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!

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! 

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!

A Holiday Mart Look

Blazer: Land's End (fun option); T-Neck: Ann Taylor (similar); Jeans: Loft (50% off); 

Boots: Rockport (similar); Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar); All Jewelry: Stella & Dot; 

Shades: Karen Walker via Gilt (similar)

A couple of weekends ago, I attended a Holiday Mart as a vendor for Stella & Dot. I really wanted to look the part, without being overly dressy, so I reached for my most festive blazer! It's the perfect mix of holiday colors without being in your face Christmas! I think it would be darling over a simple dress for a holiday party or with winter white pants to add a little pop of color! Honestly, I can't wait to style it more over the next month!

The Holiday Mart took place at a local elementary school, so I knew it would be a more casual event. But you know me, I still love to dress up! I went with skinny jeans and a simple t-neck to keep the focus on the blazer. And the flat boots were definitely the way to go! Lugging all my stuff to and from the car would have been disastrous in another heel height. And these are the MOST comfortable boots I have ever own! I never thought that I would wear, let alone own, a pair of Rockport boots. I underestimated them! They are chic and comfortable and I will be living in them this winter! (Last seen here.)

 

  

I love this subtle statement necklace. A subtle statement necklace sounds like such an oxymoron, but it's true. It's not over-the-top. Just simple elegance. And, it can be worn five different ways. That's right, five ways!! Check it out here!

 

What do you go for when dressing for the holidays but not wanting to look like a walking billboard for Christmas? I guess it's officially the holidays with the Thanksgiving weekend coming to an end! Our house is 75% ready. Just a few more things, and maybe another tree, to arrange. I do love this time of year!

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

Holiday Shopping with Groupon

A week from today is Black Friday, a day I never go shopping! The "specials" aren't that big of a deal to me! Have you seen the videos of shoppers on that day? Stampedes, camp-outs in the freezing cold, and having to get up way before the sun (or never going to bed) sound awful to me! I like the warmth of my bed, sleeping in until almost 7:00, and relaxing with my family all day!

I am all about saving while shopping though! With the holidays around the corner, everyone loves to save while shopping, right? My list isn't horribly long, but I have my husband, son, parents, and close friends I love to give gifts to every year. Shopping for my son is easy! If it's a truck, I'm done! And it doesn't hurt that his list to Santa is a mile long! My mom is easy as well. Girlfriends are the best to shop for because they love anything girly, boozy, and pretty! But my husband and dad....well, they're a challenge!

And let's face it, it's exhausting! Shopping all day, lugging bags all over the mall, fighting the holiday crowd that's also worn out, simply makes me cranky and ready to call it quits. Thank goodness for Groupon!

If you aren't using Groupon, you should be! It's the easiest way to shop WHILE saving money! The best of both worlds, no? I've been using them for years, mostly for restaurants, but did you know that you could shop for clothes, trips, wine, and makeup? Well, you can! It's a virtual shopping mall where you don't have to fight the crowds, lug around bags, and wind up cranky by the end of the day!

Some of personal favorites are the Groupons to Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor. It's a one stop shop within stores we don't have access to here in Kansas City. But, I love that places like Loft offer in store and online shopping rewards through Groupon that you may or may not get via email from Loft themselves! I mean, who can't use an extra $25 for spending $50! Yes please! A little post holiday shopping for yourself maybe.... And with the wine specials from Gold Medal Wine Club, I have now checked my dad off the list!

Here are some of the items I'm loving for my husband, my mom, for myself, and girlfriends, and all can be found via the specials offered by Groupon!

Cute boots for Joel.

Warm slippers for my mom.

A super cute handbag pom-pom for my girlfriends!

A darling sweater for me from Loft with those $25 rewards!

 And the wine club for my dad!

I think I may have everyone covered! And thanks to Groupon, I saved money while shopping! What are you waiting for? Get over there and start clicking those links! Seriously, the holidays are right around the corner!!

This post was sponsored by Groupon, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Cocktail Confessions - Berry Cooler

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and I wanted to make a special cocktail to celebrate the holiday weekend! There will be cookouts, pool parties, beach bbqs (if you live near one of those), and fireworks! With all those activities, everyone needs a little beverage to sip throughout the day, right? Enter the Berry Cooler!

Here's what you'll need:

Berry Vodka, Seltzer Water, Strawberries, and Blueberries

Add festive cocktail picks like these parasol flags or use cute paper straws!

Any other festive fruit will work as well like blackberries or raspberries!

 To make the cocktail, it's super easy. Add one jigger of the berry vodka, or more to taste.

Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with Seltzer water.

Thread the berries through the cocktail pick. I added a blueberry first, then a strawberry, and then another blueberry. Make it festive!

   

Place the berries in the glass! Don't want to go the cocktail pick route? We also floated the berries in the drink. Just as cute! And, the berries become infused with the vodka and are super tasty!

This is a refreshing drink and one I sipped all afternoon. However, sip fast if you don't want it watered down. For this, freeze your berries and use in place of ice cubes! I will definitely do this next time around. Or this weekend!

Happy Fourth! Cheers!

Shopbop: Party Pieces

I've got party on the brain! Whether it's a holiday party that's on the horizon, or New Year's Eve, I'm so into styling party looks right now! Earlier in the week I showed you my party shoe picks. Today I'm bringing you my Party Pieces picks! Instead of going the party dress route, I decided to go with separates, bottoms really, that I feel will make a great impact on the party circuit! However, I did have to pick my signature jumpsuit fav! I mean, what party look isn't complete without a jumpsuit, right? But as much as I love it, I have to say that the metallic wide leg pants are everything! Paired with a sleek, black t-neck and the chunkiest statement necklace I can find, I would wear them in an instant. But the striped skirt.... It's the one piece I dream of adding to my wardrobe!

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What piece is your favorite? I could find a reason, place, and/or event to wear each piece! They are truly timeless, classic separates. And even better, they would all go with the shoes I picked! Gotta love when it all comes together!

Happy Friday, Fashionistas!

Holiday Hootenanny

Sweater: Macy's; Pants: J.Crew; Pumps: Joan & David; Scarf: Target;

Gloves: Land's End; Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side  

 Yesterday was our Holiday Hootenanny at work which consisted of lunch and a White Elephant gift exchange. I knew I wanted to look festive, but not overly holiday. Red pants scream holiday, in my opinion, and when paired with a bird scarf (my version of a partridge in a pair tree) all is merry and bright!

The Pants: Before and After

Check out others ways I've worn the pants, t-neck and scarf!

 

Happy Fourth of July

Today is Independence Day and what a day it is!! This is a day that we celebrate together as fellow men. I just wish we could do that every day of the year. I hope you are having a wonderful day spent with family and friends. We are enjoying the day with a trip to the zoo and a little cookout with just the three of us. A pretty perfect day if you ask me!!

 

And because today is all about the Red, White and Blue, here are some of my favorites in photos!

 

 

 

 

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!