I'll blame how late Thanksgiving was this year, as that seems like the default excuse, but this holiday season has just been flying by and I'm not ready for Christmas to be just over a week away.
Due to conflicts in work schedules, we did not get our acts together to bring home our Christmas tree the first weekend of December, and didn't manage to get it until the 12th, which is late even by our standards (no Christmas trees up before Thanksgiving in this house) and then due to all the lovely snow you see here, the tree spent another day sitting outside in the hopes that the weather would warm and we wouldn't have to take a snow covered tree to melt in the living room. (That happened six years ago and it was just a huge mess.)
At least it's up, and that is one thing to check off the list, now to finish shopping, and wrapping, and maybe, just maybe, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season before it's gone again for another year.
P.S. These Target boots are not meant to be worn in the snow, they are neither waterproof, nor particularly warm. I might try to rectify this with some waterproofing spray and shearling liners, though I suppose it was too optimistic of me to expect a proper winter boot for $30.
The Rundown Cream Mock Neck SweaterAnn Taylor Jeans Joe's via saks off fifthsimilar Camel Pea Coat J.Crew thrifted similar Faux Fur Lace-Up Boots Target Plaid Scarf c/o Front Row Shop similar Black Touch Gloves TJMaxx similar
Thank you to Marelylilly for sponsoring this post.
When I was in middle school I identified that a monogrammed backpack was the epitome of a status symbol. I wanted one so badly, and when a new school year came around and I'd managed to wear down my mother enough to order one for me, I naturally made the most impractical color choice there was, purple tie dye. Nevertheless, I carried that bag with pride far longer than I should have, while my peers moved on to carrying their logo emblemized designer bags and carrying their books in their arms, I had my monogrammed backpack.
Even though the backpack has (thankfully) been retired for many years now, there is something about a monogrammed bag that still elicits those feelings of status and clout in me, so I was delighted when Marleylilly wanted to collaborate with me. The online store has a truly expansive product offering of pieces that can be monogrammed or personalized with a name. While I was drawn to this gorgeous leather bucket bag, options run the gamut from monogrammed dishtowels to duck boots.
As for the bag, I love that the leather is soft, but also structured, the drop handles are long enough to be worn over the shoulder, but also short enough that the bag wont touch the ground if I carry it in my hand - occasionally and issue when you are as short as I am! And of course, the gold foil monogram stands out beautifully. It's a classic piece I know I will carry for years.
I will always believe that a monogrammed item makes for an especially thoughtful gift, and even though we've but the holidays behind us, there is always a birthday, a baby, or a wedding around the corner - not to mention simply shopping for yourself!
The Rundown White Sweater Loft similar Jeans Banana Republic Grey Peacoat J.Crew Factory similar Red Bow Shoes Ferragamo via eBay Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly White BeretAmazon Plaid Scarf c/o Front Row Shop similar Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
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I can't believe there are only ten days until Christmas! I'm finally mostly done with my shopping, and was very proactive with my wrapping as well, so happily I'm not staring at two dozen shopping bags of presents needing to be wrapped (been there, done that).
Now it's time to start the baking, which I always love. Last night I made a batch of gingerbread cookies, which are not usually something we do. Cut-outs seem to be an every other year (or maybe every three years?) kind of cookie. They can be pretty tedious as cookies go, even though I don't really mind sitting for hours piping on icing in intricate designs, it just means that there has to be some sort of planning and time management involved.
My sister will be home next Friday, so this is really the last weekend to get things done. Once she's here it will be just a constant stream of watching our favorite Christmas movies, baking and eating more cookies. We'll do our best to get through Home Alone one and two, Love Actually, Elf, Christmas Vacation, It's a Wonderful Life, our favorite Hallmark movie that they don't air anymore, The Christmas List (somehow it's still on YouTube in it's recorded off of TV in the early aughts entirety), The Santa Clause, The Holiday, and maybe if we have time, we'll check out that new one on Netflix. Overwhelming, I know...but it's our tradition. What are your must-watch holiday movies?
Transitioning into lighter outerwear means this striped trench is making another appearance, and I'm enjoying being able to slide bare feet into my silver loafers. They are surprisingly versatile and of course so comfortable!
The Rundown Striped Trench c/o Cabi similar Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory Navy Pants J.Crew thrifted similar Silver Regan Mule c/o Vionic Micro Perry SatchelRebecca Minkoffc/o Shopbop Silk Floral Scarf Ann Taylor similar Gold Knot Bracelet Banana Republic similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Clearly I'd forgotten just how comfortable these flared jeans are, as this is the first time I've worn them since possibly last April. That sounds bad. But all those fall and winter days I could have been wearing them I was caught in the monotony of cycling through the same four pairs of skinny jeans. There's a lot of my closet which went unworn over the last two seasons. It's about time to get reacquainted with the rest of my wardrobe that isn't "really old grey sweater" and "really old white sweater", which I've essentially been living in all winter, and these past couple weeks of "spring".
Not that the chill is gone from the air, but when the sun is shining, and the wind isn't blowing, it almost feels like spring. I was hoping to do an outfit post with this fun blouse before it was totally sold out, but considering it was discounted to $15, it's no surprise the stock quickly dwindled. I was on the fence when it came to the zhushed up sleeve trend, trying on tops and thinking "but I don't want to be a pirate", however since they have inundated the stores I suppose it was inevitable that I'd eventually come across one I liked, that doesn't make me feel like a pirate ;)
The Rundown Ruffle Sleeve BlouseAnn Taylor Flared Denim Gap similar Booties"Calixta" Cole Haan similar Round Rattan BagEtsy Silk Floral ScarfAnn Taylor Gold Ball StudsKohl's Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Couture Curator"Essie
High wasited jeans on short waisted people is delicate balance of proportions. Still, I had to have these jeans. I was in love with the button fly, something I've not had since high school (they were a pair of mint green denim shorts, and my favorite thing to pair them with was a finely knit lavender cami). When I saw them peppering the spring lineups, that bit of nostalgia was all I needed to click 'add to cart'.
I was initially intimidated by Gap's description of these jeans being 'super high rise'. I imagined something along the lines of Madewell's 10" rise version, however they are only 7" high, and that is only 1" more than their mid rise. The disappointment lies in the inseam length - these are a far cry from a cropped jean on my 5'-2" frame, and I don't trust myself to duplicate the frayed hem. Aside from that, they still feel like denim, but have enough of a stretch that they aren't 'standing room only' jeans. Considering they are currently on sale for $45, I'd say they are a good buy.
The Rundown White Tee Loft similar Grey Cashmere Cardigan TJMaxx similar High Rise Button Fly JeansGap Silver Regan Mule c/o Vionic Willis Bag Vintage Coach thriftedsimilar Silk Floral Scarf Ann Taylor Loop EarringsMejuri Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
