I mean… sequin joggers don’t really need an explanation.  Cause they’re awesome.  Baggy and covered in sequins is basically a pair of Kathleen’s dream pants and Christian’s worst nightmare.

I’m into it.

And because these pants aren’t loud enough on their own, I added some leopard pumps in the mix to keep it crazy.

 

pants c/o L.Mae Boutique (on sale!) | tee – eBay, similar here | jacket | heels | bag, love this one too | sunglasses, this pair is on my wish list

So I tried to pull off the half-up top knot and I don’t think I’m doing it right.  I LOVE it on shorter hair but while I thought it looked cute on me in the mirror, when I looked at these photos afterward I was like, “Christian why didn’t you tell me I looked like a crazy person?”  And he was all, “You’re a sequined MC Hammer and you think your hair is what makes you look crazy?”

Do any of you longer haired gals have tricks for this ‘do?  I’d love to hear! Thanks for reading – XO –

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– my sister-in-law’s adorable Thanksgiving table –

– the most adorable surprise package from Chandon – #pouronthefun!

 

– the face I got Monday morning when Bailey realized she wasn’t going to work with me –

– sequins on sequins –

– waking up to Christian’s latte skills –

This week, the first week of December, is one of the most magical weeks of the holiday season I think.  The shopping is underway, the decorations are up, the eggnog is for sale, the pine-scented candles are lit… it makes me giddy just typing it out!  I’m not going to lie…I do have nightmares that Bailey will knock over our Christmas tree, breaking each ornament as it comes down. Perhaps if I’m sharing this fear then it won’t happen!  My support for this nightmare:  in our former CA apartment she ran through, literally ran through, the screen door 4+ times.  In our bedroom in MS she was roughhousing with a toy so much that she ran into the mirror that was resting against the wall, and it fell on top of her.  She scratched the wood floor so hard to try to miss it that she left permanent scratch marks in the wood.

I HAVE AN 80 LB. HORSE LIVING IN MY HOUSE, Y’ALL.

So I’ve been locking her in the kitchen/breakfast room at night to avoid a catastrophe with our first Christmas tree.  Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, Lula LaShonda is practically perfect in every way – go figure! 🙂

Y’all have a beautiful weekend and please share your Christmas tree stories and adventures – I would love to hear!  XO –

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This is my last Big Bear post from our anniversary trip and while we were there less than a month ago…I am already planning a trip back.  We straight up skip winter weather in Southern California and I literally crave the cold!  The grass is always greener, I know, but I have a stack of sweaters that are practically collecting dust and it’s mildly depressing.

I snagged this mens flannel shirt years ago and it has elbow patches which I seriously love.  I’m convinced mens plaid shirts are better than women’s because they’re a looser, more “boyfriend” style fit that just feels so much more comfortable than a fitted women’s shirt.  No shame.  I am who I am.

 

coated denim (on super sale!) | flannel – Forever21 Mens, old, love this one and this one | scarf – Zara, no longer available, similar here and here | bag | boots | leg warmers c/o L.Mae Boutique | hat | sunnies | cuff c/o Brahmin, love this one | lipstick

Do you have a favorite cozy flannel or sweater that you keep reaching to right now?  I’m always in the shopping mood, so I’d love to hear.  Thanks for reading!  XO –

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When you’re dressing for holiday parties, you can’t go wrong accessorizing up a classic LBD.  It’s my go-to for an outfit that is appropriate for any setting – work, your guy’s work, church, friends, family, etc.  This dress is stretchy (read: comfortable) and unique in its angled hem that it’s definitely going to be my fall and winter black dress of choice.

And everything looks more flattering with over-the-knee boots, right?  At least I think so!

 

dress – c/o Bikini Luxe | vest – Rachel Zoe, old, similar here (33% off!) and here | boots – Wild Rose, old, love these | clutch c/o Shop Prima Donna, no longer available, similar here and here | charm bracelet – vintage | cuff bracelet – Bryant Park market, love this one and this one (splurge) | sunnies | lipstick in catfight | earrings & ring c/o Favery

Thanks for reading and tell me if you scored any great deals for Black Friday/Cyber Monday!  I snagged these jeans and this hat at 30% off, these boots and got five awesome gifts for my nieces/nephews.  Checking off some of that Christmas shopping and adding some presents to our first-ever Christmas tree, is there any sweeter feeling?  Thanks for reading! XO –

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This crop top and midi skirt is probably my favorite outfit I’ve worn in quite some time.  While I know what looks good on my body, I can’t help but want to try out new trends.  Bermuda shorts, mini skirts, leg warmers with ankle booties, lots of hair braids – I love all of these trends on other gals but they don’t really do anything for my body.  Crop tops and midi skirts?  This is a trend I gladly embrace.

I have always had a lean torso and carry my bulk in my bum and thighs – I’ve been told have my grandmother’s figure who I never got to meet but I’ve seen photos and can totally see it.  Thanks for thighs, Bette!  I love a full or flowy skirt that hides this while accentuating my waist.  It gives me a little shape which is nice.  But don’t get me wrong, I love a comfy, loose top and shift dress… although Christian isn’t a fan of loose clothes on me. Not that I really care, obviously I dress for myself.  BOOM! #makingCarrieBradshawproud

So forgive me for sharing too many photos of this top + skirt combo – I’m just quite obsessed with it and love winter white this time of year!

 

top & skirt c/o ChicWish | heels – Zara, love these and these | bag | lipstick in catfight | brooch – Chanel via Saks, love this one and this one | sunnies | earrings

Thanks for reading! XO –

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It’s here!  Black Friday is tomorrow and tis the season to get great deals on those items you don’t want to pay full price for – cashmere, leather, designer sunglasses, designer shoes, etc.  I have a little list of goodies I hope to score this weekend and want to share some of the greatest sales with y’all!

6PM – 15% off with code 6PMEU112720141585
BB DAKOTA – 30% off full-price styles with code THANKS30
BLOOMINGDALE’S – 50% off select items site wide
BROOKS BROTHERS – 15% off + free shipping
DAILYLOOK – $30 off $100, $50 off $150, $80 off $250 + free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY14
DESIGN DARLING – 20% off with code MANYTHANKS
DVF – 40% off select styles
EXPRESS – 50% off everything
FRENCH CONNECTION – 30% off site wide with code 30FCBF
GAP – 50% off site wide with code BLKFRIDAY
J.CREW – 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping with code HOLIDAY
J.CREW FACTORY – 50% off everything + free shipping with code THANKS
KATE SPADE SATURDAY – 30% off site wide + free shipping with code DEALME
KENDRA SCOTT – 15% off + ground shipping with code BFCM2014
MADEWELL – 25% off your entire purchase with code GIFTON
NORDSTROM – up to 40% off select items
PARKER – 25% off all dresses with code PARTYGIRL
PIPERLIME – 25% off site wide with code THANKFUL25 (ends 11/27)
SHOPBOP – 15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000 with code GOBIG14
THREADSENCE – 30% off site wide with code BLACK30
TOPSHOP – 30% off select product, and 2 for 1 on mid-season sale items
WEST ELM – up to 20% off with code SUPERSALE
WORLD MARKET – save 50% on select products 

 

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!  I’ll be sharing more codes tomorrow so stay tuned! Don’t forget to enter the Ray Ban & Rakani watch giveaway – XO –
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Now that I don’t go home to my parents or in-laws house for Thanksgiving, I realize how much I took these holidays for granted when all I did was show up!  Not that I don’t love cooking and showing my love for others through food (I mean, hello, I’m Southern), but I have a feeling I’m going to come home from work and will be up into the AM prepping for Thursday.  All in the name of a casserole, right?
It’s fine, now that I have a serious addiction to this podcast.

 

This year, I plan to bring several dishes, including this sweet potato pie that is delicious time and time again.  Christian and I aren’t huge pumpkin-lovers, so the sweet potato is the perfect pie to accompany the mandatory chocolate-anything pie.  And you can’t serve dessert on a holiday without a hot cup of coffee.  This year, I have fallen head over heels in love with my Nespresso VertuoLine. I love that I can instantly have a hot cup of coffee, flavored coffee, decaf, an espresso, latte, macchiato, you name it. It’s actually the perfect machine for entertaining because you can straight up take coffee orders like you’re at Starbucks (but not like this).

 

 

 

I fell in love with this machine when there was one in our villa on our honeymoon.  And not that Christian doesn’t have amazing coffee-making skills, but this Nespresso has me looking forward to my morning stumble down the stairs and it’s the perfect partner to my Thanksgiving holiday.  Who has one of these beauties and how much do you love it?

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter the Ray Ban and Rakani watch giveaway! XO –
 
This post is sponsored by Nespresso USA. All opinions are my own.  Thank you so much for reading and for making posts like these possible!
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I’ve recently stumbled into a new blog crush, these gals, and saw Brooke had purchased this leopard scarf and it looked so cute on her… so I had to have one for myself.  Combine blanket scarf with leopard and it’s basically a no-brainer.

Bailey and I coordinated our outfits before having brunch in Big Bear and I was cozy as could be. There is a 80% chance this is almost exactly what my Thanksgiving day outfit will look like. Christian has the day off this year (last year he was working and I had a Friendsgiving with other out-of-state friends), and we plan to go to LA to spend it with my brother’s family and a Dermatology resident.  I’m bringing the sweet potato casserole, a pie (you will see the recipe tomorrow!), a green bean casserole and stuffed squash.  My sister-in-law is prepping her first turkey and I have total confidence in her!

But back to shopping… today I’m teaming up with some adorable blogger gals for a giveaway valued at $400 – scroll down to check it out!

 

scarf – Zara, love this one | coated denim (marked down to $26.99 in both black and oxblood!) | boots | leg warmers – c/o L.Mae Boutique | chambray top – Forever21, old, love this one and this one | hat, love this one too | bag | sunnies | cuff – c/o Brahmin, love this one (on sale!) | assorted David Yurman | gold cuff – c/o TAudrey | lipstick

Let’s chat about this giveaway! I’m teaming up with some seriously adorable ladies to give away a pair of Ray Ban Aviators ($150) and any Rakani Watch (up to $250), for a total value of $400, just in time for the holidays.  The giveaway runs through midnight, 12/5.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for reading and entering… and good luck! XO –

PS – I’ll be sharing more info tomorrow, but today is the last day to get 25% off a Nespresso!  I’m addicted, and if you’re a coffee-lover, you’re going to need one of these for a Christmas gift… to yourself.  More to come but the sale ends today!

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– our weekly farmer’s market pickup – blueberries for him and blackberries for me –

– Lula LaShonda blending into to our interiors –

– coming home to bruschetta, wine and Happy Endings dvd’s –

– a pretty pink donut waiting for me from Christian –

 

– tiny succulents at our neighborhood garden shop –

Happy Friday! Hope you guys have a beautiful fall weekend – XO –
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Christian and I recently rode our bikes to brunch and stopped by the Chapman campus along the way.  The campus is so beautiful and lush – it always reminds us of our days at Ole Miss.  So the question is – are we the cute newlyweds with nostalgia or the creepy random old people cruising the campus where we didn’t go to school? The verdict is still out.

I can’t share this Tvachia bag without telling y’all a little backstory.  Based out of Atlanta, the leather comes from Calcutta, India and is drum-dyed and natural, an age-old process that dyes the leather throughout and produces the highest quality product. The color in Tvachia bags becomes deeper and richer over time, giving you a unique, one-of-a-kind bag.  A portion of the proceeds benefits a non-profit organization in India that provides education to under-privileged children and helps women in the area form self-help groups.  It’s pretty neat to know the handbag you’re carrying isn’t just a handbag and actually represents a whole lot more than just a cute purse.

hoodie and gray tee – c/o Cheeky Peach Boutique | denim – Paige | boots – Frye | bag – c/o Tvachia | scarf – Zara, similar here and here | earrings – c/o INPink | sunnies – Ray Ban | ring – Studio Manhattan Vintage | lipstick – Armani

Thanks so much for reading and entering and stay tuned for more fab giveaways to come! XO –

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I saw an instagram recently that said there were only five Saturdays until Christmas and my jaw practically dropped.  It is seriously right around the corner and the holiday parties will be here before you know it.  This little collage is my inspiration this year for classic party attire with a twist – pieces that you can still continue to wear different ways but have that extra element of fun for a party vibe.

And how great would this vest be with that classic LBD?  I may live in Southern California, but the fur vests come OUT my friends.  Oh yes.

And that fur-trimmed top and mini skirt?  Yes please.

What is your go-to for holiday parties (besides cocktails (my fave) obviously)?

Lastly, thank you to all who entered the Lulu & Georgia giveaway last week!  So glad you guys loved this giveaway as much as I did.  I’m excited to announce the lucky winner is….

Jessica Mabry!

Keep your eye out for LOTS of fun holiday giveaways coming soon.  Thanks for reading and participating – your involvement makes these fun giveaways possible! XO –

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– the view on our drive home from Big Bear –

– one of my anniversary gifts from Christian – the most beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree that I’ve wanted for almost a year (he says I kill all my plants…but my lemon and lime trees from my birthday are going strong so he caved – booya!) –

 

– pumpkin spiced coffee with a view (mug here) –

– bringin’ out the happiest of happy wellies

 

– the cutest thermos (from Ikea) I ever did see  –

This has been such a fun week – celebrating our wedding anniversary and making Thanksgiving plans – one of the many reasons I love November  I knew I wanted to get married in the fall because the cool, crisp weather, changing of leaves and fall holidays are my absolute favorite time of year. The first day of October always brings so much excitement for the months to come and I try to savor every minute!  Speaking of – Christian and I have never had an actual Christmas tree because the first year we were honeymooning and he was interviewing for medical residencies and the second year our apartment was the size of a shoebox so we skipped it (Bailey ran through the screen door in that apartment multiple times, I could just see her knocking that tree down in an instant).  THIS year, I finally have the opportunity to have a beautiful tree and Mr. Scrooge is all, “I don’t think we need it.” He’s crazy right??  WE MUST get a tree, right??

After such a romantic getaway weekend (photos to come!), Christian is working this weekend and I plan to do some really sexy things on my own – like clean out my closet, work on this blog, do a little early Christmas shopping and bake a sweet potato pie. I’m WILD!  Speaking of shopping, it wouldn’t be the weekend if I didn’t keep y’all in the loop with the latest and greatest sales going around.  Check it out:

J.Crew Factory: 40-60% off (bought this and this for Christian)

Madewell: 25% off with code FALLBACK (I’m dying for these jeans)

Kate Spade: 25% off with code BEMERRY

Old Navy: 25% off with code SAVEMORE (love their workout clothes)

J.Crew: 25% off with code SHOPNOW (I snagged this shirt – it’s perfection)

French Connection: 30% off with code FCFF30

GAP: 30% off with code HAPPY (want these)

Bloomingdale’s: 20% off with code HOLIDAY (want everything)

Macy’s: 25% off with code GIFT

Also, I couldn’t wrap up this week without thanking y’all for all of your heartfelt responses and advice to Wednesday’s post.  I loved hearing your own relationship advice and lessons – it was beyond inspiring.  Thank you so much for all of your well wishes and tips!

Lastly, don’t forget to enter the $100 Lulu & Georgia giveaway!  Seriously I was on their website two nights ago and added like five things to my cart…obsessed.  Have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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