How to wear your NYE sequins

Option 1: Running around like a crazy person trying to get ready for the evening's festivities!

This DVF Gracie sweater is from Neiman Marcus, and I love the graphic sequin print!  Theory leather leggings... definitely an investment piece, but also a must-have edition for my wardrobe (these are on sale at Neiman Marcus).  Rebecca Minkoff suede Selina pumps, the rose gold detail on the heel makes them extra fun.  These little rock stud earrings are only $19 on gilt.com!

Option 2: NYE dinner party

Whether you're hosting or attending this outfit will look chic and be comfortable!  These grey jeans and sequined shirt are from J Crew Factory (for a steal)!  The polka dot blouse by Joie, and can be found at Neiman Marcus.  The earring are by Indulgems and the bracelet is by Panacea and both can be found at Neiman Marcus Last Call.  The shoes (now sold out) were purchased on gilt.com and have just a 3 inch heel, so standing around and chatting won't be too painful!

Option 3: A night out on the town

This outfit will look chic as well as keep you warm as you hop around town to all the best parties.
The green fur popover is from Ann Taylor Loft.  The awesome sequined dress is on Sale at Zara for $59.99.  The green snakeskin belt is from Ann Taylor and came out to only $10!  The angle wing earrings are from T and J designs and add a little bit of rock and roll to any outfit.  This tassle key ring will help make sure your DD doesn't misplace the keys.  I love this Valentino emerald green silk rosier tote. Classic!  And what is not to love about some super sparkly Jimmy Choo's?  These are the same Theory leather leggings featured in the first option - makes it super easy to get ready, basically just throwing on a new top and some fresh accessories!

Sometimes, you just want to be casual!

I was off on Sunday, and running around trying to get ready to host NYE dinner at my apartment.  I needed to throw something on (without looking crazy) but not spend a ton of time getting ready.  This was perfect!

1)  I love this sweater, and actually saw it on another blogger, Emily, from The Sweetest Thing.  I grabbed it on sale for just $23.  Make sure to sign in with your facebook account to get your extra 20% off!  It is actually super comfy and surprisingly well made for the price.  Don't order it the week before you plan on wearing it though, because it WILL take at least 2 weeks to receive it...

2)  I have 2 of these J Crew tissue weight turtle necks.  They are so so comfy and thin (great for layering without adding bulk!)  And, for only $14.99 (during a sale), they are worth EVERY penny!

3)  I've had this Michael Kors watch for nearly 3 years now, and I still want to wear it all the time.  It was a great buy, and you can get it now on Amazon for only $150!

4)   These grey skinny jeans from J Crew Factory are perfect!  I feel so much more put together wearing grey jeans than blue jeans these days.  They are also very flattering (unlike some skinny jeans that make me look/feel like a sausage!)... but the best part?  They only cost $31.50 before any extra discount the store is offering that day!  Score.

5)  This bag is another one of my Zara sale finds.  It's really more of a zippy wallet with a strap - perfect for running errands without weighing yourself down!

6)  My pink loafers are super old and from nine west, but these are super cute with the tassles and are from the Ruche's website... I love tassles!

JCP clearance sale

A co-worker of mine recently turned me on to MNG by Mango at JC Penney.  I haven't shopped there since my mom used to drag my brother and I kicking and screaming to buy new school clothes in Elementary. Yikes.  It was so refreshing to see a brand I love (Mango) doing great inexpensive pieces for JCP.  I found some great buys!

These cream pants will be great going into spring!  For know, I'd style them with a chunky cable knit sweater in the same color and black suede pointy toe pumps.  As it warms up, they'll look great with a bright pop of color, or a soft blush!  Best part?  They  were $19.99.

How great is this belt?  It came to $9.34 - what's not to love!?!  I got a small so that I can wear it at my true waist over a dress or cardigan.

I stumbled across this sequined fringe skirt by a brand called Joe Fresh (never heard of it before), but for $16.99 I figured it was worth a shot!

These are two that I am going to keep my eye on:

This one is a sequined leopard print, and is adorable (it's still $40, not on sale) but I decided to wait since I ordered the one pictured above.  I firmly believe in sequins for daily wear, but am trying to not go CRAZY here!

 

OMG.  I LOVE this jacket.  First, teal is my favorite color.  Second, gold is the only accent metal I wear these days.  Third, the shape is super cute and feminine.  BUT... they were sold out online!  I am seriously thinking about making the trek to Pearland where they say that it is in stock (which is SO not like me because I hate to drive more than 5 mins anywhere!)  It's only $23.99!!!!!!!

My picks from the Zara sale!

The Zara Sale is one of my favorite times of year.  They have great fashion forward clothes that are SO reasonably priced - at sale time, they are downright cheap!!

I love this chunky charcoal sweater!  It's not too heavy for Houston, and it's super snuggly.  Great paired with skinny jeans or leather leggings.  I'd also wear it with my leather mini skirt and pointy toe flats when the weather warms up. Just went down to $49.99!

This top is SO fun with a slim cut trouser for work or wax coated jean for date night.  Its a nice dense material, so it will hold its slightly puffy shape and will look best with a slim silhouette on bottom.

What a great piece for layering with a blazer or cardigan!  This piece would be so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down.  It would work with a dramatic wide leg trouser just as well as with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans rolled up at the ankle!

This little dress is super fun in person.  It's got great black and ivory detailing with a beaded neckline.  I wore it belted with a cardigan and opaque black tights and knee high black boots for work.  It's really a great transitional dress, and will look good worn with strappy heels for spring.

I am going to HAVE to go back and buy this dress.  The way it is structured reminds me of the awesome Balenciaga dresses Jennifer Connelley used to wear.  And the best part?  It's only $39.99!

This dress is sequined all over, and perfect for a night out!  It dips low in the back adding a little somethin' somethin' if you know what I mean!! It could be worn with a blazer to make it a little more professional.  Anything I buy has to be versatile!

The outfit I can't wait to wear!

Most of these pieces were ordered online, and I can't WAIT for them to come in!  The black and white sweater with sequined shoulders is from Ann Taylor Loft, and is currently sold out, but keep checking back!

 

Saks outlet sale, extra 40% off at Loft continues, and up to 50% off at Bloomingdales

The Saks Off Fifth outlet sale is going on now with 40-50% off their sale prices!  I love to look at shoes, jewelry, and accessories at the outlet. 

These black suede d'Orsay pumps by Rachel Zoe are AMAZING for $141.  They are perfect to pair with jeans, leather leggings, and pencil skirts.  They also have a great little gold detailing on the back, and you know I love GOLD!  The pointy toe pump has made a come back in a big way, and it is definitely an easy way to update your look.

 

 

Ann Taylor Loft is one of my favorite places to find comfy chic pieces, and today is the last day of their 40% off everything sale. 

I told Santa that this keychain simply HAS to be in my stocking. Wink, wink Jimmy!  What a great unexpected accessory.  Tassels are definitely a hot item right now. 

 

 

And this neck warmer is so cozy (since we have been getting more than our share of cool weather this year!) I LOVE the green!  I have a grey cape that will look fabulous with this.

These T Tahari faux leather panel leggings are at Bloomingdale's for just $35.  Great deal, and so versatile!  They can be worn well in to spring with light weight flowy tops and strappy sandals.  They would also look great with the Rachel Zoe pumps pictured first in this post or booties.

Holiday gift wrap tradition

Every year in the recent past I have picked out a theme for our holiday gift wrap. It's a new tradition that I just LOVE. It makes the simplest of gifts seem extra special, and it makes a beautiful statement under the tree!

This year I went with fuschia, pink and silver. Since our apartment is small, I decided to forego the typical tree and use a small white feathered one (with gold glitter tips) I picked up at Z Gallerie last year on sale. It sits in the middle of our dining table as a centerpiece with the gifts arranged around it. (This works for us since we use the table mostly for get-togethers, not daily meals.)

I also did less bows-they are generally smooshed in the transportation back home-in lieu of more creative  and interesting ribbon. 

I used an old Adrienne Vittadini scarf as my "tree skirt." You can see it right when you come in the door, and it gives us the festive feeling of holiday decorating without giving up any floor space! 

All of the gift wrap and ribbon were purchased at Target. 

Last minute holiday sales!

Ann Taylor Loft has 40% off EVERYTHING with the code: GIFTS

Banana Republic will give you 50% off 1 item until 1pm with the code: BR50OFF

And 40% off your entire purchase all day with code: BRHOLIDAY

Express is offering 50% everything site wide. 

J Crew is still offering 30% off everything with the code: GIFTNOW

And...

The Zara sale has STARTED!! Check it out now before they start running out of the good stuff!

Wish list

From T and J designs:
I have been looking for the perfect tassel necklace for MONTHS, and each one I liked was upwards of $150... so when I found this one for $78 (less a 20% discount), I knew it was going on my Christmas list!

 

These would be amazing with my leather Vince jacket and some dark skinny jeans!  Just a little bit rock-and-roll!

Just adds a little pop of color and sparkle!

From Sole Society:

Fabulous aren't they? Such a pretty color that will contrast great with jeans or leggings!

These are just amazing everyday booties.  They'd work great with jeans or casual dresses... even a cropped trouser!

From Banana Republic:
This jacket is super cute hounds tooth (with elbow patches).  I'd pair it with non-pink clothing, and it would be great for grabbing lunch, a casual work day, or shopping!

From J. Crew:
This is the PERFECT sequined top! Love it going into spring - and it's black and white, so it will go with anything!

From Neiman Marcus Last Call:
I think this jacket is perfect for casual days when I am running around with my dogs, etc. 

I love my Michael Kors watches.  I currently have 4... and this is a great piece with a vintage-y vibe.  I love how the crystals add a little sparkle to the face without it being completely blinged out.

Splurge:

From Neiman Marcus:
I am just head over heels for the leather looks that have been everywhere this fall.  and these Theory tights are just flawless.  I have tried them on, and they are beyond comfortable!  I'd take them in black or this fabulous burgundy color. (Plus, they are on sale!)

Sale, sale, sale!

J. Crew factory is offering 50% off everything, plus an additional 25% off clearance if you use code sale25... AND FREE SHIPPING!

AND

Barney's Warehouse is having their year end sale with an extra 50% off most items!  This is a great way to score affordable designer pieces.  Make sure to check out the accessories too, an AMAZING belt or necklace can really jazz up some of your existing outfits.

Last Call surprise sale!

Extra 30-50% off EVERYTHING!

I'm going to go by and pick up these great pieces today! Don't forget that if they are sold out in-store they will order it and ship to you for free! Or shop at www.lastcall.com

50% off sweaters at Ann Taylor Loft!

Check out all of the CUTE sweaters!

No code needed! Click the photo to go directly to the sale. 

I got this one for $29!

I also swung by the store today and grabbed this one (which was sold out online) for $44. I love a deal!

New DECOR pics

So, we had to move in August after a developer bought our former town-home community and decided to tear it down and build a highrise.  I was SO disappointed at first, because we had put a TON of effort into our house.  But, it turned out to be an awesome move for us.  We are now 3 minutes from work, and have CRAZY amenities... PLUS most of our things fit into the new (much smaller) place!

I absolutely love this robin's egg blue color on the walls.  It makes me happy every time I walk in the door!  I used in the town home, and enjoyed it so much, I bought the same color again.  My one requirement for our new apartment - after we decided to downsize, was that my table from High Fashion Home fit in somewhere.  It is a SHOWSTOPPER!  Plus I got the floor sample, so it was a score at 50% off!

The bed we bought when we moved, and it turned out perfectly (I am still working on a custom headboard).  We were going to need more storage so we purchased a storage bed from Ikea.  It took us about 1 day to assemble it (with several breaks to do other projects peppered in). I am thinking about using the headboard pictured with the bed on the website, and upholstering it in the same fabric we used on the pelmets (over our windows).

Our custom Besta cabinets/storage center that we had installed along one LONG wall in the old place, once reconfigured, fit perfectly as our entertainment center (only 1 tower wouldn't fit, and it is nestled perfectly in our little storage unit out on the patio and is being put to good use)! Overall the new place is cozy and happy and fits us all perfectly.  A special thanks to Hercules, who can be seen hamming it up in some of these photos!

Great Finds!

With all of the great sales that have been going on since Thanksgiving, I have been able to stock up on some great pieces for both seasonal wear, and wardrobe staples!

From J. Crew:

I bought this one in a deep emerald color!

I got this in both colors, navy and grey!

From J. Crew factory:

I am all about sequins and am looking to add 1 or 2 more shirts to my collection.

From Neiman Marcus Last Call:

I have already worn this with a black pencil skirt, and it adds the perfect amount of glam for the holiday season!