Cozy Holiday with Old Navy

Each year around this time, I start to prepare. I find myself buying ALL the scarves, inviting in a new winter coat and hunting for a pair of boots to keep my toes warm and toasty. You’d think I was getting ready for an apocalypse or something! But I KNOW come winter, I’ll stop trying to look cute and just focus on staying warm.

Thankfully, Old Navy has tons of cute and cozy pieces! I’ll admit, I haven’t shopped at Old Navy since their flip flop craze took off back in middle school…but I was very pleasantly surprised when I recently ordered a few items from them!

This scarf is the ultimate cozy piece. I’ve received countless compliments on it every time I’ve worn it (which is basically every day since it’s arrived in the mail.) It’s from their pop preppy collection, and although I wouldn’t categorize my style as preppy, you KNOW I can get behind a strong check print like this one.

Now onto the skirt - it looks so expensive, but it’s only about $30. WHAT?! YES. True story. And the color is so pretty in person. I wore this to brunch with my gal pals last weekend, but you’ll definitely find me wearing it to work. And for date night. And to the grocery store.

And about this super super cozy sweater…I was nervous about ordering this one because I just couldn’t tell if it’d be really soft or itchy online, but I’m happy to share that it’s so soft! I wore this to pick out our Christmas tree this past weekend (and basically never took it off, whoops!)

Are you frantically trying to find cozy things to prepare for winter?! If you are, you can shop a few of my other cozy Old Navy picks below! You can save 30% on all purchases using code: EXTRAGIFT

Look 1: Old Navy scarf and skirt (size down) c/o, Sophie Blake bracelet, Via Spiga boots, Finding Ferdinand lipstick in "Scandal" (you can find this at the Sophie Blake pop-up!)

Look 2: Old Navy sweater and scarf c/o, Sophie Blake bracelet, Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, Gorjana necklace via South Moon Under c/o and Via Spiga boots.

Gorjana Holiday Collection at South Moon Under

I really love the holidays. My fear of cold weather melts away and a rush of holiday cheer sets in. I eat way to many sweets that I know I’ll have to work off come January. But I’m too busy making (and subsequently, eating) my famous Italian Christmas cookies to care. Because holidays. (Also because I won’t be wearing shorts anytime soon!)

I also love dressing up a bit around the holidays and always look to find a few sparkly pieces to sport throughout the season. Over the past year, I’ve fallen in love with Gorjana. I really like how the pieces are so simple but have a little something extra. Whether it’s just the right amount of sparkle or hammered texture, Gorjana does it right.

Their newest holiday collection just released at South Moon Under and I got to take them for a little spin on a girls day out lunch this past weekend. I met up with my amazing gal pal, Alicia and my fave photographer, Jen, and headed straight to Momofuku for some noodle noms at City Center. We went about 3 PM (no lines, yay!) and immediately ordered their compost cookies (‘before our meal, please.’) We ate to our hearts delight - so much so that I completely forgot to take an insta to proof we were there. Hate it when that happens. ;)

I’ll be sure not to miss any insta moments this Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6-8 at South Moon Under in Mosaic District - they’re having a Gorjana trunk show to showcase their new holiday pieces! Guests get a complimentary gift with every Gorjana purchase and enjoy 20% all purchases around the store! WHAT! YES, it’s true. And the first 25 to arrive get a swag bag (although you’ll have to beat me to it! I don’t mess around when it comes to SMU swag bags - they’re always the best!) Hope to see you there!

Wearing all Gorjana jewelry via South Moon Under c/o. Erika Schrieber skirt, Tibi tank (similar), Halogen leather jacket, Via Spiga booties, South Moon Under clutch, TasselsBySarah tassel c/o.

Thankful

Just wanted to write a little note to you guys thanking you for being the most epic readers and friends EVER. I've had such a blast through these past two years sharing stories, discovering the things that make me look fat (haha) and sharing the coolest brands I find with you.

This year, I’m especially thankful for friends. I’ll be honest - when I started my blog, I didn’t have many friends. I secretly hoped that I’d meet some awesome, like-minded girls to call my BFFs through blogging (not really something you hear very often.)

And two years later, I feel like the luckiest girl alive to call so many amazing women my friends. My dear friend, Jen, took these photos when we grabbed lunch together at Malmaison (one of my favorite Georgetown spots) earlier this Fall. It’s days like this that make me realize how important it is to take time for people you love. And to be forever grateful for those moments. 

I’m challenging myself to look past the things I don’t have and focus on the things I do today, and everyday. 

Wearing C/MEO culottes (sold out, but these are next on my list!), Anthropologie blouse, old (almost identical), VASKA purse via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, Hanuel bracelet c/o, Free People espadrilles.

Fashion Math

When you see an outfit you love, what makes it special? It’s funny - I was just thinking today about fashion…(well that’s like very day but in particular today) and wondered, what makes a look great?

And after flipping through magazines and scrolling on Pinterest, I figured it out. It’s BALANCE. I may have mentioned it before but it’s truly the formula for success!

Just take a look at what I’m wearing:

My oversized jacket is balanced by tighter-fitting skinny jeans. 

My black ensemble is balanced with white pumps.

My edgy leather top is balanced by a feminine scarf.

SEE WHAT I MEAN?! It’s fashion math. 

Do you follow the balance formula? Does it work for you? Until next time!

Wearing Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, vintage scarf (similar Lanvin one for $40!), Justicia Ruano leather top via Estiletta (you can rent it!), Finders Keepers pumps (similar), Hanuel bracelet c/o.

Berry Berry

I’ll be honest with you - finding unique and fun looks for work is challenging. It’s SO easy to go straight for the pencil skirt, button up, blazer look but I never feel good wearing that. I like to add more interest (and quite frankly, more comfort) into my workwear.

This is an outfit I’ve worn to work quite a few times, not even gonna lie. What might otherwise be a simple black and white look (which is ok in my book) is brought to the next level with this fun berry-colored cardigan for Fall. Although my style has veered away from the preppier looks this year, a fun cardigan is still a staple in my closet. The long line looks flattering with skinny jeans, a shift dress or a high-waisted pencil skirt, making it super versatile (a MUST for anything in my closet.) 

And even though I’ve also veered away from wearing a TON of color this year, I like to break my own rules sometimes. ;) Plus it matches one of my favorite lip colors, a collaboration between beauty blogger Claire Ashley and custom lip-color guru, Makeup Meltdown. This is the Manhattan shade and if you want it, you better snatch it up quick because they’re only available for a few more weeks!

On Julien: Berry cardigan from Nordstrom (sold out, similar style), GAP top (similar), Express skirt, Via Spiga booties, Hanuel necklace and bracelet, Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown in “Manhattan.” 

Photos by Meaghan