Sequin Joggers

Jacket: Levi's (similar); Sweater: Macy's (similar); Joggers: Target; Flats: J.Crew (similar); 

All Jewelry: Stella & Dot

After opening an email from Target about sparkly items for the holidays, I immediately fell in love with these sequin joggers! And who wouldn't. I mean, they're sequin joggers! But they don't look anything like a jogger. They are incredibly comfortable, really warm, and so chic!  They are lined with a thick cotton that will keep the wind at bay and the sequins from rubbing on your skin. Actually, you don't even feel the sequins. And the sequins don't stick to anything, which is the ultimate test for me! I've worn them a couple of times since they arrived and I can't wait to wear them all winter long!

On this particular day, I had several errands to run and a major hair appointment that afternoon. And it was freezing! I opted for a cashmere t-neck, denim jacket, and neutral flats. I accessorized with minimal gold pieces and was ready to face the day! I felt so luxe!

If you don't have any major plans for NYE, these joggers would be perfect for a low key home date or casual dinner out! They options are endless, to be honest. The best buy at only $30!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! I can't believe the New Year is literally less than a week away. Making any resolutions or planning to take on any new challenges? I have so many things in mind and can't wait to see what comes to fruition! 

Whatever it is, I now it's amazing Fashionista's!

Not Over-the-Top

Sweater: H&M (similar); Leggings: INC at Macy's; Boots: Sole Society (c/o) similar;

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; Earrings: Stella & Dot

I snagged this darling sweater at H&M a couple of weeks ago, but it hasn't been nearly cool enough to wear it until now! How crazy that a Midwest December has been in the mid 50s? It hasn't felt like winter at all. And, even though I hate winter, I find it weird to not be wearing my sweaters on repeat these days!

What I love about this one is that it has tiny little silver threads running through out the print which gives it a tiny bit of sparkle. It's so subtle, yet so pretty when it catches the light. It's incredibly comfortable, the length is perfect for leggings and skinny jeans, and it's holiday appropriate without being over-the-top. 

 

    

 

I added splashes of color with a coral handbag and bright red lips! I find that sometimes a black and white look just needs something to make it pop! I can't wait to style this with things other than skinnies and leggings. I'm thinking it will look darling with my feather fringe skirt and tights. I may have to style it up for NYE!

I hope your week is going fashionably well! Can you believe Christmas is three days away? I know I'm ready for some major holiday cheer!

A Krasnow Christmas in Kansas City

I have lived off and on in Kansas City for roughly 25 years and there are certain things that are synonymous with Christmas and Kansas City. The largest being the lights around the Country Club Plaza. It has to be the most beautiful sight in the city, in my opinion. After college, I moved back to Kansas City and lived in a studio apartment that overlooked that Plaza. A dream of mine that became a reality. And during the month of December, I went to bed every night with the lights of the Plaza as my backdrop. It was truly the best night light ever!

When my husband and I got married, we didn't really have any traditions when it came to Christmas. My parents lived out of town for the first five or six years of our marriage, so we spent most of the time on the road. But, we would always try to find the time to drive around neighborhoods checking out Christmas lights or driving through the Plaza and enjoying its wonder. It wasn't until we had our son that we truly began creating Christmas traditions. 

Crown Center, a Kansas City staple when it comes to shopping, dining, and checking out local theater, has become one of the first stops on the holiday tour! And when we go, we pretty much camp out all day! We took our son for his first Christmas, at age eight months, to see the Mayors Tree and play on all the wooden cars, trucks, and other toys that sit beneath the tree. No, he couldn't walk, but that didn't stop us. We personally had a blast! Now that he's four, he looks forward to our annual pilgrimage to Crown Center.

In addition to our play time beneath the tree, we stand in line to dine at his favorite eatery within Crown Center, Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. This place is wonderful for kids! You order your meal via a telephone from your table and it's delivered directly to your table by their signature restaurant-wide railroad. And each child under 12 is given their very own conductor hat! After lunch, we walk over to Union Station to check out their free model train exhibit! 

Union Station is pretty amazing! When you walk into the grand hall, on your way to the model train exhibit, you are met with such a beautiful room that leaves you wondering what it was like during its hay day! It's simply beautiful. Oh, and did I mention that during the holidays, there is a Lego exhibit of little towns decorated for Christmas with running model trains? It's pretty incredible. And, as if that wasn't enough, there is a giant Christmas tree with a train that travels all the way around it for kids to ride! McKinley has a blast, and I have to admit, I wish I could ride the train with him!  

 So now that we've been at Crown Center and Union Station for about four hours, it's time to wrap things up. And, because I'm beyond exhausted from toting all the things moms tote for their children, and trying to keep up with all of his energy, I'm ready for a little afternoon pick me up! Thank goodness that Parisi Artisan Coffee is literally on our way out the door! A local cafe with two locations that provides beautiful coffee art in each cup. It's the boost I need to get me through the rest of the afternoon! 
 

As we walk back to our car, we find ourselves watching the skaters making their way around the Ice Terrace. I love watching to see how the kids handle the skates. My son loves to wait for the zamboni! And, if we can't find it on the rink, we have to find its spot in the parking garage! He's obsessed!

      

    
 And as we head home, we drive through the Plaza and look at the glorious lights one last time. If you don't have a sleeping little one in the backseat, take some time to walk through the Plaza. I love to just take a stroll and take in all the joy. And, if we ever get the chance, we love to stop and have a drink before heading home. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, but I love The Classic Cup. An Independently owned restaurant that's so quaint. During warmer months, I love to sit along the sidewalk and people watch. There are some amazingly chic shoppers in this city! During the colder months, their window lined dining room allows for the same view, but you also get to take in the lights! Did I mention the Plaza lights are my favorite thing about the Kansas City?

    Coming to Kansas City during the holidays and have little ones in tow? Make sure you add at least one of these to your itinerary! No one will be disappointed! And, you may just find the magic of Christmas all around you! 

If you need help organzing your events while in town, Eventbrite is a great place to help you get started! Check out their Event Management Page here! 

Home Office Inspiration

Last week I blogged about how I wanted to create a small home office in a very small space in our den. I haven't stopped thinking about it and now I have my mom thinking about it too! She loved the accent wall paint color and the writing desks, her favorite was the one from Target, and is ready to help me tackle the project. Maybe after the first of the year. We could all use a stir-crazy project, right?

In the meantime, I've started looking at the decor of the space. My inspiration is the photo from Home Goods that I found on Instagram. Isn't the space gorgeous? I love the dark navy wall and the punch of colors! So cheery and so chic! And, as it turns out, my parents have an antique yellow cabinet that I've always had my eye on! It would look great and be the perfect place to store catalogs, papers, and other items you don't really want out and about for clutter. One piece down!

As for the chair in my space, I'm thinking something along the lines of an accent chair instead of an actual desk chair. First off, the space isn't really an office, and I think an arm-less chair would be more cohesive with the rest of the decor in the den. The thing I need to keep in mind, is that it needs to be tall enough for me to actually sit comfortably at the desk. If I could find something from an estate sale or antique store and reupholster in the fabrics I posted last week, that would be ideal! If not, I'm loving the ones below.

  

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Now, when looking at the photo and my picks for some pieces I think would be a good fit for me, I know the pink chair looks completely out of place, but I happen to love it! I don't know what's gotten into me as I've gotten older. I've never really been drawn to pink, but this bubble gum piece is darling!

As for the starburst mirrors, I have always wanted one! In my little nook in our living room, just behind our front door, I have this antique wash table with a wooden oval mirror above that. I would love to replace it with a starburst version, but my little office would look perfect with one as well! And, it would be specific to me. Oh, and the little table lamp is so cute! I love the legs. Such a unique piece for such a special space!

What do you think? Is it taking shape in your mind? It is in mine! I honestly think this could be the one place in my house that I can finally call mine! Sure, I've decorated the rest of my house based on my own personal style, but I've always kept my husband in mind. But now, this little area could be all for me!

If you were creating a space like this, what would you use? Would you go with a pink chair or starburst mirror? I think you should! 

Photo courtesy of Home Good's Instagram page!

Continuing to Sparkle and Shine

I'm continuing to explore the sparkle and shine of the holiday season and today I'm bringing you all the bling within accessorizing! I've got shoes, bags, and plenty of jewels to highlight your holiday looks. And if you were to ask me which one(s) to actually purchase, I could never make up my mind!

With the shoes, I think my favorite are the Kate Spade hot pink pumps! I mean, look at the color and that amazing crystal bow!! But on a more subtle note, I love the Ivanka Trump black peep toe. You could definitely style them with more things, but how many hot pink shoes make that kind of statement? Okay, I might have just made up my mind on the shoes!

As for the bags, I'm thinking it's a no brainer. Can you guess which one I would pick? I adore the silver metallic gift. Because it's so cute, it's definitely a gift that keeps on giving every time you carry it! But that crystal bag is stunning! And if you haven't figured it by now, that champagne bottle is my bag of choice. And, it happens to be my drink of choice! Darling!

As for the jewels, I would own all of them! I actually have the Starburst Ear Jackets and I love them! It's actually a pair of earrings that can be worn four ways. Same thing can be said for the Starlet Pearl Necklace. You gotta love a piece that can be so versatile! I love the Art Deco inspired designs within all of them and they are all perfect for this season of shine!

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So apparently, I was able to narrow down the pieces I would purchase. But, I wouldn't turn up my nose to any and all of them! I mean, if I'm going to add sparkle and shine to my life this season, each of these pieces would do the trick.

Got a favorite? Let's discuss!

Shine on, Fashionista's! 

Holiday Sparkle and Shine

The holidays are in the air everywhere you look! Whether it's store front windows, decorated front yards, or the holiday party invites that are rolling in, it is literally the holiday season. And I for one am glad. I love the holidays. Always have. Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! The decorations, the cookie baking, shopping for gifts for your loved ones, and waiting with anticipation for what Santa will bring you are all the things that make this truly the most wonderful time of the year!

We have a couple of holiday parties coming up this weekend and I am putting party looks together. We don't get dressed up that much anymore so it's especially special this time of year. I haven't been shopping for anything new in what feels like ages, so I'm browsing the internet for inspirational pieces that I might find in my own closet. And if I can't recreate them, maybe I can take something away from the color palette. 

I'm obsessed with the accordion pleat trend and love the gold, even though I own the black. I can't wear a crop top like the one below, but love the two piece look. The green dress is stunning and the black Art-Deco dress makes a statement. Each piece brings its own sparkle and shine to any holiday party! Check out my picks.

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Aren't they all simply lovely? Just FYI, the Adriana Papell dress is sold out in green! Everyone must have had the same idea. The color is gorgeous! The perfect Christmas green. Honestly, I would wear each and everyone of these on some occasion outside the holidays. And, even though the Aidan Maddox two piece look has a crop top, I could style the skirt several different ways!

What are you thinking of wearing to your holiday parties this season? Will it be a casual look or something on the dressier side? Let's chat!

Happy Monday, all! 

Cocktail Confessions - White Chocolate Peppermint Coffee

 It appears that I've made several coffee cocktails lately, but if I'm being honest, it's because I need more coffee! When you're chasing a four year old who wakes up before the sun and never stops, even in his sleep, this mama is tired and needs a constant pick me up! And, from time to time, a little booze!

This one is pretty tasty. I mean, when you're working with a peppermint simple syrup, Peppermint Schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur, how could it not be good! 

Here's What You'll Need:

Coffee, Peppermint Schnapps, White Chocolate Liqueur, Peppermint Simple Syrup, Half & Half

Add coffee to an ice filled glass. And half & half, if you like that kind of thing.

To that, I added one shot of the white chocolate liqueur. So pretty! 

After that, I poured in a little peppermint simple syrup. I made my own and you can too. It's just a half cup of sugar, a half cup of water, and a half teaspoon of peppermint extract. You add all of that to a small saucepan and allow the sugar to dissolve in the water of medium low heat. Let it cool and store in the fridge in an air tight container. It will be great in your daily coffee and other recipes!

The iced version was great, but I was actually freezing, so I added it to my favorite my holiday mug and heated in the microwave! It's good cold and hot! Gotta love a double trouble cocktail!

After a sip or two is when I decided to add the Peppermint Schnapps. You have to taste your drinks to see what it's missing. In this case, the simple syrup was good, but it needed a little extra punch. Leave it out if you think yours is perfect!

This would be a great after dinner drink on Christmas Eve! Serve up a little decaf, or full on caffeine if you have a night ahead of you, and toast to family, friends, and the festive holiday season!

Cheers!

Wednesday Wants - A Home Office

I am trying to start a business. I'm not sure I've really talked about it here, but about a month ago I signed up to be a Stylist with Stella & Dot. It's the perfect business for me at this point in my life. I want to work, need to work, but I don't want to work in an office building where I'm there 8:00-5:00. I want to set my own hours, work when I want to work/can work, and make money while doing so. With Stella & Dot, you do just that. And, within the two months, I've been fairly successful. At least in my eyes I have.

But one can't really have a business without a space to conduct it. I could work out of a coffee shop while McKinley's in school, but that's not really efficient. I would be spending money on coffee when I could have my own brewed coffee at home. And I'm such a people watcher, I would probably spend all my time doing just that! I'm not going to rent space to work in because I'm not at a point where I can spent that kind of money. And, sitting on my couch in the den and working from my wicker coffee table isn't all that great either. It gets the job done for now, but I need a space that I can call mine and spread things out when needed. And, I could really use an office for my blog as well. It's a two fold office!

We don't have an extra bedroom in which I can turn into an office, so I'm thinking of working with a small space in our den. I would still be a part of the day to day life. In sight of McKinley when he needed me, could have on my TV for that background noise I need on a daily basis (I don't really watch it, it's just there for noise), and it's really all the space I need for the time being. 

    

So here's what I'm thinking of doing over here. Taking out the two chairs and bookcase and place those in storage. If we were to ever move, they would be needed in the next house and I love them too much to part with them. I would paint the back wall an accent color like Durango from Benjamin Moore. I've always wanted a gray room and the color would compliment the Antique White we have in the rest of the room. And, I think having an accent wall would help define the space. From there, I would start building the office with furniture that compliments the rest of the room. Here's what I've come up with. I started with the desk as that's the focal part of the office and where most things get accomplished.

 

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I checked out a couple of new interior sites like One Kings Lane and Joss and Main and I like what I saw! I looked at my favorite designs like Mid Century Modern and Shaker, but I also looked at a few glam pieces like number five! I mean, what girl doesn't a full on mirrored writing desk. Oh, and that's what I chose, writing desks. I didn't feel like I needed a huge desk within my small space. I love all of these.

My color pallette will probably run in the reds, but I do love yellow! I've always wanted a gray and yellow room so who knows. These swatches are from Joann's and they're gorgeous!

So what do you think of my ideas? Do you have a home office or looking for a space within your home to create one? Let's go on this journey together! There are so many things to address from here!

A Chic Cape

Cape: Ann Taylor (similar); T-Neck: French Connection (fun option); Jeans: Joe's Jeans; 

Handbag: Pour la Victoire (great bag); Boots: Rockport; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt; 

Necklaces: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

Last Friday my mom and I took McKinley down to Crown Center and let him run free around all the life size toys they have on display every holiday season! Not only are there large wooden trucks, cars, and trains, there is the huge Mayor's Tree in the middle of it all. It's such a fun holiday tradition for families all over the city! And, there are ice skaters taking a turn around the rink above the courtyard. It truly is one my favorite things to do this time of year!

Because we were going to be spending time indoors and out, I didn't want to have to contend with a coat. This is when I bring out my handy yet chic cape. This is such a timeless piece that gets me through the mild days of winter. I decided to pair it with my ivory and black striped t-neck and I really like it how works. Great jeans and comfy boots complete the look!

The Cape: Before and After 

 

   

  

Can you believe the temps this week around the metro? I heard that Thursday could be in the upper 60s. Can you say major outdoor activities taking place that day? When we can get out and about, without bundling up, I am all for it!

The Perfect Layers

 Vest: Land's End (similar); Sweatshirt: Etiquette Boutique (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar);

Booties: Sam Edelman; Belt: Banana Republic; Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt;

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Yesterday was a December afternoon that reached the low 50s! That doesn't happen very often and one must definitely take advantage of those warmer days! The boys spent the afternoon cleaning up the leaves in the yard while I got to do one of my favorite things. I got to go to the grocery store. (That comment is dripping with sarcasm. Did you hear it?) But, it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy the walk outside from the car to the door and vice versa when I left. It's the little things, right?

Because it was in the 50s, I opted for this cute sweatshirt paired with my puffer vest. The perfect combination of layers. I love belting the vest to help contain the bulk and went with my fav new booties! I got them for my birthday and have worn the constantly! They are the perfect heel height for days when you're running around and so comfortable! Who needs tennies when you have that same support in a darling bootie!

The Sweatshirt: Before and After

    

 

What did you guys do to yesterday to take advantage of the beautiful day? I hope whatever it was, it was fun! 

Have a chic Monday, Fashionista's!

The Piece I Declare You Must Own

  Sweater: RACHEL Rachel Roy; T-Neck: Target; Leggings: INC; Boots: Halogen;

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I met my friend Megan of Chasing Davies for a little photo shoot and collaboration earlier in the week. I think it's destined to rain every time we get together. Remember this day? 

I wanted to be warm and comfortable and that's exactly what I was! I had a meeting later that evening so I needed a look that would literally take me from to day to night. I'm thinking these leggings are the perfect thing to wear when doing that. Just look at the rainy day post above! I now declare leggings the rainy day, comfortable look, day to night piece that every girl must own. However, you must wear them as pants!

 

The Sweater: Before and After

   

 

The week is almost over!! We've all made it, right? It's been a rough one here on the home front, but I think we're on the other side! 

Here's to tomorrow being Friday!