The Blues

~ I forgot my sunglasses ~

Wearing //

Loft softened chambray shirt, similar here and here on sale

Express jean leggings

Zara kitten heels, similar

Michael Kors bag

Stella & Dot necklace and bracelet

(Don't forget to use Noelle Engel as your hostess ;)

Beauty //

Make up for ever HD Ultra foundation

MAC twig lipstick

This time of year is always bittersweet for me. I used to love Christmas because it was really the only chance I had to see my extended family. My mother would go all out, working like a mad woman to ensure the perfect decorations, lights, and presents. But after my parents got divorced when I was eighteen, family stopped coming around. We isolated ourselves from people, and I spent most holidays going to friends' houses who were gracious enough to let me join and be a part of their families. Now that I have my in-laws, it's wonderful to be included in their traditions. I'm extremely grateful, but there's still this little ache in my heart because I haven't spent a single Christmas with my own family since I was a teenager. With the work that I do with foster children, I see how this otherwise happy time affects them as well. They long to feel normal. They don't care about gifts like a lot of well-adjusted kids do. All they want is to be reunited with their parents, and unfortunately, that's not a possibility for obvious, heartbreaking reasons.

I don't mean to write such a sad post, especially when it's attached to an outfit I wore but I know I'm not alone in this. Plenty of people experience the holiday blues, more than we probably imagine. In the hustle and bustle of putting together fun looks to wear to parties, gift guides filled with pretty things to buy, and traditions to carry out, I just hope we can be aware that not everyone thinks this is the most wonderful time of the year. For some, it really isn't. I hope for most of you reading this though, you are having a great end to 2015. I am trying my best :)

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Mary Tyler Moore

Wearing //

INC coat from Macy's

Express cami and jeans

Old Navy flats, old

Stella & Dot Bianca lariat necklace

Chanel bag, similar

Beauty //

MAC lipstick in Twig

Essie nails in Limited Addiction

Nate thinks I looked like Mary Tyler Moore in this get-up. And yes, he also called it a get-up. I used to watch Mary Tyler Moore when I was a kid with my parents. I loved her cute little office pencil skirts, bob haircut, and that adorable hat she threw up in the air during the iconic opening. So I'll take the reference as a compliment, however odd it may seem.

I love my new coat! I got it on sale at Macy's last week and used the remainder of a gift card on it. These open draped coats are popping up in my feed on Instagram, and I'm drawn to the relaxed look of them. They are perfect for our weather, where a lightweight coat or jacket is really all we need to get through Fall and Winter. It's an easy topper to throw over as an extra layer.

How was your Thanksgiving?

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Little White Jacket

Wearing //

Target jacket

H&M cami, recent check stores

Loft jeans

Zara pumps, similar

Chanel bag, look for less

Stella & Dot Bianca lariat necklace

Henri Bendel ring (I've had it for years!)

Beauty //

Essie nails in Limited Addiction

There are certain things that I truly believe every woman should own in her wardrobe. Most are fairly obvious, and if you've flipped through any fashion magazine I guarantee that these will be there . The little black dress, a nice button-down shirt, a tailored blazer, classic black pumps, a timeless trench. That's stating the obvious, right? But may I add something a little less unexpected to that list. I am convinced that a white jacket can carry over into any season, and it looks just as crisp and classic as any other jacket you may reach for. I never realized how much I loved this one in particular from Target, until I finally got the sleeves hemmed last week. It had been sitting in my closet for months and I had no idea what to do about it until I came to my senses and took it to be altered. The alteration was very simple, and in two days, I had my perfect little white jacket ready to be worn. I paired it with other classic pieces for a fool-proof outfit that will be in heavy rotation. 

Notice the pretty leaves at my feet? I'm so happy that they are finally changing color here. There's a part of me that gets giddy over them each year because the time for them to fall is fleeting. I hope it's just as beautiful where you live. 

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The New Classic

Wearing //

Zara cape, similar in white (want!)

Express cami and jeans

Sole Society pumps, similar

Chanel bag

Stella & Dot rebel necklace and renegade bracelet

Connect with me!

Beauty //

MAC lipstick in See Sheer

You know I love something when I've worn it several times in just one month. I still gravitate towards classic pieces that I can mix and match into my existing wardrobe, and there's something about a structured blazer that instantly pulls together any look regardless of your age, size, or personal style. The cape trend is just a modern twist, and I can't get enough. I love throwing it on with dark jeans and pretty shoes, even better in a classic color combination. Black, white, and pops of red are fool-proof for looking polished. I've never been good at math so I can't say much about formulas but this is one that I can fully grasp. I love this cape so much that I'm seriously considering it in white as well. 

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Closet Staple: Leggings

Wearing //

Loft cardigan

Express cami

Target leggings

Sole Society booties, similar here and here

Chanel bag, look for less

Kendra Scott druzy necklace

Nordstrom long necklace (old) but similar

Beauty //

Nails in Essie Smokin' Hot

Benefit Posie Balm

Leggings are truly one of fashion's greatest pleasures, and also one of its best kept secrets. When I used to think of leggings, I pictured a frumpy mess (mostly because in college, I wore them to frump around the house in when I was too lazy to get dressed. In fact, I still do on my days off). But leggings don't have to be so casual that you still can't look pulled together and polished! Quite the contrary. There's nothing more casual chic than tucking them into a great pair of booties like I've done here, or even dressing them up for night by adding beautiful accessories and simple pumps. I always make sure to balance out the look by wearing a longer sweater, jacket, or cardigan on top. These leggings are a bit sheer, so I highly recommend covering at least your bum if you have a similar pair. Next on my shopping list are faux leather leggings that I can wear to holiday parties and out to dinner with friends. Tis the season to go glam and get dolled up, but even better when you can do so in comfort too. Now pass the chocolate chip cookies, please. 

I currently have three pairs. How many leggings do you own? What's your favorite way to wear them?

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On my Mind...

A lot of things are on my mind lately, mostly good. I've been battling a bug for the majority of this week, so I have had plenty of time to think. It's been nice actually (aside from the feeling terrible part). I've been sitting in my pajamas all day and drinking nothing but water and ginger ale. Isolation can do funny things to people, but as an only child, solitude is a pleasure for me.  Another year is winding to an end, and it's my typical MO to get a little introspective about things...or not! Don't worry, I'm not getting all serious on you. This is still the land of frivolity. While I'm on the mend from whatever this cold or flu is, I'll leave you with some things that I wanted to mention last week.

1) Sheet Masks

See, I told you this wouldn't be deep.
I've been seeing this beauty trend all over snapchat, and when I walked into my Sephora a couple of weeks ago, lo and behold right smack in the front entrance was a big display of sheet masks from different brands. I decided to give these two a go, without really knowing anything about them. I must say, although I'm old fashioned and prefer my face covered in green clay rather than say...snail mucin, I really love both of these! They both made my skin look brighter and more refreshed after, and I like the easy application and clean-up. Simply throw away the mask and don't rinse your face.  Rub the leftover gel into your skin and it continues to do its magic. My only gripe is that these masks are wasteful since you can't re-use them. I don't know how often I'll be purchasing, although this leads me to my next thing.




2) Sephora VIB  sale (November 13th - November 16th)

Not to be confused with the sale that just happened, I will be participating in this one and plan on just placing a small order online. I'll share what I get once the goods arrive, but so far my list includes another tube of Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. Did you ladies get anything?


3) My blog is getting a new look!
Yes, for the third time. But I'm very excited about this one because I just think it's ready for an upgrade. I love working with a blog designer. It's kind of like planning your wedding, but much less stressful! I do have a few things in mind, but I'm also going to be much more open about fonts and colors. I just want to make sure that as usual, it is easy to navigate and user friendly. I'm a tech dummy, so when I see a blog that looks like it needs an instruction manual, forget it. We begin working the first week of December so I hope to have it done by the new year :)


4) Last not but not least for this random post is that I've decided to become a Stella & Dot stylist!

I can't really believe it either. I've been a huge fan of the company and their jewelry since they began, and my fellow stylist has encouraged me to get involved for a couple of years now. I never really saw it as a fit, but she's finally convinced me to dive in. I'm spending most of the weekend getting started and trying to get situated, but I would really appreciate your support if you ladies need any pretty jewels in the future. I'm your girl!

You can shop here or just type in Noelle Engel under "Find your hostess".



Enough about me, what's on your mind these days?

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