Friday Lovelies

How did everyone make out for the holidays? Does anyone else feel like they gained a good 10 lbs? I always eat way too much cheese, drink too much beer, and just generally overindulge during the holidays. But I enjoy every single moment of it, so I suppose it's worth it.

I must say, I  never appreciated the day-after-Christmas sales until today. Ya know why? Because I've never gotten a jacket for a mere $2.94!!! That's right, Old Navy had all of their jackets for 75% off, and I had a $10 rewards coupon, so my jacket was under 3 bucks. It was insane, I tell ya. Officially a way better shopping day than Black Friday-and I'll remember that for next year. Actually, I think I may propose that we move our celebrating until the weekend after Christmas-think of how much money we'll save! I doubt my family will go for that, but it's worth a try.

Anyways, I'm still in a pickle-I have no dress for NYE, and it's THREE days away. Didn't I say earlier that I was bound and determined to have a dress ordered by now? I think I even said I'd have shoes ordered. Welp, that obviously didn't happen, and I'm in the same situation I find myself in every single year. I've got a shopping appointment on Saturday morning with a girlfriend of mine (read: NOT my husband), and I WILL find a dress. Repeat, I WILL FIND A DRESS.

So, while I try to scavenge up a last minute outfit, I'm going to distract myself with some other little pretties that I've come across in my hunt. Check 'em out and, don't be like me, order 'em now. Trust me, you'll thank me in a few weeks!

Mineral Wash Shirtdress-Forever 21 $34.80

I love this for spring. Hopefully the acid wash trend is still "in" and you don't end up looking like an extra on "Saved By The Bell". I think you'll be safe, and it's a total steal at under $35. You could add a colorful belt, put a colored tank underneath, or even pair it with leggings or tights during these colder months. 

Love Culture's entire website...they have some killer leggings, and I am just dying to get my hands on them. 

Oh, and this puppy t-shirt is pretty adorable, no?




Lock and Keyhole Plunging Dress- Lulu's $35
I loooooooooooooove this! The belt adds a touch of elegance, but you could also wear this dress on its own with a super sparkly statement necklace. So hot.


Croc My World Studded Romper- Lulu's $49
You guys know by now that I'm obsessed with rompers. I would wear one every single day if I could, and if I ever get to a permanently warm climate, I will. I love the elegance of this studded and faux-gator texture romper. The length is perfect, and the color can easily be dressed up. I love it with gold espadrilles and a sparkly cocktail ring. Keep it simple and chic, especially on those hot summer days. 

'Tis all for today, I'm debating whether or not I want to brave the cold and snow and make a run to the mall to try and find a last minute outfit...or if I should just wait until tomorrow and pray I find something that will work. Who wants to bet how long it will take me to convince my husband to come along? ;)

Happy Shopping, my loves!

Add A Little Sparkle!

I love sparkle.

Nothing says "holiday season" like a little sparkle added to your wardrobe, and when it's done correctly (and in small amounts), it can add a festive touch to your look. 

Check out some of my favorite looks and what to pair them with, in order to add a bit of dazzle to your holiday wardrobe!

Combo #1: Sequined dress + black opaque tights + black booties

sequined sheath dress- F21 | sequined striped bodycon dress- F21

black opaque tights- Target | wild diva lounge sonny bootie- Urbanog

Find any sequined dress (shift dress and dresses with sleeves will look the best), add opaque tights (not sheer, a thicker hose will look best), and add a pair of black booties or heels. 

Combo #2: A sheer blouse + sequined skirt + statement necklace

sequined bodycon skirt- F21 | sheer framed blouse- F21

faceted bead statement necklace- Charlotte Russe | qupid neutral lucite pump- Urbanog

I love the monochromatic look here! I pulled this look from a pin on my Pinterest page. I love the sheerness of the blouse (snag a black cami to wear underneath it), the sexiness of the skirt, and the added "wow" factor of the statement necklace and the heels. This is a really easy look to pull off and is great for those holiday parties (just be sure the skirt is long enough)!

Combo #3 A sequined top + black pants + a stack of bangles

sequined peplum tube top- F21 | sequined zig-zag top- F21

mossimo ankle stretch pants- Target | rhinestone hammered bangle set- F21

These pants are hands-down my favorite dress pants. I wore them almost every single day when I was working and they were super comfy, and really cute! They're ankle length as well which is absolutely perfect for heels!

Combo #4 (for those a little more daring) sequined shorts + satin blouse + sky-high heels


sequined geo shorts- F21 | colorful sequined shorts- F21

sheer split neckline top- F21 | t-strap pump- Charlotte Russe

I love a sexy, strappy, sky-high heel with the shorts and blouse. Yes, it's definitely a risky move to make, but you will stand out in the crowd!

For those afraid to take the plunge into the land of sequins...
a few smaller pieces to get you started

glittered diamond clutch- F21 | diamond princess platform pump- Charlotte Russe


luxe linked earrings- F21 | glittered belt- F21

These pieces are easily incorporated into your wardrobe! Once you're feeling a bit more comfortable, add in a sequined/sparkly top or skirt! Just remember to keep it to one bold piece to avoid looking like a walking glitter bomb!

Oh, and always remember...


Happy Sparkling!

Stocking Stuffers!

Am I the only one who thinks that stocking stuffers should be under $10?! I get so frustrated when I see the title "STOCKING STUFFERS!" and the stuff they feature costs anywhere from $5-20! I'm sorry, but when I was a kiddo, my stocking was filled with travel packs of Kleenex (in a festive Christmas pattern, of course), $1 scratch-offs, and an orange-not a $40 pair of headphones and a $15 iTunes gift card.

Well, I'm here to save the day, and offer you a fabulous list of true goodies that are all under $10. You can still give great gifts on a budget (that post is coming later, I promise), and fill those giant socks with things that people will actually use and love!

LOVE CULTURE

 

These fab earmuffs are a total steal at only $4.90 each! If the giftee lives in a chilly area, these will most definitely come in handy! They can easily be tossed into a purse/backpack/briefcase, and won't ruin her hairstyle!

 

I love wearing leg warmers underneath my boots. They add a little bit of extra warmth and help to keep my jeans snugly tucked inside my boots. I'm especially loving the little button tab at the top! Get them here for only $6.90 a pop!

 
Every fashionista needs a chic cocktail ring to pair with their LBD. I love the clusters of these gemstones and the colors will go perfectly with anything (I love the first one with leopard print)! They're only $5.90 a piece, so you can grab a few for your girls and one for you as well!


These miniature pendants are so delicate and cute, they cannot be passed up! They're only $2.90 a piece, which is an unheard of deal! I love the little daschund one for a friend of mine who's got a mini! These can definitely be picked out for each of your friend's personalities-there's eight different pendants to choose from!

FOREVER 21


I am in love with this expandable polka dot cosmetics case! It is absolutely perfect for travel, and has nice, clear, pockets, so you're able to see all your stuff! It could also double as a clutch for a night out-just in case you forget yours when you head home! These are only $6.80 each!


How absolutely adorable are these knit slippers?! Don't they look super comfy cozy? I don't know anyone who doesn't like slippers, so these are a perfect stuffer! F21 has them on sale for only $5.00 today and free shipping!


Manicure sets are great. They may not seem like the best gift, but think of this-how many times have you been out, or in your car, or on campus, or wherever, and you have a hangnail. Or your nail breaks. If you've got this compact manicure set in your bag, you don't have to worry about not catching your nail on your sweater and ripping it clear off! This one is $3.80 and also comes in pink/gold!

URBAN OUTFITTERS


Who doesn't need one of these now and then? These bandages are hilarious and quirky-perfect for that difficult person on your gift list! Yeah, $7 is a bit much for some bandages, but they're a one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to get a chuckle!


These stackable initial rings are so adorable, and perfect for your friend who is obsessed with her new boyfriend/husband, or maybe one who just became a new momma! They can also be worn alone for every strong and single gal in your life! They're $8 each or 2 for $12 if you want to get both of them!



These are nail files! I'm a big fan of the cat one, but there's also a turntable as well as a guitar. These are $5.00 a pop!

ULTA



These NYX jumbo eye pencils are a great all-in-one eye product for any beauty junkie! They do double duty as an eyeshadow and a liner-so there's no need to carry both in your bag. They come in a multitude of colors (I love the cobalt and sparkle nude) and are only $4.49 each!



Everyone can use a little brightening when it comes to their smile, and this gloss does just that! It starts off clear and then adjusts to your skin tone to create the perfect reddish/pink hue! Just like the eye pencil, it's only $4.49!




Essie is hands-down my favorite nail polish brand. It comes in tons of great shades and is applied easily and effortlessly. Paired with a good topcoat, it has great staying power as well-the nude color I've got on my nails has been on for over a week now, with barely any chips! The color shown is Devil's Advocate which is a super sexy black/brown shade, which is perfect for winter. Bobbing For Baubles, Cocktail Bling, and Merino Cool are a couple of my faves! They retail for about $8.00 a bottle, but are totally worth the extra dough!

Welp, there ya have it! Thirteen stocking stuffers for under $10! I told ya it could be done!

Happy Shopping, and enjoy your holiday celebrations, whatever they may be!