my everyday style: plaid + pom poms + everything nice!

I am SO excited to be kicking off the holidays here on the blog. It may be a tad bit early - but I have a good chunk of my holiday shopping and planning in the works or completed already and I have a feeling some of you other gals may be feeling the same way.  Or if you aren't - then hopefully this holiday inspiration is coming at the perfect time for you!

I absolutely love brainstorming holiday outfits this time of year.  I don't usually have a lot of formal events on the calendar - but instead quiet and cozy events with friends and family that call for casual but festive attire.  I love to have the classics on hand this time of year to mix and match into festive outfits.  A fun pom pom sweater, a gorgeous plaid top, anything bright red - like this coat or a scarf would do - and a pair of classic shoes like these penny loafers make for the perfect festive wardrobe mixers.  Just having a few festive pieces on hand can really make it easy to pull together holiday looks.

In other news, I finally pulled the trigger on the cropped boot cut jeans that I had been eyeing all fall. This trend may not be for everyone, but I love that it's something a little different from my standard of skinny or straight legged jeans.  And since I'm a little on the short side I have a tough time pulling off the flare jeans without wearing sky-high heels.  So this is a fun middle ground.  Have you tried this trend yet? Would you?

Outfit Details:

Coat, J.Crew (this one, or this one is less expensive, or a longer version)

Necklace, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Plaid Top, J.Crew

Pom Pom Sweater, Banana Republic (also available in navy or white!)

Jeans, J.Crew (under $100!)

Penny Loafers, J.Crew (or love these too for a little cheaper)

Sunglasses, Tory Burch

Clutch, Clare V

my everyday style: all the plaid scarves, please!

When the calendar flips to November it's basically plaid scarf season... amiright!?!?!? Plaid scarves make any look intstantly festive and wintry for the holidays and of course are insanely warm as the weather cools.  A scarf is a great way to inexpensively add new life to an outfit or really to our entire wardrobe.  A sweater you've worn to death looks fresh and new by simply adding a scarf.  Lately I've loved wearing my scarves long and flowy like here instead of wrapped up close around my face.  Although I still love that way too... I'm sure once the really cold weather hits I'll have my whole head wrapped in one of these. 

You have probably noticed that my grey jeans and over the knee boots have become my fall go-to... for good reason.  These boots are really warm and comfy... each morning they are just begging to be worn. So I happily oblige.  This bell sleeve sweater has also become an instant classic in my rotation. It's really soft and warm without being crazy heavy or overbearing so I've been grabbing for it quite a bit.

I picked up this scarf last month and sadly it sold out almost immediately in this color (whyyyyy!!??) so I did you guys a solid and found a ton of other great options that I think you will love.   Nordstrom has tons of great options for plaid scarves at all price points.  Plus, they make great gift options for girlfriends, sisters, wives, aunts, teachers or any other stylish gals in your life.  I know I will definitely be wrapping up a scarf or two for a few ladies in my life this holiday season.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Outfit Details:

Sweater, BP 

Scarf, BP (same style different color)

Jeans, Citizens of Humanity (similar)

Boots, Blondo (or less expensive option)

Bag, Chloe

Sunglasses, Tory Burch

This post is kindly sponsored by Nordstrom. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog. 

All opinions are my own. 

Shop my favorite scarves under $50 here...

Shop my outfit head to toe here...

holiday party dresses for all budgets!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us friends!  The holiday season is a personal favorite of mine and all the fun kicks off about this time every year.  I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving that builds up to the excitement of Christmas - from special times with loved ones, to finding that perfect gift, the perfect wrapping paper and the glittering parties and quiet time spent with loved ones. I love what the holiday season brings!

Today I pulled together a really great round-up of holiday party dresses at all budgets that I think you will love.  If you've got a soiree or two on the calendar for the upcoming season, I have the dress for you...

And if you are looking for more casual holiday outfits... stay tuned, those are coming to the blog in the coming weeks as well! Enjoy and cin-cin!

shop dresses under $100...

lace overlay

red high-low

off the shoulder (love the dark green!)

sleeveless pleated

shop dresses under $200...

navy blue silk

velvet cut-out

white strappy shoulder

black off the shoulder

the bling!

burgundy velvet pumps

gold heel velvet sandals

glitter heel green pumps

tassel earrings

fringe earrings

black clutch

glitter clutch

Or shop the post below...

three last minute NYE outfit ideas!

It's time to pop the champagne and ring in the New Year tonight! And whether you are painting the town red or opting for a quiet night with friends or loved ones… you are going to have to decide what to wear before you starting letting all that bubbly go to your head!

We are planning on a quiet night with friends, but if you are like me you waited until the last minute to decide what to wear. But fear not… I've got three super easy last minute outfit ideas for you made of pieces you probably already have in your closet.  So there is no dashing out to the store last minute for these looks! I promise.

all black

I love this combo because it is easy to throw on last minute and very sophisticated.  Break out your favorite black ensemble and pop on some heels and you are set to go!

shop the look: jeans, top, earrings, bracelet, shoes

sequins + distressed jeans

This look has the perfect "I woke up like this" flair while still being super fun and festive! Grab some sequins or jewels, some distressed jeans and super fun accessories and you are set to go!

shop the look: earrings, jeans, sweatshirt, clutch, shoes

lbd + faux fur

This look is so simple: just grab your favorite stand-by little black dress and pair it with a faux fur scarf and a few baubles and you are set to go! Sequin shoes get bonus points!

shop the look: dress, faux fur scarf, ring, shoes

Happy New Years ladies! Enjoy your night safely! 

obsessed with: red plaid!

For me a simple red plaid top or scarf wraps up the cozy and festive feelings of the winter and holiday season all into one.  Layering up with plaid is one of my favorite ways to dress in the winter.  Here I rounded up several plaid looks from the archives for inspiration on how to style your red plaid pieces this winter.

Shop a few of my favorite red plaid picks below!

bejeweled!

I have a serious obsession with anything bejeweled lately. See exhibit A and exhibit B.  Could it be the holidays? Or the grey winter days?  It must be.  Either way, I've been drawn to any sparkle I find these days.

Here are a few of my favorites these days…

(click the photo to shop!)

1. jeweled sweatshirt 2. jeweled dolman top - on sale! 3. jeweled raglan - on sale!

4. grey jeweled hat 5. jeweled fingerless gloves - on sale! 6. white jeweled hat - on sale!

7. tweed jeweled flats 8. jeweled d'orsay flats - on sale! 9. gold jeweled flats

10. ice crystal drop earrings 11. climbing earrings 12. noir statement earrings

Or shop the pieces below!

What to wear to holiday parties!

It's that time of year… if you haven't already squeezed in a holiday party or two, you are likely to attend  one very, very soon!  If you are asking yourself what to wear to all your holiday parties… today I've got answers! I always find that a little bling, a little plaid, a little red or a cozy sweater dressed up are always no-fail outfits solutions for any holiday party! Here are three outfits for any occasion the holidays may bring you.

the office party:

dress, necklace, clutch, bow heels

Christmas eve:

earrings, sweater, pencil skirt, glitter flats

cocktails with friends:

lip gloss, plaid top, jeans, necklace, pumps

Or shop the pieces below…