Black Friday

Yesterday was Black Friday, which I always shop with my mom. We headed into San Francisco, and I had one mission: to find a cute pair of shoes for a cocktail party I have to attend tonight. I wanted a fun pair of non black heels, and I completely lucked out and found these at the Saks Fifth Avenue shoe sale:

They were normally $800. Then they were marked down to $300. And then I took an additional 30% of of that. So basically it's like Christmas came early for me. I'm still riding the sale high! 

I wore this Kate Spade skirt Matt got me last year for my birthday, along with this Maje sweater and my sparkly Kate Spade loafers. When I stopped by my old work after, one of my coworkers told me that I looked like Audrey Hepburn in "How to Steal a Million." Which is kind of exactly what I was going for. 

More than the shopping on Black Friday, I love to look at the decorations all of the stores put out for Christmas. The Cartier store was my favorite this year. They put out little jaguars covered in glitter lights. So cute! 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I definitely did! 

Every year I go to my grandpas house for the holidays. He is your typical grandpa, he loves golf and traveling and good wine. He is also incredibly smart and adorable. Not that I'm biased or anything. 

I have always loved my grandfathers office. It was always filled with cool military stuff and things like our family crest. I feel like these are things you find in every grandfathers house though: old army pictures and fraternity paddles! 

Were like most families in that our holidays require you dress up a little, but were by no means breaking out the black tie. I wore this JCrew top I bought a few years ago.  I love it! I wear it pretty much any chance I get. It's also perfect for Thanksgiving, because it's boxy cut and thicker wool fabric make hiding food babies super easy. 

 I paired it with my favorite black JBrand skinnies (which are also great for over eating because they're stretchy and high waisted) and these Tory Burch flats. They're made of navy blue and white tweed, so they went nicely the navy blue JCrew top. 

I hope you had lots of turkey and love yesterday! 

Xo

T

Thanksgiving Eve

It feels like I have barely been home the past few months... I've just been back and forth to my mom's house for a variety of family events. Not to say that I mind very much, the warm California weather is an excuse to wear my skirts still! It's definitely too cold most days in Seattle, so I have to break them out when I can. 

I bought this new sweatshirt from Target to just wear around the house, but I think it looks pretty cute with a button up underneath and a skirt. I'm very into the whole fancy sweatshirt trend right now. It's warm and cozy and somewhat chic - a combination which is usually pretty hard to find! I also need to get over layering button ups under everything... I've been wearing that look non stop! 

I scored these pink Tory Burch flats at the most recent Nordstrom anniversary sale... They were more than $100 off! I had been looking for a pair of non-black flats for a while, so they were a good find. 

Happy early Thanksgiving! 

xo

T

Holiday Packing

Packing for the holidays always presents an interesting challenge. However, going to school in LA and then being in a long distance relationship for years has helped me hone my packing skills.

Along with these skills, I am also an obsessive list maker. So, over the years I have learned to make lists when it comes to packing. I break my trip into days and plan out an outfit for each day and each night. This is easier when I know what I have planned, but sometimes I just have to wing it, in which case I pack something that is more versatile (i.e it will work for dinner or a night out w my girlfriends, etc). I try to overlap things such as shoes, pants, and outerwear, but I really dislike having to re-wear things like tops or dresses. If I wouldn't do it at home, why do it on vacation? With that said, I do have some standard outfit formulas that I use when  packing, regardless of the season or the occasion. 

A family/nice dinner: on pretty much any trip, I end up having a nice dinner with family or friends. This is especially true for the holidays. I typically like to pack a nice top (usually bedazzled or a fun print) to match with a pair of skinnies. The skinnies can then get recycled throughout the trip. When it comes to shoes, the longer the trip the less likely I am to pack heels. I rarely wear heels during the day, so flats are more versatile and a better use of space in my luggage. 

Casual day outfits: I usually need lots of these that can easily translate from walking the dogs with my mom to shopping to getting coffee with friends. So, I pack a couple of tops that will go with a cardigan or a blazer, and then a pair or two of skinny jeans. This way, the cardigan, blazer, and skinnies can be swapped around with different shirts. 

Girls night out: cute outfits to wear out with my friends when we go to dinner or bar hopping is also definitely important. A skirt or cute pair of leggings, along with a fun top with evening appropriate details (ie a fun neckline or other embellishments). Fun flats or booties help complete the look. However, I again like to stick to flats because I can easily rotate them through my outfits, and they are easier to pack! 

Packing always makes it harder to plan outfits, because you have to pick and choose things, and you never know what the weather or changing plans will have in store for you. But, by packing at least something for every occasion, you can always be prepared. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Glitter Mason Jars

I recently bought these adorable pencils at Kate Spade. I usually keep all of my pens and such in a drawer in my desk, but these were so cute I had to display them! 

I couldn't find a cup that I liked, so I decided to take on this mason jar craft I had seen on Pinterest. 

I started with Mod Podge and glitter (my craft essentials). I picked silver glitter because the hardware on my desk is silver. Plus it's so glamorous and looks great with everything! 

Then I masked off the section that I wanted to cover in glitter. I thought about covering the entire jar with glitter, but I like the idea of the subtler bottom half covered instead. I then painted this section with Mod Podge. 

After the Mod Podge I applied the glitter. 

I let the adhesive dry for a few minutes before I removed the masking tape. All in all the craft took me about ten minutes - a quick and easy update for my home office! 

Until next time,

xo

T

Cat Saturday

It was cold again today... No surprise there. I didn't feel like wearing a pea coat or a Barbour jacket again, so I slipped on this Vince sweater. It is nice and thick black wool, and then it shocks you with black leather sleeves, which gives it an unexpectedly glam vibe. The tshirt is silk leopard print from Equipment. I love the idea of silk tshirts - it's such a great juxtaposition. Plus I have such a weakness for leopard print! Speaking of juxtaposition, pairing two rock and roll pieces with simple skinny jeans was an interesting combination. Three classic elements - leather, leopard, and denim - coming together to make a fun and casual weekend look. 

My bronze metallic Tory Burch flats were a good middle point between the black of the jacket and the tans of the leopard. Plus, they're such a good basic flat that are simple enough not to compete with such loud pieces. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Casual Friday.

Jacket: JCrew; Sweater: Target; Necklace: JCrew Factory; Jeans: JBrand; Shoes: Sam Edleman; Bag: Kate Spade

Happy Friday! I woke up this morning and my whole front yard was frozen! Eek! Despite my desire to stay in my pajamas all day and drink tea by the fire, I had things to do. So I decided to take full advantage of casual Friday protocol and wear jeans with these cute Sam Edleman booties. 

I was tempted to wear riding boots because it was so cold, but I hadn't worn these in a while, and I think they add a slightly dressier vibe. My JCrew field jacket was a great layering piece over this cute fisherman sweater from Target. Target has had so much cute stuff lately! I have been tempted to just start throwing things into my cart! 

This JCrew Factory necklace finished things off.  It helped dress up an otherwise casual outfit, kind of like the booties. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Inspo of the Week: Blair Waldorf

I woke up this morning to an email from US Weekly saying that Leighton Meester had just gotten engaged! If you're not familiar with her name, she's the actress who played Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.  Gossip Girl was my favorite show for the longest time, not only for the salacious drama and crazy lifestyles, but also for the AMAZING clothes. Blair was my favorite character, as I felt we had the most in common, and because her style was the most inspiring to me. Because of her, headbands became a daily part of my life, and I finally had a contemporary icon who wore skirts and flats and bow blouses.  As a congratulations to Blair Leighton, I decided to do a post on my favorite Blair Waldorf costumes.

I honestly still want this blouse every time I watch this episode.  The abstract bows play off of the pussy bow collar in such a fun way.  And who doesn't like bows? 

This dress! I used to go to the Marc by Marc Jacobs store and just stare at this dress. It combines retro and classic style (read: white eyelet, halter neckline) with modern elements (bandage style design, body-hugging fit) in a way that both Marc Jacobs and Blair Waldorf perfected. Plus, there's another bow! 

Capes seem like such a Grace Kelly type item, something classic and ladylike but altogether impractical for everyday life. Somehow, though, Blair made me want one.  Aside from her ability to set trends, this color blocked look is very typically Blair. I used to find myself wearing brightly colored tights with shift dresses and flats all winter long when Gossip Girl first came out because of outfits like this, as well as this one: 

Seriously, no one looked this cute at my high school! I wish they had though. I would have had so much more fun! 

Last but not least, this dress.  It helps that I loved this episode, but it also perfectly epitomizes Blair Waldorf style.  The dress is a modern take on something entirely feminine with a slightly retro silhouette (it's kind of 1920's/Great Gatsby-ish, right?). Plus, there's a headband.  And it wouldn't be the Queen Bee without her crowning head band, right? 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Unexpected Combinations

Sweater: JCrew Factory; Shirt: JCrew Factory; Necklace: Chanel; Pants: JBrand; Shoes: Chanel; Watch: Michael Kors; Bag: Kate Spade

Pearls and bows and ballet flats... and plaid? This outfit could have been completely girly, but to add an appropriate level of quirk and to balance out the felinity I added this plaid button up from the JCrew Factory. My oversized Michael Kors watch furthered the balance. 

This sweater is also from the Factory... That place is amazing! So many cute things for such good prices. I had originally discovered it while in Pennsylvania for a friend's wedding, and kind of forgot about it for a while until I recently rediscovered it while searching for this sweater. It is definitely my new go-to.

I bought this Chanel pearl necklace after saving up my paychecks from one of my first part time jobs. I worked at this amazing boutique in college that sold Marc Jacobs and Dolce and Gabbana, so saving my paychecks was always pretty hard! One of my college friends and I were going to New York for Spring Break, and so I saved for MONTHS. This was such a splurge, but I wear it all the time, and can completely see myself passing it down to my future daughter or granddaughter someday.  

Last but not least, my classic Chanel flats grounded the outfit... There was a lot going on on top so I kept the bottom of my outfit simple with my favorite JBrand skinnies and these flats. I might have a slight Chanel obsession... Matt always asks why I couldn't find a less expensive brand to love.  But that's kind of like asking why fire is hot, isn't it? 

Until next time,

xo

T

Feelin' Punky

Jacket: Joie; Shirt: Alice and Olivia; Necklace: Kate Spade; Skirt: Kate Spade; Shoes: Joie

Last night I went out in San Francisco with some friends, and took the opportunity to wear this Kate Spade skirt I bought about a month ago - I saw it and had to have it! I mean it is leopard print, which after bows is one of my biggest weaknesses. Paired with my leather jacket and dark lip, I felt pretty punk rock. 

I paired the outfit with this cool pyramid stud embellished collar necklace. I got it for my birthday and have been waiting for a chance to wear it. My dark lip is not from a lipstick but actually a lip stain from Stila - it was great because I didn't have to reapply that much throughout the night. However, it was also still on when I woke up in the morning! 

Bag: Kate Spade

My bow cross body made another appearance... 

And I finished off with these suede wedge booties. I love these shoes for going out! One of my guy friends hates booties because they make girls look like the "have hooves," but that's silly and I keep wearing them anyway. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Black and White and Red All Over

Lipstick: Nars; Necklace: Kate Spade; Shirt: Equipment

Tonight's was Matt's brother's birthday party. I wore this polka dot Equiment blouse that I bought last year in New York. It has been one of my favorites ever since! I love pairing it with this Kate Spade necklace, as well as a good red lip. I have a tiny obsession with red lipstick, but I feel like I can only wear it at night when I'm dressing up. 

Bracelets and Watch: Kate Spade

My arm party was entirely Kate Spade. The now watch is my "nighttime" watch, as it's technically a cocktail watch, aka it could pass as a bracelet. My grandmother had this thing about not wearing a watch after 7, because ladies shouldn't have anywhere to be. So old fashioned! But it still rings in my ear every time I'm getting ready. 

Shoes: Kate Spade

My glitter Kate Spade loafers made another appearance. The party was just at Matt's parents house, so I didn't want to be too overdressed. They're a very casual family! Which is basically the opposite of my family, where every one gets dressed up for everything. 

Pea Coat: JCrew; Pants: JBrand; Dog: My love

I wore the shirt with my black skinny JBrand jeans, which are my go to for pretty much every day when I don't feel like wearing my JCrew Minnie pants. I should probably get a second pair! Either that or I should buy stock in JBrand. 

I have had this red JCrew pea coat for a few years now and I LOVE it. I can't wait to bring it out of storage every winter, it's so cheery and bright. I consider red the grown up version of pink, so it stands to reason that it's slowly taken over my closet. 

My mom's mini Aussie refused to get out of the picture - she's such a little jerk. But I love the fluffy bum. 

Bag: Kate Spade; Ring: Kate Spade

This bow embellished cross body Kate Spade bag is one of my favorite night time bags. It fits lip stick, my id, and my phone perfectly without being cumbersome. My bow ring also made an appearance! It wouldn't be a party without it. 

Until next time,

xo 

T 

Travel lightly

Matt and I are heading home to California this weekend for his brother's surprise birthday party. His brother and I have actually grown up together... We used to battle at Four Square when we were in elementary school! 

Traveling, despite the frequency with which I do it, stresses me out. I hate flying, I hate airports, I hate planes... The list goes on and on. So I like to have a variety of distractions with me. The flight from Seattle to San Francisco is relatively short, so I don't pack the level of provisions in my carry on that I would for, say, an international flight. But I do bring the basics. 

A good magazine is always important. I like to buy them specifically for the flight and then I try to resist looking through them - a task that is easier said than done. 

A good book is just as important as the magazine. I haven't started reading this one yet, but I can't wait! 

My iPad basically never leaves my side, for longer flights I will rent movies from iTunes and load them on. 

A scarf is equally important. It can get so chilly on planes, and it's always good to have something to layer with once you get to your destination, as you never know how the weather will change. 

I also always wear comfy shoes when traveling. Sometimes that means riding boots or ballet flats, but ever since I bought these polka dot Kate Spade for Keds they have pretty much taken over my life. Especially at the airport! 

This is another part of my travel day essentials: a loose fitting top and leggings. For this trip, I wore my favorite Joie leggings (they're nice and thick, so they are great for overly air conditioned airports and planes). Also, this thick, cozy sweater from Vince is also great for cold planes. 

Lastly - things that are almost always in my bag include my planner, mints, and this Chanel lipstick.  The mints and lipstick are always nice for when you get off the plane - no one likes to look a mess when greeting friends or family! 

Until next time,

xo

T

Jumpsuit Parade

Confession: I am currently suffering from a serious jumpsuit obsession.  It all started a few years ago, when Rose Byrne wore this Elie Saab jumpsuit to the 2012 SAG awards.

Source: Lucky Magazine

Not only is she gorgeous, and hilarious (hello, Bridesmaids), she also has amazing style.  This embellished suit is so perfectly quirky and formal, I've wanted to wear one ever since. 

Then, Emma Stone, another one of my style icons, wore this one: 

Source: Glamour Magazine

It's another fantastic Elie Saab suit, with an embellished bodice and crepe pants. I love how in both of these Elie Saab pieces the covered up, potentially very un-sexy pant suit is given a glamourous edge with the addition of embellishments and a plunging neckline. The juxtaposition of the covered arms and legs with the deep-v at the neck is such a great contrast! The addition of the beaded top and gold plated belt negate any need for accessories - what a fantastic evening look. 

Source: Us Weekly Magazine

What prompted this post was this picture of Natalie Portman (who has usually impeccable red carpet style), wearing this slightly tuxedo-inspired strapless jumpsuit from the Dior 2013 Runway at the Miss Dior Exhibit.  I almost died when I saw this! The subtly draped top, with it's embellished beading, contrasted with the fitted black peg-leg pants, is reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking from the 1970's.  This modern version of that look made famous by Bianca Jagger is perfect for the holidays, I can't wait to find one I can afford! Or possibly someone who will spend a small fortune on this one... Santa? 

Until next time, 

xo 

T