
We’ve just started dipping our toe into the details– event branding, entertainment, the wedding planner– and I can’t wait to share more in the coming months! My philosophy is pretty much to check off as many boxes in the first few months as possible. That way, next summer will be smooth sailing.
Swoon.
The Bee’s Knees
Posted on October 21st, 2015
You may want to hide your wallet before reading this post. Or not. You do you.
I love when my favorite brands innovate. It lets me know they’re forward thinking and healthy… and it gives me more ways to incorporate them into my life. I was very excited to read about the robust Kate Spade home collection this summer, and it finally debuted today!
Unfortunately, it’s squarely in the “aspirational” territory. Very few items feel like they are an easily digestable price point. But wow are they gorgeous. My picks (click photos for details):
Baublebar is also doing big things. They routinely partner with “Guest Bartenders”– aka celebrity collaborations– which constantly drives people to their site. Right now, they have collections going with two amazing style inspirations: Olivia Palermo and Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam.
Note to self: invest in better outerwear.
Anyway. Julia’s collection debuted this morning, and the incorporation of a few small homegoods is what makes it unique. It features her signature neutrals– she’s the one who taught me to love blush– with some fun pops of color. On the non-jewelry size, the geo photoframe has my heart. And this necklace is pretty exceptional!
Lots of the items are already on a waitlist– and with good reason!
But what I’m really digging on Baublebar are the bees in Olivia’s collection. This necklace in particular is such a wonderful combination of classic, sparkly, and sassy. I’m on the waitlist! If that one is a little much for you, try this instead.
So that’s the buzz!
{See what I did there?}
