A Neutral New Years

I already shared some fabulous one stop shopping on throwing a chic New Years Eve party but what to wear to the festivities is worthy of another post. Since we are keeping it casual at a friends house this year, I thought I would put together a little look that is full of glam but also not over the top decked out. What are you doing & wearing this New Years Eve???



Balloons // Faux Fur Coat // Beaded Tank // Tech Case // Destroyed Denim // Clutch // Bracelet // Nail Polish // Lipstick // Pumps 

Cash or Credit - Totes

In important news, has anyone seen the atrociousness that was gifted to Kim K by her man this Christmas? The $40,000 hand painted Birkin bag is the work of American artist George Condo, who previously worked on some album covers for Yeezy. Thankfully this bag is one of a kind, because do we really need more then one bag painted with naked women with monster faces?! In an article I read online, one person summarized this bag perfectly..."it has the aesthetic appeal of a tragic car accident". For those of us that do not have or would ever spend that kind of money on a bag, I put together a little cash or credit round up of totes that are worth carrying around at all different price points. 

image via

Zara Burgundy Tote // Pour La Victoire Yves Tote
Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote // Michael Kors Miranda Tote
Annabel Ingall Tote  // Burberry Tote

Weekend Wear - faux layers

Layering doesn't get much easier with this little look below. I love the peek a boo plaid hem under a cozy crew neck sweater. I of course will be pairing mine with some sparkle in the form of a statement necklace as I almost always do but what I really have my eye on are those ahhhhmazing little booties below. Will have to save my pennies for those lovelies. Have a great weekend everyone!



Mock Layered Top // Nars Velvet Lip Pencil // Michael Kors Watch // Rag & Bone Booties // J.Brand Denim // J.Crew Necklace 

Walkyland

When I stumbled upon the colorful site Walkyland, the home of artist Monika Forseberg I knew I was in for a visual treat. The bold works quickly caught my attention and had me loving her whimsical artistic style. Something about her pieces screamed that this Swedish born artist is a young, fun and lighthearted person. I especially adored the healthy dose of bright pink in many of the illustrations seen below. It's such a cheery pop of color that would add a powerful punch to a neutral room. 

Color Coordinated

An interior design feature that I always am drawn to is the color coordinated bookshelf. Not only is it a way to keep your reading material organized it's also a great way to dress up a room with items you already may have and never thought to put on display. I know I have piles of books {some I probably dont want people to know I read because they are corny} that could use a proper home on some beautiful built ins but if you are looking to start fresh Etsy seller Huckster Haven has the best selection of color coordinated books and prices in vibrant hues to decorate your shelves with. Take a look below at some pretty inspiration as well as some colors to get started with from this unique seller. 

blue // green // red // purple

Merry Christmas!!!

Today is the big day for my family! We are off to Connecticut to celebrate Christmas Eve where we will read the night before Christmas, look out the window with Opa's binoculars for santa and then if we were all good hopefully head into the living room to see that santa ate his cookies and milk and lit our Christmas tree. I honestly couldn't be more excited!  I feel so fortunate this year to have all my family coming together today and tomorrow and look forward to this day all year long. Something about a full house is just the best feeling in the world. I hope your holiday plans are just as special to you and that you are surrounded by your loved ones...see you all back here on the 26th! 

gift tag

Going For The Gold

Having a husband whose career is based around wireless communications means I am lucky that he always quips me with a great phone. I recently upgraded my mobile to the glamorous gold iPhone and the purchase as had me on the hunt for a coordinating case that doesn't hide the metallic facade of the phone. While I do love a dose of color like on this beauty, I am thinking my white and gold iPhone deserves a well coordinated case, which is your favorite?

one // two // three // four // five // six 

Weekend Wear - Black Tie

It's rare to have a black tie occasion around the holiday season but in case you do below is a look that is super chic and the best part is most the items are on sale! 

dress // sandals // nars lipstick & polish // studs // bracelet // clutch

Zippity do da

I have been on a bit of a zipper obsession. Nearly any item that boasts this little detail instantly draws my attention. Gone are the days of hiding the closure on your garments, it's all about exposing them and having them stand out for an added oomph of style. This is definitely one trend I am on board with. I have picked up a few of the items below for myself thought I'd share a few others that have caught my eye like those booties which are such an affordable find! 

Clutch // Snood // Mini // Sweater // Earrings // Booties // Pants // Bag // Bracelets // Rain Boots 

Sip & Snack - Adult Milk & Cookies

Have y'all tried Baileys new vanilla cinnamon flavored liquor? Well if you haven't, let me tell you it's the bomb.com. While it's fabulous on it's own with a little ice, I thought I would make a little cocktail with it by adding milk and a drop of Kahlua and holy hell did it make it even more delicious. Pair it with some vanilla almond biscotti for dipping and you are in my version of heaven.  

Ingredients

3 oz 2% milk

2 oz vanilla cinnamon bailey's

1/2 oz kahlua 

Vanilla Almond Biscotti 

enjoy!

Cash or Credit - Target Edition

Target is always a great source of scoring stylish and wallet friendly finds. Whether you are on the search for home decor, paper goods or fashion, they truly have it all. So I thought I would take on the challenge of finding some fabulous cash or credit styles that ooze the look of the higher ticket item without sacrificing the depletion of your bank account. After all isn't it great to to save a few bucks while staying on trend?!


pave link bracelet // pave link bracelet
black & white lace blouse // black & white lace blouse
black studded tote // black studded tote
black & green moto jacket // black & green moto jacket 

What A Handful!

Earlier this month this little blog celebrated its second birthday. Over seven hundred posts later I took a little trip down memory lane at a few of my first posts that are admittedly horrific in their presentation but the ideas behind them I still stand behind. One of my favorites and frequently visited was a fun little post on cocktails & cocktail rings. I thought I would create another little round up but this time around add in some fun nail polish colors to finish off the look of a well coordinated cocktail, manicure and of course a piece of sparkle to adorn your ring finger.



Rose Cocktail Ring // Tom Ford "Toasted Sugar" // Raspberry Rose Fizz // Sam Edelman Red Stone Ring // Nars "Tomorrow Red" // Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // Butter London "Union Jack Black" // Elizabeth & James Metropolis Cocktail Ring // The Black Beard Cocktail

Beaded Beauties

Adding some extra sparkle to your look doesn't always have to come in the form of jewelry. I have always adored a beaded evening bag to dress up jeans and blazers or to give a more formal look a little extra something. While major designers like Marchesa and Jason Wu make extraordinarily beautiful embellished bags you don't have to spend $3K+ to get the look. Just take a looksie at the adorned beauties below that are all under $250!


one // two // three {DNS favorite} // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine 

Oh My Darling

Growing up my Christmas stocking was often filled with subscriptions to my favorite magazines. I could never have too many and till this day one of the things I enjoy most is cozying up with a glossy mag before bed. So the other day when I was waiting on line at Anthropologie I picked up the gorgeous publication Darling Magazine. I was naturally drawn to the beautiful cover that looked more like art versus the typical celebrity in a tight dress on the usual glossies. As I flipped through the pages I noticed this magazine was different in more ways then just the cover shot. The companies mission statement has a truly amazing message about women encouraging other woman {something I feel strongly about as I do with my "let's get local" features} as well as changing the way women think about themselves and the world we live in a positive way. Each and every page oozes style in a new fashion, unique entertaining, beauty from real women and so much more. Take a look at what I am talking about on their blog & visit their shop to order your issue! It makes a great gift for your favorite lady this holiday season!

{available here}

Weekend Wear - Day to Play

I am a girl who loves high heels through and through. If I am out and about during the day but know I have plans at night I usually have a pair of pumps in my purse or in the trunk of my car for an easy swap as my plans go from day to night. However this isn't always easy when living in the city and you have to carry around everything with you all day. That is where those fabulous boots below come into play. I live in mine. They are so comfortable and while they are flat, I always feel a little more dressed up in them then the typical riding boot. I love to pair mine with tights and a skirt for a look that can easily be transformed into a nighttime ensemble with a swap out of an earring and a purse. 

Joe Fresh Sweater // J.Crew Mini // J.Crew Tights // Stuart Weitzman 50/50 Boot // Clare Vivier Croc Printed Clutch // Dannijo Barney Earrings 

Faux - Real

One of my favorite winter trends hands down has to be faux fur. Gone are the days where the synthetic material looked like the a tattered mess. These days you can get the luxe look of fur without the price tag and or the sacrifice of animals. Faux fur translates so well from a dressed up look like the dress coat below or as a liner on the more casual vest also below. Personally, my faux fur vest has been on heavy rotation this season and I am hoping santa brings me some faux fur lined boots to keep my footsies warm during Boston's cold winters.

faux fur lined hooded vest // faux fur collar dress coat // faux fur fringe vest // faux fur hat // faux fur neck warmer // faux fur boots // faux fur jacket // faux fur clutch // faux fur gloves 

A Sparkly Soiree

As Christmas quickly approaches there is one more holiday that needs some attention, New Years Eve! While I always felt too many expectations were put on this evening {and were rarely lived up to} I do enjoy a small soiree with friends celebrating the start of a new year. What I love even more is being able to do all the decorating with one stop shopping, luckily Anthropologie has really amped up their party shop on this year and has some amazing decorations to through one hell of a party!

a gold & grey color scheme is the perfect palette for this celebratory evening

adorably chic invitations to send to your guests along with a resolution kit for those pesty promises we try to keep with ourselves but all too often break 

a party is never complete without a place to take pretty photos & this backdrop will surely add some pizzaz to your evenings mementos 

every photo back drop needs some props & these pinwheels would be a great background for smaller spaces

confetti may be a total PIA to clean up but it sure does look pretty when the clock strikes midnight

decorate your snacks and desserts with these adorable toppers 

makes some noise with these petite party horns

mini pinatas are a great treat for your guests to take home stuffed with sweets for the morning after, while an additional banner is great for designating the bar area

this giant balloon is a steal at $50, I would totally use it as an entrance to let guests know where the party is at!

happy new year banner // mini resolution kit // invitations // fringe backdrop // party props // paper pinwheel decor // tiny celebration confetti // star food toppers // fringe party horns  // sparkle pom food picks // confetti wand // confetti fountain // mini bow pinata // cheers banner // tassel trim balloon 

Sip & Snack - Holiday Edition

 I couldn't be more excited for today as it is one of my favorite days in our little neighborhood. The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll is an evening of Christmas festivities including victorian carolers, the lighting of the towns tree, carriage rides with clydesdales down Charles Street and of course the excitement of Santa's arrival to pass out treats to all the kiddos. If you are in the Boston area, it's a super fun evening with or without having kids. I feel especially lucky this year that my folks will be in town visiting and my sweet hubs rearranged his work schedule to join in the fun. Since my mom has never been to my apartment I thought I would put together a festive cocktail and buy a little pre-made snack for enjoying before we head down to soak up the holiday spirit!

Ingredients

1 cup eggnog {I used Horizon Low Fat}

1 cup vanilla ice cream {I used Haagen-Dazs}

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 

Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon & enjoy!

Sugar & Spice Almonds

Designer Crush - Suzanne Kasler Interiors

My husband and I have set our goals to stay in the city for the long haul but every once in a while I see a home that makes me think the burbs are where its at. When I saw the home below of interior designer Suzanne Kasler it was definitely one of those moments. I am obsessed with homes that have symmetry in it's architecture and her Atlanta dwelling boasts this in a very grand way. I can't decide which I like more the exterior or interior, both are drop dead gorgeous. It really shouldn't come as a surprise that this designers home is as stunning as it is, especially when her work space is as equally easy on the eyes and her line at Ballard Designs has some seriously stylish decor for the home, I am especially loving her Christmas selection for this time of year. I mean does it get better then this tartan & deer gift wrapping set?  Take a look below and indulge in the lovely life of this talented lady. 

This house. I die.

I often think I could do without a formal living room/dining room but then I see these beauties and think something is to be said for having an elegant section of your home for entertaining & special occasions. 

Love this casual home office/den with the mini wall gallery featuring treats from their travels. 

Getting ready everyday would feel like a lot less of a hassle at this super feminine vanity. 

The layers of texture and materials used with the soft colors in this bathroom is perfection. 

Something about two twin beds in a room always knocks my socks off. I adore this look even if it's not for kiddos - maybe it's my whole symmetry obsession. 

I mean do backyards get better then this??? Outdoor living room with fire place & dining area, killer pool and of course a darling entrance to it all from the front yard. Gimme gimme! 

Images By Pieter Estersohn via Architectural Digest