November 22, 2016

ADDING HOLIDAY CHEER TO YOUR NURSERY

November 22, 2016/ Alexandra Evjen

This post is sponsored by World Market.

Experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is magical. The excitement they have for their stockings, the twinkle lights and all of the ornaments doesn't even compare to mine. So, it makes complete sense to me to sprinkle some of the holiday magic in their bedrooms. I've partnered with World Market to show you how I've added some holiday cheer to Levi's nursery.

His nursery is already rich in color with navy blue, gray, maroon, and gold making up the majority of the color palette (see his original makeover here). Bright red would obviously clash, so I went with more of a woodland theme for his room with a touch of muted reds. World Market had everything I needed even down to the little critters of the forest like glittery porcupines and foxes.

Since the mirror is the focal point of his room I added a wooden star in the center and some greenery on top. I also picked up the coziest gray and white throw. I really want to steal it and put it in my living room now.

I also added a gold garland to his crib that says "happy holidays" (note: I do not recommend placing a garland on your crib if your child is older than a newborn. They could potentially pull it off and strangle themselves. I just wanted to place it here for an additional idea if you're bring home a newborn for the holidays).

I put a 7ft tree in his room with strands of popcorn and fruit loops (placed out of his reach), and I placed all sorts of little critters around his room.

I think my favorite is this little fox with a plaid scarf. I also found the cutest advent calendar made out of wood (in store only). Counting down to Christmas makes everything more exciting don't you think?

Reading Christmas stories at bedtime is one of my favorite childhood memories. I found the old book my mom used to read to me during Christmas time and pulled it out for Levi. I also found a cozy, fuzzy pillow for his chair and changed out his brass cacti planters for brass stars. It really is the coziest reading nook!

Of course, I've added some cheer to his minimalist, modern bookshelf. This lumberjack nutcracker is the perfect touch for a little boy's room. A little reindeer too for good measure.

Stay tuned for Elle's room, and shop Levi's nursery below. World Market is going to have an amazing black Friday sale too. Be sure to be on the look out Wednesday night!

GET THE LOOK:

All photos by Rennai Hoefer; this post contains affiliate links.

November 18, 2016

GIFT GUIDES: THE CUSTOMIZER

November 18, 2016/ Lauren Carr-Gasso

It's officially gift giving season. The time to think of the perfect something for the perfect someone can bring on stress, but why complicate it? I know how much most people hate giving out gift cards, so I put together this gift guide to help you choose goodies perfectly tailored to everyone on your shopping list.

CUSTOM MINIMALIST JEWELRY

With it becoming more and more of a trend to have jewelry to be kept on consistently, minimalist jewelry doesn't seem to be going anywhere. It's easy, beautiful, and adds a delicate and feminine twist to any look. CaitlynMinimalist on Etsy has found a way to make the minimalist jewelry trend even more personal with this gorgeous bracelet. Just send her a note with what you want included on the bracelet (or a variety of other jewelry offered in her shop), and she'll make the handwritten note into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION BOX

If you have a friend or relative who's really into makeup and beauty (or wants to get into makeup and beauty), a beauty box subscription like Birchbox just might be exactly what you're looking for. If the person you're buying for is on the picky side, all you have to do is answer a few questions about them, and Birchbox will ship a variety of goodies to their door to pick and choose from.

EMBOSSED ACCESSORIES

Fossil is a brand we all know and love, serving up trendy (practical) leather goods at a variety of price ranges. If you're looking to treat the accessories lover in your life, give Fossil's free embossing service a try over the holidays. The recipient is definitely going to feel stylish with their new tote in hand, and all the more special with the extra thought of customizing.

ENGRAVED TECH

If you're really looking to treat someone in your life with the newest piece of tech, Apple offers an engraving service for both their iPads and iPods. Whether you want to write lyrics of a special song on the back of your husband's iPod, or simply engrave your mom's name into her new iPad, the extra detail makes a meaningful gift even more thoughtful.

ENGRAVED HOME GOODS

If you know someone who is constantly renovating their house (like me), what better investment than a personal home gift? This copper ice bucket by Pottery Barn is a great gift for the entertainer in your life, and the ability to engrave the gorgeous copper makes it all the more personal.

PERSONALIZED MAKEUP PALETTE

If you have a friend who just doesn't feel complete without a swipe of eyeshadow on her lids, why not allow her to make a palette with all of her favorite shades? MAC Cosmetics offers a gift card for the recipient to create her ideal combination of shadows (and if you're totally opposed to the gift card thing and are feeling gutsy, you can create it for her). Just in time for New Year's glam!

PERSONALIZED TEA SETS

If you're looking for a way to warm up a loved one's life, why not introduce them to the soothing art of tea? Teavana offers a variety of holiday sample sets for the tea-drinking newbie, and it's a heartwarming way to connect with someone you care about (after all, who doesn't want to chat over a cup of tea?). If you're not clicking with any of their holiday sets, why not just pick out a few flavors your friend will love, and maybe one you recommend?

CUSTOM SHADES

It's not just women who appreciate a good accessory. Sunglasses are a universal way to dazzle anyone in your life, regardless of their style. Ray-Ban gives customers the ability to create their own custom shades, a great way to add a unique spin on a classic style.

CUSTOM PLANNER

With the year coming to a close, your friends and family are going to be looking to get a start on next year's plans. A custom planner from Paper Source is an incredible way to excite the stationery lover in your life, while helping them get organized in the most fashion-forward way.

GENERAL SUBSCRIPTION BOX

Maybe you're really into this whole "gift that keeps on giving" idea that comes with a subscription box, but none of the people on your list are exactly beauty girls. Don't worry! Quarterly Co. has a variety of subscription boxes at diverse price range covering an even more diverse area of interests, so you're bound to find something the recipient will love!

*This post contains affiliate links.

November 15, 2016

OVERALLS FOR LONG LEGS

November 15, 2016/ Alexandra Evjen

Overalls have been back for a couple of years now, and they are remaining in the fashion lime light. Have you gotten your pair yet? Well, I finally have. I have been on the search for a long time, in fact. Shopping for the perfect pair of overalls is like shopping for a bathing suit. It's hard!

It's hard for three main reasons:

Pant length
Perfect butt
Torso

I have long legs, a long torso and hardly any butt, but these Target flared overalls with a flat front are SO flattering and fun. They are only $29.99, and a great way to try a trend without investing too much.

When trying on other overalls the torso was often too short causing major camel toe (eeewww) or the butt was too baggy. Not these overalls!

The wide leg is also a style that long legs can pull off really well. The only problem is figuring out what shoes to wear with them. Skinny jeans give you a pass for the most part on what shoe works. I'm 5'8" so a comfy 1" platform does the trick.

Shop below for more affordable overalls:

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; this post contains affiliate links

November 14, 2016

ROCKING SHEER FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

November 14, 2016/ Lauren Carr-Gasso

A thin, see-through blouse may not be the first thing you think of when the winter holidays roll around, but there's few things that can instantly elevate an outfit in the way that something sheer can. With the underwear as outerwear movement that's happening in fashion right now (think slip dresses, bralettes, etc.), it's a great time to experiment with layering and showing some skin. Wearing a thin, gauzy top or dress doesn't have to be risqué, especially with the amount of options available now that sheer is a definite trend. Let the runways be your guide. Push the envelope this holiday season.

THE SHEER TOP

Showing your bra may seem a bit taboo to you, but when done right, it's just plain chic. Even if you aren't comfortable showing quite that much, who says you can't wear a cami instead? Or a cool tee? The sheer layer is just meant to add interest, how you style it is up to you.

THE SHEER PANT/SKIRT

The thin nature of sheer fabric allows it to move in a beautiful way, adding instant elegance to your look. Just because your pants are sheer doesn't mean you have to show everyone all you've got, either. Most maxi skirts come with a slip, and it's easy to add shorts (even spandex ones) under a pair of mesh pants you happen to fall in love with.

THE SHEER DRESS

Whether you choose to wear a sheer dress over a full turtleneck and jeans ensemble, or something less complete, you know you're going to look good doing it. Sheer dresses speak volumes as an accent piece, and they stand alone just fine too. If you just want to give the whole see-through thing a test drive, try a regular dress with a sheer overlay.

THE SHEER ACCESSORY

If all this bare skin seems a bit intimidating to you, don't be discouraged. The sheer trend isn't limited to clothing. Sheer socks are a great way to add some extra flair to your outfit (and stay on trend) without a ton of commitment.

November 11, 2016

FALL GIRL STYLE

November 11, 2016/ Alexandra Evjen

It's not secret that the Arizona winters are mild. You can usually expect the lows to be in the 50's or 60's and the highs to be in the 70's or 80's. Dressing your kids comfortably for the weather is important, but it also takes some planning when it comes to 20 degree changes throughout the day. The key is layering.

Elle's outfit usually goes something like this: Jeggings or leggings paired with a long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt over it (sometimes) and then a jacket or puffer vest on top. She also loves to wear tunics or dresses over leggings. Buying a heavy winter jacket isn't necessary in Arizona unless you are going to travel up North and hit the slopes.

That said, having coordinating layers can be a challenge. So, when you find a piece of outerwear like this reversible puffer vest by Appaman you snatch it up as fast as you can. It's fuzzy white one side and a lovely fall merlot on the other. It's not devoid of color, and yet it's neutral.

Denim, of course, is the most neutral fabric and color we can own too. So, in addition to those jeggings or jeans you buy for your kiddo, think about a denim dress like this or shirt too. Any color of leggings or pattern of leggings can go under them.

Pink is Elle's favorite color, and I love this dusty pink long-sleeve shirt for her because she is happy to wear it and the neutral hue goes with a lot of the clothes she already has. Elle has become more vocal about what colors and styles she wants to wear. Pink and purple are her favorites right now, so when I find a pretty top that we both like it's like I've scored a goal.

Bringing them all together I can create multiple outfits.

Dress over leggings with the puffer vest
Long-sleeve shirt underneath the dress with leggings
Long-sleeve shirt over dress with leggings (that way it looks like a top and a skirt
Jeggings with shirt and vest

You can find more stylish fall and winter wear on Appaman.com. All of the clothes in these photos except for the black leggings are from Appaman.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; product provided by Appaman

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