Holiday Gift Guide - Under $25

Let's face it, giving gifts to everyone you know can get super pricey. So I created a little gift guide featuring gifts all under $25. Some go with one another to create a perfect pair and some are just fabulous on their own. Spending less on a gift doesn't mean sacrificing style. Check out the little wallet friendly round up below for small gifts that will definitely put a smile on anyones face.


one // two {free monogramming} // three // four // five & six // seven // eight & nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen // eighteen 

Holiday Gift Guide - For the Host/Hostess

Morning friends...I have been busy pinning away tons of fun gift ideas over here but wanted to start off the holiday season with my annual gift guide series. This time of year is for hosting parties and dinners with your nearest and dearest. So even though Thanksgiving isn't even upon us yet, saving the dates for the slew of holiday festivities is, which means you need to get your gifting game on. Whether the soiree thrower is a guy or a gal, any of the gifts below would be sure to make the recipient feel super appreciated!

one - I love games, especially ones that keep my family or guests around the dinner table longer. So I adore this idea of bringing elegant little glass vials that read a fortune to each guest.

two - I'll toast to any drink made in this glam shaker.

three - Who wouldn't fancy another on this playful tray?

four - Crack open another brewsky with this adorable pretzel bottle opener.

five - This is my kinda plant, succulent sculptures that are painted and gilded in the cutest geometric planters.

six - Pop, fizz & clink cocktail napkins are a welcomed place to put your drink on.

seven - Tis the season for all things peppermint and this cookie collection is no exception. Instead of bringing a typical store bought dessert, bring along some pretty and tasty cookies that boast the taste of the holidays.

eight - Who knew salt & pepper shakers could be so chic? Love these danish designed grinders available in a bunch of well coordinated colors.

nine - A bottle of vino rarely isn't finished in our home, but if we had leftovers, I would love to top them off with these gold geo bottle stoppers.

ten - I nearly died when I read this little pebble dish was replicated from a stone picked on my beloved Shelter Island {love when our little community is getting noticed}. I love that it can be used for food or trinkets & I adore the ability to mix the metal finishes together.

eleven - Is there anything better then olive oil and bread, I think not. Especially served in this cute little serving set and coordinating dishes.

twelve - I am seriously smitten with these festive bubbly bottles. I may need to order a case & gift to every house party I attend.

thirteen - J.Crew has added some very cool home items and this star cutting board is definitely one of them.

fourteen - Sometimes you just need your drink to go and it doesn't get cuter then this "break the ice" Kate Spade tumbler.

fifteen - Give your guests a stylish holiday guest towel set  for display in their home.

sixteen - Who doesn't love a candle burning during the holiday season? Gift them with some chic matches and you have yourself a stellar gift. 

Shopbop Friends & Family

I recently read an article that January is the best month to go shopping due to the deep discounts post the holiday craze as well as generally lower prices to lure in shoppers due to it being a slows sales month. I however find October to be the best month of deals and steals. Not only was this past weekend chock full of sales, but now Shopbop has launched their Friends & Family sale offering 25% off almost everything... I am having a major moment with black, red & white and created a little round up of some fashionable items at all different price points from the sale. Just enter code FAMILY25 at checkout for your stellar savings. Perfect time to start your holiday shopping!

coat // iPhone cover // earrings // clutch // top // tray // sunnies // necklace // pumps // denim

***more sales that are worth a mention***

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family is taking place right now with 25% off, use code FRNFAM.

Today is the last day of Friends & Family at Serena & Lily offering 20% off with code LIFEFAMILY.

Starting Thursday October 16th, Jonathan Adler will be offering their Friends & Family with code FF2014.

J.Crew is offering 30% off outerwear & sweaters. 

Banana Republic extended their 40% off till the end of today!

Under The Tuscan Sun

A friend of mine asked me to help pull together a little inspiration for an Italian themed party.  I was excited to help as I love a little celebration for any occasion but also was fortunate enough to have recently attended a beautiful bridal shower for my lovely friend Amelia that was Tuscan themed as well as help put together an Italian themed birthday party for another friend where these favors were a big hit. Below is a little round up of some of the ideas we were working with to create a memorable event. 

invite // flowers // cake stand // table numbers // straws // balloons // twine // bottles // tags // napkins

Sign Of The Times

While popping in a few of the local boutiques on Nantucket I cam across the lovely mother of pearl zodiac necklaces below. I was quickly smitten with them even though I am not one to truly follow the  signs of the stars or their meanings etc. I simply loved their style and the layering option of adding a loved ones sign on top of yours. It's sort of the spiritual sister to the initial necklace trend that I also love. I put together a little round up of some other zodiac items ranging from beauty items to home decor.


zodiac cards // mother of the pearl necklaces // needlepoint pillow // compact mirror // smoking slipper // bottle stopper // clutch // scarf // nameplate necklace // cuff

Off to ACK

After we celebrate my friends amazing wedding this weekend we are off to Nantucket for a few weeks. I absolutely cannot wait to be out of the city and living a bit of an island life with my main squeeze. Packing always feels like a daunting task as I wish I could just bring my entire closet instead of planning outfits for the trip. But when it comes to summer getaways I find it easier to just pick a color palette like navy & white and go from there. Since Nantucket is the land of the preppy, I will be pretty much living in my favorite casual basics. While away I am not sure how the internet service will be at our little bungalow rental so my posts may not be everyday but I will be sharing some island enchantments on instagram so come say hi!

j.crew rope navy & gold bracelet // j.crew belt // banana republic fedora // tibi ruffle cami // rag & bone white denim //  tory burch coverup dress //  yosi samara flip flops // j.crew embroidered gauze shorts // clare vivier clutch // gap raw hem little white dress // striped phone case // c.wonder shirt dress // j.crew factory sea horse skirt // sara happ lip gloss // ray ban aviators // vince camuto sandals // j.crew ruches one piece

Cuffed

The other night while dining at a little local tapas restaurant {which was beautifully decorated by my friend Kate's interior design firm}, my friend Amelia was rocking the prettiest cuff with an all black ensemble. It was so simple and so effortlessly chic. The added little sparkle she put on her wrist instantly had me rethinking of my boycott on the cuff bracelet. I have always felt like this style was a little too punk or claustrophobic on me but nowadays this bracelet has had a serious feminine makeover and I am loving them all adorned with crystals and studs. So while the statement necklace is my first love, I am thinking of cheating on it with a bold bracelet like the ones below.



one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

Holiday Gift Guide - Stocking Stuffers

Growing up our holiday tradition was to always open gifts from Santa on Christmas Eve and then the  stockings on Christmas morning. This worked well for my family as we loved to sleep in and the whole waking up at the crack of dawn wasn't really our jam. So I thought I would do a little round up of stocking stuffer gift ideas all under $25!

one - A striped brush set is a great gift for the gal who likes her brushes on display. 

two & three - A sleek journal and pencil set to jot down all your brilliant ideas.

four - A pretty tray is perfect for placing your keys & or jewelry at the end of a long day. 

five - Prevent tangles of your favorite necklaces with this gilded compartment jewelry box.

six - Adorn your locks with some sparkly & personalized bobby pins. 

seven - An initial key chain is an easy breezy personalized gift. 

eight - A sparkly bauble is never a fail for your gal. 

nine - A stylish flask with a cheeky remark is a fun gift for your favorite over 21 guy. 

ten - A make your own guitar pick for the musician in your life. 

eleven - Mittens aren't for just toddlers, I love the chic faux fur pom pom on these babies. 

twelve - Softer then cashmere scarf available in a slew of on trend patterns. 

thirteen - Even guy's need tech accessories. This camo print case is a great masculine print. 

fourteen - Stud details are a major trend this year, I personally love them on an iPhone cover. 

fifteen - Fun write on Polaroid style frames for your favorite photos. 

sixteen - Pinch Provisions emergency kit is a perfect gift for the accident prone {like moi}. 

seventeen - A simple clutch that will go with everything is a steal for $20!

eighteen - Stay warm & stylish in this chic faux fur snood!

Happy Gift Giving!

***all gift guides can be found here***

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Pets

Growing up with three dogs and three kids meant that something was always happening in our house. I honestly loved it. I have the best memories of having a house full of pets that were truly members of our family, so why not spoil them on Christmas like you would any other relative. I know in our house these wet noses will be getting lots of treats from santa despite them not always being so good.

one & two - durable chew toys that wont be shredded to smithereens in adorable shapes of fire hydrants and nautical anchors.

three & four - fill up a stylish canister with your pups favorite treats, just make sure they are made in the USA!

five - I am not a huge cat fancier but I imagine that they would like a little private sleeping nook to be left alone in.

six - Claws can ruin your beautiful furniture so why not give them a scratching pad of their own to run their paws over.

seven - Pretty sure the only time dogs hate their owner is when we dress them up but how can you resist an adorable santa scarf & hat for a photo opp this holiday season.

eight - Quite possibly the most hilarious dog chew toy I have ever laid on, most definitely will provide endless entertainment and laughs.

nine - The creme de la creme of pet sleep bedding is not only comfy for your K9 but also super pretty to look at with lots of patterns available to match your homes decor.

ten - A pretty yet simple basket to store all your pets toys.

eleven - endless kitty entertainment with this snarky lazer.

twelve - a purrrrfect tote filled with mice for your kitty.

thirteen - A chic water dish for the posh pup.

***All my gift guides from last year & this year {plus some other gift giving ideas} can be found all in one place here***

Happy Gift Giving!

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Host/Hostess

Welcome friends, we are here on day one of the holiday gift guides. I thought I would start with some fabulous finds for the folks who love to throw a little holiday soiree. Whether you are gifting someone who loves to entertain in style or want to bring a little something to a holiday party for the person who is hosting all the little lovelies below are some suggestions to inspire you for the start of the many festivities that take place this time of year. 

one - something sparkly is nearly a necessity around the holidays so these beaded coasters are perfect for placing your cocktail on or adorning your bar cart.

two - I don't know a single person who doesn't love receiving some tasty bubbly any time of year. It's perfectly packaged in this adorable Kate Spade Champagne Tote.

three - Pretty patterned plates are perfect for the people who love to entertaining. What snack wouldn't look amazing on those little stunners.

four - Sometimes a good old fashioned desk calendar is just the best for checking dates and planning parties during the busy holiday season.

five - A party isn't a party without some delicious cheese and crackers to snack on. Why not get into the spirit of the season with this fun snowflake shaped cutting board.

six - My complete admiration for stripes continues to grow. This Kate Spade Candle is not only chic with it's glossy design but I love the cheeky phrase on it.

seven - Holiday decor can get a bit carried away with tons of embellishments. I personally love the idea of keeping it simple with a pretty faux boxwood wreath maybe add some pretty velvet ribbon for hanging it with style.

eight - how sweet is this bottle set for the hosting duo to enjoy after the party is over.

nine - Calling all candyaholics like yours truly! This cocktail & cordial themed bento box is perfect for your satisfying your sugar fix.

ten - White wine is its tastiest when served at a nice chilled temperature. These little drops help cool your glass to a perfect temperature in ninety seconds. Yes please!

eleven - Lacquer trays are so versatile for displaying drinks and snacks or even just having on hand as holiday decor. Add on the monogram for an extra personal touch.

Happy Gift Giving!

Gold Rush

I have long been a fan of metallic accents in the home but as of late I am more and more attracted to everything gold. Whether it's an item for entertaining or everyday decor to pretty up a shelf or coffee table there are so many fabulous gold items available for decorating your space.  A few of my favorite gilded items are listed below. The best part, they are all under $100!

Urban Outfitters Lamp // Furbish Studio Turtle Shell Paperweight // Zara Home Baskets // Jayson Home Throw // C.Wonder Piggy Bank // Jonathan Adler Muse Candle // H&M Linen Pillow // Crate & Barrel Runner // C.Wonder Foiled Napkin // Furbish Studio Gold Silverware // West Elm Dinnerware // Etsy Flamingo Print // Zara Home Gold Tray // BCBG Spiked Apple Jewelry Holder

put a ring on it

I have been coveting a new right hand ring for some time right now but not sure exactly what I am wanting to adorn it with just yet. This beauty from one of my favorite local stores in Beacon Hill called Good has been lingering in my mind and might have to become part of my family asap. Cocktail rings are definitely a favorite of mine next to the beloved statement necklace and in my opinion the bigger the better but I know the dainty ring trend is huge right now so I threw a few of my favorites in the mix to give a variety of fabulous styles at all different price points. Which is your favorite???

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten

Thirsty Thursday - Rock Lobster

If you were a fan of the show Friends like me then you likely remember "she's your lobster" episode. When I saw this last week on our Nantucket vacation, I was inspired to have a lobster cookout, something that certainly isn't easily executed in the city. A traditional boiled lobster is definitely one of those meals I have always enjoyed eating at home allowing myself to get as messy as I wish. However this little luxury of a meal can also be very stylish when entertaining. Just check out all the chic lobster goodies you can put together to host a fabulous lobster bake in your home. So in light of my usual cocktail concoctions I usually share, I thought I would keep it simple with a simple glass of chilled champagne for an inspired lobster dinner.

Whether you are on the water or not this nautical champagne is the perfect accompaniment to a seaside dining experience and a little lobster cocktail adornment never hurt anybody. A fun "how to eat a lobster" print adds some fun decor. A lobster pot is a necessity for cooking numerous lobsters at a time, while a roll of kraft paper is easy clean up for the messy meal. Bowls for the discarded shells and butter are a must as well is a tray for serving the lobsters. Seafood tools like a cracker for the shell, a long fork to help get out the hard to reach bits and a bib help make the meal more fun and of course you will need lots of lemon to clean off the smell of the sea and chic napkins for drying your hands.

Check out more nautical inspired dining like the images below here.

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Gals

Whether your lady is your mom, sister, wife or friend, I am pretty confident any or all of the below would be a big hit for the special female in your life...Happy Gift Giving!!!

A staple in any wardrobe is a blue and white striped t shirt. I love this amped up version with the quirky heart on it!

Travel in style with these trio of beautiful monogrammed canvas bags. Simply perfect for the weekend getaway!

Pamper that special someone with sweet smelling holiday flavors of glosses & washes by Philosophy. 

Equestrian inspired looks are always classic and on trend. This gold & pave horse bit bracelet is no exception! It's a timeless bauble to adorn your wrists with {DNS style steal at $58}. It will also look fabulous layered with that yellow gold chronograph watch!

It's likely your lady works hard to keep the kids happy, the house in order and or works full time. Spoil her with this cheeky pouch & fill it with a gift card to her favorite store to allow her a day of spoiling!

The perfect sunnies to shade her eyes and keep her looking good, these aviators are the original and are universally adored, go with everything and look good on everyone!

Bike riding can be a form of transport or it can be something to enjoy leisurely and of course why not do it on a fab looking ride??? I adore this cruiser for its classic style and the vibrant colors it comes in and oh the most wonderful part is the price $250!

Obviously something tigress animal print had to make it's appearance on the gift guide. This foldover clutch is holds a ton without looking bulky and in a color palette that will coordinate beautifully with any patters, print and color. 

I think it goes without saying that some glossy red soles would bring a smile to any woman's face. Regardless if you go with this classic black pump or a chic patent flat. These will forever be a luxury in any lady's closet. 

Mugs are one of those things that is a tad odd to give alone. I personally love to gift them filled with something and use it as the vessel to hold another gift. This metallic initial mug allows you to personalize the gift and fill with everything from their favorite treats!

Anything glitter is ok in my book. This sparkly bow belt can instantly glam up dresses and denim or any other ensemble you dream up for this holiday season and beyond! {more colors available}

Perfume is always the go to gift for everyone to gift to the next. Go the extra step and make this perfume purchase a lot more lux with this Hermes Perfume Padlock. I love that you can pick any Hermes scent to go into it & is available in gold & silver. After all what lady wouldn't love a little orange box to open!

Gift sets are so fun for anyone who likes to try lots of different things but doesn't usually splurge on themselves. These holiday nail polishes with the perfectly on trend seasonal colors will keep your ladies hands and toes looking good all through the winter. A perfect stocking stuffer!

Is your lady a book worm and loves to reads the classics over and over??? These old school favorites are now available in these bright hard covers that will be enjoyable for reading or looking at!
Tales from 1,001 Nights // Wuthering Heights // Sense & Sensibility // Jane Eyre // Pride & Prejudice