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A Cozy Gift Guide for the Homebody

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Cozy Holiday Gift Guide for the Homebody on your list1. Deer Print Flannel PJ Set  2. Cable-Knit Slipper Booties  3. Fuzzy Babba Furry Slipper Socks  4. Lavender Neck Pillow  5. Plaid Alphabet Mug  6. Gold Monogram Mug  7. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate  8. Lake Pajamas Striped Long Set  9. Ultra-Soft Cozy Chic Robe  10. Faux Fur Throw Blanket  11. Set of 2 Diamond Stemless Glasses  12. Coppola Diamond Claret Wine  13. Velour Plush Throw  14. Lounge Essentials PJ Pants and PJ Top

You guys, I’m giddy like a schoolgirl over here because the holidays really are coming in QUICK.  This time next week, Eric, Weeze, and I will be in Louisiana to spend Thanksgiving with my fam, and I can’t believe it’s already here.  So today I’m kicking off my first of several holiday gift guides, and this one is admittedly always one of my favorites.  (Check out last year’s version here.)

Whether it’s a new favorite set of PJ’s, a super plush robe, a fun little pair of slippers, or a simple mug and hot cocoa set, I always love giving (and receiving!) all things cozy.  For me, they’re those most-loved pieces that I just don’t buy for myself all that often, and they’ll last holiday season after season.

Every year I say that I’ll get a head-start on that holiday list, and sometimes I halfway succeed.  Maybe this year will finally be my year, y’all – one for me, and one for someone on my list.  Hope everyone is having a great start to the holiday season!

xoxo

A Little (Velvet) Something Extra

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  Levi’s jeans;  cabi velvet top (c/o);  Banana Republic jacket (c/o) – similar version here;  Henri Bendel handbag (c/o);  Mari A. heels (c/o) – (similar here);  Quay sunglasses

Any country music fans out there?  My music taste is admittedly a little all over the place, but I’ll also admit that I’ve got big love for some country music and big BIG love for last night’s CMA Awards.  Did anyone else watch?  Gah, I love watching country performances because they’re such a good time, the artists actually SING, and everyone is just so sparkly.  Am I right?  I always watch country stars and think I could use a little more sparkle in my life.

And while daytime sequins and glitter aren’t always encouraged, I think the modern fall equivalent is velvet.  From the cutest polka-dotted burnout blouse (which JUST launched from cabi) to a sweet little pair of velvet heels (or maybe both at once), velvet just adds that little something extra to your look.

And add a sheen-y printed bomber on top?  Well, girlfriend, then you’re getting extra, extra.  Or maybe not, but you can still pretend.  It’s only Thursday, but I’ve got my sights set firmly on the weekend.  To be fair, we’ve got a Friday afternoon wedding in Palm Springs, so today’s sort of like a Friday.  And what better way to kick off my birthday weekend than by playing hooky on a Friday?

Hope everyone has an amazing Thursday and weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Kathleen Barnes

Favorites From the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale

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A few favorite picks from Nordstrom's Fall Clearance Sale 1. Thermal Tee  2. Faux Fur Ankle Strap Sandal  3. Coffee Weekend Rendezvouz Pullover  4. Embellished Cuff Trio  5. Leather and Calfhair Crossbody Bag  6. Tie Hem Sweater  7. Fringed Ankle-Tie Sandal  8. Distressed Plaid Shirtdress  9. Leather Vintage-Style Sneakers  10. Turtleneck Sweater  11. Taupe Over-the-Knee Boots  12. Cashmere Infinity Scarf  13. Tory Burch Fringe Shoulder Bag

Happy Friday, friends!  Hope everyone’s as excited for the weekend as I am – I already know it’s gonna be a good one.  We’re kicking things off tonight with dinner with Eric’s family at one of our favorite little Italian places around here.  Spaghetti Bender, anyone?  If you live in Orange County, you HAVE to try this place.  Yummy spaghetti, garlic bread that I could eat as my meal, house wine by the carafe, and the cutest little cozy atmosphere – it’s a pretty great way to start a weekend.

Then on Sunday we’re headed to Sip’n’Shuck at The Deck in Laguna Beach for the third year in a row.  It’s a charity event benefitting CASA, and it’s become one of our favorite events of the year.  There are wine and liquor vendors doing tastings and mixed cocktails, oysters and delicious food everywhere, a live band, and in general just lots of fun.  The general admission tickets are unfortunately already sold out, but you can still get your hands on a VIP ticket if you’re so inclined.  (And I’m telling you, get inclined.)

And as for today on the ‘ole blog, I’m rounding up a few favorite picks from the Nordstrom fall clearance sale that’s going on now.  Over the last two days of rare gloomy, rainy weather, I’ve had lots of time to click through all the pages, and there are definitely some deals worth grabbing.  For me, it’s the perfect time to scoop up a few cold-weather essentials for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole, and if you’ve got any holiday trips on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to do the same.

So happy sipping and happy shopping – here’s hoping everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

A Few More Last-Minute Sale Picks

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1. Origami Cardigan with Pockets  2. Black and Gold Polarized Sunglasses  3. Houndstooth Square Scarf  4. Nike Sneakers  5. Block Heel Ankle Bootie  6. Rose Gold Twisted Pave Bangle  7. Ruffle Bell Sleeve Blouse  8. Stretch Chenille Robe  9. Plaid and Floral Tunic Shirt  10. Rose Gold Strappy Sandal  11. 5-pack Mixed Metal Chokers  12. Mario Badescu Icons Collection  13. Knit and Shearling Slipper  14. MAC Look-in-a-Box Kit  15. High Waist Leggings

Well, friends, it’s finally here – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is about to be dunzo.  It’s the final week of every blogger in the land telling you about this deal and that one, but more importantly, it’s your last week to grab those final goodies before prices go up.

Personally, I’ll admit that I hit the sale more than a handful of times.  I started off with the clothing, shoes, and handbags of course, and last week I scooped up a few finds from the home section – check those out here.

This week I may or may not have gone back just one last time.  (Haha, I crack myself up – I’ve still got a couple of days left to shop the sale.)  But this time I focused solely on the activewear section because I’m back on the Pilates bus, and nothing motivates me more than new workout gear.  (Well, new workout gear and tacos and margs – all very motivational.)

I walked away with some spankin’ new workout gear, and y’all, these leggings are amazing.  (Also loving this cropped pair.)  Also, if you buy one last thing from the sale, perhaps this pocketed wrap cardigan should be IT.  It’s perfect for the post-workout errands once the weather cools (or those days when your workout gear never actually made it to the gym), and I’m thinking that it will be my new favorite for traveling.  So so cozy for cold airplanes.

So today I’m rounding up just a few more last-minute picks from the sale.  Throw ’em in your cart, or kick yourself later.  Prices go up August 7th.  Happy shopping, y’all!

xoxo

Can’t Get Enough: Summer Stripes

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Best striped pieces for summer 2017 1. Double Up Tankini Top (Up to D Cup)  2. Lace-Up Espadrille  3. Amour Vert Stretch Jersey Top  4. Beaded Tassel Tote  5. Off-Duty T-Shirt Dress  6. Colorblocked Hinge Bangle  7. Striped Bow Heeled Mule  8. Striped Cold Shoulder Jumpsuit  9. Striped Bow Slide Sandals (Under $25!)  10. Large Expandable Pouch  11. Striped Platform Sandal (on sale!)  12. Pom Fringe Striped Scarf  13. Leather Striped Clutch  14. Umbrella Stripe Sarong

While taking a stroll over the old Instagram this morning, I noticed that lately I’ve got quite a thing for stripes.  And truth be told, it’s not just a recent obsession.  I feel like of all the prints and patterns that I dig – florals, plaid, gingham, and even palm prints – stripes are definitely my main squeeze.  They’re so classic and easy to mix, match and mingle, and this season, they’re once again everywhere.

So whether you go for a swimsuit (the tankini at number one is so good for busty gals), a fun bag, or a little something for your feet, you really can’t go wrong with adding a little stripe to any look.  My personal faves?  Well, I did pick all of the above, but I really want to get my hands on numbers five and fourteen – nothing better than a pool sarong that doubles as a scarf later.  And the slides at number nine are pretty dang cute for under $25.  Also, if you’re looking for the absolute softest tees around, the brand at number three has that ALL figured out.  Hope everyone is having a great week, and happy summer shopping!

xoxo

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

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blanket-scarf-1-7blanket-scarf-1-1 blanket-scarf-1-2 blanket-scarf-1-3 blanket-scarf-1-4 blanket-scarf-1-5 blanket-scarf-1-6blanket-scarf-1-8blanket-scarf-1-9blanket-scarf-1-10blanket-scarf-1  cabi jeans (c/o);  sweater;  plaid scarf;  Henri Bendel clutch (c/o);  sunglasses (c/o);  Chinese Laundry shoes (c/o) Zooshoo (more sizes here);  Henri Bendel necklace;  Kendra Scott ring

Ahhh, Monday, we meet again.  It’s the start of a busy but exciting week around here, and it’s a much needed reminder to me that sometimes I just need to trust the road that I’m on.  The blogging world can be such an amazing, supportive community, but it can also create a bit of unwanted competitiveness.  From time to time I struggle with comparing myself and my blog to others, wishing I could do this better or that, grow my social media more quickly, connect with this brand or that one, and so on.  I hate that I do it, but I do.  Eric is constantly reminding me to slow down and focus on how far this little blog has come.  And then there’s my mom.  Well I swear sometimes she just knows.  (That’s what moms do I guess.)  She sent along another gem from Max Lucado last week that was exactly what I needed, and I just have to share.

A little boy named Adam wanted to be like his friend Bobby.  Adam loved the way Bobby walked and talked.  Bobby, however, wanted to be like Charlie.  Something about Charlie’s stride and accent intrigued him.  Charlie, on the other hand, was impressed with Danny.  Charlie wanted to look and sound like Danny.  Danny, of all things, had a hero as well: Adam. He wanted to be just like Adam.
   So Adam was imitating Bobby, who was imitating Charlie, who was imitating Danny, who was imitating Adam.
   Turns out, all Adam had to do was be himself.
   Stay in your own lane.  Run your own race.  Nothing good happens when you compare and compete.  God does not judge you according to the talents of others.  He judges you according to yours.  His yardstick for measuring faithfulness is how faithful you are with your own gifts.  You are not responsible for the nature of your gift.  But you are responsible for how you use it. – Max Lucado

Pretty good, right?  So here’s to a great week ahead and a little more focus on staying in my own lane.  Cheers, y’all.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

The Lazy Weekend Uniform

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casual-fridays-1-11casual-fridays-1-1 casual-fridays-1-2 casual-fridays-1-3casual-fridays-1-6casual-fridays-1-4casual-fridays-1-7casual-fridays-1-5casual-fridays-1-8casual-fridays-1-9casual-fridays-1-10weekend uniform  Long-sleeved striped tee;  grey sweater tee;  Spanx denim leggings (c/o);  similar plaid shirt;  GiGi New York bag (c/o);  shoes – so many colors to choose from;  sunglasses;  Henri Bendel necklace; Lip Paint in Taupeless

And so ends a week of pack, pack, packing, y’all, and not a moment too soon.  (More on what I’m doing over here.)  Yesterday I realized that the first weekend of the new year is upon us, and I was like, YASSS.  And then I remembered that I’ll be spending it moving some of our stuff into our temporary rental home and lots more of it into a storage pod, and I was like, NOOO.  All good in the hood, though.  I’ll find some downtime in there somehow, and I plan to do absolutely nothing with it.  Anyone else looking for a couple of lazy days ahead?  Well if you are, then I’ve got your weekend uniform.

I scooped up this adorable little ruffle-sleeved sweater tee this week because, how cute?  So cute, and under $40.  And if anyone else is still feeling all that holiday overindulgence (raises hand slowly), then it’s time to get yourself a pair of these Spanx denim leggings because I’m telling you, they forgive all.  Annnnd while you’re at it, you might as well treat yo’self to the world’s most comfortable kicks.  Downright cushy, y’all.  I love these so much that I own them in two colors (because my mother-in-law rocks and bought me a second pair for Christmas), and if color options are your jam, well these come in over 20.  The taupe and the grey are my personal faves, and I have to say, they were just made for casual Fridays.

So for now I’m off to wrap up this kitchen packing struggle (for now) and treat myself to lunch.  Every worker bee needs a break sometime, right?  Oh, and if you aren’t already, I hope you’ll follow me over on Instagram (and Instagram stories!) for peeks into the happenings around here.  Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Taylor Cole

The Coziest Scarves Under $50

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affordable scarves 1. Oversized Knit Scarf  2. Geo Pattern Scarf  3. Marled Plaid Scarf  4. Chunky Knit Fringe Scarf  5. Thick Knit Infinity Scarf – Available in 43 colors!  6. Uniqlo Heattech Scarf  7. Chunky Infinity Scarf with Leather Cuff  8. Ivory Brushed Scarf  9. Coziest Cowl Scarf  10. Turquoise Brushed Scarf  11. Cashmere Fringe Scarf

When the temperatures drop, I’m a pretty firm believer that a thick and cozy scarf can seriously warm your whole body.  And not just the Southern California temperatures.  If I’m planning a trip to New York or somewhere snowy like our recent trip to the mountains, I’ll “waste” half the space in my bag (or, let’s be honest, bags – plural) to take an extra scarf or two along.  This one legit saved me in the snow for New Year’s Eve, and luckily it’s still available in grey – it’s #1 above.

Usually right around now is the perfect time to stock up on sweaters, scarves and winter essentials for the rest of this season and next, and this year is no exception.  (Check out these killer cashmere accessories that are marked down and an additional 60% off right now.  I have the gloves and scarf and LOVE them.)  But specifically today I’m focusing on affordable scarves because a girl can never have too many.  The whole bunch is under $50, but most of them are WAY lower than that.  The pretty pink snood at #5 is under $12 and available in a whopping 43 colors.  They’re not messing around.  Numbers 1 and 3 are both right around $25 and currently sitting in my shopping cart.  Number 11 contains the magic word – cashmere.  The best part?  Depending on where you live, you can use a scarf to jazz up your everyday coat (maybe not-so-much, SoCal), toss one in your bag to be prepared for a chilly evening or take it off when the day warms up.  Without breaking the bank.  It’s a win-win, friends!

xoxo

The Best Post-Holiday Sales

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post-holiday sales 1. Hooded Anorak with Faux Fur Trim  2. Nike Sneakers  3. Autumn Plaid Scarf  4. Over-the-Knee Boot  5. MAC Vamplify Lipstick  6. Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans  7. Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Crossbody  8. Faux Shearling Moto Jacket  9. Knit Pom Beret  10. Studded Faux Leather Crossbody  11. Gorjana Ear Climbers  12. BP Wedge Bootie – under $50!  13. Rib Knit Cowl Dress

Welp.  The holidays have come and gone, and perhaps you’ve got a little Christmas cash just burning a hole in your pocket?  Well lucky you because right now there are a ton of post-holiday sales happening, and with no more gifts to buy, you can totally do a little shopping for yourself.  (Not that we haven’t all been doing that, all holiday season long…)  The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale is on now, and I’m rounding up a few of my favorite finds above, all up to 50% off.  The under $50 booties at #12 are a serious steal, and the fur-trimmed anorak at #1 is under $100 and perfect for anyone looking for a new cozy coat.  If these styles aren’t your jam though, here are a few more sales worth checking out.

ASOS – huge selection of sale items up to 50% off

Abercrombie – up to 50% off all clearance

Anthropolgie – extra 40% off sale items with code TAGTIME

Banana Republic – extra 50% off sale

Express – additional 30% off clearance

Gap – 40% off your purchase (including sale) with code WINTER

Gorjana – up to 70% off select styles

J.Crew Factory – extra 40% off clearance with code SHOPCREW

lucy activewear – extra 40% off sale

Nordstrom Rack – up to 75% off clearance (I mean, these booties, guys.)

Rebecca Minkoff – extra 30% off sale with code HEY2017

Revolve – up to 50% off select styles

Shopbop – extra 25% off sale with code TREATYOURSELF

Ugg – up to 50% off select styles

xoxo

My Favorite Christmas Gift

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Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Ray-Ban, but all opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.ray-ban-1ray-ban-1-2ray-ban-1-3ray-ban-1-1ray-ban-1-4ray-ban-1-5ray-ban-1-6ray-ban-1-7ray-ban-1-8ray-ban-1-9 Ray-Ban Aviator (c/o);  Plaid shirtdress (c/o);  Shearling vest;  similar OTK boots;  similar clutch;  bracelets;  double ring

Well we’re officially about two weeks away from Christmas guys.  How’s that gift list of yours working out?  Mine’s…a work in progress, and it’s seriously crunch time since we are flying to Louisiana for Christmas and have less time to procrastinate.  If some of your nearest and dearest have you stumped in the gift department this year, today I’m chatting about one of my absolute favorite gifts in past years.  (Well, besides my engagement ring.)  And if the photos above didn’t give it away, I’m talking about something I pretty much never leave home without, my Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses.

I’ve received Ray-Ban sunglasses from my parents for Christmas twice now, and both times it’s been exactly what I wanted.  (That usually happens when you pick them out yourself.)  After the first pair (these classics) went missing, I got this pair that folds up teeny tiny a couple of Christmases ago and have worn them nonstop ever since.  Recently though, after an unsupervised spray-painting incident (let’s just say DIY isn’t really my thing), I realized I probably needed to scoop up a new pair and discovered THE coolest thing.  Y’all, did you know you can customize your own shades through the Ray-Ban website?  You pick your style, lenses, rim color, case color, and can even add customized engraving – making all those decisions is the hardest part.  I don’t even want to tell you how much time I spent clicking back and forth from this lens to that one, mirrored or polarized.  I ended up choosing a pink blue gradient lens that’s polarized, and I LOVE them.  If you’re looking for a personalized gift that she (or he!) will love this year, I’d definitely recommend checking this out.  (Also something to note – even with the custom choices, it’s still free shipping and free returns – always a bonus.)

But if the customization thing is a bit too much for you, then here are a few others I’d recommend checking out:

@COLLECTION – These are exclusive styles that feature brand new details like leather tips on the aviator.  So chic.

Hexagonal and Octagonal Flat Lenses – For the trendy fashionista

Signet – Throwback style

Clubround – Brand new take on the Clubmaster

Original Wayfarer – Always a crowd pleaser

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

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