Friday's Fancies: Holiday Best

I'm too excited about it (almost) being Christmas that I can't sit out of another week of Friday's Fancies.

So excited, actually, that I had to put together two ensembles; cheery comfy/casual, and festive fancy.

Fur Snood | Plaid Shirt | Tab Necklace | Velvet Blazer 

Studs | Wool Mini | Bow Dress | Bow Studs

Studded Clutch | Gray Tights | Gold Dot Tights | Cocktail Ring

Pave Link Bracelet | Star Ring | Booties | Glitter Mary Janes

Nothing like a good gold & red combo at Christmastime, right? What are your go-to holiday looks?

Find more holiday ensemble inspiration on {longdistanceloving}!

Real Sale: 50% off Neiman Marcus for Target

Yes, you read that right. This is too good to not break my holiday/birthday/job search/nonstop traveling silence.

I was living under a rock and didn't hear about this collab until a few days before it went live in stores - so my first view of the products was actually in-person at my local Target on a trip to buy party essentials for my (stupidly self-thrown) birthday party.

I had read tens, maybe even hundreds of blog posts about how awesome the collection was, and how much every blogger I follow was excited about their new Altazurra shaker/glasses/tray or Tracy Reese blouse - so maybe I went in with inflated expectations. 

As much as I liked a few things (honestly pretty much just the Altazurra items), I was underwhelmed by the selection and quality, which was only exacerbated by high prices. 

Of course I loved the black lacquer and gold tray (which arguably was one of the better constructed items) but did I really need to spend $80 on a tray for the brand name? No. 

The gold shaker was gorgeous (and perfect for my new Society Social bar cart...more on her later), but what respectable cocktail fanatic (booze hound) doesn't already have a shaker? Not this girl (I have two). 

So, like the good Christmas season budgeter I am (not), I passed them up, fully expecting (and accepting) that they'd be sold out within a few days. 

But lo and behold, the girls over at The Everygirl posted this on Facebook and my eyes lit up - 50% off the entire collection?! And that gorgeous shaker and tray are still in stock? For less than the price of the tray? 

Sold, to the girl with no self-control when it comes to sales. 'Cause who doesn't need a 3rd shaker? This girl (at the right price).

It's All Happening: Bar Cart Mania

Soo...the second this email popped up in my inbox, I immediately pulled the trigger on my long, long awaited bar cart crush from Society Social.

After moving in in September, the boy and I decided that we should gift each other something we've been wanting for the apartment but haven't had the funds to invest in - and this beauty was at the top of the list. I have been dreaming about styling it for honestly over a year at this point and I am beyond excited to start (no really, I have a Pinterest board dedicated to it)!

I got confirmation that she has shipped today...and the cherry on top is that my Sedgewick will be here in time for my birthday, and more importantly, my birthday/holiday celebration this weekend!

So now I must know - what are your bar cart must-haves? We've got plenty of booze (of course) and some vintage gold-rimmed champagne glasses to rack up, but we all know that's a long way from this gorgeousness. 

Spill it! (pun intended)

First Snow, 50% off Serena & Lily, and Other Apologies

I have been horrible absent lately, I know. Between the holiday (and really, my sister's puppy), and really kicking my new job search into high gear (first interview this week, already!) I have been nothing short of swamped and totally worn out. Like, sleep in till 11:30 worn out - I haven't been able to do that in literally years.

This all isn't to say that I'll be posting as frequently as I'd like to be - yet, but I couldn't NOT share this with you.

Bloomspot is offering $50 for $100 worth of merchandise from the one and only, Serena & Lily. Obviously, I am a fan, as this is the VERY girly bed my boyfriend is forced to sleep in every night (the Caroline, only appropriate given my name, no? Let's just overlook that is is "made for" little girls...):

While their bedding is notoriously expensive, I have to say that after owning this set for 3 years, and I am completely happy with my investment; no rips, tears, or stains to report (and all machine washable!). 

I do, however, have a new set on my wishlist, mostly so my poor guy doesn't have to sleep on a princess pouf. I've been eyeing the Catalina duvet for a good year (since we decided to move in) and will more than likely be replacing the master bed with something along these lines when we upgrade to a king (and my beloved Caroline will live in the guest room - wanna sleep over?):

Gorgeous, right? And masculine enough, methinks.

Unfortunately for me, I am flat broke after the Black Friday - Cyber Monday sales, but if you're even remotely considering new bedding, don't miss this deal!

That's all for now - excuse my while I go wallow in the fact that it is snowing by obsessively scrolling through cabin porn (safe for work, I promise!).

I die.

Calm Before the Storm

I'm craving the beach today. We're in the quiet lull of November which, for me, is traditionally one of my toughest months. 

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty to look forward to. From now until January my weekends are entirely booked; I'm jam packed with family, parties, food, and plenty of libations from Thanksgiving to my birthday, holiday parties and Christmas, and of course, NYE.

Still, I feel like I'm stuck in the middle; it's not pretty fall time - the weather is frigid but there's no snow, and it's not really winter. Clearly, I'm a girl who has zero appreciation for the season aside from a pretty dusting of white. 

So as Thanksgiving approaches, I'm trying to step back and be grateful for the lovely people I'll be celebrating these holidays with, the delicious food I'll be consuming (and even the extra lbs), and of course the alcohol-laden merriment we'll be drumming up...

In an attempt make sure I don't feel like this:

The holidays can be overwhelming, but I'm making it a point this year to stay afloat and enjoy them, not drown myself in stress about finding the perfect gift, who can't make it to my birthday party, and (inevitably) burning my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. In the end, we'll all float on.

Friday's Fancies: Autumn Faves

I know, I've been awful this week. Not that this is really a legitimate excuse, but if you're read Gone Girl, I don't think I need to elaborate any further.

A healthy mix of suspenseful reading (most of which was done on the treadmill, to my defense), paleo baking, and okay, a few apple, maple and bourbon cocktails have consumed my week completely.

To be honest, the book set me off into a very solid funk; I loved every second, but some of it hit a little too close to home (obviously on a MUCH smaller scale - I'm not scary, I promise!), and I knew I had to hole myself up and just finish it so I could shake the feeling. I'm happy to report that after my weeklong blogging hiatus and a 6-hour reading marathon last night, I'm done - and I actually feel like a weight has been lifted.

It's been SO long since I've been so engrossed like that in a book; as much as it was somewhat painful to go through, I've really missed feeling that connected to literature. Well done, Gillian Flynn. On to reading Sharp Objects...

But before that, how about some autumn favorites? These are the things that I've

West Elm Dishware (just bought these during the sale – I am completely smitten with the metallic polka dots!)

J.Crew Peter Pan Collar Sweater (similar) (this has become my go-to sweater; it’s so versatile but not basic and really fun)

Club Monaco Aran Knit Sweater (if I could sleep in this sweater, I would – it’s not going anywhere this winter either)

J.Crew Crystal Necklace (I picked this up at the factory and I’ve worn it at least 50% of the days since. Perfect for layering)

OPI Live and Let Die (I spent most of autumn trying to find the perfect forest green polish. This met the bill with one-coat coverage, not almost black, and gold flecks - basically, I die over it)

J.Crew Polka Dot Scarf (similar) (Oxblood & polka dots. Need I say more?)

J.Crew Classic Pave Link Bracelet (I finally broke down and bought this lovely piece – it’s the perfect addition to my wrist party)

Zara Ankle Booties (I never, ever thought I could rock 4 inches in the daytime, or more importantly, be comfortable doing it. These are also the perfect ankle height; they show enough skin to keep an elongated leg line)

Butter London Wallis (This olive-y gold foil polish surprised me with how much I love it. It’s so unique and absolutely perfect against almost any fall tone)

Death’s Door Gin (I’m a gin fanatic; I’d been a Hendrick’s girl for some time now, but my local spirits shop introduced me to this citrus-y, spicy, organic malt and there may be no turning back…)

Club Monaco Trench (This trench was my biggest investment of the season (at almost 45% off) and I don’t even remotely regret it. I have been hunting for the perfect trench of literally YEARS, and the tight, yet stretchy double-weave cotton, leather accents, epaulets, buckle wrists and slim fit are complete perfection)

Head over to {long distance loving} for more autumn goodies!

Friday's Fancies: Bonfire Beauties

The temperatures in the Northeast this week have been nothing short of frigid, and lighting candles in front of the TV when I get home from work just isn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve been dreaming about fireplaces ever since our trip to Vermont when we fell asleep to a crackling fire every night.

I’m obsessed to the point that I’ve been trying to convince the boy that we need to invest in a gel fireplace. Real warmth, no vent needed: genius, right? Might have just skyrocketed to the top of my Christmas list, if for no other reason than I’m dying for a mantle to hang stockings on…

Fleece | Spur Boots | Toggle Coat | Fair Isle Sweater | Fair Isle Leggings | Faux Fur Snood | Olive Jeans | Winter Boots | Tartan Blanket | Ankle Boot | Mittens | Acorn Studs | Cable Beanie

These super warm and admittedly holiday-inspired (I’ve already started listening to Christmas music…don’t judge me) make me desperate to find a bonfire this weekend – or even a REAL fireplace (ah, the woes of renting) to curl up with my new book (obsessed after two chapters!) in front of this weekend.

Throw in a hot toddy or some spiked mulled cider and you’ve got my recipe perfect winter night. Okay, fine, and some freshly-baked cookies too.

Get cozy with more fireside looks over at {long distance loving}!

Wednesday Wants: BaubleBar & Essie

The new BaubleBar & Essie collab is seriously the culmination of my life's biggest obsession: costumer jewelry and nail polish.

Nail polish has become my shopping kryptonite in the last year or so. I mean, my collection has more than doubled since I posted it. And if my instagram is any indication, I am always, always, always in the mood for a new, fun mani. I'd be lying if I said I didn't change my polish 3 times a week. Insane, I know.

Evidence of this deadly duo; new Butter London polish plus new arm party additions of this and this:

So when I saw the announcement of the new collaboration on Grace's blog, my wallet immediately started crying. Of course, I want every shade from the new Essie line, but if I had to settle on one, it would be "Leading Lady" - the glittery ruby is perfect for the holidays.

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A festive mix of gold, red and holiday sparkle, no?

For $50, are you really gonna hate on that arm party?

Didn't think so.

Which Essie combo would you choose?

Friday's Fancies: Sweater Season

I've finally pulled out my sweater bag for the season; this year, I'm more excited for the cold weather for some reason - and it doesn't hurt that all of my sweaters smell of wintery cedar (from my moth-hole-preventing cedar chips, of course).

Being holed up in the apartment for three days last week got me into a cozy groove. That being said, I was PJed up all day, and my pajamas could use a little more glamour. Or maybe even some "real" clothes in the form of a cozy sweater to cuddle up in...

If I had it my way, this is how I wouldn't ridden out Hurricane Sandy:

West Elm Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover | Ralph Lauren Cable Wool-Cashmere Circle Cardigan | Ralph Lauren Cable Buckle Cardigan | River Island Faux Fur Snood | Topshop Ombre Faux Fur Vest | L.L. Bean Fisherman’s Cardigan | Scott Nichol Fair Isle Socks | Diptyque Feu De Bois Candle | UGG Cable Slippers | Williams Sonoma Gold Banded Double Old Fashioned Glasses | Maple Sherry Bourbon | J.Crew Saturday Pant | Illume Balsam & Cedar Footed Candle | Brentwood Originals Faux Fox Fur Pillow | Brass Fireplace Matchstick Holder | Vintage Classic Novel Boxed Set | Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Fur Throw

Because really, what’s more cozy than a roaring fire, Christmas tree scents, a class of bourbon, cable knits, fur, and a good book? In my mind, not a whole lot.

Get your cozy on with the rest of this week's Friday's Fancies over at {long distance loving}!

Wednesday Wants: Gold, Glass & Dots

wednesday wishlist 10.31 by collectingsparks featuring gorjana

J.Crew ballet flat / Flat shoes / Kate Spade tote handbag / Gorjana / GLAMOURPUSS / Beauty product / Almoco Flatware (5-Piece Setting) / Marc Blackwell Southern Hemisphere Double Old Fashioned Glass / Votive Cups - Set of 12 / Beaded Pumpkins & Gourds / Gold Athena Tray / Kamal Snow Dots Dinnerware / Kamal Snow Dots Dinnerware / THE SEDGEWICK / Split-A-Wish Jewelry Holder

I don't know if it's the holiday (and I'm not dressed up), my early Christmas cheer, or being locked up in my apartment for three days while the power at work has been out, but on this spooky, gray and cloudy Hallow's Eve, I'm craving glam. 

These gold, glass, polka-dotty luxe fancies are just the beginning of my growing birthday/Christmas list (I'm one of those (un)fortunate December babies). And yes, I've already started my list.

What are you craving lately?

Tuesday Tuneday: L.L. Loves & Some Pre-Holiday Cheer

Even though Halloween isn't until tomorrow, I think it's about time for me to officially admit (warn you) on the blog that I am a Christmas freak (for lack of a better word).

Yes, I'm that girl that starts listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving (okay, before Halloween...damn you Zooey Deschanel). I have to hold back my squeals of delight when the holiday displays start going up in storefronts (damn you, Pottery Barn), and it takes a serious amount of internal strength to not wear my favorite holiday tartans before November (November's acceptable, right?).

I'm not sure if this being holed up inside a la the winter snow days of my school years is what put me over the edge, but it's official: I'm in holiday mode.

Don't worry, I refrained from making you a Christmas playlist (it was tough). These are some of the songs that get me in the mood for snowy trees, hot cocoa and hours spent by the fireplace - preferably after a snowball fight or a winter walk bundled up in these L.L. Bean goodies:

(left to right, top to bottom): Scarf | Shirt | Fair Isle Sweater | Slippers (currently wearing; best slippers ever) |  Shirt | Fisherman's Sweater | Shirt | Scarf | Tote | Sheets | Boots | PJs | Booties

Joni Mitchell – All I Want
Jack Johnson – Posters
Counting Crows – Perfect Blue Buildings
Jack Johnson – Flake
Dispatch – Carry You
Counting Crows – Colorblind
Jack Johnson – Inaudible Melodies
Rusted Root – Martyr
Dave Matthews Band – Christmas Song
Joni Mitchell – A Case Of You
Rusted Root – Back To The Earth
Counting Crows – Sullivan Street
Dispatch – Hey, Hey
Dispatch – Out Loud - Live
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds – Say Goodbye

(go to playlist on Spotify)

Can you tell I'm all about tartan right now? Thought so.

Are you an early Christmas cheer-er? What gets you excited for the holidays?

A Cozy Monday.

In the midst of Hurricane Sandy, we're hunkered down in Boston. The boy and I were both advised to work remotely today, so we're hibernating in the apartment with a House Hunters marathon, candles burning, and obviously still in PJs.

But if I had it my way, we'd be holed up in our room at Twin Farms in Vermont, keeping warm with hot tea and a roaring fire - preferably reading instead of working. Excuse me while I spend the rest of today daydreaming of fireplaces...

Pure bliss.

To all of you on the East Coast, what are you doing to stay safe through the hurricane?

For all of you who are escaping the weather, what are your favorite stormy day traditions?

Friday's Fancies: 100 Celebration

The timing of this week's Friday's Fancies (yet again) couldn't be more apt. I have big party fashion on the mind as the boy and I are planning a NYE trip for this year with a few friends, and this week's theme is in celebration of 100 weeks of Friday's Fancies - CONGRATULATIONS, Alison!

We're considering a few cities for this NYE excursion (Nashville, Dallas, Austin and New Orleans), but it looks like Dallas might be the winner. And you'd better believe I'm already scouting out my outfit, which I plan to be something very similar to this:

Dress: Badgley Mischka c/o RTR | Earrings: Alexis Bittar | Spike Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Ring: J.Crew | Nails: Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow | Cuff:  J.Crew | Lipstick: NARS Lipstick in Scarlet Empress | Heels: Kate Spade | Clutch: Serpui Marie

For any of you Dallas (or Texas) bloggers out there - would you recommend your city for NYE celebrations? Where would you celebrate? I'm definitely in need of some tourist recommendations...

Surprise Cupcakes: Happy 100th Birthday, Oreo!

I came across these birthday cake Oreos at my local Stop & Shop and I knew I exactly what I wanted to do with them. 

Unfortauntely, the boy nipped my plans in the bud the first time around because we’d been “eating like crap for way too long.” While entirely true, I would prove his decision to be wrong – a month later.

I told myself it’d be fine; I’d find the birthday cake Oreos at another grocery store. But weeks went by and trip after trip to Shaw’s, Market Basket, Star Market, Hannaford, proved to be birthday Oreo-less. I was getting frustrated. Angry, even – that my perfect baked treat would never see the light of day.

We finally went back to that Stop & Shop (which I might add is 4 blocks from our apartment, but I avoid going at all costs), and I found my precious treasure. I topped off the shopping basket with a classic store-bought funfetti mix & frosting and almost ran home to make them.

Before I could even begin mixing the batter, I died a little at the adorable “Happy Birthday” message to Oreo on each cookie – I am an idiot for not noticing these special flavors were a celebration of sorts, but absolutely cute nonetheless. 

The end result was honestly better than I imagined (so good that I forgot to take a photo of the end result...). I had had Oreo surprise cupcakes in the past from a colleague, but my coworkers all said these were even better. 

It will be forever a mystery if that was the special Oreo or the fact that S&S was sold out of the standard Pillsbury Funfetti and I was forced to go with runner-up Betty Crocker.  

Oh, and after all that, the boy almost died over the cupcakes and haorded 2/3 of the entire batch for himself. So for the record, I'm always right.

Tuesday Tuneday: Currently Spinning

Most people that know me well would tell you that I have a lot of obsessions. Many of them are fleeting (snake print, neon peach, gold skulls) and some are lifelong (nail polish, stripes, Orbit Sweet Mint gum) – and music is no exception.

I go through crazy phases with certain bands, albums, or even a singular track that I will listen to in repeat for 5 days straight (most recently, Rihanna – Diamonds, but one of my worst attacks of all time was with Jose Gonzalez’s cover of Heartbeats; basically single-rotation for all of winter 2006).

I (unfortunately for my wallet) have the same problem with shopping, whether it be clothing, housewares, beauty products, etc, I’ll get reaaaally into nauticalia for a few weeks and all of a sudden decide that I actually want my living room to be Hollywood Glamour instead (sound schizophrenic? It’s possible…).

Here’s a peek at what I can’t get out of my mind lately:

Take a Hike

So – more Vermont eye candy ensued once we left our brilliantly-decorated room. 

I would not classify myself an “outdoorsy” girl; I couldn’t tell you the last time I went hiking, and my idea of “getting outside” consists of picking apples at a “human-proof” farm and walking city sidewalks around Castle Island (it’s not the city because it’s on the water!). 

It’s not that I hate nature, but getting out of Boston into rural mountains and spending the day climbing rocks and trampling through mud is not my top priority.

I was a little wary of what our hike through Twin Farms’ trails would be like; I was convinced he 50+ crowd staying there would lap me on the mountain. 

Friday's Fancies: Halloween Prep

I will be the first to admit that in the past, I have spent embarrassing amounts of money on Halloween costumes. In college, it was a few of those "sexy" packaged costumes (you can't pass judgment on college activities, right?), and in my post-grad years I have been known to go a bit too far tracking down the EXACT dress Taylor Swift wore (topped off with a much-too-expensive, itchy, blonde curly wig).

Now that I’m (pretending to be) a real person, I would much rather spend all of that money on some fun Halloween décor (I’ve been lusting after this guy for a while) to feel festive for the season, rather than on an outfit I’ll wear for one night.

All of my problems were solved once this season of New Girl started; Jess has not only been sporting J.Crew a TON, but she’s very conveniently been styled in items I already have (great taste, Jess/Zooey!).

via What Would Zooey Deschanel Wear

via What Would Zooey Deschanel Wear

So – voila! Easy-peasey Halloween costume – just top it off with some faux glasses and bangs (real or clip-in? Still undecided…), and I’m set to go.

J.Crew merino wool sweater / J.Crew pleated mini skirt / River Island black short shorts, $19 / Tory Burch genuine leather boots / Coach tassel loafer / Kate Spade watch / Marc by Marc Jacobs bow jewelry / Warby Parker retro eyeglass / Warby Parker / kate spade new york 'little west - austin' tote / Kate Spade New York Roped In Lever Backs

Now as long as I can manage to not spill beer on my J.Crew cashmere I’ll be golden.

Are you dressing up for Halloween? Do share your costume ideas!

J. Crew New Arrivals: Pre-Winter Picks

I admittedly spent my only free time today clipping images of my favorites of J.Crew's new batch of fall releases.

I am such a sucker for a complex texture and a saturated hue - which is basically kryptonite with this collection. I also am clearly in a coat phase. These are my (very trimmed down) must-haves:

Sweater / Top / Top / Top / Coat / Coat / Coat / Coat / Jeans / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew slim fit pants / J.Crew slim jeans / Flat / Necklace

What are your favorites in the new batch?