Christmas Weekend [photos]

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah! Billy and I had the rare occasion of having both Saturday & Sunday off together! It was a fabulous {and quiet} weekend that involved lots of eating, shopping and being thankful for what we have!

Our beautiful tree - I love all of our bright ornaments and shiny packages

Christmas Eve we went shopping and I scored this fab J Crew dress for 35 bucks with an original price of $395! Talk about a steal...

My gorgeous gifts that my husband picked out all by himself!!!

We really racked up the gift cards from both sides of our family! Apparently we like to shop and go to the movies A LOT! :)

This was The Jacky on Christmas night... talk about being exhausted! We think he had too much eggnog....

Hope you had a wonderful mini-break! Yay for 4-day work weeks!

Lusting After: Designer Shoes

If you're a regular reader you know how much of a budget shopper I am. I hardly ever buy anything over $70 dollars and I'm really proud of my thrifty nature. But that doesn't mean I still don't day dream about owning extremely gorgeous and very expensive pieces - mainly shoes. Since we've been together, the hubs and I have been working so hard to pay off his school loans from Veterinary school. We're so close and next month we will officially be DEBT FREE! I cannot wait for the moment when we send in our final payment. With that being said, I am so excited when I can finally make my first bold purchase and not have a guilty feeling about it. In honor of this new territory, I've already scoped out some amazing choices. Tell me what you think:

Charlotte Olympia Masako Silk-Satin pumps $875

Gucci Zebra-print calf-hair pumps $695

Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter Platform Sandals $750

Miu Miu Platform Shoe Bootie $750

Maybe Santa will slip one under the tree for me... wishful thinking! Merry Early Christmas everyone!!

Images via {check links above}

{Holiday} Gift Guide: For The Guy

1: J Crew Cashmere Scarf $88. 2: Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses $145. 3: Sperry Top-Sider Oxford Boot $100. 4: Fossil Messenger Bag $278. 5: Brixton Leather Belt $45. 6: Pentax Vintage Inspired Digital Camera $250. 7: L'Occitane After Shave Balm $30. 8: Nixon "51-30" Chrono Watch $375. 9: Imbibe! Book $20. 10: North Face Down Jacket $200.

Let's face it... Men are hard to shop for. Every Christmas and Birthday I'm continually stumped about what to buy my husband or father or brother. It seems anything they want, they either already have or buy it themselves. So this year I wanted to include a few options and ideas that may help you find the perfect gift for that special guy. I'm loving that digital camera that looks like a vintage collectable or a fabulous pair of classic sunglasses. Or if your guy appreciates whiskey as much as my husband does, reach for a fabulous read featuring stories and drink recipes dedicated to the first pioneer of the American bar. What guy wouldn't love that? Good luck Ladies!!

In ♥ With This: Open Letter to Ryan Gosling

Go Read This. It's hilarious, and oh so true. Click here to read.

Giveaway Winner [Travel Beauty Bag]

I almost forgot to announce the winner of my first giveaway! Sorry lovely readers! So without further adieu, the first winner of the giveaway is....

Congrats to Brittany who shares a love for wine and Italy as much as I do! Please email me with your address so that I can send you the bag full of goodies! Thanks again to all who entered the giveaway! If you missed out on this one - don't worry there will be more to follow - just remember it's so easy to enter just by commenting! Have a wonderful week! xoxo

Ask Bedazzles: Holiday Outfit - Trousers

If you're searching for a new look this holiday season, why not try a menswear chic piece that can update any closet in an instant. A pair of tapered, skinny trousers are the perfect polisher for finishing off any ensemble with a touch of glam. My personal favorite right now is J Crew's Minnie Pant (they're only $80 bucks!) The minnie comes in a variety of shapes and shades, that create a rich and colorful style. Here, I've highlighted the bright and bold flame color and picked feminine accents like a sheer top, bow detailed shoes and lace clutch. With a look like this, you'll be the center of attention during this yultide season. Or try a classic color and add a playful twist with glittered pumps and a leopard clutch. This type of pant is so versatile and can be dressed down just as easily as we've dressed them up. For an everyday work look wear them with flats and a jean jacket for a casually cool vibe. Happy Dressing! :)

{Holiday} Gift Guide: Sparkles

1: J. Crew Pavé Link Bracelet $118. 2: Juicy Couture Stardust Glitter iPad Case {on sale} $47.60. 3: Madewell Moonlight Sparkle Bib Necklace $108. 4: J Crew Glitter Skinny Belt $30. 5: Essie LuxEffects Collection Glitter Nail Polish $6 each. 6: Kate Spade Sparkler Missy Crossbody Bag $155. 7: Jimmy Choo Glitter Luggage Tag $195. 8: Ban.do Back & Forth Rhinestone Bobbi Pin Set $25

"When in doubt, Always turn to a sparkle" Words to live by if you ask me. So naturally, when you're stuck on what to give for a gift this year, just remember that sparkles are your friends! Continuing on with our Holiday Gift Guides I've chosen a few pieces that will add a dash of dazzle to any present. Plus, a gal can always use a little shimmer. Look to colorfully flecked nail polish, glittering luggage tags or a shining iPad case for a little holiday glitz and glam. It's easy to insert some bright details into your world with these options - trust me she'll love it!!

Ask Bedazzles: Holiday Outfit - Sequins & Sweaters

I get a lot of questions about what to wear to special occasions, especially around this time of year. Chances are you've got one or two if not several parties to go to, including the biggest bash of the year - New Year's! So I wanted to put together a mini series with my suggestions for stylish and sophisticated Holiday Outfit attire. Here you can find the perfection option whether you're headed to a glamorous celebration or just sharing some champagne with close friends. No matter your plans, we'll make sure you have the perfect ensemble. First up is one of my personal favorites - sequins & sweaters!

In my life, I consider sequins a basic - a necessity if you will. But for others, this time of year is when the sparkles come out to play. For your next holiday house party or casual get together, why not trying pairing a sequined bottom and cozy cashmere sweater together? The two different items balance each other out, creating a sharp, smart and sophisticated style. Keep your look fun and fresh with glistening beaded details that offer a brilliant accent to an everyday staple. Here, I've highlighted two different color tones that come together for a monochromatic palette. While wearing such a bright and bedazzled piece, you'll want to keep everything clean and minimal. And if you're worried about bare legs with the shorts, look to pair of thick tights to keep your gams covered and warm. As for shoes, I love black pointy pumps with sequin leggings or a feminine yet utilitarian wedge boot with a shimmering skirt. Paint your nails with an eye-catching cherry polish and reach for a glittering stud set to top off your look. I promise it's all the accessorizing you'll need. Happy Glittering! xoxo

Things That Make Me Smile [photos]

Happy Monday Lovelies! How was your weekend? Mine went by too fast - as usual. Here's a few pics I snapped over the last few days...

My outfit for Ashley's Holiday Bash - Love all the parties this time of year!

So thankful that my husband bought me this pot and pan rack!. Our new place is a little tight on space and I came home to this last week!

The holiday season means breaking out my perfect cranberry toned nail polish - Wine Not (ummm greatest name ever!)

I still really miss our old place but I'm slowly getting used to our new area!

Here's hoping for a great start to a fabulous week! xoxo

{Holiday} Gift Guide: Leopard

 1: J Crew Leopard Perfect Shirt - $78. 2: Dolce Vita Nariko Leopard Smoking Flat - $165.

3: dELIAS Skinny Leopard Belt - {on sale!} $13.65. 4. Guess Faux Fur Jacket - {on sale!} $133.

5: Kate Spade Leopard iphone Case - $40. 6: ASOS Leopard Rhinestone Heart Earrings - $18.

7. Topshop Leopard Scarf - $32. 8: J. Crew Invitation Leopard Clutch - $138

I just love the holidays! The smells, the music, and just the general feeling that this season brings. And yes, with this time of year comes gifting! I know that sometimes it can be hard to find great gifts that won't break the bank. So I'll be spotlighting a few special Holiday Gift Guides that can point you in the right direction. Wow the wild woman in your world with a hint of special and super fun leopard print! Whether it's a simple skinny belt, trendy pair of loafers or a glamorous faux fur coat these budget friendly options are sure to add a dash of style to her Christmas morning. And if you need a little inspiration on how to wear a leopard button down - visit Ashley over at Pursuit Of Shoes who styled her J. Crew shirt 6 different ways! Happy Shopping!

Look Of The Day: Olivia Palermo in Matthew Williamson

Here's a little inspiration for your next holiday party look complete with sparkles and feathers!!Whether you're attending a fun and festive celebration or out on the town for New Year's Eve night, now is the time to bring out the big guns and wear your most decorated piece. Trust me when I say, "Yes you can wear that over the top selection." Just remember styling is a very important and key element. Let's look to one of my favorite fashion inspirations who can teach you and me a thing or two.

Olivia Palermo absolutely radiates in this feathered and beaded Matthew Williamson frock. I love short mini dresses especially when the sleeves are long - the proportions work just beautifully. I also love how she paired her dress with a printed ankle booties and colorful clutch. If you're not quite as daring as Ms. Palermo in the printed department, have no fear! Try a simple yet sexy pair of leather booties to edge up your look. It can keep everything looking extremely modern and very stylish. One thing you cannot forget to leave the house without this holiday season? Confidence! It's the best a girl can have! Have fun! xoxo

image via People

L.A. - The Windy City

The weather in LA has gone crazy! We've been experiencing a major wind storm (60-plus mph) that is expected to last through Friday! While walking to my car last night I thought I might actually blow away. Let's just say that this kind of blustery weather is never a good fashion statement. I came to work today armed with a seriously high top knot, lots and lots of hairspray, and hopes that what happens to Carrie Bradshaw above never happens to me! Happy Thursday!

P.S. I wanted to share this video but YouTube wouldn't let me! So for all the Winnie-the-Pooh fans if you watched this video 100+ times like I did - you'll love it!