three last minute NYE outfit ideas!

It's time to pop the champagne and ring in the New Year tonight! And whether you are painting the town red or opting for a quiet night with friends or loved ones… you are going to have to decide what to wear before you starting letting all that bubbly go to your head!

We are planning on a quiet night with friends, but if you are like me you waited until the last minute to decide what to wear. But fear not… I've got three super easy last minute outfit ideas for you made of pieces you probably already have in your closet.  So there is no dashing out to the store last minute for these looks! I promise.

all black

I love this combo because it is easy to throw on last minute and very sophisticated.  Break out your favorite black ensemble and pop on some heels and you are set to go!

shop the look: jeans, top, earrings, bracelet, shoes

sequins + distressed jeans

This look has the perfect "I woke up like this" flair while still being super fun and festive! Grab some sequins or jewels, some distressed jeans and super fun accessories and you are set to go!

shop the look: earrings, jeans, sweatshirt, clutch, shoes

lbd + faux fur

This look is so simple: just grab your favorite stand-by little black dress and pair it with a faux fur scarf and a few baubles and you are set to go! Sequin shoes get bonus points!

shop the look: dress, faux fur scarf, ring, shoes

Happy New Years ladies! Enjoy your night safely! 

the damage, december 2014! (plus a rundown of the entire 2014)

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." For 2015 I am brainstorming on how I will be shopping and budgeting for the year and how I will share that information here on the blog.  I am thinking I would like to switch it up somehow, but I am not really sure how yet.  So stay tuned!

This month I had some fun shopping the sales (whoa were there some good sales!), picking up some fun holiday pieces and also some staples.

zip neck sweater, banana republic, $98 with 40% discount was $58.80 - on sale now!

fringe tank, j.crew, $68 with discount was $47.60 - on sale now!

beaded pocket oxford, j.crew, $98 with discount was $41.99 - on sale now!

lace peplum top, loft, $79.50 with discount was $38.75 - on sale now!

jeweled sweatshirt, loft, $69.50 with discount was $34.75 - on sale now!

distressed skinny ankle jeans, banana republic, $89.50 with 40% discount was $53.70 - on sale now!

sequined blue oxford, j.crew, $89.50 with discount was $47.70 - on sale now!

Total Spent: $323.29 (saved $268.71)

Thoughts on the budget: Thanks to some awesome sales I got my cake and could eat it too this month! There are a few things I ordered online with after Christmas sales/money that I didn't included here.  Reason: they won't arrive until the New Year and I want to try them all on first.  So maybe that is a bit of a cheat… but no biggie.  I don't plan on doing much shopping in January any way. 

Thoughts on the pieces: I had fun shopping for some fun sparkly and fancy pieces for the holidays!  The lace peplum top and fringe tank were awesome to have on hand for Christmas parties.  It's always fun to add a few girly pieces into the mix.  And I plan to make these fun "party" pieces mix into my everyday wardrobe by layering with blazers and cardigans throughout the year.  I'm also on a serious oxford kick… these two from J.Crew are super crisp and the perfect length (I've been wearing them with leggings endlessly).  And lastly I am seriously crushing on the new denim line at Banana Republic.  These skinny jeans are puurrrrrfect!

Now should we run down the entire year!?!? Let's.

January $248.79

February $291.44

March $243.85

April $710.08

May & June (combined) $254.90

July $402.79

August $509.63

September $169.70

October $534.06

November $295.62

December $323.29

Total for the year: $3,984.15

Average per month: $332.01

The average monthly spend was very close to last year (seen here)… like within $8!  Isn't that crazy?

So there we have it… this year's damage in it's entirety.

my favorite purchases of 2014!

Heya! I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas… it was so nice to spend time relaxing with family and taking a little break from blogging and "regular" life.  This week I am excited to both wrap up the year here on the blog and launch into a fresh new year as well .  A new year is such an exciting time of year!

Today I am rounding up my favorite purchases of 2014!  These are the items I really loved wearing and that were really "instant" classics in my wardrobe.

black ankle boots (similar or similar)

ankle strap sandals (similar or similar)

distressed jeans (similar or similar)

army-inspired jacket (similar or similar)

lace sweatshirt (similar or similar)

bucket bag (similar or similar or similar)

burgundy coat (similar or similar)

scalloped shorts (similar or similar)

new balance sneakers (similar or similar)

graphic tee (similar or similar)

last minute Christmas!

I'm laying pretty low here on the blog over the next couple days (week?) to relax and focus on family and the holiday.

But I thought I would pop in for all you last minute Christmas shoppers with a few deals that are too amazing not to share!  There are tons of retailers that are promising online orders to arrive by tomorrow (seems like way more than in years past - thanks UPS!) so it's still a great time to snag a few more things for under the tree! Or to make sure you are looking extra lovely Christmas Eve!

Shop quickly folks! Time is a ticking!

Pajama Set

Gap is already starting it's after Christmas sales, with great steals and deals.  But if you order by 3pm EST today you can get it tomorrow with their one-day shipping option!

Scarf

Banana Republic has 50% off already reduced prices (amazing!) and is also offering delivery by tomorrow if you order by 3pm EST today.

Bliss Sweater

J.Crew has 30% off regular priced items and 40% off sale - can you say deal!?!? Order by noon EST and get overnight shipping for only $10!

Slippers

Zappos has free overnight shipping if you order by 1pm PST! Order on up folks!

Michael Kors Bag in Red

Nordstrom has select items shipping overnight for FREE!

Origins Calm On Set

Origins has FREE overnight shipping and a complimentary Ginger Soufle with any order over $50! (one for you and one for them!)

Lace Top

LOFT has 40% off site wide so get a jump on your New Years Eve look!

obsessed with: red plaid!

For me a simple red plaid top or scarf wraps up the cozy and festive feelings of the winter and holiday season all into one.  Layering up with plaid is one of my favorite ways to dress in the winter.  Here I rounded up several plaid looks from the archives for inspiration on how to style your red plaid pieces this winter.

Shop a few of my favorite red plaid picks below!

three ways to style your LBD this winter!

A LBD (little black dress) is a classic wardrobe staple that can get your through all your holiday wardrobe needs.  A little black dress can be styled up or down for the holiday parties on your schedule large or small and even through Christmas into New Years. Here I styled it up three fun ways… and BONUS! These great dresses are all UNDER $20 - can you believe it? So snag one now and you will be set for the holidays!

top:

dress, plaid top, red shoes, necklace

middle: 

ring, necklace, cardigan, ankle boots, dress

bottom: 

dress, faux fur scarf, clutch, earrings, shoes

Or shop the pieces below!!!

my everyday style: fully vested!

Vests are the perfect alternative to jackets on winter days.  They layer well, can go under a heavy winter coat… and really spruce up the whole sweater and jeans or in this case, sweatshirt and jeans combo that I tend to gravitate to each fall and winter. 

Here I paired an army inspired vest with a faux fur shawl and voila! Not only does this vest have new life… (see how I wore it here this past summer) but so does this sweatshirt (which I have worn before here).  

Maybe you've realized, or I know I've said it before, this blog is less about showing off new clothes or the new styles of the season (which I DO love to do!) and more about showing how your closet can be versatile from one week to the next or even one season to the next.  I don't believe that "fall" clothes or "winter" clothes always have to fit into that one season.  The more you can make pieces bend and stretch to your will all year long, the more wear you can get out of them.  Thus, making your entire wardrobe not only a good value or return on your money but also making your clothes a fun and rewarding part of your day.  Like I've always said: getting dressed each morning should be fun!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Faux Fur Shawl, Asos (similar, similar or similar)

Vest, Old Navy ℅ - old (similar or similar)

Jeans, AG

Boots, Sam Edelman (similar or similar or similar)

Lace Sweatshirt, LOFT (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Bracelet, Banana Republic - on sale!

Or shop the pieces below!

last minute stocking stuffers!

Can you believe there are only 10 (ten!) days until Christmas!?! Crazy! I'm almost done with my shopping, I just still need to fill in a few blanks here and there with some small stocking stuffers.  And let's all agree that by now we've spent some major cash and it's time to start dwindling down the spending, amiright ladies!?!?

Just for that reason I have a bounty of the perfect stocking stuffers all at $25 and under! Just perfect…

1. 'tour de monde' tray 2. 'field notes' 3. stila lip gloss 4. tory burch perfume 5. heart and striped bag 6. pom pom hat 7. fair isle sweater 8. infinity scarf 9. 'blah blah' ornament 10. picture frame 11. floral scarf 12. 'blah blah' iPhone cover 13. earrings 14. sweatpants 15. 'bits and baubles' bag 16. 'fashion changes' notepad 17. 'you wish' tee 18. sugar lip polish 19. initial necklace

Shop the pieces below!

my everyday style: bundled up!

Every now and again I like to bust out a monochromatic look and since I'm not exactly the queen of color these days - neutrals are the way to go.   Here I paired cream and camel hues together for a cozy winter monochromatic look and I really liked the result.

Winter has been pretty kind to us so far (except that big 3 foot of snow storm in November, which has since melted) and it's been fun to experiment with two or three layers instead of the standard five to six layers that it seems is necessary to keep warm in winter.  It's always surprising to me how warm a vest can be and paired with a cozy sweater and scarf it was nice to be warm enough to ditch a coat for a bit.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, J.Crew Factory (similar less expensive)

Vest, J.Crew Factory (or similar)

Sweater, J.Crew Factory - on sale! (or similar - also on sale!)

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)

Ankle Boots, Sam Edelman (similar or similar)

Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Or shop the pieces below!

bejeweled!

I have a serious obsession with anything bejeweled lately. See exhibit A and exhibit B.  Could it be the holidays? Or the grey winter days?  It must be.  Either way, I've been drawn to any sparkle I find these days.

Here are a few of my favorites these days…

(click the photo to shop!)

1. jeweled sweatshirt 2. jeweled dolman top - on sale! 3. jeweled raglan - on sale!

4. grey jeweled hat 5. jeweled fingerless gloves - on sale! 6. white jeweled hat - on sale!

7. tweed jeweled flats 8. jeweled d'orsay flats - on sale! 9. gold jeweled flats

10. ice crystal drop earrings 11. climbing earrings 12. noir statement earrings

Or shop the pieces below!

my everyday style: winter classics!

I love nothing more than throwing a bunch of classic wardrobe pieces together to create an everyday look.  The result is always simple but sophisticated.  And let's be honest: way, way too easy! Who doesn't love a look that comes together in a snap?  I seem to have a major obsession with black pumps lately (see Pinterest for proof) and really, why not? They look great with just about everything and really dress up even the simplest of looks.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Faux Fur Infinity Cowl, LOFT (old, but similar or similar)
Blazer, Forever 21 - ℅ (similar or similar)
Striped Top, Gap (old, but similar or similar)
Waxed Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)
Bow Pumps, Sole Society
Earrings, Kendra Scott
Or shop the pieces below!

What to wear to holiday parties!

It's that time of year… if you haven't already squeezed in a holiday party or two, you are likely to attend  one very, very soon!  If you are asking yourself what to wear to all your holiday parties… today I've got answers! I always find that a little bling, a little plaid, a little red or a cozy sweater dressed up are always no-fail outfits solutions for any holiday party! Here are three outfits for any occasion the holidays may bring you.

the office party:

dress, necklace, clutch, bow heels

Christmas eve:

earrings, sweater, pencil skirt, glitter flats

cocktails with friends:

lip gloss, plaid top, jeans, necklace, pumps

Or shop the pieces below…

Holiday window inspiration with Nordstrom: home for the holidays!

Growing up in the Chicago area, a natural yearly tradition was visiting the city to look at the holiday windows.  The magic and style of the season was wrapped up with a bow in each and every window we would visit.  Each would send you to a magical world of holiday perfection.  Even still I love to visit those windows in Chicago and recently did it with my children, who I hope will remember it as fondly as I do.

Nordstrom asked me to create my perfect holiday window and being the homebody that I am I knew instantly what my inspiration would be: the home.  While I love getting fancy and hitting the town for holiday fun and family gatherings, to me the most special time of the year is the quiet moments at home with the ones I love.  Snuggling up in bed to watch a beloved classic Christmas movie, sitting by the fire by the light of the Christmas tree and reading, a night in primping and prepping to look my best for the holiday season or watching the fireworks from the comfort of my own bed on New Years Eve… this homebody loves to hunker down and create special holiday memories from the comfort of my own home.  To me the holidays means "home."

I hope you enjoy my dream Nordstrom holiday window… I sure wouldn't mind spending a night or two in it myself!

(shop the pieces: fur lavender eye mask, philosophy "glowing days" set, gold lips print, roses candle, marimekko striped bedding, gold/cream throw pillow, "hey gorgeous" throw pillow, deer print throw blanket, kai room spray, holiday champagne flutes, slippers, blue robe, striped pajamas)

Or shop the pieces below!

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom and Shopstyle. All opinions are my own. 

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

my everyday style: flannel for the win!

I never was a super huge fan of flannel until this top came along (plaid, yes; flannel, meh)… but this is the softest and most flattering flannel I've ever laid eyes on or wore.  Yes, flattering! It's thin and the shirt is cut just right.  I seriously wear this top all the time! (I even wore in on Instagram yesterday, here! Also, seen here…)

For this outfit I layered it up with a cropped sweater - there are literally a million ways to wear this plaid flannel top and I plan on finding out all the variations! ;)

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Coat, J.Crew (less expensive option)

Sweater, Banana Republic

Flannel Plaid, J.Crew (less expensive option)

Jeans, Gap (less expensive option)

Flats, Dolce Vita

Bag, Madewell (similar)

Or shop more options below…

holiday gift guide! (for the guys!)

I've got one last gift guide for you this season ladies (unless I am missing someone… is there someone I am missing?).  Today I've got gifts for all the guys in your life… gifts for your husband, uncle, grandfather, brother, boyfriend… you get the idea.  Here are the ultimate holiday gifts for the guys in your life.

I think we can all agree that often times the guys can be a little tough to buy for. They can be picky or swear they don't need anything (like my husband).  You know how it goes ladies.  I tend to go for the more practical gifts, because guys - at least the guys in my life - tend to be more of the practical variety. And hey, they may never say they need a new wallets, sneakers or hat. But you ladies know it might be JUST the thing they want!

These gift picks are just the type of things that my husband would totally dig for gifts… I'm hoping the guys in your life would love them too!

(above: vintage jersey, watch box, hooded sweater, chambray pj pants, NY hat, flask, sneakers, striped scarf, watch, wallet, bow tie, flashlight)

shop these pieces and more below…

my everyday (holiday!) style: leather dresses with 6pm.com!

This is the second (vegan) leather dress that I have come to own this fall/winter and I have to say… I am hooked!  Leather dresses have new style and appeal this season and they are absolutely perfect for holiday wear!  I love this one with it's leather paillette detailing - it is the perfect dress for the holidays and beyond.  Here I paired it with a faux fur stole scarf, but you could style this so many ways… with a blazer, a denim jacket, a plaid scarf, a bold necklace… the options are endless.

I am positive this dress will get tons of wear this season.  Today I am teaming up with 6pm.com to feature all the great leather dresses they have this holiday season… you are sure to find one you love!

Details:

Dress, BB Dakota via 6pm.com - ℅ 

Faux Fur Stole Scarf, Asos (similar or similar or similar)

Clutch, J.Crew Factory

Earrings, J.Crew (similar)

Shoes, Sole Society

For the rest of my leather dress picks at 6pm.com - shop below!  There are so many gorgeous dresses here and all at AMAZING prices!!!

Today's post is brought to you by 6pm.com and Shopstyle.  All opinions are my own. 

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!