Peace Out, 2013

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I don't even think I can put into words how relieved I am that 2013 is allllllmost over. It has seriously been one of the toughest years of my life, if not the toughest. I am so ready to just move on to the new year and the new possibilities and to forget this awful year.

If I was an introspective, deep person (spoiler: I'm not), I'd reflect on what I've learned or how I've grown...but I honestly cannot think of anything good that happened in 2013, other than getting little Oscarcat. I guess that shows you where my head and heart are, right?

Here's hoping that 2014 is far better!

Bb.

I've recently totally upgraded my hair-care regimen. I almost always use drugstore shampoo, conditioner and styling products, but after getting my hair cut at Bumble&bumble salons a few times and always having amazing hair afterwards, I decided to invest in some new products.

My hair is very thin, very fine, and very silky. It has pretty much no natural texture except sleek, but I'm prone to frizz and static (especially in the winter). I don't want to say this is the best my hair has ever looked...but right now it's looking pretty great. Shiny and healthy and less frizz than ever!

A few of my favorites:

prep. styling mist: this is a definite must-have for me. My hair is very prone to tangles, even after conditioner, so this serves as a detangler and "base" for styling. It's also incredibly lightweight so it feels like I don't have anything in my hair...except my hair is softer and smoother. It's basically like having your best hair ever. Obsessed.

thickening hairspray: another must-have. I spray this liberally on my roots before I blow-dry and it gives my hair just enough body. Not "big hair" by any means, but naturally fuller-looking hair. It also gives my hair the teensiest bit of grip, which is good when I want to pull pieces back with bobby pins--they don't fall out!

hairdresser's invisible oil: like I said before, my hair is incredibly prone to static. In order to combat this, I run just a touch (about a dot the size of a pencil eraser) through my ends which helps a lot. My only con with this oil is it's a verrrrrry thin line between just enough oil to keep static away and so much oil my hair looks greasy. However, I've found that a few shots of dry shampoo are helpful if that happens!

surf spray: if I want texture, this is what I go for. It makes my hair a bit clumpy, so I don't like to use it if I'm wearing my hair down and straight, but it's perfect for an updo or a braid or anything where I need a lot of grip.

I know these products are on the pricey side, but in my experience, I'm far happier with these than anything cheaper that I've tried. I also get the Bb emails so I try to time my orders when they have a good sample-with-purchase offer or free shipping to get more bang for my buck. The products do last a long time though!

This and this are on my to-try list!

Santa Pups!

these pups are the cutest little things! dyingggg. #iwantapuppy

Merry Christmas friends! Here's to having a great day filled with family, great presents, good food, and a restful holiday! Oscar and I will be snuggling for most of the day but I plan on indulging in some peppermint ice cream as a nod to the holiday. Then we'll be packing to head home!

Have a great day!!!

Her.

I randomly went to the movies the other night (we saw the new Hobbit movie...I slept through about 1/3 of it...) and one of the previews was for the new movie Her. I'm actually a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I was tearing up through the entire preview.

Basically the movie is about a guy who falls in love with a computer/operating system thing...it sounds bizarre and weird, but the movie is so sweet and touching. It's obviously a commentary on how fully integrated technology is with our lives, but also brings up the possibility of falling in love with someone you've never met face-to-face.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie, but I don't know if I'll be able to watch it in the theater! It might be one that I wait to see at home so I can pause it/watch by myself.

Black & White

Normally I love color, but winter makes me crave neutrals, specifically black and white. I cannot tell you how many days I've gotten dressed without thinking and have put on an outfit consisting solely of all black, all gray or a mix of the two punctuated by a white tee. How boring, right?

In order to spice up my boring monochromatic winter preferences, here are a few black and white pieces that would be both fun and interesting...

Zara Two-Tone Bucket Bag: This would be such a fun interest piece with an all black outfit!

Anthropologie Rococo Tee--I'm obsessed with the detailed pattern of this top, the fact that the look can totally change depending on what color tank you wear underneath, and the price (under $100, when it looks far more expensive!)

Ruche Manor House Coat--So crisp, so clean, so tailored. I love collarless, ladylike coats.

Ruche Rightly So Striped Skirt--Anthro had a skirt similar to this a while back that I loved but never bought...this is a lookalike for a fraction of the cost! This Annie Griffin skirt is very similar as well!

J Crew Tipped Boy Shirt--Not the first time I've mentioned this top because I just love it.

J Crew Diamond-Print Minnie Pant--Perfect with a black sweater and black boots, a white tee and black ballet flats, a brightly colored top and sparkly shoes...

 Anthropologie Marrakesh Booties--Definitely a bit out of my comfort zone and a little crazy...but I love them! With black Pixie pants and a crisp white tunic they'd be super cute. Also available in a smoking slipper that's a bit more of my normal style :)

What do you think? I used to think black + white together was too much of a harsh contrast, but now I love how crisp it is...

Chocolate & Peppermint

**Apologies for being AWOL over here...things are hectic at work, I've been dealing with some relationship drama, and basically just haven't been in a blogging mood. Sorry!**

There isn't much I love more than the combination of chocolate and peppermint. Thankfully, the holiday season is the season of pepperminty goodness, so I'm in heaven right now.While I personally think peppermint treats are just great year-round, they're especially great for holiday gifting--festive AND yummy!

Here's a few peppermint/chocolate treats that I'm dying to make and eat...

Peppermint Patty Brownies--How Sweet Eats: you could so easily make this a bit more festive by tinting the white mint layer with food coloring...or just make as-is. These sound phenomenal.

Homemade Oreos--My Kitchen Addiction: So these aren't pepperminty, but you could sub peppermint extract for the vanilla extract in the filling and make homemade peppermint Oreos! Yummmm.

Peppermint Crunch Truffles--Bakers Royale: Three ingredients so you (and I) have no excuses for not making these.

Peppermint Ice Cream & Hot Chocolate Affogato--A Couple Cooks: Oh man...this looks and sounds amazing. I'd probably double the mintyness by using peppermint hot chocolate, but you could do this in so many ways: caramel ice cream w/ plain hot chocolate, coffee ice cream w/ caramel hot chocolate, vanilla ice cream w/ cherry or caramel hot chocolate...the list is never-ending.

Peppermint Hot Fudge Sundaes--Martha Stewart: Peppermint. Hot. Fudge. I'll just take a jar of that and eat it plain, thanks.

Chocolate-Peppermint Cake--Martha Stewart: Said to be rich, fudgy and brownie-like...which are all good things and exactly how I like my chocolate cake.

Homemade Peppermint Patties--Oh Nuts Blog: SUPER easy. Yum.

Also on the list: Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Private Selection Mint Hot Chocolate, and York Peppermint Patties (of course!). Mmmm!

Beach, Please.

I am drained. I've been on a year-plus-long "real" job search that's been totally disheartening and discouraging, I work 7 days a week at two different jobs, I haven't had a vacation in over a year...I am totally depleted of all sorts of things: enthusiasm, inspiration, happiness, motivation.

The only thing I have on my Christmas list (other than these boots, of course) is a 3 week beach trip with no phones or internet, no schedule, no work, nothing other than relaxing, soaking up sunshine and recharging. Doing things because I want to, not because I have to. Eating a normal dinner at a normal time, instead of cereal at 11:15 because I got home too late from work and put other things (like feeding the cat and washing clothes) ahead of eating. I'm tired of working on things until 2 am when I realize that I should probably get a few hours of sleep before I have to be up for another day of stuff...I want to be able to go to sleep at a decent time and not feel guilty.

Basically I want to spend 3 weeks at the beach living life like Oscar does.

all photos from this Pinterest board

One Stop: J. Crew

J Crew's new arrivals are amazing. Really. So many giftable items, so many cute patterns, so many wearable things. Plus with 30% off right now (through 12/1!) using HOLIDAY it's easier than ever to buy things for everyone: mom, dad, sister, brother, boyfriend, nieces and nephews, Secret Santa presents...

A few things that I have my eye on, for both myself and others...

Etta Studded Pump: A fairly neutral pump, with a bit of added interest? Yes.

Tipped Silk Tee: So cute, peeking out from a blazer.

Tipped Boy Shirt: I saw a woman wearing this shirt a few weeks ago and she looked SO chic and crisp...amazing with a super-tailored pair of black pants or a pencil skirt.

Collection Velvet Sweatpants: Tailored. Velvet. Sweatpants. I feel like those three words are all you need to know. #win

Striped Pencils: Stripes? Pencils? J Crew? You know I'm all about these. Plus who doesn't love cute office supplies? Answer: everyone loves cute office supplies.

Wood Phone Stand for iPhone: This is pretty sleek and very minimal...and I am kind of in love with it. Perfect for an office or nightstand!

Caran D'Ache pen: One of my favorite pen brands...and I totally realize how pretentious that sounds, but these pens are pretty awesome.

Cocktail Shaker: A good guy gift--not overly sentimental or feminine, useful, helpful, polished.

Embroidered Henley for girls: This was Oscar's pick...but I think it's adorable too.

Tartan Satchel: So classically prep, I can't even stand it.

Sparkle Tiara: Because why not?

R2D2 iPhone case: The only Star Wars-themed item you'll ever see on this blog...but isn't it kind of awesome?

Notable Mustaches kit: I know plenty of 20-something guys who would find this amusing too...

Screen Cleansing Towelettes: A perfect stocking stuffer for pretty much everyone...and incredibly affordable!

There's about 700 more things I could have listed...happy shopping!

Thanksgiving

dreamy Thanksgiving tablescape

apple-brined turkey...uh, yum!

Happy Thanksgiving, chickies! Today I'm thankful for having the day off to rest and relax, sleeping in late, my sweet little Oscar, the sweetest man-friend in the history of ever, my very loving and supportive family, and all of YOU!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (Oscar jumped on my keyboard and kept his paw on the x button...obviously he sends y'all LOTS of kisses :) )

Have a happy day full of family, friends and lots of food! And if you celebrate Hanukkah, Happy Hanukkah as well!

Vest Dressed

First off, that title is insanely cheesy and I apologize, but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity! Now that it is officially freezing in Atlanta, I am so so SO cold all most of the time. I also have a huge hole in my closet for casual, warm outerwear that's also cute. I've been seeing little quilted vests all over the place for the past couple years and have previously dismissed them as something that's just not for me.

However, I was getting dressed the other night to go ice skating, and it wasn't quite cold enough for my peacoat, it wasn't warm enough for just a long-sleeve shirt, and a jacket isn't great for anything where you need to move your arms a lot...which means it was perfect vest weather! I've officially been converted into a vest person and now I just need the perfect one to add to my closet!


I have a few "must have" qualities for my ideal vest: quilted, not too puffy, a bit fitted through the waist, a highish neck/collar, nothing obnoxious on it, no shiny fabric.

A few vesties I have my eye on...

J. Crew Excursion Vest, $120: Everyone has this vest, which makes it less attractive to me, but I do like how understated it is. Plus it's super lightweight so it's warm without being bulky--perfect for layering! I just cannot get over the "fashion blogger" aspect of this one...

Elizabeth McKay Quilted Vest, $271: I love love love the periwinkle trim! The price tag is a bit steep though.

The North Face "Red Blaze" Vest, $99: A bit sportier than other vests, which makes it both more versatile (could wear it hiking or playing with the dog in the park) and less stylish. However, it's under $100 and comes in a lot of colors...

Joules Downham Gilet, $86: The pink zipper on the navy just kills me! So cute but not obnoxious or childish. Fleece-lined for warmth so it'd be extra cozy on freezing days. Plus the lining is striped and you know how I love a stripe!

Joules Milham Quilted Vest, $102: Super minimalist and extremely classic, which I love. I fear it's a bit too thin/lightweight though...

Lilly Pulitzer Kate Puffer Vest, $198: I feel like this vest just needs to be in my closet....I mean, we share a name! It's just a touch on the shiny side for my taste...

So many choices! What do you think?

All That Glitters...

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, mostly because of the proliferation of metallic or sparkly items available to decorate your home and yourself. I'm not much of a jewelry person, and I'm not much of a glitter girl, but I can definitely get behind a good, non-cheesy metallic accent or two (or three if you're feeling fancy/festive). There's just something about the holidays that makes me want to break out all the mercury glass, sprinkle sequins down the table, and bedeck myself in all the pretty shiny baubles I own. We decorate our trees with ornaments, why not ourselves and our homes!

Anyway. There are SO MANY good metallic objects out there, I just had to do a quick little round-up. As an added bonus, lots of these items are good for gifting, whether it's for others or for yourself! I definitely won't judge...

1//2//3

4//5//6//7

1//2//3

4//5//6

7//8//9

I feel like I need to clarify that I probably wouldn't recommend wearing any of the pieces above together...I'd pair each clothing piece or shoe with a healthy dose of neutrals/solids and make the glittery piece the focus. The sequin skirt would look amazing with a top like this, the glitter heels would be great with a skinny black pant, and either metallic top would be perfect with a pair of jeans or velvet skinnies for a party! Bring on the holidays!!

Leather Loving

The absolute last word I would use to describe my style and myself is edgy, but lately I've been really into leather. I've especially been loving pieces that are more feminine cuts or colors that just happen to be made of leather. I think they're just perfect for injecting a little modernity into a wardrobe of classics.

ASOS Leather-skirted Midi Dress: You could totally dress this up for holiday parties with sparkly heels, a beaded cardigan or a statement necklace/earrings. For daily wear, I'd probably wear leopard heels, pearl studs and a low ponytail. And the price? So good!

Ann Mashburn Leather Box Pleat Skirt: I have literally been dreaming about this skirt ever since it first popped up in my email a few weeks ago. I'm obsessed with the cut and I'd wear it with everything from tank tops to button downs to silky blouses. I also have it on good authority that this skirt is even more amazing in person...

Derek Lam Tweed/Leather Jacket: I love little tweed jackets, but sometimes they can be a bit too "ladies who lunch"...the leather trim on this one toughens it up a bit and makes it look cooler and less like something you stole from your grandma.

Loeffler Randall Ella Stacked Heel Bootie: I swear by high-quality leather boots, and these are booties that will last a long time. I love the color of these and I can think of at least a few things I have in my closet that need a nude boot...

J. Crew Leather Pixie Pant: My favorite Pixies, done in leather? Sold. Pssst: the leather-front version is also adorable as well! and about $300 cheaper

I have no intention of ever being mistaken for a biker, so I think I'd only do one leather piece in an outfit. For example, with a leather skirt, I'd do a textile-covered heel and a knit or silk top. For leather pants, a satin ballet flat or a velvet smoking slipper and a buttondown would soften up the leather.