MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ChristmasCardSnuggling under comfy blankets next to warm fireplaces drinking and eating lots of delicious treats with our families is where you will find us all day today. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones today celebrating the true meaning of the holiday season. Merry Christmas and thank you to each and every one of you that stop by this little blog of mine. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas-3To our surprise, Maddie and Oakley were absolute photo pros. Look how attentive they are watching Mama decorate the tree!

Christmas-5Ewww…Kissy, kissy.

Christmas-7DOWN SHE GOES! Note to self: next time make sure the chair is firmly placed in the snow.

Christmas-8Oakley immediately climbed on my lap to cuddle while Maddie howled at Dad to stop taking pictures and help Mom up!! How cute is her little mouth? *woof* *woof*

Christmas-9Christmas Card photo runner up – the squinting into the sun and that massive snow spot on my leg from falling (see above) demoted it to second place.

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

1 Holiday, 7 Outfits // Christmas

The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of your friends and family, not a time to stress about what to gift, make, or wear. Here are seven outfits to make getting dressed this Christmas season easier than ever. Besides each piece priced under $50 (except for the fur jacket), the best part about these seven outfits is the ability to remix the individual pieces together to create even more looks fit for any occasion this holiday season. (i.e. the lace top with the black skinnies and leopard loafers or try the turtleneck with the green cargos topped off by the floppy hat).

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Hat | Blouse | Denim | Cardigan | Flats | Watch

Traveling home: The only thing in your control at the airport this Christmas season is your comfort so choose a layered outfit that allows you to relax and move quickly through security check points but that still looks chic when you arrive at your destination.

ShoppingtheSteals Pants | Blouse | Coat | Shoes | Sunglasses | Watch

Shopping the Steals: The stores will be bustling with last minute shoppers so ditch your bulky, warm winter coat for a long sweater jacket, sensible yet stylish booties, and a printed top to quickly finish your last minute errands.

MeetingFriendsShirt | Necklace | Cardigan | Booties | Skirt | Crossbody

Meeting Friends: Keep your leather skirt from being overly sexy by choosing an A-line fit and juxtaposing it with boyfriend inspired pieces: the button up blouse and oversized cardigan.

HolidayOuting  Coat | Turtleneck | Earrings | Heels | Clutch | Lipstick | Denim

Holiday Outing: Participate in the dark lip trend to add a dose of drama and to maintain a pop of burgundy once you check your coat. It’s the most inexpensive statement trend to try this season.

OpeningPresentsFinalCardigan | Scarf | Tee | Leggings | Movie | Mug | Nail Polish | Slippers

Opening Presents: Throw on a big, chunky sweater, infinity scarf, and slippers to stay cozy while lounging around Christmas morning opening presents and watching holiday movie classics with the family.

ChristmasCocktails Top | Skirt | Earrings | Coat | Bracelet | Lipstick | Heels | Clutch

Christmas Cocktails: Instead of a basic LBD, mix up your cocktail attire by pairing a peplum lace top with a fitted skirt, sparkly accessories, and a faux fur jacket. The combination still exudes sophisticated femininity but with a flair of fun and personality.

ChristmasDay  Heels | Tank | Belt | Dress | Jacket | Heels | Necklace

Christmas Day:  Celebrate in style by layering under or over a skater dress to add interest in the form of sparkle or leather. Finish it off with bare legs or tights, a belt or necklace, but always with a killer pair of shoes.

 

What I Wore // Traveling Home

Travel-6In just eight short days, the husband and I will finally be on our way home to Iowa to celebrate the Christmas holiday with our families. I can barely contain my excitement to the extent that I am already pre-packing in my head. Following my previously shared travel attire tips this outfit is airport ready with the comfy footwear, layers, and easy fabric. Check out my packing essentials (here), celebrity travel trends for inspiration (here), and past travel outfits (here and here) to make your holiday packing easy peasy.

Travel-7GAP Denim and Sweatshirt | J.Crew Factory Blouse (similar) | Zara Jacket (similar) | Converse Shoes | Marc by Marc Crossbody

Travel-5 Travel-4

What I Wore // Silk Pants

PaisleyPants-6Last night we continued one of our favorite Christmas traditions by seeing A Christmas Carol at the ACT Theater, a small theater in downtown Seattle with an arena stage. The intimate setting (literally sitting on the stage) made the performance that much more enjoyable and truly resonated the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

Live for the past, present, and future.

These “silk” track pants are ah-mazing – all night I felt like I snuck out of the house wearing my pajamas. Due to their comfort and fit, pumps are a necessity to elongate the legs and distinguish them from my pjs. The leather jacket and metallic heels made the paisley print fun for a date night out with the husband. Want to wear them to work? Simply swap out the leather jacket for a structured blazer and the metallic pumps for ones in black to make this look work appropriate.

PaisleyPants-7Loft Paisley Pants (on MAJOR sale) | Silk Top | Express Minus The Leather Jacket (now 40% off) | ShoeDazzle Heels (only $22) | Hobo Clutch

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 Get the look yourself with a pair of track pants ranging in price from $17 to $85!

trackpants1 ($17) | 2 ($27) | 3 ($30) | 4 ($35 – also in black) | 5 ($35) |
6 ($44) | 7 ($58) | 8 ($68) | 9 ($72) | 10 ($84)

What I Wore // Christmas Card

Christmas_Card_Outfit-2Heading into the mountains to capture our 2013 Christmas card photo called for some major planning, perfect weather, and patience. Luckily we were blessed with all three plus some good laughs and memories. When dressing for your Christmas photo, you want to appear subtly festive. Leave the ugly sweaters at home and sport a combination of plaid, shades of red or green, sparkle, and/or visible layers, all of which remind us of cozying up, celebrating, and dressing for the holiday season. Check back Christmas morning for our official 2013 Christmas Card photo along with some bloopers from the shoot (i.e. a big fall into the snow). Do you send out Christmas cards?

Christmas_Card_Outfit-6 Boots | Leggings | Skirt (here, long version here) | Blouse (sold out, similar) | Scarf | Vest

Christmas_Card_Outfit-3Christmas_Card_Outfit-5 Christmas_Card_Outfit-4