holiday gift guide 2018: athleisure!

Athleisure is one of my FAVORITE trends right now... I mean, did I just roll out of bed, did I just work out... either way I am somehow still look cute and stylish.  Athleisure is the gift that keeps on giving. :) These are really great gifts to give this season because one, they are just so dang trendy and fun and two, because every gal will LOVE such practical gifts that still manage to be cute!

If you have ladies that are tough to buy for or fitness fanatics or even busy moms... these gifts will be JUST what they want this year. MANY of these pieces are my personal favorites.  I own and LOVE these super affordable black leggings (they run true to size!) and these space dyed grey leggings are seriously SO soft and comfortable to work out in - I reach for them constantly. I'm obsessed with my own BKR water bottle and will definitely be gifting these this year and my tween daughter LOVES her gold SWELL water bottle for sports and for keeping in her backpack.  I love a good bath soak after a hard workout - these coconut bath salts would be great - and of course every gal needs a cute bag to carry all her gear... this camo tote or this black quilted tote are both super fun!  I always need an extra layer to get me to and from workouts and this lace up crop top sweatshirt, pink turtleneck sweatshirt or cream funnel neck pullover are gorgeous options. Graphic tees and tanks are ALL the rage for fitness these days for the YOGA enthusiast this YOGA tank is the cutest, this shine light tank is perfect for tweens, teens or college gals and the I AM FUN tee just makes me laugh.  For stocking stuffers a pair of wireless earbuds is always a good idea, a rainbow pom pom beanie (under $20!) is inexpensive and oh so cute and this namaste in bed mug is perfect for those days where you just aren't feeling it.  Two more I just HAVE to mention are these Adidas NMD sneakers that my kids are nuts for (if you want to know what's hip these days, wink-wink!) and this glossy puffer coat (under $40!) is SO hip and fun.  There is truly something here for everyone!

rainbow pom pom beanie (under $20!), gold water bottle, wireless earbuds, YOGA tank, glossy puffer coat (under $40!), camo tote (shop more ANDI totes), pink turtleneck sweatshirt, space dyed grey leggings (shop more Beyond Yoga), lace up crop top sweatshirt, coconut bath salts, Adidas NMD sneakers, invisibobble hair ties, grey jogger legging (under $40!), shine light tank (shop more Spiritual Gangster), black leggings (under $60 or a shorter length), namaste in bed mug, I AM FUN tee (shop more ban.do), cream funnel neck pullover, pink BKR bottle

my everyday style: the trick to the easiest party outfit this holiday season!

This post is sponsored by Macy's and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Holiday party season is in FULL effect... leaving me, and likely you, constantly asking what I am going to wear to that holiday party!? Do I go casual, do I dress it up a bit, do I go all out? It's only the holiday season once a year... I want to make sure I do it RIGHT!  I've found that the trick to finding a holiday outfit easy and quick is to have a few key pieces on hand to make any look special.  A little bit of bling, faux fur or velvet goes a long way and can instantly dress up the items you already own in your closet.

Right now Macy's has their epic Friends and Family Event where you can stock up on all your holiday party pieces at 30% off with code: FRIEND until December 10. Whether you are looking for a party dress, those perfect party-ready heels or a faux fur coat to wrap up the entire look - they have you covered.  I've got a few holiday parties on the horizon in the coming weeks and I always love to look festive but remain comfortable.  With that in mind I love pairing a simple striped tee with velvet leggings and then make the look extra festive with some faux fur and fancy heels.  I absolutely can't wait to step out in this super fabulous holiday look this party season! Macy's is your one stop shop for holiday party looks, gifting and home decor for the holidays.

Outfit Details:

Faux Fur Coat (similar or similar)

Striped Top (similar or similar)

Velvet Leggings 

Bow Heels (excluded from the promo, but similar or similar that are ON SALE)

holiday gifting for the whole family with vineyard vines!

This post is sponsored by vineyard vines and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!

I am SO CLOSE to finishing my holiday shopping I can almost taste it - the finish line is in sight friends. How is your holiday shopping going? It's crazy that we are already one full week into December. I still need to snag a few key gifts and some of those include gifts for my kids - those teens and tweens can be SO difficult shop for this time of year.

There is one store, hands down, that my kids go nuts for year round and that store is vineyard vines! It's not easy to please teens and tweens but every time we stop in a vineyard vines both of my kids love their easy to wear and comfortable pieces - and as a mom I love a clothing line that can stand up to multiple wears and multiple washes and still looks great. The quality at Vineyard Vines just can't be beat.

Lucky us, the vineyard vines HUGE 25% Off Everything Event + 50% off sale items kicks off today! (Make sure to use code: GIFTS18 to get the discount) Lucky us! With 25% off store-wide you are SURE to find that perfect something for everyone on your list. I know my daughter would love this whale ornament or girls pink fleece jacket, what little lady wouldn't?  My son loves their sherpa vests and any and all of their t-shirts.  This women's flannel plaid sleep shirt or plaid cosmetic case set would make great gifts for babysitters, teachers or any teenage gals. And for the dads, college guys or brothers in your list this men's half zip sweatshirt is so warm and soft - any guy would love it.  The sale runs online and in stores until December 10 - so shop quick for the best selection! If you still need a few ideas... be sure to check out their Gift Guide full of tons of gifts at all price points.  Here are my top picks for gifts this season with vineyard vines!

 

boy's grey half sweater fleece, whale coozie - only $5 and so fun!, whale ornament, girl's icon pajamas, boy's sherpa vest, plaid cosmetic case set, women's flannel plaid sleep shirt, girl's pink fleece jacket, men's green half zip sweatshirt - lots of colors available!, women's striped mock neck pullover, men's classic plaid shirt, girl's long sleeve logo tee in red

also, check out this cool limited edition demerbox - wouldn't this be fun for the beach loving guy or gal on your list this year!?!?

my everyday style: cookies and pjs!

There are two things that I can NOT get enough of during the holidays: Christmas pjs and COOKIES.  You guys... I'm not even a cookie person 11 months out of the year... but the holiday season rolls around and I am straight up Cookie Monster. Haha! Anyone else? Give me a sugar cookie, a gingerbread cookie, thumbprints, chocolate crinkle cookies, those ones with all the powdered sugar on them - heck, even a regular old chocolate chip cookie, and I'm happy. Tell me... what is your favorite holiday cookie? I would love it if you shared a recipe in the comments below... seriously, please do!  Our holiday tradition is to have a few cookies and treats while decorating the Christmas tree - you know, just the standard elf fare.  And note... while I LOVE homemade cookies and love the process of making them too, these cookies I special ordered from a local shop. No judgement here if your holiday cookies are store bought. Cookies are cookies, friends.

And pajamas are basically a staple around here no matter the time of day (wink, wink) this time of year. I will make my pjs into full on outfits on the weekend - seriously, no shame! On any given day you can find me in a cozy pants and oversized cardigan hanging around the house.  This pair of thermal pajama pants have been a favorite of mine for a long time... every year they come out with new patterns and they are so affordable that each year I snag a new pair! I find they run a little big, so if you are between sizes I would recommend sizing down. But seriously - go snag a pair! Sizes and patterns will sell out!

Outfit Details:

Cardigan

Thermal Pants

Top

Home Decor Details:

Stockings are available HERE

Similar Santa Mugs can be found HERE

Similar Plaid Tray

Similar Fa La La Pillow

Similar Flocked Christmas Tree

Sideboard is IKEA

Chairs are Home Goods (these or these are similar)

Cookies are by GR Cookies and Cupcakes by Design (I just messaged them a inspiration photo and they made them just how I wanted!)

J.Crew Holiday Sale EXTENDED!

J.Crew has extended their INSANE Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale for us for ONE more day due to all the technical difficulties they had over the weekend.  And it's one of the BEST sales I've seen from them in a long time.  50% off the entire site and 60% off sale (with a few exceptions)... their entire line is SO cute for winter and the holidays right now.  Like seriously GIVE ME ONE OF EVERYTHING.

I've got my eye on ALL the fair isle sweaters... I've loving this beige/lilac fair isle sweater or this bold black/white fair isle sweater.  If you are looking for some new outerwear this season you will NOT regret stocking up at these prices!  I love this pink parka which is available in lot of colors and this half zip fleece is perfect for layering in cold temps or if you want something dressier this lilac wrap coat is BEAUTIFUL. If you are looking for easy and affordable gifts a scarf, earrings, or a pom pom ha are always a good option and these are so cute, any recipient would love them! And this is the BEST time to buy pajamas... I'm in love with these plaid pajamas or this JOY pajama set.

top row: JOY pajama set, beige/lilac fair isle sweater, red cable knit sweater (lots of colors!), nordic boots, pink parka (more colors available)

second row: pom pom hat, plaid pajamas, lilac scarf, half zip fleece, sherpa toggle coat

middle row: plaid scarf, bow earrings

fourth row: velvet dress, color block sweater, vintage straight jeans, plaid top, gold sequin top (you have to see the back!)

bottom row: plaid mini skirt, cream popcorn knit sweater, plaid flats, lilac wrap coat,  black/white fair isle sweater

my everyday style: it's "go" time for the holidays!

How is your Black Friday/Cyber Week shopping going ladies!?!? Don't forget to check out all of my gift guides HERE and my HUGE Black Friday/Cyber Monday round up here. Also if you are shopping for yourself along side your loved ones (no need to feel bad! I do it too!) I have some fun try ons for J.Crew, Old Navy, LOFT and tons of cozy sweaters here as well.

I am in major gift giving mode right now... I have quite a bit of my holiday shopping complete and I will definitely be finishing up the little bits of it that I have left this weekend while the sales are hopping. I absolutely LOVE Christmas shopping. It's so fun to make a list and think of what will delight my loved ones when they open the gift! Sometimes the holidays gets a bad rap for being so consumeristic, but I just LOVE the opportunity to show a little extra loving to my friends and family. Everyone loves to open a special gift? You know?

As the "head elf" in my family I try to depend on festive yet practical outfits to keep me in the holiday spirit AND keep my to-do list on track. I am LOVING this coat (50% off right now!) this year... it's a GREAT price and available in so many colors I almost can't resist buying one in every color.  The best part is that it's SUPER warm too! I've been getting a lot of wear out of it.  I love it paired with a fun STRIPED TOP (50% off today!) and white jeans (30% off!) for a comfortable yet festive look.  Add in some RED flats and some RED lipstick and I've got the holiday spirit nailed. This would also be a super fun look for a casual holiday gathering!

Outfit Details:

Coat - 50% off!

Striped Tee - 50% off!

Similar Red Flats - on sale!

White Jeans - 30% off!

Earrings - 25% off!

Red Lipstick - color: Girls Night - 15% off!

my FAVORITE Black Friday sale to shop!

Nordstrom NEVER disappoints with their amazing Black Friday deals... From boots to sweaters to handbags to amazing gift guides, there is always something for everyone on your list.  Including maybe a little "one for them, one for you" action... don't forget to snag a couple things for yourself for holiday parties or to round out your winter wardrobe.

I've got plenty of options for any budget here with deals under $20, under $30, under $60 and a few splurge items that still come in under $200. A plaid scarf is the perfect under $20 gift for that gal you just never know what to buy! And these under $30 jogger pants are perfect for the gal pals in your life. Slippers always make a great gift to give AND receive and these loafer slippers are so cute and under $30. This teddy fleece hoodie is the perfect for any gal on your list - they look so cozy I'm sure everyone would love one! And if you are splurging for yourself be sure to add this super affordable v-neck cashmere to the cart (I own one and LOVE it) and these Sorel boots RARELY go on sale and are the absolute warmest for winter.

under $20

Barefoot Dreams socks, v-neck tee, earring set, plaid reversible scarf, moon/star necklace

under $30

balloon sleeve sweater, cowl neck sweater, jogger pants, loafer slippers, cardigan

under $60

cashmere for under $60!, v-neck cashmere for under $60!, faux fur collar coat, teddy fleece hoodie, Spanx leggings (I'm SO obsessed with these!)

under $200

tory burch flats. suede moto jacket, skinny jeans. quilted Kate Spade purse, Sorel boots

Black Friday through Cyber Monday - ALL the sales in ONE place!

The biggest sales of the YEAR are here ladies and it's time to get that holiday shopping done! If you are like me and don't care to brave the mall crowds, but instead prefer to shop from the comfort of your pajamas - I mean home - all weekend long then you are in luck! I have ALL the sales rounded up in ONE place for you all weekend... I will work to keep this page updated with sales as they change so keep checking back.  This page will feature my favorite retailers, the sales and discounts they are offering and my top picks for gifting this season (whether you are gifting yourself or your loved ones, or a little of both!). I hope this page is helpful to you! The Black Friday deals are amazing this year... so sit back and relax while I pull it all together for you in one place!  Then check back throughout the weekend for more holiday content to inspire your holiday shopping this year as well! It's going to be a party all weekend here!

Nordstrom

I just LOVE shopping Nordstrom's Black Friday Sale every year because you are bound to find amazing sales like winter boots, sweaters, pajamas (for him and her), candles, beauty and handbags!  This weekend their sale is amazing... and they always have FREE SHIPPING & RETURNS.  Here are some of my favorites: 

J.Crew

J.Crew is your CLASSIC gift destination... for all those quintessential holiday gifts like the best sweaters, the most gorgeous coats, the softest and coziest pajamas and the best gift ideas for women, men, boys and girls! Today J.Crew is offering 50% OFF your order plus FREE SHIPPING for Rewards Members (it's free to join!).  Here are some of my favorites:

Old Navy

This is your one-stop-shop for budget friendly gifts for the whole family! I love to stock up on cozy socks (we are all obsessed with these in our house), scarves, hats, sweaters and cozy pajamas all in one place and all at the BEST prices! Today Old Navy is offering 50% off SITEWIDE!  Here are some of my favorites:

LOFT

The LOFT never disappoints with gorgeous holiday party attire (love this jumpsuit for holiday parties!), cozy sweaters for yourself or the ladies on your list, beautiful scarves for giving or wearing yourself and of course some beautiful outerwear as well. Today LOFT is offering 50% off sitewide!  Here are some of my favorites:

Madewell

Madewell is my FAVORITE for affordable and great fitting jeans, beautiful sweaters, awesome shoes and classic handbags! They are hip and fun and perfect for women of all ages... so no matter who is on your list, there is something here for her! And they just launched a Mens line! Today Madewell is offering 25% off your order with code: DEALWITHIT. 

Shopbop

The holiday Shopbop sale is always one for the record books... their SPEND MORE, SAVE MORE deal is always a hit! It's a great time to stock up on designer pieces like my favorite jeans, gorgeous handbags, my favorite budget-friendly tees, my favorite delicate jewelry brand and this year they have an amazing gift guide with tons of great gift ideas. This years sale is 15% off $200, 20% off $500 and 25% off $800. So the more you spend the more you save, plus they always have FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURNS and if you are an Amazon Prime member you can get TWO DAY PRIME shipping with them!  These are some of my favorites:

Anthropologie

You can always find the perfect gift for that special gal in your life at Anthro. Every year I am "WOW"ed every time I shop Anthro to see all the amazing gifts they stock. From my favorite candles, to beauty products, gorgeous winter hats and scarves and my favorite: their Christmas decor is always stunning. Today Anthropologie is offering 30% off the site and FREE SHIPPING over $150.  Here are some of my favorites:

holiday gift guide 2018: for the kids/teens/tweens under $30!

Today I'm back with another fun holiday gift guide for you (you can see them all here!)... today we are tackling kids and teens! The older my kids get, the more difficult they are to shop for, but there are a few tried and true gifts that work no matter their age.  Everything I am featuring here is UNDER $30 except the coat for my son (teenage boys are expensive!)... so shop away without the budget getting bent out of shape. Let's hop into what I'm gifting my kids this year!

Let's dive right in - outwear is always a great gift because the selection is at it's peak right now and let's be honest... they probably have grown out of their coat from last season. My son loves a North Face jacket and my daughter has been asking for a puffer vest (50% off today!). Along with outerwear I love snagging them a new hat or cold weather accessories too... for my son I love this camo hat (40% off!) and for my daughter this star hat/mitten (40% off!) combo is adorable! Every year my kids look forward to receiving two things: new pjs (they both ADORE these - and they are 25% off today!) and cozy socks (these are SO fun and under $3 today!).  Each year I like to make sure they have a keepsake ornament under the tree... these little critter ornaments are SO adorable and the details are just amazing - I chose a bunny and a unicorn this year! They are perfect for popping in a stocking or tying on to a gift. My daughter is obsessed with these cool lip glosses that have flowers at the center... so I snagged a bunch for her and the other little ladies on my list this year.  Books are always under our Christmas tree and for my son (14) I snagged The Book Thief and the newest book by the same author Bridge of Clay, I really think he will enjoy both. As a silly gift I also found my son this Manual to Manhood. I'm sure it will be good for some conversation and a laugh!  Two books my daughter (11) has really enjoyed recently are PAX and Flora & Ulysses - both are super cute stories about animals and she loves animals!  And finally... what kid could say no to this super fun candy set?!? In our house we usually make the practical gifts from "mom and dad" and the more silly or whimsical gifts from "Santa" - this candy set is a perfect "Santa" gift.

If you need more ideas for teen boys or college age boys be sure to check out my "guys" gift guide! That list has wide appeal for the men/boys in our life too... and same goes for my "ladies" gift guide... many gifts there are great for teens and college age gals!

for the girls: puffer vest, star mittens, star hat, multi stripe pj set, sloth cozy socks, lip glosses, unicorn ornament, books: PAX and Flora & Ulysses 

for both: this super fun candy set

for the boys: North Face jacket, camo hat, grey/white pj set, plaid cozy socks, bunny boy ornament, books: The Book Thief & Bridge of Clay, Manual to Manhood

my everyday style: winter ready!

Winter just ROARED into my neighborhood in the past week or so and mentally I'm not ready for it... my closet however is another story! I was actually a little excited to break out some of my favorite winter pieces to keep warm now that temps in the 30s and 40s are the norm. Especially this gorgeous coat (it's currently 40% off too!)! I splurged on this coat a few years ago and it's STILL one of my favorite pieces. It's SO SO worth the money.  As far as coats go, I find it to be one of my warmest and one of the prettiest too. That's a rare combo! I love that it comes in TONS of colors and keep in mind that it runs big... so size down a size or two depending on how you want it to fit. I'm wearing a size 00 here, when 0 or 2 is my usual size. This brand of coats always runs big.

This time of year I am always looking for an extra pop of red to add to my wardrobe... this red gingham top (currently 40% off!) is PERFECT for getting in the holiday spirit. It's also available in lots of colors and it's perfect for layering this holiday season as well. And how about some RED lipstick!?!? I usually shy away from a bold lip but this holiday season I am LOVING this beautiful red lip color.  I am wearing the color "Girls Night" here.

Outfit Details:

Coat (40% off!)

Gingham Top (40% off!)

Jeans

Hunter Boots (or this pair is under $100!)

Similar Tall Socks

Sunglasses

Lipstick (I'm wearing "Girls Night")