Holiday Posts Of Yore.

Marianne and I had every intention of posting our convo of a holiday movie this year but we picked a TOTAL DUD of a Christmas movie and it just didn't end up meeting our holiday movie quality compliance regulations. Also, if you don't follow Marianne on Instagram you are missing out on her TV holiday movie reviews! She's got past reviews saved in her highlights (including the dumb movie we watched together), so you can catch up that way. In the meantime, I thought I'd take this opportunity to link up our past endeavors for your repeat enjoyment:

The Princess Switch

A Christmas Prince

The Spirit of Christmas - Part One and Part Two

I hope you all have a great holiday season! 

Weekend Window Shopping: Crap I Haven't Bought (Yet.)

I stalk a lot of items, sometimes for months, and I wonder - is it just me? It's like visiting old (potential) friends, or something. I've been watching the price on this MJ bag go up and down for a solid month now! Maybe one day, maybe not. Anyway, here are a few of my latest possible future purchases:

Outfit of the Day: I Wear Too Much Black

I have reached the point of the season where I hate all my clothes and nothing fits right and UGH. I am just going to wear sweatpants and live under a blanket. To force myself out of this mentality, I combed my closet for something, anything, that brings me joy. And I found it! Here's the outfit:

I'm wearing a lot of black and I don't caaaaare. Now, this Halston tuxedo jacket I'm wearing is the main thing bringing me joy. I bought it a couple of years ago and I don't wear it a ton like I hoped I would but it's really special and fits so nicely and man, it's just so cool. I should wear it more! I'm mostly just afraid I'll wreck it, you know? I really need to get over that. Now, obviously it's long sold out (there is ONE on Poshmark!) but I can find good alternatives! This Frame jacket is discounted but still an investment, but it's so beautiful. There's also a really nice looking version at LOFT and hey, Target has one too and it gets great reviews. You have options! 

Because I was feeling rocker-fancy I also wore my Madewell coated jeans. I don't wear them too often because the coating eventually wears off, but I really love them and it's fun to have "leather" jeans. They only have a few sizes in stock right now but Nordstrom also carries them and has them price-matched! And of course, Target has a version if you don't feel like paying real money for these (but I swear they're worth it.) 

Hey, remember when I grudgingly spent my Everlane credit on t-shirts? This is one of them and I'm pleasantly surprised that I like it as much as I do. I haven't washed it yet and I fully expect it'll eventually be relegated to my around-the-house pile, but for now it's a pretty good striped tee. Details: 

  

I pulled out another forgotten favorite - my Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace. It's heavy and a little weird but it like a statement tassel quite a bit. This one by Lulu Frost is quite a deal and this one by Panacea is, um, gigantic but I kinda love it? LOFT also has a pretty option that's not quite so crazy.

I definitely needed a little color with this outfit and my Longchamp bag is delivering! I've been enjoying this squishy little satchel quite a bit. NM has a really bright red version on sale and NR still has the big version in the same red I have. My boots are the same pair I've been wearing forever - Madewell Lucien. The Regan style is probably the most similar. 

That's it! I am wearing too much black and that's basically my mood today but hey, I have a bright-ass red sweater coming in the mail, so things could change. Heh.

Gift Guide for: Procrastinators.

Are you a procrastinator? I DEFINITELY AM So today's gift guide is for you and it's just going to be Anthro today because they have (up to) 50% off gifts, free shipping at $50+ and are claiming delivery by 12/24 for the next three days. Anthropologie clothes don't always work for me but I LOVE the gifty stuff. Here are my suggestions:

Agate coasters are the kind of thing you don't buy for yourself, but would be delighted to own.

Heh. How can you not love this little cutie? 

Aw crap, my favorite mug now comes in a very goth black version that I like A LOT. Shove it full of tiny cookies and some fancy tea bags and it's a gift! 

I love a fancy candle and these are so pretty! Pair it with these adorable matches I found at Target 

and you're good to go.

This is quite the elegant little charging station that I kind of want for myself. 

FOCUS THIS IS NOT FOR YOU (but it could beeeee)

I pack my lunch every day and would LOVE a clever packable cutlery set to throw in my lunch box...

Which brings me to this, which is not on sale but oh my god, I've seen this lunch bag in person 

and really love it.

Pretty earrings and you don't have to wrap a thing. Done and done. 

I was given one of these little emergency kits a few years ago and it definitely came in handy!

I believe I was singing the praises of a good hair turban recently...

This oil diffuser looks like a fancy little lamp or something. So pretty!

I am a fan of the Rifle prints and this travel wallet is so GOOD.

This little palette is a great starter set for RMS products.

And if you're really stuck, everyone likes bougie hand cream, right?

We Discuss: Getting Our Shit Together.

A: I recently had a blog reader ask me how I store my jewelry and I was like, “in dusty piles” which I do not think was probably helpful

M: Oh! I keep my jewelry perfectly stored in a tangled mass piled inside a Tupperware container

M: Is that wrong?

A: At least their are containers involved

M: Keeps the dust off. But I actually asked for something for Christmas to fix this very problem so STAY TUNED.

A: You mean the jewelry box I linked yesterday and am now obsessed with?

M: Hahahahaha the very same

A: (Because spoiler alert, it’s been spoiled!)

A: I AM OBSESSED WITH IT

M: Hehhah

A: GARANIMALS FOR MY JEWELS

M: Like Caboodles for grown ladies!

A: YESSSSS. God, I loved Caboodles

A: ANYWAY, since we are both getting Stackers, I think we should do some jewelry organization before-and-afters because who doesn’t want to see a sad dusty pile turn into something less sad and dusty?

M: 

  

A: Stop trying to make fetch happen, Marianne

ANYWAY, if you are a garbage person like us who needs a little help, Stackers jewelry boxes can be purchased direct from the website (in the UK) OR you can buy them 25% off at the Container Store. Pretty and practical and will totally make your life better. I mean, I assume. We'll find out soon!

We Discuss: Holiday Stress Shopping.

A: I just bought two plain long sleeve tees from Everlane because they kept reminding me that the $20 credit was about to expire.

A: I literally couldn’t find anything else I wanted! Even the sweatpants are boxy.

A: This is what I do instead of figuring out gifts

M: Basically I feel like there is NO TIME left and I just want to bake cookies and watch movies and wrap presents

A: I have SO MUCH to do. I’m way far behind.

M: I get frantic if I think about it too much

A: I just stress-ordered some Uniqlo fleece-lined sweatpants for myself

M: Ha!

M: I want a full report

M: I just ordered a bunch of crap for other people

A: I keep buying myself stuff, like I’m training for the real thing

M: I am getting worried that stuff won’t get here in time

A: What did you order?

M: I am giving both my nieces plastic Birks

A: Ah, yes

M: I did get myself a few things for my stocking because Chris never does

A: Do tell!

M: That YSL tatouage lipstick:



M: a Yeti cocktail tumbler:

 M: and a new phone power bank that has built in cords and some hot honey.

A: I have that Yeti! It's the best.

M: Other than that, I have managed to not buy myself much of anything I AM A SAINT.

A: I have bought: those Uniqlo sweatpant, a sweater I liked at Marshalls but couldn’t find in my size so I tracked it down online:

A: and a The North Face jacket I found at NR for $89:

M: Solid purchases!

A: I don’t technically NEED any of that stuff but it’s CHRISTMAS THE SEASON TO BUY SHIT

A: How are you so saintly?

M: I am mostly too busy to think about it

M: Also too busy to read the blogs that make me want to buy things

A: I blame Nina for making me go to the outlet mall

M: And broke from shopping for everyone else

A: Well, I’m that too but it never stopped me

M: haha

M: I plan on hitting up the after Christmas fire sales from the comfort of my bed though

A: That’s a good plan

M: I have also been sending Chris a link whenever there’s something I am tempted by

M: Like YOU buy me this pretty jewelry box I like:

A: Ooh! That’s the way to do it.

M: My jewelry is currently jumbled in a Tupperware bin from the move

A: That seems like an apt description of my everything right now

M: Surely buying things will solve all of our problems, right? RIGHT?!

Weekend Window Shopping: Madewell REALLY Wants You To Buy Something.

Madewell is being aggressive with the deals this year! They are offering 40% off holiday faves, sweaters and tops, 25% off everything else with code YULELOVEIT. This is really generous for Madewell and I'm absolutely not at all tempted not even a little bit. Okay, maybe a little bit:

Outfit of the Day: Leopard Out.

When I dug out my winter clothes I was happy some things I'd forgotten about. Things like this sweater:

How could I have forgotten about my leopard sweater? I KNOW. It's the J.Crew Tippi sweater and they always do such good leopard print. The current version is so freaking cute and I also love this bolder print. I've also recently gotten it into my head that I can't live much longer without a leopard print coat. I'm thinking something fairly tailored, like this one at Boden or damn, this one at Banana Republic looks good. 

My jeans are Madewell 9" skinny jeans in lunar wash and I have been wearing them a ton lately. (Def size down in these!) I wear them more like black pants than jeans because I'm unprofessional. I know ankle boots are still having a moment but I have these amazing Loeffler Randall boots that I really love and I decided to put them back in rotation and was pleased that my skinny jeans fit right in 'em. More on the boots in a minute. Details: 

I'm wearing my old J.Crew locket pendant which I've had forever. It's hard to find something truly similar, but this one has the same vibe and this one is smaller but very pretty. 

My bag is obviously my Miu Miu bag that I'm still carrying a lot. This Cole Haan bag is a dead ringer and is on clearance! So, my boots. Some might say they're dated but y'all, these are nice-ass boots and I am GOING to wear my nice-ass boots. They're the Matilde style which you can still find secondhand (but don't buy them on Amazon.) I'd say these J.Crew riding boots or this pair from Madewell or this pair by Frye would do nicely as an update. 

It's cold and everything is terrible so I also wore my giant French Connection puffer coat that is super cozy even if the belt is stupid. I'm also wearing my BR camo scarf from last year, though this year's version is pretty similar! I mean, camo and leopard print, what could go wrong? 

Gift Guide For: Treat Yo' Self

Things worth buying on Treat Yo Self day, according to Donna: "clothes, fragrances, massages, mimosas (and) fine leather goods." Tom was partial to cashmere socks. 

I am down with ALL OF THIS. Listen, I know that Treat Yo' Self day is in October but you are probably shopping for every goddamn person in your life (including, possibly, people you don't really like) so why not buy yourself a few treats too? You are worth it. Here is a list of suggestions, loosely based on Donna and Tom's picks. as well as some stuff I would like to buy for myself. The only rule - it can't be too practical! Let’s do this:

This Lulu Frost necklace that's making me craaaaazeeee. And it's on sale!  

Fine fragrances! I've finally found my Le Labo fragrance, now I just have to buy it. 

Hear me out on this one. Kate and I saw this dress IRL and it is surprisingly beautiful. I'd wear it with a long layer underneath but how lovely to swan around a holiday party all shiny and regal? 

Ugh, so pretty and too small to be practical BUT WHO CARES TREAT YO SELF!

Sadly, this is sold out in larger sizes but I LOVE the idea of a long-sleeved sequin tee. I mean. 

Cashmere socks! This travel set is Sofia cashmere which is bunny soft and kind of silly.

FINE LEATHER GOODS! I really want another leather jacket in an odd color and 

All Saints always seems to deliver. 

Dean Davidson is my labradorite kryptonite. Want.

I'm Back! My Packing Report: Ireland.

Hi hi hi! Marianne asked me if I was going to do a packing recap of Ireland and I honestly wasn't thinking about it but hey why not? Ireland in November seems like it could be tricky when, quite honestly, wasn't that much different from Virginia in November. Let's get this started.

Our trip was mainly Dublin with a few day tours into the country thrown in. I needed to have comfortable boots that could also handle some countryside mud and rain but I also wanted a nicer city option and an airport shoe option. I brought:

- Dr. Marten Zip Chelsea Boot
- Cole Haan Chelsea Boot (newer version)
- York Athletic sneakers

Boot take up a LOT of suitcase real estate but I am really glad I brought both pairs. After a day of tromping up and down muddy hills I was very happy to have some clean, dry boots to change into for pub-going. My sneakers I only wore on the airplane/in the airports because I hate having wet feet and boots were 100% the best option for walking around in damp and rainy weather. I kept things pretty simple for clothing. Here's what I brought:

- Three warm sweaters (mainly Everlane)
- Three pairs of jeans (all Madewell)
- One nice top
- long sleeve layers to wear under sweaters
- Warm socks
- pajamas, underwear, etc.

For outerwear I brought my Helly Hansen Boyne Parka which was perfect (and aptly named, since we visited the Boyne Valley!) I also brought my packable Uniqlo puffer jacket which, because it doesn't have a hood, only got worn once. It doesn't take up much room though, so I don't regret bringing it. I brought two scarves, and a hat and gloves.

For bags, I brought my J.Crew signet bag (current version) and my Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo (current version). I ended up using my MJ hobo the entire time because I hate not having a place to stash my scarf when I get too hot. Also, dudes always be wanting to put their crap in your bag.

I did quite a bit of Christmas shopping in Dublin so I brought along a packable tote and definitely needed it for the trip back. I carried my Lo & Sons backpack for the flight and it's really just the best. (That doesn't mean I don't want the new version because I absolutely do!)

My Ireland Trip MVPs:

Obviously my HH Boyne Parka, which I bought with this trip in mind. It's lightly insulated, completely waterproof and has nice big front pockets for your phone and nice warm side pockets for your hands. It was a perfect coat for chilly (but not freezing), wet weather.

My Docs! I really put them through their paces - wet, steep, muddy climbs to go see neolithic tombs? No problem. My feet stayed dry, they're comfortable and they look cool too. I did buy some warm insoles for them which I wish I'd remembered to actually put in but on the whole these boots did great. (I will also say that some of the people on our tour did not read the email and wore really stupid shoes. Somewhere  in Germany there's a guy who's dress shoes will never be the same.)

Bombas wool socks are so legit. I have the quarter length and the calf length and both were great with my boots and kept my feet warm without being too bulky.

Uniqlo HEATTECH under layers. I bought two of these and they are the perfect layers to wear under sweaters. They are basically invisible and are inexpensive! They also seem like they'd be easy to handwash and they dry fast, so good for travel. Plus, they're cheap! I'll probably buy a few more the next time they're on sale.

What I packed didn't use:

- Dressy top
- J.Crew crossbody bag
- Hat and gloves
- A bunch of jewelry

The dressy top just wasn't warm enough since we mostly walked everywhere, so I didn't wear it for our nice dinner out. I basically wore the same jewelry daily, so bringing a selection was dumb. My crossbody bag was too small for winter travel and the hat and gloves were basically forgotten. I do wish I'd remembered to bring them on our second day tour but is wasn't super cold, so it was okay.

What I wish I had brought:

- More wool socks (note to self - buy more wool socks)
- A travel humidifier for the hotel room (Marianne loves hers!)
- Some manner of sleeping pill (I never sleep well for the first day or two of an overseas trip)

Overall, we had a great trip! Ireland is beautiful and has a really rich history. Dublin is really walkable and friendly and we had a great time! If you want more actual vacation pics, I have pinned my Ireland trip stories on IG. 

Weekend Window Shopping: I Want All The Tops.

Recently I looked in my closet and whined that I didn't have any fun/pretty winter-appropriate tops. Okay, I maybe have, like, two but I want ALL OF THEM. I want all the options and I want them to have sleeves. Anthro is picking up what I'm putting down and is offering 30% off all tops and sweaters right now (and free shipping at $50+.) Here's what I like:

Guide Guide For: Using That Sephora VIB Discount.

If you're a VIB at Sephora you probably got a code for $20 off aa $75 order (and if you didn't, girl. Being a VIB will get you the good offers! Rouge gets $25 off, I believe, but I ain't Rouge.)

 I'm always up for the challenge so I checked out all the fun gifty sets over at Sephora to see what looked good. Here are a few things that I think would make good gifts (for you or a friend or whatever. I don't judge.)

First, this candle set. HAVE YOU EVER. The box alone is gorgeous! Voluspa candles smell nice and look nice and they won't break the bank. 

I love my weird chunky Fenty lip gloss and this set looks like straight fun. 

Do you have a good hair-drying turban? I have a good one and a cheap one. Guess which one is way better? (Hint: the cheap one suuucks.) Throw in a detangling brush and you have a Very Good Gift. 

Fragrance can be a tricky gift but a cute set like this? One or two will surely be winners. Like, for sure the Wood Sage & Sea Salt, if nothing else. Plus, cute striped box! 

I don't care what anyone says, I still love Sunday Riley. Good Genes is popular for a reason and the rest of these products are good as well. It's a solid little kit. 

I've sung the praises of several of the products in this great Tatcha set. It's all good! That primer is extra super fancy and the face mist is weirdly good too. 

Oh, Tom Ford, you brilliant jerk. Stop making such beautiful expensive things! Seriously, this eyeshadow quad is not inexpensive but it's the perfect "wouldn't buy for herself" kinda gift. 

I've already told you how much I love this shower oil, so this set, which includes travel and full sizes, is a winner in my book.