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‘Tis the season for giving, but also picking up a thing or two for yourself 😉 I’ll be continuing to round up holiday party wear—from red velvet shoes to emerald party dresses to New Year’s Eve feathers—at every price point all season long.
Have requests? Tweet me!
The day after Thanksgiving, we got just the lightest dusting of snow down on the South Shore, so we skipped the madness of Black Friday at the mall and opted for a little nature instead.
[Helps that it warmed up to a practically-summer-day 54 degrees post said snow dusting.]
Still, it was brisk enough to don the Christmas plaid and cozy up with some new goodies from k.m. hutton! Kate makes the sweetest knit scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, and boot cuffs, plus some darling clutches and handbags. This is not your granny’s knitting work, but totally cute, modern stitchery.
Navy Toggle Coat, American Eagle [similar 1; 2; 3] | Knit Oatmeal Sweater, Forever 21 | Plaid Skirt, J.Crew [similar 1; 2] | Barley Chunky Cowl c/o k.m. hutton | Gold & Pearl Necklace, J.Crew [similar 1; 2] | Riding Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren [similar] | Almond Cream Reversible Boot Cuffs c/o k.m. hutton | Leather Satchel, Madewell
This brand is everything I want to promote this gift-buying season– handmade and a local, independent business. Maybe scarves are a typical, fail-safe Christmas gift, but we can always use them, so why not embrace it and at least choose attractive ones?
I’m also loving Kate’s button scarves, fingerless gloves [just because it’s below freezing doesn’t mean I’m going to stop live-tweeting], and give me anything in a knit fisherman cream.
So if you’re stocking up on gifts, or could use a little treat yourself [I mean it IS winter and winter accessories ARE a necessity], take 20% off your purchase with code SHOPCOZYEMILY. Be sure to use it by next Wednesday, December 10th though– that’s the last day to guarantee Christmas delivery!
Ohhh but haven’t you missed your unofficial New England lighthouse guide? It’s been WEEKS. 🙂
Last month, we took a mini trip up to Portland, Maine for BF’s cousin’s wedding. While wedding weekend activities didn’t leave much time for exploring the town, I did make sure we stopped at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth on our way in.
The oldest lighthouse in Maine, it was first lit in 1791 and is still pretty darn postcard-perfect today. Worth a visit just as much as the lighthouse itself are the grounds it sits upon, Fort Williams Park. And this COASTLINE. We could have very well parked ourselves there just to sit and soak it in all day.
Plaid Shirtdress, GAP [similar 1; 2] | White Puffer Vest, Old Navy (on sale today!) | Riding Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren [similar] | Tortoise Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Pearl Necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Around the World Watch, Urban Outfitters | Camera Purse, Kate Spade [similar]
A trip fit for total tourists, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can’t wait to make a drive back up to Portland soon to experience more of what the town itself has to offer…!
Youguys. Have you seen Lands’ End lately? It is not the mom jeans and farmer flannel I once associated it with. This is some full-on New Englandy fall goodness. I’m the last person who wants to talk about Starbucks red cups and other holiday things on November 4th, but the plaid! The cozy red sweaters! The Christmas morning PJ sets! Lands’ End’s new arrivals are suddenly making me want start stocking up for holiday wear…
[ Tartan Slim Leg Pants | Landmark Colorblock West Crossbody | Landmark Colorblock Hartland Satchel | Charcoal Minnie Pumps | Shimmer Shawl Collar Down Vest | Quilted PrimaLoft Parka | Lofty Blend Lurex Aran Sweater | Striped Cashmere Scarf | CashTouch Oversized Scarf | Lambswool Aran Cardigan Sweater | CashTouch Oversized Scarf | Slipper Socks ]
ALL of this is 25% off right now as a part of their Friends & Family sale [use code FAMILY25 and pin 1804!]. I also can’t stop thinking about this baby pink coat for early, chilly spring.
And just look at how much you can monogram… from the bags to this blackwatch scarf I just picked up.
I’m obsessed. And you’re welcome.
post script. In a certain more pink and glittery universe, Kate Spade’s Surprise Sale is still going super strong! Lots of favorites featured, including their new infamous Eat Cake tote.
I suppose you could say my fashion blogging career started in this playground.
Sometime during my awkward high school years, probably drooling over the spreads of Teen Vogue, I realized this park would work as a pretty darn cute backdrop for my amateur “fashion photography,” if you can even call it that. So, I would grab my best friends models, put together some outfits [all fitting within a theme of course, jungle fever or bohemian flower child, perhaps], style them, and shoot away. I had quite the portfolio for a 16-year-old with a point-and-shoot.
Anyway, it only seemed fitting to stop by the old playground when I was in town, and experience for myself what I used to put my friends through all those years. Ladies, I do apologize now.
Blazer, The Limited [similar] | Oxford, Gap [similar] | Jersey Skirt, American Apparel | Tartan Frat Hat, Southern Proper | Monogram necklace c/o Onecklace | World Watch, Urban Outfitters | Le Pliage Tote, Longchamp | Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren [similar]
Though my family no longer lives there, I couldn’t resist a short trip down to my home area of the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania when the opportunity arose over the holidays. It really deserves a travel post of its own, but most of our time on this particular journey was spent inside visiting old friends [and eating… namely Wawa, Philly Cheesesteaks, Half Moon Saloon‘s Crab Nachos, and Hank’s Place‘s famous corned beef hash].
I did have to take a few moments, though, to show BF some of my favorite childhood sights, like this darling covered bridge. While the original from 1839 has since burned down, this 2002 version was rebuilt to replicate the original, and it still holds the same rustic, single-lane charm [as nerve-racking as driving over it may be!].
Sweater, Banana Republic [similar 1; 2] | Plaid Skirt, J.Crew Factory [similar] | 24K Gold Plated Monogrammed Necklace c/o Onecklace | Pearl necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Bag, Jesslyn Blake [similar splurge // similar steal] | Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren [similar]
#hairflip
My monogrammed necklace [which has been on my wish list for-EVER] was sent to me by the kind folks at Onecklace— much more affordable than most retailers I’ve seen, yet still beautiful quality. And you just cannot beat free shipping!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas! Taking a few days off around here to enjoy the season, but I will leave you with these fun snapshots from a mini photoshoot little sis and I did… photos by her very talented man Ryan Whitten— check out this guy’s fantastic work!
Emily::Â Skirt, Jack Wills [similar]Â |Â Necklace, J.Crew [similar]Â |Â Original Gloss Rain Boots, Hunter
Morgan:: Vest, J.Crew | Necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Original Rain Boots, Hunter
Both::Â Christmas Plaid Shirt, Jack Wills [similar]
See you next week! xo
Ok ok, it’s technically already Thirsty Thursday– we’re a little behind here in the chaos of the holidays this week!
On Christmas Eve, I love nothing more than curling up in some themed pajamas with a mug of hot cocoa… spiked just a tiny bit if possible 🙂 Cliche much? What’s your Christmas Eve tradition?
[ wear this ]
The Debling Dressing Gown, Jack Wills $98.50
Plaid Lodge Moccasins, J.Crew, $49.50
(plus 30% off with code GIVENOW)
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
[ drink that ]
christmas eve hot chocolate from hot chocolate by fred thompson
serves 8 in regular cups or 16 in espresso cups
[ ingredients ]
1 1/2 cups dark roast hot brewed coffee
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
3 ounces Kahlua
3 ounces creme de cacao
2 ounces brandy
1/4 cup heavy cream
whipped cream or marshmallows for garnish
[ directions ]
1. Place the brewed coffee, chocolate, and sugar in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until the chocolate has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the Kahlua, creme de cacao, brandy, and heavy cream.
2. Pour into cups and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
I distinctly remember the year the first LINDT store opened in my town. From then on, each Easter my mother would gift my brother and me with a LINDT GOLD BUNNY, and each Christmas with a LINDT BEAR. We always open our stockings last, and between the practical items like mini shampoos and new pens, it was always the best treat to find that decadent chocolate bear.
I am so thrilled to be partnering with LINDT this season to show off this favorite holiday indulgence of mine. As you can see, LINDT BEAR makes the perfect accessory for a holiday party look, as it’s the hostess gift every party-giver wants to receive!
You’re never too old to give or receive LINDT BEAR. From a stocking stuffer to a hostess gift, it’s a present sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face. And my personal favorite thing about this festive holiday treat? No matter where I’m spending Christmas [and I’ve spent it in a lot of places!], one bite of the smooth milk chocolate, and I’m instantly back in my childhood home, unwrapping gifts with my parents and brother under our long-gone family tree.
Plaid Charlton Dress, Jack Wills | Knit Sweater, American Eagle [similar 1; 2] | Skinny Bow Ring, Kate Spade | Clutch, Zara [similar] | Glitter Heels, Kate Spade [similar]
Another perfect item to stuff a stocking with is the Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar. It’s the same smooth, melting milk chocolate that we know and love as truffles, but in on-the-go form perfect for carrying around in your purse during long afternoons of Christmas shopping, or for sneaking into a Christmas stocking!
How does Lindt Chocolate fit into your holiday memories?
Full disclosure: This post was sponsored by LINDT Chocolate USA. All opinions expressed are my own.
I give in, fall is here! And with it, comes fall shopping [oh how I miss those back-to-school shopping trips!]. Here’s what’s at the top of my wish list for this autumn season…
[ 1 ] Field Jacket (J.Crew, $148):: I have yet to find a more perfect example of a not-too-heavy, not-too-light jacket for fall. Ideally, I’d love a Barbour, but this J.Crew version would do just fine!
[ 2 ] Quilted Jacket (Jack Wills, $148):: For days a bit chillier and for events a bit dressier. I tried this one from Jack Wills on and it feels like butter. So incredibly soft.
[ 3 ] Belts (Kiel James Patrick, $85):: For adding fun fall pops to plain skirts + trousers.Â
[ 4 ] (Kiel James Patrick, $112)
[ 5 ] Quintessential Fall Skirts (J. Crew Factory, $59.50):: Plaid, wool, tweed– I’ll take any!
[ 6 ] Penny Loafers (Frye, $160):: Just darling. What more needs to be said?
[ 7 ] Baseball Cap [Harding-Lane, $30):: I’m rarely interested in hats, but I am LOVING the look of casual caps as accessories this fall.
[ 8 ] Kelly Green (ASOS, $37):: Any and all of it.
[ 9 ] Tortoise (Sea Lily, $110):: Any and all of it.
[ 10 ] Ballet Flats (J.Crew, $158):: I have this terrible fear of wearing out my favorite riding boots, and I haven’t found a pair I love as much since I bought them three years ago. So to give them days of rest, ballet flats it is!
What are you wishing on this fall? Remember, 25% off everything at J.Crew this weekend with code SHOPFALL!
