Decor: Christmas

Can't believe we are so close to Christmas... I'm super excited this year since it will be Hudson's first year celebrating! Last year we didn't put up decorations because I was 38 weeks pregnant on xmas day and we weren't sure when little H would arrive... My mom has given my sisters and I a Santa every year for the past 8 years [mostly from Vaillancourt from Rodger's Gardens] and I love the sentiment behind my little collection. This year we bought these West Elm mongolian fur stockings and two gold glittered pinecone topiarys from PB for our mantel. Any fun decorations you've picked up this year? XOXO

Gift Guide: For Every Girl

The New York Times 36 Hours Travel Guide | You Are So Freaking Awesome Card Set | Diptyque Limited Edition 10 Candle Set | Nespresso Pixie Expresso Maker | Madewell Calf Hair Pouch | Bauble Bar Monogram Necklace | Kiehls Jumbo Creme De Corps Lotion | Honeydew Lace Bralette | J.Crew Pajama Set | Anita Ko Rose Gold Diamond Ring | Tory Burch Makeup Brush Set | Nike Free Run 5.0 Leopard Sneakers | Chanel Limited Edition Nail Polish Set

With Christmas just a few days away that leaves you with one more weekend to finish up [or start] all your holiday shopping! While gift cards are always a safe bet [especially for last minute presents], try to think outside the box and really tailor your gift to the receiver's personal taste. Thoughtfulness is the best gift you can give in my opinion! Here is a review of my other Gift Guides from this holiday season:

For The Food + Drink Enthusiast
Something Sparkly
Everyday Upgrades
Baby Boys + Girls
For The Fashionista
Gifts Under $50
For The Beauty Lover

Melanie Auld Jewelry
For Every Girl

This will probably be the last of the Gift Guides this year but stay tuned for some Boxing Day and after Christmas sale codes to use December 26th! What is your favorite gift you're giving this year? XOXO

Review: Ray Ban Aviators From SmartBuyGlasses.Com

My week got better after finding some gorgeous peonies on sale at Whole Foods yesterday! Such a treat since they are my absolute favorite flower and so hard to find since they only bloom a short part of the year. I also received a lovely package from smartbuyglasses.com! They sent over these black Ray Bans [style RB3025 Aviator Large Metal in Black] and I am in love. They sell over 80,000 products from 180 brands, have 100 day returns, free shipping and also include a handy lens kit to clean and repair your sunnies or eyewear. Definitely check out their Christmas Gift Guide and their site here the next time you are searching for some new glasses [this pair by Celine is next on my wish list]. Can't believe it is one week until Christmas! XOXO

Sales & Steals: Shopbop Extra 20% Off Code

Just in time for some last minute holiday shopping: Shopbop is offering 20% off their sale items with code EXTRA20 now until December 18th at 11:59PST. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member remember that you get free 2 day shipping through Shopbop! My favorite picks from the sale are below... I especially love these calf hair version of my favorite booties and these leather pants. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Dr. Brandt Glow Day + Night Duo | The Circle by Dave Eggers | Louis Vuitton Scarf

So happy today is Friday even if it happens to land on the 13th [any superstitious people out there?]. I can't believe that Christmas is only 12 days away, the month of December has gone by so fast! This weekend, I'm hoping to finally start The Circle... I bought it awhile ago but haven't had the chance [or time] to sit done and read it. I'm the type of person that once I start a book I need to finish it within a day or two! I've also been using this Dr. Brandt duo and am loving both so far... unfortunately, my skin didn't react well to the Chanel lotions [from this post] so I'm hoping this is a better match for me. Enjoy your weekend! XOXO

Gift Guide: Melanie Auld Jewelry

American Beauty | Pave Pentagon Turquoise Earrings | Rutilated Quartz Pave Ring | White Howlite Tear Cuff

Still in need of some holiday gift ideas? I received some stunning jewelry from the lovely Melanie Auld [she generously has hosted a few giveaways here and was recently featured in InStyle magazine] this week that would make the perfect, unique gift for the mom/ girlfriend/ bestie in your life! The craftsmanship on all her pieces are excellent and I love the natural stones she uses... the rutilated quartz on the ring was so hard to photograph but it is absolutely beautiful! Some gorgeous gems are currently on sale or you can use code INSTYLE25 for 25% off the site. XOXO

How I Spent My... Weekend

[clockwise from left]

1. Thanksgiving Outfit Necklace: Bauble Bar Pave Tab Necklace | Dress: Madewell | Shoes: Rag & Bone Harrow Booties in Black | iPhone Case: J.Crew. 2. Holiday mani from Buff & Tweeze in OPI Every Month Is Oktoberfest with a glitter accent. 3. My secret santa gift tied with this Anthropologie metallic baker's twine.

Hope your week is going well! On Sunday I went to a 4th annual Christmas brunch and gift exchange with my girlfriends [I gave this, this, this + this with the Starbucks gift card]. We always play the stealing game [draw numbers and then you pick gifts in that order by either stealing one that's been opened or you can choose a wrapped one] and I ended up with a great gift [this Williams Sonoma holiday candle and this awesome organic, vegan lotion]!

Sale Alerts:

-Bauble Bar's 25% off discount is extended through tonight. Use code MONDAY25 at check out.

- Up to 70% off Shopbop's Fall/Winter collection here. No code needed.
- 25% off $100+ and 30% off $200+ at J.Crew with code MERYMERRY.

Have a wonderful rest of your Tuesday! Tomorrow I'll be sharing some beautiful Melanie Auld jewelry and [hopefully] a Gift Guide. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Holiday Sparkle: Bauble Bar Hematite Pave Tab Necklace, Bauble Bar Crystal Holly Necklace + a monogrammed nameplate Hudson piece from Onecklace.com.

Christmas cards signed sealed and [soon to be] delivered.

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, I hope you had a great one! Did you score any good Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals? I'm happy to say I am pretty much finished with my Christmas shopping [a big relief!]... Next week I'll share our holiday decor along with a few more Gift Guides [see my previous ones from this year here]. Also working on Hudson's first birthday party, I can't believe he is turning one in less than a month! Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

Sales & Steals: Black Friday Codes

Alice + Olivia: 25% off site wide

Ann Taylor: 40% off with code TAKE40 and 50% off sale items

Bauble Bar: 15% off 2 items code FRIDAY15, 25% off 3 items code FRIDAY25 and 35% off 

4+ items code FRIDAY35 on 11/29

BCBG: 15% off with code WELCOME2013 through 11/30

Bloomingdales: $25 off almost every $200 you spend through 12/1

C.Wonder: 30% off 3 items or more with code GIFTS30 11/27-12/1

Club Monaco: extra 30% off already reduced items with code THANKS30 11/26-11/29

DVF: 30% off select items and free shipping over $300 11/26-12/2

Freshly Picked Moccasins: 25% off 11/29 10am est-12/3

Gap: 50% off in stores on 11/29, 40% off 11/30-12/2

Henri Bendel: 20% off $100+, 25% off $200+ and 30% off $300+ code PARTYGUIDE through 12/4

J.Crew: 30% off with code HOLIDAY until 12/1

Joie: 20% off $250+ and 30% off $500+ from 11/27-12/2

Kate Somerville: 30% off with code HOLIDAY2013 11/25-12/2

Little Hip Squeaks: 25% off everything with code GOBBLE 11/29 starting at 7am est

Madewell: 25% off with code FEAST25 11/27-12/2

Melanie Auld Jewelry: 50% off site wide on 11/29

Nordstrom: 25% off select brands 11/27-12/2

Serena and Lily: 20% off site wide with code THANKS20 11/26-12/2

Shopbop: buy more, save more event up to 25% off with code BIGEVENT13 11/26-12/2

Singer22: 30% off select denim with code FALL30 through 11/30

Tory Burch: 20% off $300+, 25% off $500+ and 30% off $750+ 11/29-12/2

new updates:
ASOS: 20% of site wide 11/28-12/2 with code GIMME20
Intermix: 20% full price items with code THANKS only on 11/28 and 40% off sale items
Kendra Scott: 20% off site wide and free shipping with code BFCM2013 11/27-12/2
Loft: 40% off everything 11/29-11/30 with code ENJOY
Neiman Marcus: extra 20% off previously reduced prices

It seems like the Black Friday sales are happening earlier and earlier each year! Most of these codes are already in effect but I'm sure there will be many more deals to come online and in stores [btw Zara is having a big sale starting Black Friday!]. I've made my shopping list for the 20+ family and friends I need to get gifts for and am ready to brave the crowds! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! XOXO [image above via sugar paper]

Gift Guide: For The Beauty Lover

Prada Candy L'Eau Perfume | Chanel Nail Polish | Beauty Blender Duo | Estee Lauder Jeweled Compact | Lancome Hypnose Mascara | J.Crew Metallic Hair Ties | Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss | Dry Bar Curling Iron | Dry Bar Brush | Fresh Sugar Treasures Lip Set | Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette | Clarins Self Tanning Cream | Tweezerman Tweezers | Kate Somerville ExfoilKate | Nars Blush Palette | Josie Maran Light Argan Oil | Chanel Le Naturelle Set

My beauty Gift Guide is always one of my favorite lists to make [mainly because I'd love anything on it!]. There were far too many good things to choose from so I've included more picks in the look book below [I'm wishing for this perfume and the new sold out Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette]. Other ideas for a girl that loves pampering are a day at the spa, a blow out at a local Dry Bar or [when in doubt] a Sephora gift card. Don't forget about the Shopbop sale... more Black Friday codes coming soon! XOXO

Gift Guide: Gifts Under $50

Dry Bar The VIP Pack | Madewell Leopard Keychain | Pinch Emergency Kit | Crane & Co. Merci Note Card | Tom Ford Nail Polish | Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm Set | Marc Jacobs Honey Perfume Roller | Diptyque Mini Candle in Figuier | Chanel Coco Lip Shine | Madewell Bien Fait Pouch | The Circle Book | Melanie Auld Pave Natural Quartz Ring [50% off on Black Friday] | Melanie Auld Pave Bar Lapis Ring [50% off on Black Friday] | J.Crew Sock Trio | Laura Mercier Hand Lotion Set | Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers | Kate Spade iPhone Case

These gifts are great options that won't break the bank... perfect for a secret santa, a stocker stuffer or as an added bonus to a gift you're already giving! My favorite Gift Guide, For The Beauty Lover, coming up tomorrow morning! In the meantime, check out the Shopbop sale and my Closet Clean Out Sale. XOXO

Sales & Steals: Shopbop Up To 25% Off Code

Get your Black Friday shopping done a little early with this code from Shopbop! Between today and December 2nd, use code BIGEVENT13 to save 15% when you spend $250, 20% when you spend $500 and 25% when you spend $1000. Things tend to sell out fast on their site so act quickly! Other mention worthy codes already in effect are:

- 20% off sitewide at The Outnet with code THANKSGIVING

- 30% off at Kate Somerville with code HOLIDAY2013

- 20% off at Serena & Lily with code THANKS20
- 25% off at J.Crew with code GETGIFTING.

I'll be posting a full list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday codes this week but start shopping this awesome deal here. XOXO

Decor: Thanksgiving

Anna Weatherley Simply Anna China | Waterford Lismore Essence Crystal | Pottery Barn Kids Give Thanks Banner

On Sunday we hosted Friendsgiving at our house and had so much fun! It's always been one of my favorite annual events and we are especially thankful for how supportive and wonderful our friends have been over the past year with Hudson! I made this salted carmel ice cream that you must try if you're in need of a dessert. XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Le Jour De Chanel by day | La Nuit De Chanel by night

Happy Friday! I've been hearing rave reviews for the new Chanel trio skincare system [Le Jour, La Nuit + Le Weekend] and am looking forward to seeing if the day and night serums are able to work some magic before purchasing the third potion for weekend wear. I'm loving the simple and chic packaging! Today I'm headed to the flower mart in preparation for our Friendsgiving event on Sunday. Looking forward to sharing some photos next week! I'll also be posting all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday codes [hopefully] by Wednesday along with a few more Gift Guides!

P.S. Closet Clean Out Sale: November 2013 happening here if missed. XOXO

Gift Guide: For The Fashionista

Jacquie Aiche Ring | Creed Love In White Candle | Valentino Rockstud Pumps | Tom Ford Lip Shine Gloss in Lost Cherry | Neiman Marcus Gift Card | The Big Book Of Chic Book | Vanity Fair 100 Years Book | Chanel Mascara | Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace | Barneys Gift Card | Jo Malone Dark Amber + Ginger Lily Candle | Rag And Bone Kinsey Boots | Diptyque Patchouli Candle | Lizzie Fortunato Earrings | Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette | Net-A-Porter Gift Card | Jimmy Choo Pumps | Alexa Chung It Book

Shopping for your most fashionable friend might seem like a daunting task but any of these gifts should do the job! Coffee table books [Dior Glamour and Aerin Lauder's new book are on my wish list] or a gift card to her favorite store are always safe options. Check back later today for a November Closet Clean Out update. XOXO

Gift Guide: Baby Boys + Girls

Gap Raccoon Onesie | J.Crew Socks | Prefresh Hello Ladies Shirt | Beau Hudson Bow Tie | Gap Striped Onesie | Beau Hudson Checkered Bando | Converse | Lollacup Straw Cup | Wood Crocodile Set | Boo The Dog | Beau Hudson Beanie | J.Crew The Dude Cashmere Sweater | Blabla Dolls Licorice The Dog | If I Were A Fox Book

The Fairy Tales Of The Brothers Grimm | Zara Kitty Leggings | Elephant | Gap Coat | Salt Water Baby Sandals | La La Lola Felt Headbands | Little Hip Squeaks Rosette Blanket | Baby Liberty Floral Dress | Baby Liberty Floral Bloomers | Pink Felt Giraffe | Jennifer Ann Personalized Cape | Freshly Picked Moccasins in Blush

Baby presents might be the best gifts to shop for and even though he might not remember this year, I can't wait to get Hudson some things for his first Christmas! Here are a few of my favorite picks for little girls and boys. XOXO

Recent Oufits

Outfit 1 Sweater: Ralph Lauren Cashmere [no longer available; similar style here] | Shirt: J.Crew | Jeans: Current/Elliot Stiletto | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots in Black Leather [look for less here]. Outfit 2 Jacket: Zara | Shirt: Madewell | Skirt: Zara | Shoes: Zara [black sold out online; lust version here].

Hope you had a great weekend! We had lots of fun celebrating my husband's birthday with family and friends [I wore these looks out to dinner Friday and Saturday night]. Will try to post another Gift Guide later today, can't believe Black Friday, Cyber Monday and all of the holiday shopping fun is creeping upon us so quickly! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Baby Girl Gift: Bow Coat | Navy Corduroy Dress | Ivory Floral Top | Ivory Bow Leggings.

Some birthday gifts for the hubby [including this + this].

Starting to prep for our Friendsgiving event next Sunday. Excited to use our wedding china!

TGIF, time for the weekend to begin! I'm looking forward to going to a first birthday party for one of Hudson's best girlfriends as well as celebrating my husband's birthday. I plan on taking him to his favorite restaurant and cooking him some yummy food over the course of the weekend!

P.S. The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale in going on now if you haven't checked it out yet! XOXO

Gift Guide: Everyday Upgrades

La Mer The Hand Treatment | Smythson Leather Planner | Frends Leather + Rose Gold Headphones | Diptyque Hourglass Diffuser | Cashmere Texting Gloves | J.Crew Cashmere Infinity Scarf [more colors here] | Saint Laurent Sunglasses | J.Crew Cashmere Socks | Reiko Kaneko Gold Lip Mug | Proenza Schouler PS11 Wallet | Sugar Paper Note Set | Tom Ford Lip Shine | Lanvin Ballet Flats | Rodin Face Oil

Ever have trouble finding a gift for the lady with everything? It's always nice to give a gift that you know will be used often and these luxurious everyday upgrades are definitely a splurge but would be an amazing treat. Other great options would be a massage at the spa, dinner and drinks at her favorite restaurant, a deluxe mani/pedi or a gift card for her favorite fitness class. Don't fret if these are beyond your budget, an under $50 gift guide will be up next week! XOXO

Gift Guide: Something Sparkly

Jennifer Meyer Initial Necklace | Jennifer Zeuner Wishbone Necklace | Bauble Bar Travel Case | J.Crew Earrings | WGACA Vintage Chanel Earrings | Bauble Bar Jaguar Bracelet | Monica Vinader Rose Gold Bracelet | Bauble Bar Bracelet | Michael Kors Watch | Giles & Brother Nail Head Bracelet | Melanie Auld Pave Bar Bracelet | Sydney Evans Love Ring | Jennifer Zeuner Hand + Eye Ring | Melanie Auld Lapis Bar Ring | Chloe Black Volcanic Stone Ring | Bauble Bar Tray | Bauble Bar Midi Ring Duo | Elizabeth and James Double Knuckle Ring | Ileana Makri Eternity Ring | Monica Vinader Rose Gold Ring

I think most girls would admit that they would love to find a little sparkle under their tree this holiday season! My main tip for buying jewelry for someone else is that when in doubt, go for something subtle and timeless [look at Jennifer Meyer, Dana Rebecca Designs, Monica Viander or Gorjana for ideas] or add a little personalization with a monogrammed piece [Max and Chloe's West Avenue Monogrammed Necklace is a favorite, see mine here]. If you want to go a little bolder, J.Crew has fun and affordable pieces that would be a safe pick and add instant pizazz to an otherwise basic outfit. For those with a bigger budget, Anita Ko, Cartier [the Love collection], Hermes [any of their bracelets] or something vintage would be my suggestion. XOXO

Gift Guide: For The Food + Drink Enthusiast

The Budding Chef: The Kinfolk Table cookbook | Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour | Coconut Oil | Williams-Sonoma Extra Virgin Oilve Oil + Champagne Vinegar Duo | The Cocktail Enthusiast: Craft Cocktails recipe book | Furbish Studio Spotted Cocktail Napkins | Charbonnel et Walker Champagne Chocolate Truffles | Stainless Steel Bar Tools Set | Mr. + Mrs. Holiday Glasses | The Sweet Lover: Babycakes Covers The Classics cookbook | Mini Spatula Set | Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract | Sugar Paper Recipe Box

The first Gift Guide of the holiday season is here! I thought it'd be good to try to post these throughout November so that you can make a shopping list and take advantage of the all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales coming up. Let me know if there is a particular category you'd like to see featured! This guide focuses on the friend or family member that loves to eat and drink [don't we all?]! Whether a budding chef, cocktail enthusiast or lover of sweets I've packaged up three gift sets that would be sure to bring lots of joy and full bellies. Exactly 6 weeks until Christmas! XOXO

Inspiration: Christmas Decor

Merry Christmas Garland | Mongolian Fur Stocking | Mirrored Strands | Gold Flatware | Glitter Tree Topper | Silver Glitter Feather | Faux Fur Tree Skirt | Mercury Tealight Holders

I know I'm jumping ahead and skipping a holiday [sorry Thanksgiving!] but I'm in the beginning stages of brainstorming Christmas decor for our house and got too excited [plus places like Pottery Barn and West Elm usually have discount codes around this time of year]! I also want to make sure I have our xmas trinkets up for as long as possible since it will be Hudson's first time celebrating so I'm hoping to get our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving in order to prolong the festiveness of my favorite time of year. I'm always drawn towards white, gold, silver and sparkle so these are some of my favorite picks! So far, I've picked up these glitter alphabet letters in M, N and H to add a little personalized bling to our tree and I'm planning on picking up The Elf On A Shelf set to begin a fun tradition with our baby boy. Also, I promise to post some Thanksgiving inspiration in the next week or so and will share our Friendsgiving party decor! XOXO

Etc.

[clockwise from top left]

1. Shirt: Vince | Scarf: Zara | Jeans: Henry and Belle | Necklace: EllandEmm O'Hara Pendant. 2. Crumbs Bake Shop cupcakes for a friend in Pumpkin, Milkshake, Red Velvet + Vanilla Sprinkle. 3. Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots from the new Bloomingdale's in Glendale. 4. Spray roses from Trader Joe's.

Hope you had a great weekend! We spent most of it trying to take care of some odds and ends around the house in preparation for our upcoming Friendsgiving event next Sunday [an annual Thanksgiving dinner that we do with our close friends!]. Today is also the start of my husband's birthday week so I'm prepping for the festivities. Have a great Monday! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

O'Hara Pendant | Coco Bracelet in Antique Gold | Thorner Bracelet in Sunkissed

Love the way she includes a personal note in each package!

Happy Friday! Jenn from EllandEmm sent me the sweetest holiday package this week... She is always so generous with hosting giveaways, you must check out her site if you haven't yet [besides her amazing jewelry pieces she also sells these adorable purse poufs, obsessed with the black one]! I also love following her on Instagram... her decor aesthetic and purse collection is unreal! Hope you all have a festive fall weekend! XOXO

Sales & Steals: Sephora VIB 20% Coupon

As mentioned on Friday's post, Sephora's VIB event is happening now through Monday the 11th! Take advantage and stock up on your basics and perhaps some holiday gifts. Their seasonal specialty items are always a hit and great to have on hand for last minute presents [the gift sets from Fresh are always a safe bet as well as the Sephora Favorites] . Start your shopping here and be sure to use code VIBTOPIA at checkout to get your discount. Let me know what you pick up! XOXO

Current Obsessions: Sugar Paper For Target

To say I was excited about the recent Sugar Paper for Target collaboration would be an understatement [view my Instagram pic here]. I have been a huge fan of the company and used them for all of my wedding paper goods, personal stationery and for our first holiday card after we got married and have never been disappointed... the quality of their beautiful letter pressed pieces and their customer service is unbeatable! 

I had to venture to multiple Target locations in order to see all of the products [they were selling quickly and unfortunately not all stores are carrying the line] but was so glad I made the effort. Everything pictured above was under $20, with most products in the $10-$15 range. While hard to beat their original products [loving their new leopard note set and their classic kraft paper calendar], I was pleasantly surprised with how great the quality of this collaboration is for the price point. I plan on keeping a few pieces for myself but made sure to stock up on holiday gifts for friends and family [these would be the perfect stocking stuffers or gift paired with a pack of Le Pen pink pens].

Check this list on Sugar Paper's blog to see if your local Target is carrying the collection. There are a few pieces left on the brand's website but unfortunately most items are already sold out! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Marc Jacobs Honey Sephora VIB Set [perfume available here] | Nars Guy Bourdin Holiday Limited Edition Blush Set | Kate Somerville IllumiKate CC Cream in Light | Fresh Sugar Kisses Lip Trio | Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder

Hope you guys had a great day yesterday... we got a total of 4 sets of trick or treaters which was kind of a bummer! Oh well, more Reese's for me... Just a heads up, if you are a Sephora VIB member there is a VIB 20% off sale this Thursday the 7th-Monday the 11th. Make sure you check your mail and inbox for a coupon! My favorite picks above are from their recent Friends and Family sale and I think they would make great holiday gifts too if you are beginning to think about that [Gift Guides to come this month!]. Have a great weekend and first day of November! XOXO

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! I hope you all have a fun and safe day filled with lots of candy and sweets [this pile of goodies by our front door has been deadly... I can't resist Reese's mini pumpkins!]! The week got ahead of us so we plan on carving our pumpkins this afternoon and taking Hudson out for a bit for his first trick or treating experience... He is dressing up as Santa Claus! XOXO