Cozy Winter Essentials

This winter has certainly shown it's chilly self recently (last week was nothing short of miserable), and if I've learned anything in my life, it's that you need to have a large stock of cozy essentials to rely on during those dreary, dry, depressing days.

Cashmere Sweater || Oversized Scarf || Winter Jacket

Crazy Socks || Infinity Scarf || Lip Balm || Extra-Moisturizing Lotion

What are your favorite cozy winter essentials?

Gift Guide: Under $100

I'm totally scrambling right now to come up with the perfect gifts for my friends and family. So many things I just waited too long to order, and there is no way I'll get them by Christmas. Better keep them in mind for birthdays throughout the year! It has been a crazy few weeks and I'm just now getting into the Christmas spirit! I'm hoping that by the end of today, I'll have a better gameplan, so here are some of the things that I may be picking up for my loved ones!

|| subscription boxes ||

I have been dying to try out BirchBox for a while now. However, I've read several negative reviews on the types of products that they have been sending, so my new mission is to try out BeautyBox5. If you pay for a yearly subscription up front, the price is under $100, and you save a boatload of money. Don't know what to get someone? This would be the perfect gift! 

|| personalized homegoods ||

These trays from AModernStyle are great for an entertainer, or even better as a hostess gift. I love anything monogrammed (duh!), and to be able to customize every aspect of this gift makes it so personal! The perfect accessory to go with these trays? Personalized coasters from Haymarket Designs.

|| scarves ||
I've found a ton of fun scarves from every vendor under the sun. I tend to stick with the tried and true Lilly scarves. I love both the Murfee and the Riley Infinity Loop, but these Riley scarves are literally the perfect price point for friends and family! I have a closet full, and can't wait to share them!

|| tech clutch ||
I am simply loving all of the kate spade accessories that have all of these fun sayings on them. I know that one of the items on my Christmas list was an iPad cover that said "Stepping Out For Lunch. #manipedi." They're fun, cute, and of course add a little sparkle to your life!

|| personalized jewelry ||
Most cut-out necklaces that I have found run around, or above $200. This one from BCS Designs though, really surprised me. I've had a few friends order from them, and the quality is just as amazing as those I've seen at the higher price point.

|| fuzzy slippers ||
Who doesn't want these on their chilly toes throughout the winter!? I have had a pair like this on my list for a few years, and I'm personally hoping that they'll make an appearance under the tree next week! The best part about them? The rubber soles that will make them socially acceptable for me to run errands in!

|| college gear ||
Last year under the tree, almost half of the gifts I opened were Maroon and Orange. I love having more "grown up" pieces to showcase my school pride. These wooden plaques are the perfect way to show your school spirit in a more appropriate way than ridiculous banners/flags/etc. Other things I've picked up have been Jack Rogers in college colors (although those don't fall under $100), cell phone cases, and fun diploma frames!

|| travel gear ||
I have been using Vera Bradley luggage since I went to college. The cotton bags are washable (super important), sturdy, and in these bright prints, you an never mistake them for someone else's in the airport. The long straps make them ideal for traveling, and I personally can pack for an entire weeklong vacation in one of these babies. Another bonus? They fit in the overhead bin with no problem, so you don't even need to worry about those checked baggage fees!

|| ballet flats ||
I'm a sucker for ballet flats. Granted, I usually get them from Target, but I came across these on Pinterest (go figure), and think they are so unique. The shoes are totally reasonable, and you can purchase these fun snap-on embellishments. How amazing would it be to have that one pair of black flats that you wear all.the.time and no one has to know because you can switch out the snaps!

What is on your must have list that is under $100!?

Gift Guide: Under $50

It's that time of year where we are all scrambling to get together last minute gifts for friends, family, co-workers, and our favorite hostesses. I know that I myself have a few deadlines, and one that is rapidly approaching is for our Secret Santa gift exchange at work. It has been quite the challenge to find fun gifts under our $30 price limit, but while I was searching high and low, I found some awesome options that fell under $50. They make the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

|| paper goods ||

I'm especially loving these bow notecards from Design Darling. Everyone appreciates a handwritten note, and what would be better motivation than these cute cards!?

|| sweet treats ||

This Christmas classic from Williams-Sonoma is one of my favorite wintertime treats. Peppermint Bark always seems to make it's way into my life at some point. I would love nothing more than having a few pieces in my stocking!

|| iPhone case ||

Who doesn't love changing out their iPhone case every few weeks months? I really love this festive (or maybe just celebratory) one from kate spade!

|| mini emergency kit ||

These are the best things ever created. Everything from a mini sewing kit to band aids. Perfect for the girl on the go! And, who wouldn't love this sparkly one from J. Crew!?

|| umbrella ||

Rainy days suck. Having an ugly umbrella sucks even more. I have a collection of bright prints from Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer, but this kate spade umbrella from Lifeguard Press caught my eye immediately!

|| photo calendar ||

I make these for my Dad every year, and my favorite place to get them is directly from Apple. iPhoto makes it so easy to drag your pictures into the template, and the price can't be beat. They ship quickly, and it is almost guaranteed that someone else will not be giving the same gift!

|| all purpose zip pouch ||

Mark and Graham is one of my favorite places to find gifts. Almost everything can be personalized, and the quality can't be beat. These monogrammed leather zip-pouches are perfect for storing electronics, accessories, or really anything. 

|| printed plates ||

C-Wonder always has great options for affordable gifts, but these monogrammed plates make it a little extra personal. These bright colors are super fun, and are much more personal than a generic serving platter.

|| pajamas ||

Who doesn't love new PJ's to wear for the holidays? These gingham flannel shorts are perfect (and they're on sale, and you can add a monogram for $10), and they're certainly on my Christmas list as well!

|| Christmas tree ornaments ||

My family collects all sorts of ornaments. We have so many that a few years ago we started getting 2 Christmas trees to accommodate for how many we own! The Lilly Pulitzer ones certainly stand out, and this glass one is so fun!

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration.

With Thanksgiving approaching at an alarming rate (I'm really not complaining, it just really snuck up on me), I am making a scramble on what to wear. Comfort is a must, but since tons of pictures will certainly be taken, it must be somewhat cute.

Enter, Lilly Pulitzer's Travel Pant.

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With an elastic waist, and pajama feel, these babies are the perfect pant for Thanksgiving (and let's be honest, also to wear everyday). I purchased my first pair earlier this fall (after being stubborn last year and not buying a single pair), and then another, and another, and now I probably have one pair for each day of the week and I'm not even ashamed to admit that I probably wear them 5/7 days a week. They have a seam in the front and back which also make them look way dressier than they probably should be. Can we all be in agreement that leggings were the best thing to happen to Thanksgiving? Okay, great.

Now that the pants situation is figured out, I'm thinking that I'll throw on a cozy sweater and a tartan scarf to make this cozy cute outfit complete!

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What are you wearing for Thanksgiving!?

Save or Splurge: Sweaters

There is really nothing better than throwing on a cozy sweater with some leggings and riding boots to go to work. I know that I am seriously spoiled with what I can wear for my job, but I am especially grateful in the winter for this uniform.

Before I started working at Lilly, I had never considered cashmere as a viable option, mostly because of how expensive it is. I bought my first cashmere sweater in 2011 and haven't looked back. I can definitely see where the price tag of 100% cashmere can turn some people off, but I have also found some amazing alternatives that are equally as cozy! 

Splurge;

Bryn Cardigan, $288

Madison Cardigan, $268 

Fair Isle Sweater, $248

Save;

Bailey Island Pullover, $49

(I'm obsessed with this one)

Cozy V-Neck Sweater, $49

Fair Isle Snow Flurry Sweater, $78

Where do you get your favorite sweaters!?

Oh Hello, Remember Me?

It has been about 3 weeks since I've logged in to Blogger.

To say that it has been crazy since I got back from Florida would be an understatement. I hit the ground running and have finally had time to stop and think about the last few weeks. At this point, my fingers have been itching to blog, and I'm really excited to share some fun things with you all over the next few weeks!

What have I been up to since the last time I posted?

|| one ||

I was an epic failure trying to reach my October goals. I guess thats what happens when life gets in the way.

|| two ||

I went to Florida to see my beautiful family.

This is literally my favorite place to be -- in between these two babes!

Some of my favorite ladies.

|| three ||

We got a new foster pup, Lucas.

|| four ||

Raised over $1000 at work for Breast Cancer Research at White Plains Hospital with a fashion show featuring looks from our store!

|| five ||

Celebrated my best friend's birthday in the city. 

Loved seeing her. Loved that NYC can almost make a rail like TOTS. Loved catching up with two of my favorite Hokies.

Hated that we had to watch Duke dominate VT.

|| six ||

Fell in love with the new Resort collection at work, and may have emptied half my bank account on cozy cashmere, travel pants, and white jeans. Who needs to save money, anyway?

What have you been up to since I've been gone!?

Life from my iPhone.

Last week was certainly a crazy one! We were prepping for a huge event at work, and I've been trying to get my life together for my trip this week! Here's what happened last week according to my iPhone...

 I played dress up at work to feature our new delivery on my store's Facebook page.

 I got really excited that I get to play with this sweet girl all week at the beach! I mean, who can turn down that face!!!!

The cops made quite a few appearances in the neighborhood. 

I dressed up for my work cocktail party. 

I spend my Sunday doing comp reports, replenishment, and drinking LOTS of coffee!

How was your weekend?

Link up with Sami and share!

5 On Friday!

Linking up with sweet April, Darci, Christina, and Natasha for 5 on Friday!

|| one ||

No spend September is technically over. I still want to be as frugal as I was this last month, but I had to splurge on my new favorite outfit from work;

I am totally obsessed with this new Veranda Camisole, and it looks so fresh with these Worth Skinny Mini jeans in Cameo White. I will be wearing this outfit to work today!

|| two ||

Pumpkin K- Cups in my coffee. Seriously, what could be better?

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|| three ||

In five days, I'll be here;

There has never been a time when I was in such desperate need of a vacation. Literally, I cannot wait to walk off of that JetBlue plane on Wednesday and smell the salty air. Can't wait. Can't wait. Can't wait.

|| four ||

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I just finished Girls In white Dresses by Jennifer Close. I. Loved. It.

I actually downloaded another one of her books this morning, called The Smart One. I'm looking forward to this one!

|| five ||

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I love this bedside table. I know that I would sleep so much better with a low-clutter situation next to my bed. In my spare time I'll re-create this!

Summer Essentials!

With today marking the first day of summer, it's time to gather all of the things that make the season so fabulous.

The top of my list?

Bright, light, and easy Lilly dresses. LOTS of sunscreen. Hair bands to keep flyaways under control. Tervis Tumbler water bottle. Frizz Ease serum to keep that frizz in check. Fun, flirty bathing suits. Rainbow Sandals.

What is on your "must have" list for sumer? 

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

This week, I am loving...

...this iPhone case that I ordered from Haymarket Designs last week! I came across it a few months ago but didn't want to shell out the cash just yet. Since I was still thinking about it (and the fact that I accidentally stumbled across it again on pay day...), I bit the bullet and ordered it. I cannot wait for it to arrive!

...that SUMMER starts on Friday! While I can't be in the sun for a while (thanks, weird skin), I am looking forward to longer days, eating meals outside, and the weather finally allowing me to run outside (if the rain ever stops...)

...this dress that I just bought. The back has a huge bow to hold the halter up. I am SO excited to find somewhere to wear it!!

...the newfound inspiration I have to completely overhaul my bedroom. I'm talking I want fresh paint, bedding, and obviously a new furniture set up. I'm even considering temporary/removable wallpaper as an accent wall -- does anyone know of a reliable place to look for it!?

Navy Peyton Duvet

Swirly Paisley Duvet

Ikat Medallion Duvet

...these duvet covers from PB Teen. I just can't get enough (or decide which one I want)! And, forget about deciding on sheets -- there are entirely too many choices!

What are YOU loving today?
Head on over to share with Jaime!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

This week, I am loving...

...that it is a SHORT week for me! I'm off Thursday-Monday for a super fabulous fun trip to Colorado!

...that this booger came home on Monday! Happy to have him home (except for the fact that I now have to share my bathroom again...)

...this new digital camera that I bought for all of my upcoming trips! I'm glad that I wont have to rely on my iPhone for everything. The best part? I found it on Amazon for about $80! Brand new, never been used, CANON for pretty cheap!! 

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..these new purchases from Lilly! This sweater will be perfect for my trip to Denver this weekend, and I'm already in love with the winning combination of the silk Dusk Top and printed Callahan Shorts!! I just wish the weather would warm up just a bit so I can wear these shorts on a daily basis!

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...and this little dress that I picked up for my oh-so adorable cousin. She will look darling in it (I just hope the two year old can keep it clean enough to snap a few pictures before it gets destroyed)!

...that I'm almost packed and ready for my family's cross-country adventure this weekend! While the 3am wakeup call does not sound appealing in the least, I am so excited to be traveling! The last few days have been spent running around like a crazy person, but I know that as soon as I step off that plane in Denver, it will all be worth it!!

What are YOU loving today?
Head on over to Jaime's blog to link up!

Five Things Friday

Happy Friday!

First of all, I cannot believe that it is MAY already? What? Where has this year gone!?

Here are my five favorite things about this last week;

1. THE NEW LOOK! I am so excited to be starting this new chapter as Monograms and Margaritas!

2. All of these fabulous goodies that I've picked up from Lilly's summer line.

The Dusk Top

The Delia Dress

3. Beginning the "Blog Everyday In May" Challenge hosted by Story of My Life. The prompts are light, fun, and provide inspiration! It has been interesting to explore new blogs and see what everyone else is writing about! Are you up for the challenge?


4. That I've got a SATURDAY off and I'll be spending it outside enjoying the beautiful weather with the boyfriend.
5. All of the reality television this week has been phenom, and most definitely made me happy;

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My least favorite team got eliminated on The Amazing Race

via Gary Busey was fired on The Celebrity Apprentice

via And all my favorites are still in the running for Dancing With The Stars!
What are your 5 favorite things about this week!?