Invitations might already starting to be trickling in to a holiday party over the next few weeks. While attending them is fun, my favorite part of a fancy event is planning my outfit and getting dressed up, so I had a lot of fun putting together todays post. Whether it’s a company party, a fancy girls dinner, or a close group of friends, I always feel a lot more in the holiday spirit when I go a bit more on the fancy side. Today I rounded up lots of dresses at different colors, styles, and price points to help you find the perfect dress this year.
DRESS(wearing a size US 0 – I had the hardest time linking this dress for some reason! It redirects to their Canada site, so if you chance it to a .com and search “Shea Sequin Drape Maxi” you should find it!)
One bit of styling advice – don’t overdo it. If you are wearing head to toe sequins, keep the accessories simple and wear your hair down in soft curls or back in a low pony. If you are wearing a more simple design, add some metallic to your shoes or clutch and go with a bold lip or smokey eye.
With Christmas just a few days away and New Years around the corner, there are such pretty dresses available online! Today I rounded up my favorite holiday dresses that would be perfect for this holiday season…
It’s almost Thanksgiving friends! I’m already feeling “behind” because I haven’t decorated for Christmas yet…lol. But we leave early next week for the break and I want to have my house decorated so that we can come home to Christmas!
LOOKING FOR A FESTIVE LOOK FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK?
With all the family get togethers, Thanksgiving, and parties happening this time of year, I wanted to showcase a few pieces that can help make your look festive, fun, and not too fussy. I’ve been looking through all of the new Topshop items at Nordstrom and they have some really great pieces that are unique that could make for a killer look.
THE CLOTHING BRAND THAT GIVES ME PRICE POINT OPTIONS
Nordstrom is obviously one of my number one online destinations for pulling together the perfect look, and I found myself gravitating to so many goodTopshop items, like these leopard heels, this beautiful grey coat, and this chunky roll neck sweater in one of my favorite colors to wear in the fall. One reason why I gravitate to so many Topshop items is because I have found things I love at so many different price points. I found these trousersfor under $100 that feel and look much more expensive and I found this cute blush crewneck sweatshirt for under $35!
The week in between Christmas and New Years is always a weird funky limbo. I’m never really sure what day it is, and New Years seems to spring up on me before I’m ready for it!
We will probably be very last minute with our New Year plans, but if you have a fun countdown bash to attend, make sure you check out Nordstrom’s pleated metallic skirt selection. Pleated midi skirts are so huge right now, and a metallic fabric would be perfect to wear to ring in the new year! My gold velvet skirt sold out in just a matter of days, and I have been checking religiously for it to come back in stock! They brought back the same skirt in a pretty silver, but I will keep you all posted if they do bring back the gold. Nordstrom does have a few other gold options here and here.
I paired this skirt with a long sleeved mock turtleneck. The ruffles and embellishments on the top keep it feeling modern, but the classic silhouette of the top balances out the bold metallic fabric. Finish off the look with a bold red lip and red nails and you’ll be ready to countdown to 2017!
It’s a good day when you wear a pink sweater to match your favorite cup right? I love this pink rose detail sweater, and I wish it were still available for you guys. But I linked to three other options that are just as pink and pretty. I absolutely love this leopard print pink sweater.
Last I checked this pink Santa sweatshirt was only left in one size, so hurry if you’re looking for a fun (and cute) holiday sweatshirt! I love that it’s pink, so it was an easy pick for a holiday party I went to earlier this week. It’s always fun to find non-traditional holiday pieces that add an extra bit of style to your seasonal looks! I’m also loving this one with a bow and this red one (these both have more sizes available too).
I’m a huge New Balance lover. They are the perfect shoe for throwing on with casual looks, and they come in so many great color combos. I love these maroon ones for the holiday season. This pair is very similar (under $70), and this pair has a little more holiday red coloring to them, and is on sale for $55! Shipping is free both ways for all three pairs I linked to above.
Believe it or not, this cream faux leather jacket that I love and wore all the time last spring, is still available in limited sizes, and it’s on sale for 33% off! My stripe top is another favorite of mine. The one I’m wearing is sold out, but this one is very similar (with a really cute tie neck) and it’s fully stocked for only $35!
This is the ultimate comfy basic look for me. A pair of distressed jeans, a sweater, and some sneakers. My sweater is sold out, but this one is very similar, fully stocked, and only $38. I also love this sweater because it’s a great length and super soft and cozy. It comes in four other colors too, and it’s less than $40!
I have found over the years that sometimes the easiest way to go for gift giving is accessories. There are so many fun accessories that are affordable and easy to customize for the person you’re buying for. Nordstrom is my favorite place to go to find cute accessories. They always have a great selection of both seasonal and non-seasonal hats, gloves, scarves, and clutches. And the best thing about buying accessories is you never have to worry about getting someone’s sizing right.
This is by far the best time of year to buy the people on your list a new hat, scarf, or pair of gloves. And who wouldn’t love opening a cute new clutch? Giving the gift of accessories is not only practical, it’s affordable and allows your style to come through in the types of items you choose. All of the accessories I found at Nordstrom are great price points, with gift giving made easy at around $30 or less. And because it’s Nordstrom, you can be sure quality is never sacrificed. I’d love to hear some of your favorite accessories to give or receive this time of year!
Shop my look and accessories:
Accessories under $30 that would make great gifts:
When Garrett and I were first married, we were typical poor college students. I had just graduated from college, and Garrett was just starting his second year of undergrad, planning on attending Law school after getting his four year degree. Garrett had saved for months and months to afford a wedding ring, and when he finally was able to purchase one he only had $0.53 remaining in his bank account. He didn’t tell me this until months later, and I couldn’t believe all of the hard work, love, and sacrifice that went into being able to afford my ring (I honestly couldn’t make this stuff up).
We welcomed Bradley into our family only a few years after getting married, and I quit my job to stay home with him. We lived on a really tight student budget, and I remember lots of birthdays and anniversaries where we decided to just give a card and forego an extravagant gift. Even when we only exchanged cards, Garrett made a point to always buy me a PAPYRUS card. Getting a PAPYRUS card to us meant that it was an occasion special enough to splurge a bit on a beautifully crafted card (even if that was the only item that was given). Each year he picks out a card that fits me/my style perfectly. My wedding ring was important enough to him to spend literally almost every penny he had, and since then, the special cards have shown me how important special milestones and events in our lives are to him. We recently celebrated his birthday, and I was able to find the perfect PAPYRUS card for him!
I love our 10 year long PAPYRUS card tradition. PAPYRUS has helped make our special occasions more meaningful. Not only are their cards a step above, but they also just launched a holiday entertaining line that will elevate any holiday party or gathering! The same intricate details used in their cards are also in their holiday pom pom banners, party picks, napkins, and dessert plates. If you are planning a holiday party, or have a special event during the holidays, this new line is definitely worth checking out!
For many of us, this can be a very busy time of year. With so many holiday events to get ready for, sometimes planning the perfect outfit can seem overwhelming, so I wanted to share six past looks to help inspire your holiday dressing. I hope you can find ways to use some of the tops, skirts, and dresses you already own in order to create the perfect look for whatever family dinner, church event, family photo, gift exchange, or holiday party you have planned this season! Happy holidays everyone!
Plaid is a holiday favorite of mine. I love being able to mix in a classic full skirt with a simple plaid shirt. This plaid shirt, and this one, are both under $70. Sizes are limited in this black full skirt, but this one is fully stocked. I also love the pattern on this black and white full skirt.
Black and florals are a really great pair, adding both a feminine and stylish look. This skirt is very similar to mine, with deep red roses on black. This black top is a great staple that would work well tucked in to many different skirts because of it’s feminine v-neck. It’s under $50 and fully stocked.
Red is a classic holiday color, perfect for any events you have planned this season. I linked to four dresses that are similar to mine, and red pumps that are a very close match. This midi dress and this one both have cap sleeves, and they are both under $100. This one is also under $100 and it has 3/4 sleeves. And this one, with the crepe sheath top, is another midi that I love!
My dress is still available, and it is currently 40% off! I love this dress for the holidays because of it’s bold stripes. It’s classy, feminine, and stands out nicely. I love it with a simple touch of red in my heels.
This dress is one I wore at the end of my NYFW trip, and it would be perfect for the holidays. It’s mostly gold, with black embroidery and lace flutter sleeves. Right now it’s on sale for 50% off, but sizes are limited! This similar black Rebecca Minkoff bag is also on sale at 40% off.
You can never go wrong with a little black dress for the holidays. I linked to three similar black lace dresses above. I love the details in this lace midi dress. Add some black strappy heels for the perfect feminine touch.
20 OUTFIT IDEAS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR ON THE 4TH OF JULY
I’ve rounded up all of my favorite red, white, and blue looks today to give you a little inspiration for planning your 4th of July outfit! So whether you need something to wear to a BBQ at a friends house, the fireworks show on the football field, or a church outfit the Sunday before the 4th of July, I’ve got you covered for any occasion that requires a patriotic color combo! I’ll be posting my current 4th of July looks over on my Instagram as well, so make sure you follow along with me there!
Since some of these looks are older, I’ve linked to the same, or similar, items beneath each photo if you want to know the sources. However, this post is mostly to help you get a little inspiration for your looks! It’s probably a good idea to pin this main image so you can come back to it easily later!
I love that this look has some tried and true Fourth of July staples like a jean vest, stripes, and pops of red in this bag. This dress comes in both navy and red or navy and white stripes, and either option would work great for the Fourth.
If you like to keep your red, white, and blue a little more casual and subdued, adding some pops of red or blue florals and a matching bag works really well. It’s easy to pull together and doesn’t require overdoing the patriotic look if that’s not your thing. Both my top and bag are older, so I linked to a few other floral options (including a dress and a romper if want to forego the jeans), and a cute blue Kate Spade bag that I love.
I love the look of red with black and white stripes. It’s so classic looking, and it ends up working out really well for the Fourth. If you’re looking for the perfect look for church the weekend before the Fourth, this would be a great option. Any red midi skirt will work, but I love the look of a full high waisted skirt that comes up over your striped top. This skirt is one I made, but I linked to this one that is similar.
This look is casual, comfortable, and patriotic all in one. You can’t go wrong with a chambray top for the Fourth. And these white linen pants are not only ridiculously comfortable, they work well with lots of different top options and do well with bright pops of color.
If you have a dressier Fourth of July event to go to, there is nothing quite like an all red look! Add some simple nude sandals and a statementclutch and you’re set. My floral clutch is sold out, but I linked to one of my favorite red clutches (that also comes in light blue).
Here is another outfit that combines red, white, and blue effortlessly. Again, you can’t go wring with a classic stripe look, especially one that has really bold white and navy stripes. It makes everything else stand out so well, like this red top and gold clutch.
Fourth of July is usually filled with picnics, parks, and running around with the family, so this sporty look works well for those types of things. It’s a little edgy, but still cute and feminine. I easily added some blue to my look with a cute baseball hat and a pop of red with a flannel tied around my waist. Simple, cute, and practical (you’ve got an extra layer when it cools off).
I love finding non-traditional ways to incorporate reds, whites, and blues for the Fourth. Finding patterns, like the one in my dress, that adds these colors is not only stylish but it’s unique. I also love the way these gold flats go with the blues and reds.
This blue midi skirt stands out so well. I love how good it looks with a simple top tucked in. You can add a basic white top and a pop of red in a clutch if you want to make this look a little more patriotic. But it also works well for the Fourth with this grey top and some brown sandals, making it just a bit more subtle.
To me, this is the all-American look everyone loves for the Fourth. It’s easy to wear your jeans and a basic white tee all day, to BBQ’s, picnics, fireworks shows, and just about anywhere your Fourth of July plans take you. Adding some key pieces of color in a cute baseball hat or some red flats is super easy, but there are lots of other ways you can add color to this look too.
Gingham in blue is perfect for the Fourth. It’s stylish and classic, and when paired with white shorts it guarantees a polished look that isn’t over done. If you’re expecting hot weather, this is always an outfit that will keep you cool all day long.
White dresses are such a summer staple. They go with so many things, and they are comfortable and lightweight in the heat. This dress is detailed with an eyelet pattern, while this one is a bit more basic. Add some reds and blues in your jewelry, or keep it a little more neutral and add some gold sandals, like this pair of gladiators. Adding a hat is another way to keep cool and also adds a little more depth to your look.
This look is all about function. If you’re planning on being on the go this Fourth of July, plan to be comfortable. You don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve comfort like so many people think. Adding a basic, but cute and colorful, plaid shirt to your favorite jeans is a sure way to feel yourself wherever you end up celebrating the Fourth. You can make your outfit stand out a little more by adding some statement shoes like these metallic flats.
I love this dress for so many reasons. It has amazing details, and it’s the perfect shade of blue. Plus, these navy heels match perfectly. Since it sold out, I tried to link to as many similar dresses as I could find. This one sold out in the navy, but it comes in burgundy, which is just as perfect for the Fourth!
To dress up your jeans just enough, add a top with some details (like the eyelet detail in this top) and shoes that add some flare. You’re sure to remain comfortable in this look, but you’ll also add an element of distinctive style that is a couple steps up from your basics look. Add some red lipstick and you’re Fourth of July ready!
This is another great outfit for church the weekend before the Fourth of July. Bodycon dresses are bold and classic, and there’s no better time to pull out your blue dresses than the Fourth!
If you’re looking to dress up your Fourth of July look this year, I’m a huge fan of lace tops. They’re delicate, and they look so pretty with just about anything. I love this light blue lace top with white pants. I linked to a similar lace top that would be perfect with jeans and some wedges.
White pants and jean jackets are always a summer favorite of mine. You can add some more red and blue to this look with a different bag or hat, but the black and white stripes aren’t too far fetched for the Fourth, so don’t think you have to change this up too much.
Red tops look so good with jeans for the Fourth. You can be dressy or casual with this look. I like how the booties keep it casual. You can even add your favorite open-toed booties to dress it up a little more. Or throw on some converse for an even more relaxed feel.
At the beginning of December, we sat down as a family and made a list of all of the fun Christmas activities we wanted to do throughout the month leading up to Christmas. I’ve done this with the boys for the past 3 years and it really helps us feel like we soak up the joy of the season without the month passing us by before we even get to really enjoy it.
I try to get most of my shopping and decorating done in November so that we have time to do small simple activities with the kids. One of my favorite activities is cuddling up in some comfy clothes and reading christmas books to the boys while listening to Christmas music. Our house was built in 1913, and our fireplace doesn’t work anymore (boo!) and our house gets pretty dang cold. I grabbed a warm sweater for Cash and some soft sweatpants for Bradley from Gap Factory to wear around the house. I couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was, so I added a sweater and lounge pants to my cart for myself. (my pants are only $16!) I haven’t shopped at Gap Factory online before and I was blown away by the prices. I love that I could get a little something for all of us to keep cosy while we do our fun Christmas activities. You have to browse through their site and see these prices!
Here are a few of the other activities on our list that we have done this year. My suggestion is to keep the activity simple but build up the excitement for your kids. Even something as simple as reading books by the tree can become a fun memory for them.
THE GIFT OF RELAXATION- 3 TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE DECEMBER
The holidays are always crazy. There are so many fun activities to go to and parties to attend…but preparing for them takes a lot of time and energy. Three years ago I was tired of being so stressed out the entire month of December, so I made a few changes in how I prepared for holiday parties and it has made such a difference! I’ve followed suit every year since then and I am really able to enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas, rather than spend them stressed out and frazzled.
I look forward to holiday parties probably more than the average person. I love getting dressed up and going to parties! But the truth is I’m usually trying to get dinner for the kids, pick up the babysitter, nurse the baby while putting on my makeup, etc. So even getting ready (my favorite part) can become stressful! Today I’ve partnered with GLAMGLOW to share 3 things I do early in the month of December to make getting holiday-party-ready stress free!
GET A MANICURE
After having Eli I struggle to even find time to paint my nails! And even if I do, they end up chipping 2 days later because I’m constantly working around the house with my hands. So early in the month of December I get a gel manicure (either with Eli in my baby wrap while the kids are in school, or early in the morning on a Saturday when Garrett is home). It is so nice not to have to try and paint my nails last minute as I’m running out the door.
GIVE MYSELF A GLAMGLOW MUD MASK
I used to never ever go to bed without washing my face. But so many late nights have taken their tole, and I’ve become guilty of quickly scrubbing my my face with a makeup remover wipe and climbing in bed. My complexion tends to be dry and uneven because of this, so I’ve been using this GLAMGLOW mud mask all throughout this month. My favorite mask is the GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment mask. It’s a quick application and I only have to leave it on for 10 minutes. So I throw it on before I nurse Eli at night, a time where I can actually sit and relax. The mask starts working right away and gets tingly, and my skin is super clean after I wash it off. I can tell a difference in the tightness of my skin as well. I’m so paranoid about getting wrinkles, I love this aspect about the mask. The results are instant! By spending just a few minutes taking care of my skin with GLAMGLOW, my skin is fresh, glowing, and ready for holiday party makeup. The great thing about these masks is that they don’t interfere with any other skincare products, so they work great for all skin types (which makes for a perfect gift as well!).
DO MY HAIR AND MAKEUP FIRST
I always have a million things I’m trying to take care of before I leave at night for a party. On the days that I leave my hair and makeup very last, I’m always the most stressed and wishing I had more time to spend on it. This year I started to do my hair and makeup early in the day and it has made a big difference. Sometimes I will have my makeup completely done and my hair curled before I pick up Cash from preschool. This probably sounds crazy, but I have the most free time in the mornings while the kids are in school. By the time dinner rolls around, all I need to do is freshen up my lipstick, blush, and spray my hair a bit. So get yourself ready first and I promise you’ll enjoy your night a whole lot more.
Holiday parties are so much fun to attend, and to throw.
This year I decided to get some of my girlfriends together and have a little
Secret Santa party. We usually hang out together at the park while we run
around after our kiddos, so it was nice to have a quiet night together after
all our kids went to sleep.
My favorite part about the party was that everyone gave such
thoughtful gifts to the girl they were assigned to bring a gift for! We all
have various interests, styles, and personalities so it was so fun to see what
each girl was gifted.
I put together a few quick tips on how to throw a successful
Secret Santa party. I kept this one really simple, with a few pretty décor
items from World Market that helped add elegance and style to the décor.
Keep the number intimate and even-
Its fun when you have a change to chat with each person at a
small gathering. I think around 6-8 people makes for a fun intimate party. And
the number needs to be even so that everyone that brings a gift gets a gift.
Set a price point-
Make sure everyone is aware and comfortable with the price
point you set for the Secret Santa gifts. Sending out a group text is helpful
and asking for input just to feel out to make sure everyone is ok with the
amount being spent on a present. Our price point was $25 for each girl. Also
make sure everyone knows whether they are getting a nice gift or a funny gift.
Both make for a great party, but its important to make sure everyone is on the
same page with the kind of gift to bring. Same thing goes for dress. I asked
the girls if they would rather come in festive jammies or nicer holiday
outfits. It’s important to get input from people attending to make sure
everyone will be happy and comfortable.
Ask for help-
Since the party is for close friends, no one will mind if
you ask for help! I asked each girl to bring an appetizer. I know the girls in
our group love a good appetizer, where candy and desserts might not get eaten
as much. So try and tailor the food to what you know your friends will want to
bring/eat.
DECOR DETAILS:
everything is currently 10% off at World Market online till Wednesday!
TOP: 
TOP: 
SIMILAR SWEATER 
SIMILAR GREY SWEATER 
SIMILAR GREY SWEATER 
ON ME: 
SIMILAR PLAID TOP 
SIMILAR RED DRESS 
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