Bottoms Up

(top: Zara/similar | vest: Forever 21/similar | bag: Deux Lux | pants: c/o Hudson | shoes: Urban Outfitters/similar | necklace: c/o Bauble Bar) 

Before we shuffled off to Buffalo last weekend I figured why not take a few snaps of my travel outfit. I found these corduroy bell bottoms as I was packing up the old apartment and instantly fell back in love. They're a little big and a little long but when it comes to travel there definitely needs to be a level of comfort if I'm going to be sitting in a car for six hours. Punching it up a bit with a leopard blouse and my Deux Lux bag (expect to see it often) I was really quite comfortable the whole trip. 

How do you like to travel? Head to toe pjs or comfy chic? 

Mixed up

(sweater: Zara/similar | chambray blouse: Lark + Wolff | necklace: c/o Stella + Dot | skirt: ASOS/similar | tights: GAP/similar | booties: H&M/similar | bag: Deux Lux)

If you ask my husband what he thinks of this skirt, he will very vocally tell you he hates it. Anything with a loud and obnoxious pattern usually gets a big thumbs down from him. I tend to dress for myself so he often loses when it comes to his style opinion. Of course if you ask any of my girlfriends they had nothing but love for the mix of print, color and texture. A little J. Crew inspiration via Pinterest goes a long way when it comes to layering.

Of course I wore this while I was visiting my parents over the holidays and needless to say, trotting around the mall like this definitely garnered a few stares. What? Someone has to add a little spice to Buffalo, right?

Merry + Bright

(sweater: Forever21/similar | skirt: Urban Outfitters/similar | belt: ASOS | shoes: Urban Outfitters/similar | necklace: H&M | tights: GAP/similar)

Coming back from the Christmas holiday always makes me a little sad. All of the hype and then it's over. This year in particular hit me a little harder than most, but I am always SO SO grateful to be able to see my family, even if for only a quick trip.

If you follow me on Twitter or instagram then you might have seen a glimpse of this girly little outfit of mine. Christmas Eve is always a fun and festive affair in our household so I love a good opportunity to get a little glammed up. I've had this skirt forever but let's be honest, how often do you really have to twirl around in a grown up tutu?

I thought I'd dial it down a bit with this cozy cable knit sweater and a delicate belt. I must admit, this has to be one of my favorite outfits as of late. Girly, frilly, playful - Carrie Bradshaw would have been proud.

In The Window of Barneys New York

It's Chris! You have got to love a good "New Girl" reference. (Love that show!) I had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely Barneys New York and they thought I was interesting enough to put in The Window! Head on over to check out my interview, including what my husband originally told me his favorite style to see me in would be.

Traditions

I'm sure there are many of you who feel similarly to myself, but I love Christmas. I love it. There are only two times in the year that are filled with tradition in my family, and that's Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Christmas Eve is sort of a big deal in our family, more so than Christmas Day - especially as all of us kids are grown and out of the house. But Christmas Eve = homemade perogies, homemade smoked sausage, handmade ornaments for each place setting and LOTS of laughs during a rousing game of White Elephant.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Treat Yourself

Treat Yourself Tuesday

brunch hosts, Laura from On the Racks, myself and Helena from Brooklyn Blonde

 (turtleneck: H&M | dress/tunic: EDUN c/o SITM | necklace: c/o Stella + Dot | pants: Zara | boots: H&M)

SITM's Tamra, Designer Joy Cioci, and Laura

Laura, Flor, Helena, MOI, Jenni, Grace, Jessie, Kristina
(all photos by the awesome Lydia Hudgens)

Last Tuesday you may have noticed my face pop up in your mailbox if you happen to subscribe to Shop It To Me. Well in honor of Parks + Recreation and just a general need to indulge every once and a while, the fine folks at SITM asked Helena, Laura and myself to host a little brunch at the amazing (seriously to die for!) showroom of designer Joy Cioci. Massages, Mimosas, you know how it goes... Treat Yourself.

Thought I'd share a few pics from the morning, including what I wore. Since I'm sure you're concerned that I've been walking around in jeans and a t-shirt the past few weeks due to my lack of outfit posts. Which, is probably not far from the truth. SITM has the full rundown of the day in visual form, so head on over if you want to see more of the fun!

moving on up

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If you've been following along then you know my impending move has been slowly rearing it's impossible head. Well this weekend is it. So I'm going to give up on taking outfit photos as my clothes are all currently in boxes and I'm going to also give up on posting this week as well. Between holiday events and get-togethers and packing I've got little time (or energy!) left for much else. And while I HIGHLY doubt I will look as chic or poetic during the move as the above, I am excited to share some of the upcoming plans I have for the new space soon. 

So see you on the flip side, maybe I'll even surprise you with an outfit post! 

Treat Yo Self

If you're a Parks + Recreation fan, then you are well informed of the concept of "Treat Yo Self." And if you're not up to speed, you can do so by delighting in this little snippet.

Now that you're in the know, you should also know that Shop It To Me is partaking in a little treating themselves. Treat Yourself Tuesday brings together bloggers, stylists, tastemakers and the like to share a few favorite picks that they would "treat" themselves to. I'm up on the site today, so why don't you pop over to my.. pop-up shop and, wait for it, treat yo self! While you're at it, check out Helena, Amber, Jen, Natalie and Laura's shops as well!

All Wrapped Up

1. French Connection Bow Sweater | 2. Topshop Lady Bow Bag | 3. Forever 21 Bow Ring

4. ASOS Bow Platforms | 5. Lilly Pulitzer Bow Tie Clutch | 6. Kate Spade All Wrapped Up Bow Belt 

7. American Apparel Suede Bow | 8. Ted Baker Bowtie Necklace

For me, the holiday season means feeling festive throughout the month. With a Christmas tree and decorations not an option this year as we pack up our home, I've resorted to other methods of bringing a little holiday cheer into my daily grind. Christmas music on repeat is a given, but I'm loving anything with bows lately. So go ahead and get all wrapped up with these pretties, add a little glitz and it's sure to jumpstart a little spirit of the season!

A happy holiday soiree under $200

(dress: BCBG | bracelet: Forever21 | polish: Essie "Trophy Wife" | clutch: ASOS | necklace: Forever21 | pumps: J Renee )

This weekend marks one of our first parties of the holiday season. I love getting dressed up and keeping things festive, but like to switch it up a bit fete to fete. Which makes it tough when purse strings are pulled a little tighter with presents to buy and apartments to furnish. Here's a peek at ensemble numero uno that I scored for right around $200 head to toe and plan on re-working to fit a few happy holiday soirees. Check back on Monday for the outfit live and in person!

2011 Gift Guide: Sibling Secret Santa

1. ms. + mrs. good luck minimergency kit | 2. west elm desk clock | 3. Vanity Fair: The Portraits

 4. Z Gallerie mirrored jewelry box  | 5. TopShop polka dot bow scarf |  6.  Anthropologie soda lime punch mug 

7. Shoe Dazzle White Knight bangle

change up

(Jacket: H+M (similar) | Dress: Anthropologie (from the husband!) | belt: ASOS | tights: GAP | booties: c/o Lela Rose for Payless | Pyramid bangle: c/o t+j designs)

Change is a funny thing. It happens all the time and usually in small amounts during your typical day. But sometimes a swooping change comes along and shakes things up. I know few people that constantly crave change. I know for myself that it causes bouts of anxiety, but also curiosity. And as someone that tends to prefer a methodical routine as to random acts of spontaneity (with exception of course!) these past few weeks have been a big pick up and turn upside down for me, so to speak.

New job. New apartment. It's like my life was telling me I needed change and I needed it all right away. All brilliant changes of course. Exciting and fresh, but not without a few anxiety ridden days filled with planning and preparation. This past weekend we headed over to the new place to take some measurements and oogle over some new rugs I purchased as my only Black Friday purchase! Thought it would be a good time to give you a little sneak peek into our amazing new space. Excited to share the design process as it comes along as well!

2011 Gift Guide: Difficult Dad

1. Calloway Diablo Octane Driver | 2. HD Video Pen | 3. Awkward Family Photos Board Game 

 4. Winter Driving Cap | 5. Indoor Pressure Smoker | 6. Personal Pocket Safe | 7.  Malcolm Gladwell: Collected

 8. Glove Compartment Tool Set | 9. John Adam Miniseries Box Set | 10.  Boom!: Talking About the Sixties 

11. Sam Adams Infinium | 12. Hopside Down Beer Glass