Black Friday Sales

If you're smart (& I know you are!) you spent the last 24 hours eating all that is good and American. So the only natural thing to do is work off those extra turkey and mashed potato calories (so good!) by walking the mall or my personal fav, moving your fingers to shop online. A complete list to all of the Black Friday goodness is below! Happy Shopping!

• ASOS: 30% off everything with code TGIBF.
• 6pm: 15% off - if you haven't heard, 6pm is a DSW-like deal site so an extra 15% off already reduced prices is too good!
• Anthropologie: huge Black Friday sale site-wide!
• Banana Republic: 50% off one full-priced item with code BRFIFTY & 40% off everything with code BRFORTY.
• Gap: 50% off site-wide with code BLKFRIDAY.
• BB Dakota: 30% off full priced items with code THANKS30, loving this shearling jacket or this dress for new years.
• Express: 50% off everything!
• J.Crew: 30% off full-priced items + an additional 40% off sale items with code HOLIDAY.
• Madewell: 25% off everything with code GIFTON. I'm making sure to check out their denim.
• Nordstrom: up to 40% off select items.
• Urban Outfitters: Additional 25% off sale items.

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An Old Friend

Most of the time, the pieces of clothing that I find hiding in the back of my closet are a bit scary. As I continue to discover my own personal style, I constantly find myself thinking "what was I thinking?!" during my semi-annual closet clean out sessions. 

The reason behind my deep, self-reflective wardrobe disappointment usually stems from pieces that I feel are too safe and boring. I am all about staples but as I've gotten a bit more adventurous in the wardrobe department some of my older clothing just seems a bit blah. 

I was pleasantly surprised however, when I rediscovered this feathered skirt I originally bought for my bachelorette party over two years ago. I haven't worn it much since, but after reuniting with this old friend I can't stop wearing it - she's accompanied me to a baby shower, work and a little dress up that resulted in these here photos all in the past week. How's that for make new friends, but keep the old?!

h&m blazer, similar at forever 21 / old tank, great option from topshop / h&m skirt, similar from piperlime & nordstrom rack / jeffery campbell shoes / forever 21 bag (comes in black too!)

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Sunday Browsing Vol. 23

Is anyone else in utter disbelief that we are only 4 days away from Thanksgiving? Craziness. Awesome craziness, of course. 

With visions of pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes that are dancing in my head about to become a reality, the husband and I decided to take an extremely low-key approach to this weekend, eating (semi) healthy and catching up on a few documentaries on netflix. Because you know, it makes total sense to watch hungry for change the week before Thanksgiving. #newyearsresolution.

Here's a few links I'm loving: 

• to shop: this winter, a leopard coat is high on my wish list. Loving this wallet-friendly option. 
• to wear: my old, faithful friend Jenna Lyons killed it once again in her wedding wear (scroll to the bottom!) for Solange Knowles' wedding. So, so good.
• to eat: excited to try this quinoa & kale salad this evening after spending a good chunk of time yesterday scrolling through Alexis' site. 
• to beautify: for all my short hair sisters out there, check out this simple hairstyle for ideas on how to mix it up. 
• to drink: ever heard of a cherry bounce? me either. I'm intrigued by the recipe though, since it has to mix for at least a month! Hows that for a little lesson the virtue of patience?
• to follow: do not hesitate for a minute to follow freddie on instagram and her blog, i got by frankie. She's an ASOS stylist who has some serious fashion sense, and I'm already in love.

Gift Guide // New York City

It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! Despite the husband being a bit of stickler about not celebrating Christmas until after Thanksgiving, I may or may not have been sneaking a few Christmas songs in on the drive home for work. Two points in my defense: 1. there's snow on the ground & 2. it's not my fault if there's a radio station already dedicated to Christmas music 24 hours a day.

All of this pre-Christmas celebration has me thinking about what I'm going to wrap up for friends and family this year, so I thought I'd put together a few gift guide to help us both sift through all the goodness.

This year, I thought it would be fun to create a few guides around cities that I've visited or plan to. First up, New York City. These gifts are inspired what comes to mind when I think of New York City - clean lines, chic accessories, a bold red lip & a little sparkle. The best news, everything is under $150!

Click the image above to browse!

All Black Everything

As I sit and finish up this post this morning, snow is pouring down outside. And while I'll be the first to admit I've had less then a positive attitude about winter, I can at least agree that the white, fluffy snow is rather pretty. Now, if only the husband will let me decorate a little early for Christmas?! 

There's not a chance. Trust me, I've already tried.

While my outlook on the winter months has started to soften, clearly my all-black wardrobe has remained. I'll blame the below freezing temps and the fact that I accidentally threw the outfit I wanted to wear in the laundry right before these photos were taken. A+ on the outfit planning over here.

 express sweater / zara jeans / french connection bag (under $50!), clutch version / timex watch / j.crew bracelet, similar version from j.crew factory / nordstrom hat, great options at asos & sole society / aldo booties, similar from express

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Sunday Browsing vol. 22 & Weekend Sales

Holy moly has this past week flown by. Between long hours and a quick trip to New York for work followed by a weekend jam-packed with celebrating people I love, I barely feel like there has been a moment to breathe. It's weeks like these that tend to unravel me a bit, but today I am focusing on how blessed I am to not only have a job but to be surrounded by the most amazing friends and family. My hope is that you are able to feel just as blessed and thankful this morning.

And of course, a few links to aide in your Sunday browsing!

• to watch: the top ten documentaries to watch on netflix. Perfect for the cozy days that are rapidly approaching!
• to watch x2: I've been catching episodes of House of DVF lately and have become fascinated with the woman behind her namesake brand. This interview with her and Stephen Colbert going toe to toe is just too good.
• to travel: I'll be venturing to Portland by myself over Thanksgiving for a dear friend's wedding and was excited to find these tips for traveling alone.
• to style: Really loving Kate Spade Saturday's new campaign, it's inspiring some print-mixing for the holidays.
• to eat: excited to try asian quinoa meatballs for dinner this week.
• to shop: I'm kind of loving this deer print coat, thoughts?

Don't forget these weekend sales too!

• j.crew factory: 40-60% off everything! how perfect would this dress be for holiday parties?
• kate spade: 25% off your entire purchase with code BEMERRY.
• madewell: extra 25% off sale items with code FALLBACK. Loving this cozy sweatshirt & these fun socks.
• gap: 30% off purchase with code HAPPY.
• bloomingdales: 20% off with code HOLIDAY.
• c.wonder: 30% off everything!
• lo & sons: 20% off all orders with code PRETHANKS2014. They're OG bag is my fave, last seen here. 

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Cozy Sunday

As the weather has turned to chilly temps, I've found myself with a void in the sweater department of my closet. This is likely due to the fact that when I should be buying sweaters or other seasonally appropriate clothing, a handbag or pair of shoes catch my eye. Lucky for me though, I wandered into H&M this weekend only to find this sweater calling my name. 

I couldn't find it online, but I would seriously consider popping into your nearest h&m to check this beauty out. It's under $40 and makes for a seriously cozy weekend (& happy wallet)!

h&m sweater, available in stores / banana republic jeans (similar from madewell) / old navy bucket bag / bp booties (seriously the best!)

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Sunday Browsing vol. 21

Happy Sunday Friends! I hope there is just as much sun streaming in your windows this morning as there is mine. This weekend was unexpectedly busy, but for all of the right reasons. The husband & I snuck in a dinner date on Friday night for our anniversary (2 years on Monday, crazy!), caught brunch with a out-of-town friend on Saturday morning and in true midwestern form, cheered on the ohio state buckeyes to win over michigan state last night with friends.

Today, I'm hoping to catch up on some to-do list items and maybe get myself lost in the internet blackhole for awhile. I've shared a few links & weekend sales below, enjoy!

• to read: This sweet note written by a soon-to-be dad to his daughter made me smile. 
• to DIY: if you're looking to get a jumpstart on christmas presents and don't want to spend a fortunate, check out Erin's punched metal hurricane DIY. It would make a great hostess gift too!
• to eat: Callie has me drooling lately with her latest recipes: pear chai latte & pumpkin biscuits with spicy portobello gravy - amazing!
• to wear: currently crushing on this poncho & this sequined top (i'm saving my pennies!)
• to drink: I followed this recipe for apple code moscow mules this weekend, they were easy to make & very yummy!

& a few weekend sales:

• j.crew: 25% off fall favorites with code GETWARM
• j.crew factory: extra 30% off everything with code EXTRA30
• westelm: 15% off with code YIPEE
• sole society: 30% off select merchandise
• nordstrom: save up to 40% on sale items
• gap: 30% off purchase with code HAPPY
• lo & sons: select bags up to 30% off

Fall Wardrobe Essentials // Pastels

1. zara skirt / 2. baulebar necklace / 3. chic wish dress / 4. chic wish sunglasses / 5. j.crew sweater / 6. chicwish top / 7. nasty gal bag / 8. baublebar bracelet / 9. baublebar earrings /  10. chicwish trench / 11. topshop earrings / 12. h&m skirt / 13. anthropology hat / 14. asos heels 

While my fall wardrobe currently reflects a more neutral, moody palette, I love the idea of of infusing a bit of the color in the form of pastels. Typically when I think of colder-weather colors my mind immediately goes to hues of greens, reds, and navy but an unexpected pastel pink or mint might me just what my closet (& mind) needs to pull me out of my fall-funk. 

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Basic Black

Every year I dread daylight savings in the fall, and this weekend was no different. Knowing that I will be driving home from work in the dark for the next few months is almost painful but I'm hoping to get out of my funk with the help of pumpkin flavored everything and a delicious cranberry candle I picked up over the weekend. 

I was reminded this past week that my attitude towards my cold-weather closet is about the same as fall daylight savings. I much prefer dresses, skirts & tanks to sweaters and jeans so I've decided my strategy this winter is to rely on a dark, moody palette revolving around my favorite black pieces like these jeans I recently snagged from Zara.

What's your cold-weather closet strategy?

rayban sunglasses / old navy tank / jacket from marshall's, check out nordstrom's cute version /  zara jeans / anthropologie necklace, similar from / gap bag, almost identical at target / timex watch

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