be merry (merry Christmas!)

 

 photo via

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas full of friends, family, laughter, and fun. See you next year!

want (right now)

Sophie Hulme soft-flap shoulder bag

The shape, the leather, the just-right hardware...what's not to love?

give (beauty)

 polyvore set here

lips: Clinique Chubby Sticks Set, Fresh Sugar Duo

lips&tips: Lancome 'In Love' Duo, Butter LONDON Holiday 2012 Collection

skin: Clarins 'Seven Wonders' Set, Fresh 'Skin Savers' Set 

eyes: NARS 'Express Yourself' Set, Laura Mercier Artists' Palette (appears to be sold-out online, but check in-store at Sephora)

coverage: Urban Decay Naked liquid foundation and Good Karma brush

brushes: Eco Tools eye brush set

Some quick confessions: 
1) For the price and quality, Eco Tools are my most-purchased, go-to brushes.

2)  I just bought the UD Naked liquid foundation and brush, and it has been a revelation. I get amazing coverage, but it feels like I'm wearing nothing. And the brush! Blending has never been easier.

3) Laura Mercier's Artist's Palette is amazing. It's UD's Naked palette's more grown-up, subtle sister, yet just as versatile. The packaging is discreet, functional, and sturdy; the shadows apply like butter, have good color payout, and last a long a time once applied. Hands-down the best palette I've tried.

it's that time of year...

...when everything is happening. I've been up to my eyeballs in work and next week looks to be just as crazy busy. Sorry for not updating as much or as consistently as I would like!

...when everyone is generally more cheerful and more understanding, and when the trees are lit in white, red, blue, and green lights when I go to my car every night. 

...when the world falls in love. As of last night, I'm engaged!

give (for the home)

polyvore set here


There are now only 20 days left before Christmas. It's absolutely my favorite time of year - all the lights, the decorations, the general cheer of most everyone you meet is infectious and I can't help but get carried away with it.

I'm one of those people who finishes their Christmas shopping by the beginning of December...I can't help it - I love finding perfect presents for everyone dear in my life, and I can't wait to get started, so I start and finish early! To me, gift-giving should be personal and well thought-out. It's always nice to receive nice things, but I think a lot of the joy I get from receiving a present that is so me is the feeling that someone took the time to pick a present that reflected me in some way - my style, my interests, etc. It really is the thought behind the presents. So, for all my friends and all of you who still have some shopping to do, here are some things for the home I've been eyeing (other spreads coming right up!). I've bought most of these things, either for my own home or as presents for other people. 

Happy shopping!

1. Kate Spade salt and pepper shakers - an adorable take on a basic tabletop component

2. Tracy Reese for Target + Neiman Marcus dessert plates - so darn pretty (I can't stop staring at mine) and functional

3. Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease mug and cup and saucer - a cheeky little take on a quintessential girl problem: the lipstick smudge

4. Jonathan Adler owl wine stopper - to keep that opened bottle of wine ready for the next pour

5. govino wine decanter and glasses - for the ability to have wine anytime, anywhere without worrying about breaking anything

6. Altuzarra for Target + Neiman Marcus old-fashioned glasses, shaker, and tray - the ultimate bar set: Altuzarra style at Target-esque prices (P.S. The tray is exquisite - heavy, well-made, and instantly upgrades my coffee table!)

7. Eddie Borgo for Target + Neiman Marcus letter opener - the stud makes even opening letters seem a little dangerous

8. Diptyque Verveine candle - for an indulgent aroma that lasts and lasts (it's like being in the middle of a lemon tree grove!)

happy (Thanksgiving)

image via google

I'm off to my parents' house straight after work today. As I was packing my weekend bag last night, I realized that my clothing choices all had one thing in common: comfort. Think oversized sweaters, jeans with stretch, and walkable boots and flats. A little stretch here and there is absolutely necessary when you're planning on overindulging just a little.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, food, and shopping!

bottom up wit

Revolution Brewing Bottom Up Wit

I had thought about doing a round-up of weekend snapshots, but really, the only snapshot necessary is of my favorite new beer above. Found at Trader Joe's while doing our once-every-six-weeks grocery haul. 

It's Monday, and all I can think about is drinking one of these when I get home.

To beer, and a great week ahead!

of vintage golf bags

This bag was a birthday present from James - he picked it out all by himself. I was so touched and so surprised, and I couldn't help but ask him why he picked this bag in particular.

His answer?

"The green and brown reminded me of the vintage golf bags that I have in my parents' basement that I'd like to refurbish someday to hold my wooden golf clubs."

Yes, he really is that nerdy and adorable, and I am one lucky woman.

birthday weekend

polyvore set here


I am turning 24 on Monday, and this weekend is jam packed with activity. Tonight I'll be eating delicious noodles at Slurping Turtle with my coworkers and then seeing Skyfall with my boyfriend. On Saturday, I'll be heading home to spend a day with my parents and sister, and once James arrives from work, we'll all go out to eat. To round out the weekend, on our way back to Chicago, we'll be stopping off to do some leisurely shopping and checking out holiday displays, and then to a just-the-two-of-us birthday dinner. Bonus: the Bears are on Sunday Night Football!

I've been incredibly lucky and blessed with a good job, good health, a great boyfriend, a wonderful apartment, and lots of loving family and friends. The wish list above would just be icing on an already delicious cake. 

I would also be remiss if I didn't take the time to thank our friend Jesse for cooking a wonderful pre-birthday dinner last night. Any dinner that I didn't have to make would have been great as yesterday was a long day, but he hit it out of the park: asparagus risotto with some fennel and leek (so creamy!), blackened scallops, and shredded brussels sprouts with bacon and shallots. Topped off with several glasses of dry Riesling, I was in culinary heaven.

Have a great weekend!
 

holiday dressing (LBD for less)

polyvore set here 

The LBD, at a more democratic price point. Full disclosure: I just bought it.

I would switch out the attached belt or go without one entirely. The devil outfit is in the details. Bring out the red in the statement necklace with a nice, dressy cardigan that can be left open or buttoned and cinched in with a complimentary belt. Add some texture with lace pumps and a classic clutch with a little edge. 


Old Navy dress (apparently now sold out, but similar or try in store)

J. Crew cardigan

J. Crew necklace

House of Harlow 1960 for goop clutch

Zara pumps