Holiday Glam

Last night was my first holiday party for the season. It was for Matt's battalion, and it was held at a local brewery, so I really didn't need to get that dressed up. 

Cardigan: JCrew; Necklace: Kate Spade; Dress: Kate Spade; Stockings:  Wolford; Pants: Tory Burch

I wore my favorite/only little black dress, which was a Kate spade splurge a few years back. A little black dress is something you should definitely spend a little money on if you can. I have gotten so much wear out of this, pairing it with glittery belts and heels to a button up underneath for work to this more casual and festive look. 

For this party I paired my staple dress with a red, monogrammed JCrew cardigan, as it seemed holiday appropriate. This Kate spade statement necklace from a few years ago was another festive accent. 

While I was getting ready though, I started to think about the things other than little black dresses and statement necklaces that make getting for holiday parties easier. I have a few holiday party makeup essentials, which in my opinion are just as important: 

1) red nail polish: this Essie Polish is great, but any will do. A bright red mani is so great during this dreary time of year, it really brightens things up! Plus, if you just buy the polish rather than getting a regular manicure at a salon, you can touch up on the go much more easily. 

2) red lipstick: I have experimented with many a red lipstick, but this lip crayon from Nars in Dragon Lady is my favorite by far. It stays on all night with very little need for reapplication, and it's an amazingly, universally flattering color. 

3) liquid eyeliner: like red lipstick, liquid eyeliner is something I have tried oodles of. This Stila liquid though is truly amazing. It doesn't smudge or streak and it's fine tip lets you achieve the line thickness of your choosing. It's awesome! 

4) smokey eye palette: I am a really big fan of Bobbie Brown eye shadow palettes. This particular one was seasonal a few years ago, and even though I really only do a smokey eye on New Years, it's one of those things you need the right tools for. 

5) highlighter: for everyday makeup, I put on foundation, a little blush, and then eyeliner and mascara. But during the holidays, and for parties in general, I like to use this Nars highlighter in Copacabana on my cheekbones, brow bones and sometimes my nose/cupids bow. It adds some nice definition and glimmer, especially in low lighting. 

That's all for now,

xo

T 

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

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 

Fall Flowers

Necklace: Kate Spade (old)

This necklace is from the spring Kate Spade collection. Which made me wary of wearing it after basically August because of its pastel colors. 

Dress: Shoshanna (old)

But, paired with this navy sweater and silk combo Shoshanna dress, I think it makes a fun autumn combo. 

Boots: Tory Burch

I wore my brown Tory riding boots (shocking, I know) with them, and tights. I amazingly didn't need a coat today... It was almost 60! I can't wait to be back in California this weekend... Maybe I won't need a rain coat! 

Until next time,

xo

T

Rain, rain, go away!

Jacket: Burberry; Watch: Michael Kors; Bag: Kate Spade

It is already winter here in the Northwest, which means the rainy season has officially commenced! Luckily my mom gave me this lovely raincoat for my birthday - it has a wool liner so it's super warm! Plus it has a lovely a-line cut, which makes it a million times more flattering than the standard rain coats you  usually come across. 

Sweater: JCrew; Skirt: JCrew; Stockings: Wolford; Shoes: Tory Burch

I paired this bright red cable knit sweater with a navy blue, wool mini skirt. Tights and my bad weather Tory flats completed my look. I always like to feel classic and put together, even when the weather and my cold make me want to put on my old college sweats and watch Greys Anatomy all day! 

Earrings: from a tiny shop in Tokyo... They cost about $15 and I wear them more than my real pearls!

Of course I added oversized pearls and a headband... Blair Waldorf would hopefully be proud! 

Until next time,

xo

T

Sugar and Spice

Today was such a beautiful fall day! The air was crisp, the skies were blue, and the leaves were falling, scattering the ground with their lovely jewel tones. I layered (as usual) and wore my new JCrew bejeweled sweatshirt.

Shirt: JCrew; Sweatshirt: JCrew; Pants: JBrand; Bag: Kate Spade; Watch: Target

Matt's team likes to make fun of my bejeweled sweaters, but I get lots of compliments on them! So even if they're not guy friendly, I like them and wear them anyway :)

Shoes: Kate Spade

The sweatshirt and denim shirt I layered under it went great with these eggplant colored JBrand jeans. 

This leopard print wrap watch is from Target... It always adds some spice to your look! 

These Kate Spade two tone flats were the perfect compliment to the bedazzled and colorful outfit, and they match my Beau Bag perfectly. 

Until next time,

Xo

T

Polka Dot Party

I haven't posted anything in about a week... Sorry! Matt and I have been in the process of moving into a new house, which is as exciting as it is tiring! I think I have come down with a little cold as a result of all the craziness... But it was such a beautiful fall day today! I wanted to dress the part :)

Jacket: JCrew; Shirt: JCrew; Pants: JCrew; Necklace: JCrew; Bag: Kate Spade

I wore my polka dot skinny jeans from JCrew... They're always just what the doctor ordered when you need some getting ready motivation. 

The outfit actually ended up being pretty much all JCrew, with the exception of my Beau Bag. But since I wanted to be comfy I just paired my chambray button up with a light pink bubble necklace to add some polish. 

My double breasted navy blue blazer made it work day appropriate, too. 

Shoes: Tory Burch

And these nude colored, patent leather Tory Burch flats added the perfect neutral tone.

Until next time,

Xo

T

Road Trip Attire

Jacket: Barbour; Top: Trina Turk (old); Pants: Rag and Bone (old); Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Kate Spade

Yesterday I had to drive back to the Northwest from my Mom's lovely house in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I had spent my birthday weekend. I always like to still look put together, even when I travel, so I wore my quilted Barbour jacket (a birthday gift from my Grandfather, who I think is more of an Anglophile than me...), paired with a Trina Turk top in a similar color. I paired them with my standard cropped skinnies and ballet flats.  My Beau Bag came in particularly useful - it's structured shape was perfect for holding everything from my laptop, iPad, books, magazines, AND my camera. Love it! 

And yes that is me in front of my Mini Cooper - that car is my baby! 

I like to wear headbands pretty much constantly.  They are a good way to add some polish to my super straight hair. The "T" earrings were a birthday present from one of my good friends and best shopping buddy. 

My arm party! My best friend gave me a set of French inspired bracelets,the one I'm wearing here says, "oui." So cute! 

The pretty view on the drive. I probably shouldn't have been taking this... 

My "mom's" puppies saying goodbye to me from underneath the gate at the end of her driveway.  I miss them and their wiggly butts so much when I'm at home in Washington! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

A Ladylike Edge

I went to meet up with some friends in San Francisco for lunch.  I wore some of my swag that I bought on my birthday shop-a-thon. 

Shirt: Milly; Pants: JBrand; Shoes: Joie; Bag: Kate Spade; Glasses: Jimmy Choo; Headband: Nordstrom

I felt very ladylike, I must say, from my headband to my black skinnies.  I had wanted this shirt from Milly for awhile, she is one of my favorite designers, so I was very excited when I found it.  The shoes are from Joie, and are totally outside of my comfort zone.  They are pointy toed loafers, but they had a little gold bow on the toe so I couldn't resist them! Then there's my Beau bag, which I bought a few months ago from Kate Spade when I had a 20% off coupon.  I had them wrap it up for me though, and I left it at my mom's house so that I could open it on my birthday.  The wait was definitely worth it! 

I love the neckline on this top. I have a total weakness for sleeveless shirts with cute collars, embellished or otherwise.  The gunmetal colored studs added an fun edge to the otherwise girly top, which is something Milly always excels at. Her designs are always feminine but perfectly balanced. 

The Beau bag! It's amazing. The black bow on the front is actually an additional pocket, which is great for keys and my phone, or whatever else I need to be able to grab quickly.  The interior is so roomy and fits all of my daily needs and then some. It will be perfect for work and travel and whenever I need a lot of space. 

Bangles: Anthropologie and Hermes; Watch: Michael Kors; Ring: Kate Spade

My arm party was fairly subdued, since I thought too many bright colors would look cheesy with the black and white ensemble. The Hermes bracelet was a gift when I graduated from college, wearing it makes me feel like some sort of starlet! I also received the Kate Spade bow ring for my birthday.  I might not be taking it off! 

This is a detail shot of the loafers.  I initially wanted the plaid version of these, because when is plaid not a good idea, but when I saw this pair in the store I fell in love.  My friends think are thinking about staging a bow intervention sometime soon though... they are definitely taking over my life! 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Birthday Dinner

Yesterday was my birthday, so my friends and family got together to celebrate at the Buckeye Roadhouse, which I think is honestly the best restaurant in the Bay Area. My family used to go here for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they have such a great, modern take on classic, all American cuisine. They also make a cucumber gimlet that is to die for! 

Shirt: Kate Spade; Pants: JBrand; Shoes: Miu Miu

I paired this Kate Spade blouse with my black J Brand jeans that I wear with pretty much everything when I'm not wearing my JCrew Minnie pants.  It was casual enough for just a simple dinner, but with a fun twist that made it special. 

This print from Kate Spade a few months ago was designed by New York street artist Darcel in order to honor the company's love of New York. It features donuts, taxi cabs, hot dogs, champagne flutes, and basically all sorts of things that make me think of New York, and it's pink, so it combines two of my favorite things perfectly. It's a little loud, but I absolutely love it! 

I thought that these pointy-toed Miu Miu pumps complemented the blouse nicely, as they added some edge to the fun and quirky print. 

Then the back of the pumps is just covered in glitter... I mean how could you not love these? I thought the combination was so me, which is perfect when you're dressing for your birthday dinner and you can get away with pretty much anything!

I didn't wear any jewelry, with the exception of some simple gold pyramid stud earrings that I could get a good picture of.  I'm sure they'll show up on here again soon though! But I thought everything else was so busy that I didn't really need anything competing for attention. 

Until next time, 

xo

T

Pink Makes the Boys Wink

Jacket: JCrew (old); Shirt: Milly; Skirt: Theory; Shoes: Kate Spade

I spent last night out on the town with Matt and our friends who were in town visiting. I took the opportunity to wear this pink tweed jacket my Mom got for me last Christmas. It is one of my favorite things in my closet! 

Shirt: Milly; Jacket: JCrew

This jacket is seriously all of my favorite things wrapped into one: it's pink, tweed, and it has little bits of lurex thread woven in giving it an extra bit of glam. I wore it with my go-to black Theory skirt and this Milly top. I love how the Milly top is refined and ladylike with it's pointed collar and tuxedo pleats, but then adds some edge with the leather bow at the neckline. I do love a good bow! 

Bracelets and watch: Kate Spade

My Kate Spade stacked wrist... 

Ring: Kate Spade

And this Kate Spade bow ring Matt got for me a few Christmases ago. This is one of the only rings I ever swap out my signet ring for! 

Until next time,

Xo

T