In Spades

Style... in abundance

2018 Holiday Gift Guide Beauty

1. Oribe mousse + hairspray – I’ve been using Oribe products for years, but didn’t try their mousse until this year.  Hello, game changer.  Paired with the best workable hairspray on the market, your mane will look voluminous and G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S.

2. Oil pulling kit – if you haven’t tried oil pulling, I highly recommend it.  Not only does it rid the body of toxins, but it promotes gum and dental health like you wouldn’t believe.  It naturally makes teeth whiter too – no chemicals!

3. Goop moisturizer set – after going through moisturizers for the last 4 years and not finding one I love, I hit the jackpot with these.  The daytime revitalizing moisturizer and the repairing nighttime moisturizer are the bomb.

4. Dry brushing kit – like oil pulling but for your skin, this kit promotes circulation, cell turnover and reduces cellulite.

5. Francisco Nars beauty book – I love a good coffee table book and this one is visually stunning and has fabulous behind the scenes anecdotes from the man himself.

6. Skin enhancer – hands down the best beauty product I own.  I use it as a concealer, but it can also be used as foundation or highlighter.

7. Le Labo perfume – my signature scent.  Every time I wear it people always ask what it is.  A close second is this one, also by Le Labo.  These fragrances aren’t mixed until you order them to ensure optimum freshness and they LAST.

8. Invigorating mint body lotion – my daily body lotion, it leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to start the day thanks to the intoxicating mint scent.

9. Eye polish + eyeshadow palette – when I do a smokey eye, this is my combo.  Everyone thinks I have professional blending abilities, but it’s truly just the magic of these two products together.  Start with the RMS eye polish as a base, then apply each color in clockwise order from brow to crease.  Instant bombshell.

10. Nail polish kit – I recently starting using this 9-free line of nail polish and am hooked.  The brushes are built to ensure a perfect application every time.

11. Lipstick trio – I’m a lipstick junkie and these 3 shades are best sellers, leave your lips hydrated and smell divine.  Yay for green beauty that’s richly pigmented!

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C’est La Via 2018: My Goals Heading into 2019

Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suit Halogen x Atlantic Pacific plaid suitHalogen x Atlantic Pacific for Nordstrom blazer and pants // Clare V top
Zara shoes (similar here) // Le Specs sunglasses (similar here)

And just like that, 2018 is coming to a close.

I’ll be publishing my last Holiday Gift Guide this week – a list of all my must-have beauty products – but this will be my last OOTD post for 2018.

Later this week we’ll be heading back to my hometown in the Midwest to spend Christmas with my family.  Being as though it’s our daughter’s first Christmas, I’m looking forward to unplugging and living the holiday through her eyes.

While I contemplated posting between Christmas and New Year’s, I thought better of it because I know most of you will be doing the same (unplugging).  I may post about the end of season clearance sales (let me know if you’d be interested!) since the deals will be so good.

My last OOTD of 2018 seems only fitting – a Vive La Resistance sweatshirt and plaid boss lady suit.  In other words, an outfit that conveys power and a great mantra heading into 2019.

2018 was SUCH an interesting year for me blogging-wise.  Obviously, the birth of our daughter caused me to be more reactionary than proactive (something I’m thankful for).  But despite the lessened hustle in my game, I was still fortunate to work with amazing brands, meet incredible peers, and experience new ventures in old routines (see NYFW S/S19).

As I move into 2019, my goal is to get back to that proactive approach and bring you more of what you want to see AND more of what I want to create.  Blogging is the most saturated it’s ever been, and I’d be lying if I said I find it easy to keep my focus clear amidst the noise.

So, if that means quality over quantity, so be it.  As I spend these next two weeks reflecting on what I want to create in 2019, please feel free to reach out to me – in the comments, via Instagram, Facebook or email – and share your thoughts.

Wishing you and your families the happiest holidays!

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $100

1. Plaid beret – part fisherman’s hat, part beret, the plaid pattern of this hat is so on trend and classic at the same time.

2. Heart earrings – I’ve never been a hoop girl, so these solid hearts are ultra chic and a great alternative to a classic jewelry staple.

3. Candle – if you’re unfamiliar with Byredo fragrances, get yourself acquainted ASAP.  The Woods smells like a crisp winter afternoon – perfect for the holidays.

4. Sunglasses – give the gift of panache.  I adore the attitude of these sunnies, which also come in black.

5. Alpaca sweater – this retailer is one of my all-time faves because they make super high-quality products at affordable price points.  An oversized alpaca sweater that comes in 6 colors is the perfect winter gift for any lucky lady.

6. Chandelier earrings – I know there are two sets of earrings on this guide, but I couldn’t pass up these rad chandelier sparklers.  Hello New Year’s Eve outfit!

7. Sequined slippers – who wouldn’t want to roll outta bed and put on these beauties?

8. Star robe – I have the striped equivalent to this robe (and wore it during NYFW!).  Cozy, chic and under $100.  Yes, please.

9. Calf hair belt – have you noticed a theme yet?  Every single one of my gift guides has included something leopard.  Take note!

10. Tote bag – 100% of the proceeds of this bag go towards Every Mother Counts, an organization that ensures every woman, everywhere receives access to safe pregnancy and childbirth care.

11. Hair pins – I have an obsession with anything evil eye, so these beautiful hairpins were a total no-brainer.

12. Down scarf – Balenciaga started this puffer trend and I’m all about it.  I just don’t want the Balenciaga price tag.  And neither should you – this baby is under $100.

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How to Style Sequins for the Holidays

How to Style Sequins for the HolidaysHow to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the HolidaysHow to Style Sequins for the HolidaysGround Zero Leo sweater // W Concept sequins skirt (similar here)
J. Crew earrings (similar here) // Manolo Blahnik boots (similar here)

Only two more weeks until Christmas, you guys!

Last week I talked about how to style vintage for the holidays.  This week I want to dive into another holiday favorite: sequins.  Most of you probably have something sequins in your closet.  If I had to guess, it’s likely a dress or a skirt.  So today I’m sharing my take for how to style sequins for the holidays.  In two words: edgy glam.

With sequins I think there’s a tendency to go gah-gah-glam – and I love that!  Today I want to show you something a bit edgier.  This jacquard Leonardo DiCaprio sweater gives my look a street style vibe that I love.  The fact that it captures him at the height of my obsession (hello Romeo + Juliet) is even better.  Paired with OTK boots, statement earrings and a shimmery, smokey eye I’m feeling glamorous and pretty badass.

To re-create the look, opt for a graphic tee like this one.  If sweet Leo isn’t your vibe, try a vintage band tee, or this cheeky option.  Notice how it’s styled with a sequin skirt in the promo photo?  Edgy glam for the win!

With a sequins party on the bottom and a street style vibe on the top, I definitely recommend boots over heels to ground the look.  Too many people pair OTK boots with jeans IMHO.  My favorite way to style OTK boots is under midi skirts or dresses.  It elongates the leg and gives off a sophisticated flair without being stuffy.  My pair is old, but I’ve linked some great options below.

For more holiday sequins, I’ve partnered with some of my best blogger babes to give you additional style inspo.

Check out how Kara Loves Coco styled her sequins skirt – so glam!  And I love the bold take Jenna from Lucky Little Mustard Seed took.  Paulina from Lil Bits of Chic is pure sophistication and Conni from Art in the Find shares amazing style hacks for this holiday staple.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more inspiration including styling tips from these babes!

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $25

1. Potholder – I love a bit of whimsy, especially in the kitchen where I need all the help I can get.  This adorable potholder fits the bill.

2. Tulle socks – I’ve been wanting a pair of these socks forever.  Super fashion forward and gorgeous to look at!

3. Acrylic picture frame – These frames come in multiple sizes and can be hung or placed tabletop.  I love the minimalistic design to highlight your favorite memories.

4. Llama catchall – Pretty and functional, this can hold keys, jewelry or desktop bits and pieces.

5. Mini waffle maker – you haven’t properly brunched until you’ve brunched with mini waffles.  A hit for anyone with kids too.

6. Cosmetic pouch – I’m clearly obsessed with anything animal print this season so this pouch is a must-have.

7. Jade facial roller – I have the rose quartz version of this facial roller and it definitely helps with lymphatic drainage, cooling and soothing, and making my eyes look more vibrant.

8. Leopard gloves – noticing a theme?  Such a statement.  Ring me up.

9. Pat McGrath lipstick trio – the queen of makeup created two trios of her best selling colors for the holidays.  She’ll be perfectly puckered.

10. Vogue coloring book – I have this book.  It’s the perfect combo for the creative in your life.

11. Gold bangle – a staple accessory under $25.  Sold!

12. Beanie – I died over a purple Prada beanie very similar to this one.  The added benefit here is you know The North Face creates outerwear that can truly withstand the elements.

Check out my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide Under $25 for more ideas that are still available!

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