Holiday Gift Guide: Glitz & Glam

A few things going on with me this morning:

Good: Part of my apartment was painted yesterday and will continue today (yay!).

Bad: The empty china cabinet & TV unit (with contents scattered over every open surface in my place), downed photo frames, and moved furniture kinda makes me look like a hoarder.

Good: I ran a 5K on Sunday and am super sore.

Bad: Yep, I'm so out of shape that not only am I sore, but I have some sick shin splints to boot.

Sooooo yeah. All in all, not bad for a Tuesday, right? :)

Today I'm back with my holiday gift guide (which is really just my own excuse to Internet shop for my imaginary Christmas list and then share it with all of you). Today's guide is all about glitter, sequins and metallics...all things I love around holiday time!

A Glitz & Glam Gift Guide

TOMS Blue Women's Glitters, TOMS.com

I own 2 pairs of TOMS and love every moment of them. They are always so comfy and look cute to boot. The glitter version is even more adorable since it takes the whole look up a notch. I could see these paired with black skinny jeans and a sweet top for a more casual holiday party with a little flair! And for $54 they hardly break the bank, so they also make a fantastic and fun gift.

Deborah Lippmann 'Dance Music' Holiday Mini Trio, Nordstrom.com

This gorgeous set of nail polish falls into the category of 'I probably wouldn't buy it for myself, but would be thrilled to receive it' kind of gift. Though these are minis, the entire set falls at $29 which is a steal for Deborah Lippman polish. These colors are so fun and festive and simply perfect for a New Year's Eve party...or even just to make the work day a little more exciting!

Embellished Elastic Waisted Dress, Greylin via Piperlime

I really love this dress. The top is simple, the bottom is gorgeous and the color is perfectly blue-gray. My favorite aspect is that the top is a big baggy while the bottom is super short, as every cocktail dress should be. This is a perfect pick up for pre-holiday parties, but also as a holiday gift! Who doesn't need/want a go-to sequin dress for winter parties?

Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Stainless Steel Bangles (Set of 6), Nordstrom.com

My heart fluttered a little when I spotted these crystal & metal bangles. I love love love bangle bracelets (and often layer my own collection of bangles and bracelets together). These are so chic, so gorgeous, and come in a variety of colors. Not surprisingly, my favorite is blue :) A bit on the pricier side at $98, but for more of a splurge, I like.

kate spade new york Sparkler Little Gia, Bloomingdales.com

Oh man, how cute is this pouch? I could see using it as a mini clutch through the holiday and winter season. Just big enough for a phone, credit cards, a few bills and a lipstick, this is just a fun piece. I love the multi-colored glitter bits...it could match with just about anything!

So there you have it. All my coveted glitz & glam pieces for this holiday!

Questions of the Day:

Do you ever rock pieces with glitter or sequins?

I am trying to do more!

What's your favorite?

Mine is a cinch waisted dress from last holiday & my glittery spike heels!

Holiday Gift Guide: A Cozy Winter

Hi November! I am really unclear as to how you got here so quickly, but here you are. Cool weather, dark skies and all.

Every year, I promise myself that I will start my holiday shopping early. Please don't think I'm crazy. It's just that for my sanity (and my wallet), I find it best to spread out my gift buying over a 6 week period. You know, instead of a 2 day period on December 22nd and 23rd. Since I'm already in the spirit (and may have even let a few holiday songs play out while my iPod was on super shuffle), I thought it would be fun to start a gift guide series from now throughout Christmas. It's never too early to start getting ideas for Christmas, Hannukah, Secret Santa, yourself or even just as a bit of eye candy.

A Cozy Winter Gift Guide

Make + Model 'Folk' Nordic Slipper Sock, Nordstrom.com

 

When I came across these Nordic slipper socks, my heart skipped a little beat. I am always freezing my buns off in the winter, especially when it comes to my feet. I think I'd have a much happier time surviving the cold with these adorable slipper socks gracing my tootsies. And for a mere $24, I'd say they are worth every penny.

Unisex Circle Scarf in Heather Green, American Apparel

I own 2 of these scarves and they never, ever get old. I wear mine to cuddle up on the couch, on airplanes as a blanket, as a hood in the rain or snow, or simply as a big and cozy scarf on those brisk winter days. For less than $30, this is such a fabulous, multi-purpose gift. I could go for a whole closet full!

Homegrown Monogram Mug, Anthropologie

 

Can Anthro ever do anything wrong? I own the monogram misses tea cup and use it all the time. So chic, so fun and so personalized. I adore these newer, whimsical, almost toile-like versions. And for $8 a pop, you really cannot go wrong! Pair with a box of Stash English Breakfast Tea or a Teavana gift card, and you're good to go.

So there you have it. The first in our gift guide series! I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any theme ideas that you want me to address, please send them my way!

Question of the Day:

Do you wait til the last minute for holiday shopping, or get started early?

My Favorite Things, Part II

Last night Shaun and I decorated our Christmas tree and we are so happy with the outcome! I will post pics later on or tomorrow!

Meanwhile, as the countdown to Christmas continues, I'm dreaming about some more great gifts that I'd love to find under the tree this year!

I said it last year and I'll say it again. I love all of the Anthropologie aprons! I have one,  yet it's not enough. These aprons are so pretty and frilly that they look like actual dresses! Talk about cooking in style.

Since I'm all about cupcakes, and always, always, always make a mess when transporting them to the muffin tins, I'm completely smitten with this cupcake batter dispenser! What will they think of next?

And while we on the subject of cupcakes, our friends Kristen and Ryan gifted me with this sweet cupcake plunger when they saw it and thought of me and my baking. How sweet and thoughtful is that? After my Dexter cupcake spackling debacle, this is the perfect way to fill those cupcakes quickly and easily!

 

This adorable sushi set is such a fun way to enjoy sushi at home! Who needs those wooden chopsticks that break when you pull 'em apart?

I'm a sucker for warm beverages, and even more so for cute vehicles for said warm beverages. I mean, can you look at these and not smile? Try it. You can't.

Though I'm going to try and DIY my own this weekend, how fun are these marshmallow pops? I wish I had these for lunch today.

That's it for today. What's tickling your fancy this holiday season?