.:2014:.

2014 was such a magical year for me!  Not only did I start this little blog, but I also married my best friend, went on an amazing honeymoon to Hawaii, moved to a new home, grew closer to family and good friends, and further established my shoe collection.  Here's to hoping 2015 is just as good!

Happy New Year!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:A Little Bit of Sparkle:.

// Shirt:  J.Crew (nearly identical for 50% off!) // Sweatshirt:  J.Crew Factory (old; love this one for over 60% off!) // Skirt:  J.Crew (on sale!) // Tights:  Steve Madden (super cozy) // Wellies:  Hunter // Watch: Michele // 

I hope everyone had a glorious Christmas!  I decided to take a quick break here on the blog in order to celebrate with my family.  I'm back today still with some holiday sparkle attached to me!  In my eyes, sparkle year-round is completely acceptable (and necessary)!  I plan to continue to wear the sparkly items of clothing in my wardrobe for months to come.  After all, why should some of our prettiest pieces have to be reserved exclusively for holiday wear?

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for a rundown of 2014!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Easy:.

// Sweater:  Michael Kors (On Sale!!!) // Denim:  Hudson // Flats:  Steve Madden //

Sweaters such as this are so incredibly easy.  They don't require much thought, are incredibly comfortable, and add a stylish factor all at once.  I think that it is safe to say that I have completely fallen in love with the poncho trend.  I love that this particular one has a classic vibe that can be worn for years to come.  Furthermore, it is now on super sale and practically screaming to be purchased.  If your size is out of stock, check back during the morning hours daily as it keeps getting restocked!

Merry Christmas Eve!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Boy Meets Girl:.

// Shirt:  J.Crew (similar) // Denim:  Hudson // Flats:  Steve Madden // Necklace:  J. Crew (old; similar) //

I think that I've talked about how much I love contrasting pieces a thousand times on the blog.  I love girlier pieces mixed with with menswear inspired pieces.  The take on the outfit is unexpected and is one of my ultimate favorites.  This menswear inspired camo shirt (which is nearly identical to the one linked above) is softened when combined with leopard flats and a sparkly necklace. 

Hope your enjoying getting ready for the holidays!

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Layers:.

// Shirt:  J.Crew Factory // Vest:  J.Crew (old; love this) // Skirt:  J.Crew (identical) // Tights:  Steve Madden // Boots:  Tory Burch (This Season's Version on MEGA sale!) //

I cannot believe that Christmas is THIS week.  How is it possible that the holidays are already almost over?  I truly wish that the month of December was twice as long so that we had the ability to relish in the holidays for just a little longer.

Today's look is one that I wore last week to work.  The temperatures at work can fluctuate like crazy due to air conditioning and weather (I get to work when it's chilly, it warms up during the day, and by the time I leave 11 hours later, it's often freezing).  That being said, I have figured out that the best way to survive the constant change in temperatures is by layering.  Vests are an awesome way to layer that don't add a ton of bulk to your look but still provide a way to keep your torso warm.  I also added a wonderfully thick coat on top of this for those morning and night hours in an effort to keep warm. These fleece lined lights kept me toastier than some of my jeans do!  I love that if for some reason I happen to get too warm, the coat and vest can be easily removed and the boots can be changed into heels to help cool down the look a little. During these end of Fall/beginning of Winter months, layering is where my heart is.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Oversized:.

//Sweater:  The Limited (sold out online; love this) // Leggings:  Target // Wellies:  Hunter // Handbag:  Celine // 

I used to be the girl that liked tighter clothing.  The one that firmly believed that anything oversized made you look bigger than you were.  It's funny how your outlook can change and you grow out of things you once loved and believed.  I really have a tendency now to gravitate to anything that is slightly oversized.  My 22 year old self would probably cringe at the outfits that I love now as much as I cringe at the tighter clothing that I loved then.  I feel safe in saying that as I get older, my views may be changing on my clothing (as they are in many aspects of my life), but I do feel that it is for the better.  We should always be moving toward becoming better people; whether that is in terms of dressing or our outlook on life.  I truly believe that I'm on that path to leading a happier life (in terms of better outfits & life outlook) on a daily basis, because every day you live should be slightly better than the last one.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Old is New:.

// Sweater:  Forever 21 (not available online; love this option) // Turtleneck:  Old Navy // Leggings:  Target // Boots:  Tory Burch (this season's version) // Clutch:  The Providence Story (love this even more) //

Oversized sweater have become some of my favorite things to wear.  They are incredibly comfortable and I feel much more pulled together in them than I would in a sweatshirt.  I wore this same sweater last week but paired slightly differently.  It's awesome how a brooch, different boots, and leggings can change up a look so easily.  I plan to add a button up underneath it next with leopard flats for another variation!  Items such as this sweater (I love the one linked above just as much) can feel new every time you wear them, no matter how old they actually are.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:A Very Merry Christmas Party:.

 // Dress (size up) // Heels // Clutch //

My Husband and I spent Saturday night attending our first Christmas party of the season.  We had an amazing time.  I wish that we would have gotten pictures from the actual day of the event…my hair and makeup were looking even better.  However, we decided to be in the moment and have fun at the party rather than photographing it.

ANYWAY...

When it came time to plan my outfit, I knew that I wanted to base it off of these FABULOUS shoes.  That being said, when I went on my dress hunt weeks ago, I wanted to make sure that these fabulous shoes stood out and weren't competing with very many elements.  A simple black dress with small ornate details was perfect to pair with them.  I have to say, the shoes were such a showstoppers at the party that they generated TONS of compliments!  Ladies, if you've been debating getting these adorable pumps, the time is now!  You will be able to wear them to every holiday function from now until Valentine's Day!

Hope your holiday parties are going joyously well!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Christmas Party Attire:.

This weekend is the start of Christmas Party season for my husband and me.  Below are some of my favorites for celebrating the season.  

Row One:  

Budget Friendly Options: 

// sweater ($14)// skirt ($16) // Dress (under $30) // Heels (under $40) //

These adorable affordable options will showcase your gorgeousness in fancy heels and show stopping sparkle.  The sweater/skirt combination will keep you toasty while still looking stunning.

Row Two: 

High Meets Low:

// Sweater // Skirt // Pumps 1 or 2 //

This high meets low look showcases a GORGEOUS gold skirt that will catch anyone's eye.  The skirt should be the focus of your look.  In order to contrast it & keep it the star of the show, opt for simple options to combine with it (such as the black sweater & heels).  To add an element of added glamour add the studded pumps.  With this combination, you're sure to get noticed.

Row Three: 

Tough Meets Girly:

// Dress (size up) // Heels // Clutch // 

I am in love with this combination.  As you all know, I am obsessed with juxtaposition.  I wandered through so many stores searching for the perfect dress.  When I saw this baby with it's leather and lace combination I knew that I had found the one.  In order to sweeten it up a little, adding a pair of girly heels such as the pair above and a leopard clutch for added interest will seal the deal.  

Happy Celebrating!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Uniform:.

//Turtleneck:  Old Navy // Sweater:  Kohls // Leggings:  Express // Flats:  Steve Madden //

I am finding myself having to talk myself out of this type of outfit every day.  If I didn't, this would be  on constant repeat.  I am absolutely loving leggings (preferably leather), a striped long sleeve tee, and an oversized sweater.  It is so comfy cozy and adorably cute at the same time.  If you get one thing this season, be sure to grab these striped turtlenecks from Old Navy.  They go with everything.  In order to make mine fit a little better, I went up two sizes (I cannot stand to have them feel tight).  Am I the only one that develops a seasonal favorite?  What's your favorite outfit for this season?

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Wellie Weather:.

// Vest:  Banana Republic (old; similar) // Shirt:  Forever 21 (love this) // Skirt:  J.Crew // Fleece Lined Tights:  Steve Madden // Wellies:  Hunter // Handbag:  Clare V. // Necklace:  Stella & Dot // 

I'm slowly becoming comfortable with transitioning my skirts and dresses into Fall/Winter wear.  I'm completely loving fleece lined tights which are even warmer than denim!  I absolutely adore pairing muted colors with one bright, bold pop of color to bring the outfit to life.  

xoxo,

Abbie