Holiday Gift Guide - For Your Best Friend

As I have gotten older my circle of friends has definitely gotten smaller. I have learned {sometimes the hard way} to surround yourself only with the people who make you happy, bring a positive light into your life and are there for you the same way you are for them. I am a big believer in quality over quantity so I put together a little gift guide for inspiration to let your favorite friend know how much they mean to you!

Throw a grown up slumber party and wear matching pajamas and slippers. Stay up late eating snacks, drinking wine & laughing till your stomachs hurt. 

An extra large coffee cup or this cute mug for those caffeine driven friends. 

A fun key chain/bag charm with their initial and tassel for extra sass. 

This sweatshirt is the new awesome friendship bracelet.

For your wine loving gal, these pretty bottles, glasses, tote & corkscrew are the cutest pairings or perfect on their own. 

Got a bestie who lives far away? How about some pretty pens & personalized paper to keep in touch the old fashioned way.

This little wallet is adorable for your bubbly loving friend. 

Fill this trinket box with a little baubles likes this bracelet or these earrings. 

Got a friend who loves to be in the kitchen? This Mexico cookbook is bright & beautiful. I love it paired with these colorful dipped spoons. 

For the gal who like a pop of color in her accessories, these bright colored clutches are the perfect finishing touch. 

shop all the above looks & more below

Covered Up

It may be snowing AGAIN outside but I can't help dream of summer and the carefree fashions that go along with it. While we were away in St. Barth's I was so inspired by the colorful island style that surrounded me. It had me craving more breezy casual clothing, living in your bathing suit all day and life on the beach. One trend that I was all about was the comfortable beach pant and jumpsuits {wearing this one in that last photo}. It was so easy to throw on pants over my bathing suit and head to the pool or the beach without any effort. So I created four looks featuring just that, one bathing suit {I always prefer a one piece} that is perfectly coordinated with beach pants, jumpsuit and all beachwear accoutrement. So whether your stockpiling for summer like moi or planning a warm weather getaway, now is the time to get your favorite looks before they are gone!



gel lipstick // jumpsuit // one piece {also available in black & white}  // tote // beach pants // sunglasses // flip flops



jumpsuit // one piece // bag // sandals // beach pants // sunglasses



one piece // romper // sandals // beach pants // lace tote // sunglasses



tote // espadrilles // one piece // romper // beach pants // sunglasses // hat 

Vermont Bound

Its weird to write this but we are heading up North to avoid yet another massive snow storm that is expected to hit Boston this weekend. Since when does Boston get more snow then Vermont? Any who...we are heading to the charming village of Woodstock where you literally feel as though you have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. I can't wait to walk around town, indulge in some spa time and just be a lazy daisy with my love. I didn't have much time to shop for the trip thanks to a hellish week but if I could turn back time the below would definitely be on my packing list. I hope you all have a great weekend & Happy Valentines Day!

Holiday Gift Guide - For the Ladies & Stylish Sales - Cyber Monday

Morning friends! I don't know about you but we got a ton of shopping done on Friday with all the amazing sales available. Today's goal is to finish that up with the cyber Monday deals & steals that are too good to miss. The best part is you can do it all from the comfort of your computer. So below I put together a little round up gifts for the ladies as well as everything you need to know about the best sales on the web that are for TODAY only!



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I always turn to Alice & Olivia for their amazing dresses & when there is a 25% off sitewide sale.

Ann Taylor is great for work wear & preppy attire, especially at 50% off with code CYBER50!

Anthropolgie is offering Free Shipping & extra 20% off sale with code EXTRAJOLLY, great time to pick up this skirt. 

ASOS is offering 30% off with code ILOVEMONDAYS. The perfect time to pick up midi skirt that I wore this past weekend & loved. .

After all the calories consumed today, Athleta clothing is a must have to get my butt to the gym with 20% off with code FIT20. 

Banana Republic is offering 40% off sitewide with code CYBER.

Bloomingdales is offering 25% off tons of treats site wide.

My former employer Club Monaco is offering up to 30% off with a tiered discount and an extra 20% off sale with code CYBERSALE.

An all time favorite DVF is giving 15% off site wide with code CYBER15.

Gap has 40% off everything with code CYBER.

Furbish is offering 20% off $75 or more with code HOLLADAY.

J.Crew has 30% off with code MONDAY, a great spot for everyone in your family.

Joie has 25% off stewed with code THANKS.

Kate Spade Saturday is giving 30% off everything with code OHWOW.

Lord & Taylor is giving 25% off with code MONDAY.

Give the gift of glam with 20% off with code THANKFULLY at Loren Hope.

The queen of statement jewelry Lulu Frost is offering 25% off with code LULU25.

Loeffler Randall is offering 15% off already reduced styles with code BLKFRIDAY.

Madewell is giving 25% off with code GIFTON.

Mark & Graham is offering FREE PERSONALIZATION & 20% off with code SAVE20FS.

Net-A-Porter has marked down tons of designer duds with 50% off.

Neiman Marcus is offering up to a $500 gift card with purchase with code GC4YOU.

Love when shops like Piperlime offer a slew of designer brands offer deals like 30% off sitewide with code CYBERSALE. 

Rebecca Taylor is giving 30% off a ton of very stylish sale items with code CYBER30.

Serena & Lily is offering 25% off with code HAPPYMONDAY.

Shopbop is offering up to 25% off with a tiered promotion with code GOBIG14.

Sole Society is giving 30% off select shoes.

Theory is offering 40% off.

Tory Burch is offering up to 30% off with code LUCKY.

Trina Turk is offering 30% off everything.

Victorias Secret is offering $20 off orders of $125 or more & free shipping on orders over $50 with codes 200FF125 & SHIP50FREE.

All my other gift guides can be seen here!

Stylish Sales - Black Friday

Every year at Thanksgiving we stuff our faces with the traditional holiday feast and then we roll out the Christmas movies...you know, the classics like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. While watching we start our holiday shopping online with the black Friday sales. I know I know, there's a little thing called Cyber Monday, but I am just a little too impatient to wait till then. So I created a list in alphabetical order of all the sales going on so you too can take advantage of the amazing deals going on online...which if you ask me is so much better then waking up early, waiting in lines & fighting the crowds. Almost all the retailers offer free shipping and deep discounts all weekend long, so stay in your pajamas, pour another cup of java and get your shopping game on in the comfort of your home...I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday!



sunglasses // pajamas // bracelet // boots // coat // dress // tank // necklace // clutch // skirt

I always turn to Alice & Olivia for their amazing dresses & when there is a 25% off sitewide sale, I know it's a great time to stock up on attire for the holiday season. 

Ann Taylor is great for work wear & preppy attire, especially at 50% off with code THANKS!  I am really loving these velvet pants & have them on my list for santa.

Anthropolgie is offering 25% off with code HOLIDAY25, great time to pick up this skirt. 

ASOS is offering 30% off with code TGIBF. The perfect time to pick up this chic cape.

After all the calories consumed today, Athleta clothing is a must have to get my butt to the gym with 20% off with code FIT20. 

Banana Republic is offering 50% off one full price item and 40% off sitewide with code BRFIFTY.

My former employer Club Monaco is offering 30% off cashmere with code SUPERSOFT.

Cole Haan is a favorite destination for shoes and they are giving 30% off almost everything!

An all time favorite DVF is giving 40% off fall styles.

Gap has 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY - holy smokes of savings.

J.Crew has 30% off with code HOLIDAY, a great spot for everyone in your family.

Joie has 25% off stewed with code THANKS.

Kate Spade Saturday is giving 30% off everything with code DEALME.

Lord & Taylor is giving 20% off with code THANKS.

Give the gift of glam with 20% off with code THANKFULLY at Loren Hope.

The queen of statement jewelry Lulu Frost is offering 25% off with code LULU25.

Loeffler Randall is offering 15% off already reduced styles with code BLKFRIDAY.

Madewell is giving 25% off with code GIFTON.

Love when shops like Piperlime offer a slew of designer brands offer deals like 25% off sitewide with code THANKFUL. 

Rebecca Taylor is giving 30% off a ton of very stylish sale items with code BF30.

Shopbop is offering up to 25% off with a tiered promotion with code GOBIG14.

Sole Society is giving 30% off select shoes.

Theory is offering 40% off.

Tory Burch is offering up to 30% off with code LUCKY.

Trina Turk is offering 30% off everything.

Victorias Secret is offering $20 off orders of $125 or more & free shipping on orders over $50 with codes 200FF125 & SHIP50FREE.

British brand Whistles is offering 30% off everything.

Happy Shopping!

Pajama Party

Morning friends! I don't know about you but come the cooler weather, I look forward to lazy weekends in where you stay in pajamas all day, order in food and watch movies...ahhh, bliss. Life is so busy these days that it's nice to make plans to do absolutely nothing and what is better then doing nada in a brand new pair of pajamas. I personally love asking santa for these come the holidays but I may just have to treat myself to one of the lovely little sets below. The first grey look is already in my sleepwear rotation and is a total steal with the sale going on right now!


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Currently Coveting

I have been trying to be pretty disciplined when it comes to shopping lately.  With the holiday's around the corner I have been on the hunt for all my holiday gift guides {coming later this month} and treats for my loved ones. That however doesn't mean I haven't eyed some lovely little items that I am currently coveting to add to my wardrobe. Everything from the most chic & affordable cape to comfy pajamas for lazy weekends with my main squeeze. A little round up of my favorites around the fashionable web is below.



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Now & Later - Maxi Skirt

I have been buying a lot of color lately. Something that is very odd for this girl who is usually dressed in head to toe black. My most recent purchase is this flamingo pink maxi skirt that I am completely obsessed with. Since I purchased for our vacation I knew immediately how I wanted to style it but since it was a bit of a splurge for me I also have been daydreaming on how to wear it now while the temps are still a bit cool. Below are my two outfit inspirations for wearing the skirt now and come Spring {if it ever comes}. How do you wear bright colors in the off season???



now - moto jacket // tank // hoops // sequin clutch // cutout booties
later - cami // necklace // floral clutch // lipgloss // sandals // sunglasses

Working It Out - Part Two

Last summer I did a little post on workout wear and some music to listen to while getting your sweat on. Since I have been continuing my regimen for getting in shape I thought I would revisit the two and combine into a single post. After all don't we all need a little motivation to get to the gym??? My gyms version of Zumba by far has to be my favorite workout, but over the weekend while my sister was visiting, we tried the new Chestnut Hill Soul Cycle and I loved every painful second. I could easily see myself getting addicted to the class as the quick 45 min sweat session combined with the inspiration from the instructor definitely pushed me to really work hard during the class. So since warmer weather is hopefully around the corner, I am feeling more motivated then ever to keep up the weekly workouts and put together a little round up of stylish gear as well as some new favorite tunes to get your booty moving!



tank // pants {DNS favorite} // headphones // gym gear bag // gym bag // yoga mat // sneakers // socks // hair ties // water bottle // sports bra // tech accessory

"Move" by Little Mix
"Dark Horse" by Katie Perry
"Do What U Want" by Lady Gaga
"You Better Work Bitch" by Britney Spears
"Pompeii" by Bastille
"Burn" by Ellie Goulding
"Feels So Close" by Calvin Harris
"Power" by Kanye West
"Enjoy The Ride" by Krewella
"When Love Takes Over" by David Guetta

Love Is In The Air

Well hello February, it's nice to see you! Is it me or is January unbearable longgggggg??? While I am so ready for Spring, it's hard to skip over all the holidays that come before then, including Valentines Day. Now I know this holiday is a total "Hallmark" holiday and that a lot of peeps out there hate the day regardless whether they have a sweetie to share it with or not. I am pretty indifferent to the all the romantic planning behind the special occasion but any day that I get my husband away from his work I am all for. This year we will be celebrating the day with some friends keeping it low key with drinks, bowling and pizza. Does it get better then that? So for those of you out there who want to give a little something to your love, your bestie or someone in your family that means the world to you, below are a few Valentine themed gift ideas for you to help spread the love!



Sur La Table Heart Pedestal Platter {perfect for putting your favorite treats on} // Juniper Books Love Poems // Michael Kors Pave Heart Necklace // Kate Spade "Pucker Up" Lipstick // Ban.Do Hearts // Stella & Dot Heart Scarf // ModCloth Flats // DVF iPhone Case // Paper Source Matches // Sugarfina "Sweetheart" Bento Box // XO Cuff Bracelet // Darling Heart Terra Cotta Dish // Victorias Secret Makeup Mirror // Mayfair Kisses Umbrella // Mini Roses // Modern Bite Valentines Day Cookies // Anthropologie Embroidered Heart Pillow // DVF Trio of Hearts Pouches // XO Heart Paperweight // DVF Quilted Heart Pouches 

Weekend Wear - Baby It's Cold Outside

As Boston welcomed a significant snow fall and single digit temps this week all I can think about is cozy clothes to stay bundled up and warm in. I am particularly drawing inspiration from our preppy neighborhood where everyone is dressed in classic clothes in traditional colors like navy, red and tan.



coat // boots // sweater // denim // hat // clutch // scarf

Let's Be Fair

Like plaid, fair isle prints seem to be strictly designated as winter patterns. This knitted technique used always remind me of sweaters that my nannie used to make for us as kids, usually with leaping reindeers and snowflakes. However these days the colorful print has gotten a much more chic makeover. J.Crew offered a serious amount of fair isle sweaters this holiday season making me crave a little throwback style to be added to my closet for the long winter ahead. I am personally coveting this particular scarf with a little added sparkle & fur and this cardigan for cozy nights in with my love. Just in case santa is reading and needs some gift ideas :)

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Weekend Wear - Mixing Prints & Textures

Earlier this week I purchased the tweed blazer below at my local J.Crew fall fashion event. I have been dreaming of wearing just as it is laid out below and hope that this weekend brings some cooler weather so I can enjoy being cozy and comfortable strolling around town with my main squeeze. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

J.Crew Tweed Blazer // Barney's New York East West Tote // Marais USA T-Strap Flat // A.LC. Breton Striped T-Shirt {seen here & here} // Nocturne Damino Necklace // Victorias Secret Denim // Nars Lip Pencil in Cruella

Beauty Round Up

Morning friends, hope you all had a great weekend! I am sharing a few of my favorite beauty products below. I know I can't live without mascara or lip gloss, I never leave the house without them but I have to say I generally need a lot more then those two products to get me through the day without looking like an old lady. Check out my must haves and do tell me your favorites, I love trying new products!

Lips - I am a full fledged lip gloss addict. I can't get enough of the stuff. I must put it on at lease one thousand times a day and new shades of gloss & lipsticks are my all time favorite to shop for. While my everyday color is a velvety nude shade {aka the color "sex machine"} from Nars topped with a MAC creamy gloss in "Right Image". I love the Trish McEvoy Sweet Berry pencil for going out at night, as seen on my fb cover photo, my nighttime lip care is always with L'Occitane's moisturizing lip balm.

Eyes - I am not huge on wearing a lot of eye make up everyday. I however cannot walk out of the house without my favorite black mascara. I usually save the eyeliner in a dark purple shade and a neutral eyeshadow palette for evenings out or special occasions. 

Skin - Aging is a bitch, these "unwrinkle" pads help me feel better about those pesky lines. I use them every night before bed and moisturize with this afterwards {not shown}. Neutrogena's make up remover pads are seriously the tops. I can't live without them, they remove my make up and give my skin a dewy glow. Before I start any of my make up a good concealer and tinted moisturizer act as my base. For my everyday bronzer, I fell in love with Victoria's Secret baked bronzer, I go with the lightest shade and love the little bit of shimmery gold it has in it. My blush hasn't changed in years, "dame" from MAC is mine forever. 

Tools - The beauty blender is seriously my favorite tool. I use it to blend the tinted moisturizer and avoid any creases or lines along the jaw line. Everyone needs one of these little nuggets. While the blender takes care of the wet make up applications, bronzers and blushes are applied with this little set. I store all my favorite products in a cute pouch for easy packing and throwing in my everyday handbag.

Splurge Vs. Steal

Let's face it, trends change everyday and while we may love it right now, will we adore it as much down for years to come to justify the splurge??? Well now you don't have to decide, with these dead ringers for the more expensive version you can get the look of the high end designs for much less. Can you tell the difference between the steal or the splurge??? If you can't, go ahead and treat yourself by picking up some new Spring fashions without the guilt or the depletion of your checking account!

Celine Trapeze bag $2,800       or         Z Spoke by Zac Posen $495

splurge                                                steal

Tibi Leather Shell               or          Tinley Road Vegan Shell $59

                                                                                      {avail in two colors}

splurge                                                steal       

Haute Hippie Draped Blouse $275       or         ASOS Draped Blouse $50

                                                                                           {avail in multiple colors}

splurge                                                steal

Winter Kate Jacket $595            or          Mango Draped Suede Jacket $189

splurge                                                steal

         

        Tibi Lace Sweatshirt $425               or         Forever 21 Lace Sweatshirt $18

splurge                                              steal

      Halston Heritage Pleated Gown $495            or         Victoria's Secret Knife Pleat Maxi Dress

                                                                                                         {avail in multiple colors & lengths}

splurge                                                steal

Packing for Paris

My best friend called me the other night asking what I was bringing to Paris and while I have obviously been thinking about this non-stop since I was given the amazing birthday surprise,  I thought I would try to organize my outfit ideas and get it all down on a style board in hopes that I will not bring my entire closet with me like I did the honeymoon. Since we are in the city of lights for a long weekend I am really trying to keep all my outfits simple and pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. I want to be able to swap the walking boots for heels and still feel chic enough for dinner or put on a statement necklace to turn a day outfit into evening.  As per usual I went with my beloved all black color palette,  I always feel good in black and I just think its very European to wear it head to toe in the winter.  I even threw in one of the retro bathing suits I just purchased from the old school is new school blog post because I saw that our hotel has a kick ass indoor pool that I plan on utilizing, preferably with bubbly on deck :). It wasn't easy finding some of the pieces I had in mind with all the Spring items out in the stores but thanks to my mom for the fur vest and John for the new dress I almost had everything else I needed in the closet - I will admit I am still saving up for the Haute Hippie blouse - seriously obsessed with it! What would you pack???

~Go Shopping~

Joie full skirt dress
£365 - harveynichols.com

J Crew knit top
$73 - jcrew.com

Victoria s Secret oversized top
$80 - victoriassecret.com

Haute Hippie shirts blouse
$285 - net-a-porter.com

Zara organic cotton tee
$17 - zara.com

Sanctuary long vest
$79 - piperlime.gap.com

H M collarless jacket
£25 - hm.com

Zara coat
$60 - zara.com

Carmen Marc Valvo one piece bikini
$151 - bergdorfgoodman.com

VELVET Mailla Slinky Rayon V Neck in Black at Revolve Clothing - Free...
$60 - revolveclothing.com

Old Navy embroidered jeans
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Low heels
$70 - ralphlauren.com

Giuseppe Zanotti t strap sandals
$389 - shopsavannahs.com

Prada tote hand bag
$1,750 - prada.com

J Crew bubble jewelry
$150 - jcrew.com

J Crew vintage style necklace
$125 - jcrew.com

J Crew mirror necklace
$125 - jcrew.com