Oh Christmas Tree!

Of all the times of the year, Christmas has to be my absolute favorite. I love everything about it - the gift, the food, the music, the traditions, cold evenings spent cuddled up on the couch sipping hot chocolate and watching holiday movies. But the best part is decorating the tree. Even when I was little I used to get just as excited about it as I did about Christmas morning. I would count the days until my dad would bring up the decorations from the basement of our building. The moment he'd walk in the door I'd grab the boxes from his hands and start pulling out the ornaments. It was the equivalent of opening up dozens of little newspaper-wrapped gifts. Each one was so different, each one had a story. There'd be lots of "oohs" and "aahs" and "look how pretty this one is!". I may no longer be 6 and the ornaments I own today may not hold as much of a sentimental value, but I still take Christmas decorating very seriously. 

This year we decorated our tree early and decided to share this moment with you. Enjoy!

Down by the Riverside

{J.Crew coat and shirt, Madewell sweater and tote bag, Willi Smith jeans (via TJ Maxx), JewelMint rings, Kenneth Cole necklace}

Gift Guide: for the hostess

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Downtown Blues

{True Religion jacket, Averly shirt (via TJ Maxx), J.Crew  jeans, Zara boots, Montini handbag, Kenneth Cole necklace (via Nordstrom Rack)}

Sheep Sweater

{Madewell sweater, J.Crew shirt, Willi Smith jeans (via TJ Maxx), Nine West boots, Margot handbag, Target belt, Jewelmint rings}

I've been seeing animal motifs on sweaters everywhere this season. From owls and foxes to meerkats and chickens - there's something for any animal lover (I've yet to find the hedgehog version though). While most of the offerings have left me indifferent this Madewell sheep sweater stole my heart before it even became available in stores. I feel bad for the poor sales associates who had to deal with me calling the store week after week awaiting impatiently for the sweater to arrive. Once it did, it did not disappoint. Surprisingly it goes with more things than I imagined. One thing that's necessary to pull off an animal sweater if you're past the age of 10 though, is to have a sense of humor. You can't wear a flock of sheep in striped socks all over your chest and  take yourself too seriously!

Simple Delights

{Tiny bear couple crocheted by my mom}

Sweet little surprise that came in the mail a while ago and has been cheering me up ever since.

{Cherry pastry - a treat I can never resist whenever we stop at Panera Bread}

{A growing stack of bargain books I can't wait to read once my semester in college is over}

{Three cheese crostini - the easiest way to use up an old baguette}

Slice up the baguette, brush with olive oil, top with a variety of shredded cheese, sprinkle with spices and bake at 425 for about 7 minutes. Voila! 

Fall Textures

{Anthropologie sweater, Classiques Entier skirt (via Nordstrom Rack), Berge handbag (via TJ Maxx), Zara boots}

One of my favorite things about fall styling is combining different textures into one outfit. Since the weather changes a lot during this season it is the best time to introduce some chunky knits and heavy tweeds to your outfits, while still keeping some of the more delicate fabrics. It is one of the easiest ways to add some interest to a monochromatic look such as this purple number. The contrast between the cozy knit and and the flowy silk, with a touch of suede and leather, feels rich as the season itself.

Dotted

{J.Crew sweater, Zara shirt and clutch, Joie skirt (via Nordstrom Rack), Cole Haan boots, JewelMint rings}

Big Collar

{French Connection jacket, Gap outlet shirt, J.Crew jeans, Cole Haan boots, Maxx NY handbag, Kenneth Cole jewelry}

Double Striped

{J.Crew sweater, shirt, jeans and necklace, Madewell pumps, Kate Spade clutch}

If I had to live in one shirt for the rest of my life, I'd make sure it was striped. To say that I love the style would be an understatement. It is more like a full blown obsession. There's a whole separate corner in my closet dedicated to an ever growing striped shirt collection. This layered look really summarizes my philosophy on this timeless pattern - the more the better.  

Yellow Polka Dots

{Anthropologie skirt, Tahari jacket, Stuart Weitzman booties, Abro handbag, Madewell scarf, thrifted belt, Kenneth Cole ring}

Simple Delights

{A new book by interior decorating guru and cutie Nate Berkus}

You can currently get it at Target for about 10 bucks less than it's suggested price!

{ A miniature bowl I picked up from his collection for Target }

I'm still hoping to find a large version of it.

{Leftover Halloween candy}

That bowl now has a lot less candy in it than when this picture was taken.

{Some more goodies from the new local grocer -- chocolate covered almonds for moi and espresso beans for Mr.C}