Gift Guide: Splurges

There is always something "big" on my Christmas list each year. This year, I asked for new bedding, but certainly in years past electronics, fancy clothes and jewelry definitely made the list. If I could make a list of entirely "splurge" items, here are my top favorites!

|| concert/event tickets ||
For the last few years, we've gotten concert tickets in our stockings. Last year, it was Kenny Chesney/Eric Church tickets, and not only are they a fun surprise, but our family goes together, so these events are things we look forward to for months! Most of our events have gone through Ticketmaster or LiveNation.

|| jackets ||
I have searched high and low for the perfect quilted jacket. LL Bean has been sold out of theirs since September, and I couldn't ask someone to buy me a Burberry one that I have coveted for years. This Barbour one would make the perfect middle-man. It is even on sale! It is classic, adorable, and would look perfect with all of my Lilly outfits!

|| fancy bracelets ||
I'm a sucker for any fun bracelets to add to my daily stack. Of course, this David Yurman bangle would be perfect (and of course be a perfect match with my Albion Ring), and since I'm making a serious effort to invest in more yellow gold pieces, I would love this cutout cuff from Design Darling.

|| a little black purse ||
I think that every girl needs the perfect little black bag. I love anything from kate spade, but this cross-body is the perfect size, and the bow detail is too darling for words! I think anyone would love to see this under their tree!

|| pretty flats ||
I love me some Tory Burch flats. My feet on the other hand, hate them. A co-worker of mine shared some wonderful secrets about how to get them to stretch to fit (and not murder) your feet. Since my current flats have already torn up my feet, and are on their way to the trash pretty quickly, I am dying for a new pair to try out all of her secrets. I've been searching for a pair of quilted black flats, and these most certainly fit the bill.

|| an iPad ||
I bought my iPad as a gift to myself for my 25th Birthday. What can I say? I love the thing! The only thing I use my computer for anymore is blogging, and storing my music. I love the convenience of having a portable device that I can read on (that is bigger than my iPhone), watch movies on, and being able to travel without lugging my laptop around is truly a game changer. I've heard great things about the iPad Mini as well, but I personally wanted something a little bigger!

If you had no limit on gifts, what would be on your list!?

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!?

A Few of My Favorite Things

With the holidays quickly approaching, I'm obviously scrambling to make lists of all that my heart desires on top of getting a list together of gifts to purchase for all of my loved ones. These are the items at the top of my wish list this year!

Monogrammed iPhone Case ($44): Haymarket Designs

Hokie Coffee Mug  ($15): Swanky Press

Tri-Strand Pearls ($98) & Infinity Scarf ($68): J. Crew
Chanel Perfume ($68): Nordstrom
Sparkle ($35) & Monogram Pillow ($29): PB Teen
Monogram Bracelet ($110): BCS Designs

What are your favorite things this holiday season?

Wishlist Wednesday!

A few co-workers and I decided to make September a month of savings. We've all got an issue buying way too many clothes, and not putting nearly enough in our savings. In honor of "No Spend September," here are all of the things that I am currently lusting over.

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This duvet cover. So clean, and crisp! I'm obsessed!

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Found this gem from Marley Lilly this morning. I think it has Christmas gift written all over it (right, Ma?)

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I am in desperate need of a new "fall" bag, and this one just screams perfection. It's $378 price tag, not so much.

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These Frye "Regina" flats. The last few years I have struggled to find black flats that fit and wear well. After all of the luck I had with my Frye boots last year, I would LOVE to invest in a pair of these flat shoes.

What is on your wishlist this fall!?

ETSY ate my bank account!

One of my favorite things that blogging has introduced me to is the wonderful world of Etsy.

I had always dabbled at a few shops here and there, but always seemed to get overwhelmed when searching for a specific item. Throughout the last few months, however, I have found some wonderful shops that I can't help but share with you.

TRN Designs came to the rescue when I was looking for something fun to give to everyone on our annual beach trip. I saw these adorable koozies and knew that I just had to have them. At $7 each, these are a bargain. I mean, you get a monogram AND a bow! I got these for all of the ladies, and basic navy with a red monogram (and no bow, duh) for the men. They were great for keeping track of drinks throughout the week!

Everyone I work with has an iPhone. Our chargers are constantly getting mixed up, and most of us have put stickers of some sort on them to distinguish one from another. I went a step further and went on the hunt for a monogram small enough to fit around the charging piece. Enter URSoCrafty. Now, everyone knows which charger is mine, and that little white box finally has some personality!

BaileyWicks

Alright, maybe I just realized that my monogram addiction is getting kind of bad. BUT, I have been on the hunt for this "frat tank" style on the cheap. I would love to create tons of cute pocket tanks from other retailers, but with a $30-$40 price tag, that is simply not practical. I found these awesome comfort colors tanks for $16 from BaileyWicks. I ordered my first one (turquoise and black) last Monday and it was in my mailbox by Friday. I was shocked, and even more excited. I may or may not have placed another order for 2 more. They will be ideal for my vacation to throw on over a bathing suit, or to wear while zip lining.

ChevronStripeShop

Please tell me I'm not the only one who doesn't want to pay $20 for a hair bow? I have been looking for some cute, cheap bows to wear throughout the summer, and just have not been able to bite the bullet at other highly priced monogram shops. I mean, I'm wearing it in my hair, and chances are, I'm going to lose it within a few weeks. ChevronStripeShop to the rescue! She carries adorable bows (even some printed Lilly Pulitzer ones) and they're only $5! FIVE DOLLARS. For that price, I bought two.

Where are your favorite places to shop on Etsy!?

What are some of your favorite finds!?

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!

Must See, Must Read, Must Hear...

For this Tuesday's musts...

Must See;

Ever since I finished the final Harry Potter book a few months back, I have been dying to see the movie! Everyone has told me that this one is the best, so I just need to track this one down (preferably for free somewhere...) and take the time to watch!

Must Read;

Crazy Little Thing by Tracy Brogan. I read this in just a few days, and LOVED it. While it was super predictable (just like every other book I read...), Brogan's writing style made it worthwhile. She is sarcastic, hilarious, and witty, while keeping me hooked into the story. This is definitely the perfect book to throw into your bag on your way to the beach!

Must Hear;

It's A Beautiful Day by Michael Buble. How could you NOT be in a happy mood after listening to this song!? I'm mildly obsessed. 

Must Have;

This watch has been mysteriously floating around Pinterest for a while, and I've finally tracked this one back to Swell Caroline. Everything about it is customizable, and I have to have it. The best part? It's only $66! Totally affordable! And it's monogrammed.. need I say more?

Must Laugh;

This video has been going around the cyber-verse for a while apparently, but I just saw it on the Today show this morning. I am dying -- this girl is hilarious!

What are your must haves this week!?