individually abby

I've been behind again in my reading due the normal craziness of the holidays. I just finished Winter of the World by Ken Follett. This is book two in a trilogy. I love when history mixes with fiction, and this series is definitely the best thing I have read in a long time. The storyline keeps the reader infectiously engaged with the plight of the characters and how they survive during trying times. I can't get enough, and I am ready for book three to be out. Maybe in 2014? Everyone should check this trilogy out...and don't be alarmed by the 900+ pages. They will fly by before you know it.

Shirt: Gap | Vest: no label | Skirt: The Limited | Boot: Nine West

One of the best parts of winter is layering and being able to wear interesting pieces. I love a good furry vest...makes me feel warm and cozy. This particular vest is special to me because it is something my parents gave me over 10 years ago, pre-furry vest trend. I always received interesting looks when I would wear it back then, but now it is common place. Gotta love the ever changing wheels of fashion. :)

SNOW!

Dolce

Dexter

It is crazy after the unseasonably warm weather we have been having this year that we would actually have a white Christmas! And it was the definitely the best gift. After cutting my visit with family short due to the crazy weather, I spent the afternoon running around the backyard with my dogs; throwing snowballs and wrestling. It was fantastic. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Santa brought you what you wanted!

Shirt: JCrew | Dress: Love YaYa | Belt: Target | Shoes: Target | Jewelry: JewelMint and Madewell

Everywhere you go there are what I like to call "Holiday Brights." I love the amazing pop of color this season...very fun! Another trend I've noticed on the rise is the square neckline. Definitely gives a different look, but I think the extra neck exposure can be quite daring and sexy. Check out the spread they have in the January issue of InStyle.

Denim Shirt: Urban Outfitters | Sweater: Banana Republic | Jeans: Express | Shoes: Cosmopolitan | Jewelry: JewelMint and Madewell

I am so excited that Christmas is around the corner. The fair isle sweater always put me in the mood for the holidays.
Today was my first day of vacation, and I decided to have a girl's afternoon with a few of my girlfriends. We all work together and actually started at our company at the same time. It is great to find kindred spirits and be able to stick it out together.



Three of my besties...the holidays are all about making time to celebrate with friends and family. I love these girls to pieces and I am so glad to have them in my life. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

Dress: JCrew | Wrap Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters | Belt: JCrew | Necklace: JCrew | Shoes: Target

Ah yes... the gold toe heel. Definitely one of my favorites. I was overjoyed when I found this style at an affordable price. And in such a fun pop color. I'm also still praising this printed dress. There are so many great ways to wear it...check it out here and here.

Sweater: H&M | Skirt: BCBG | Boots: Nine West

I love the fun playful sweater trend this season, and prints are a great way to update your sweater assortment. Not only are they interesting to look at, but they can make great conversational pieces.

Every once in awhile I come across a brand that is just doing everything right for me. Currently I have been obsessing over Madewell. They have some fantastic playful prints, colorations, and designs that make my heart swoon. Check out some of my favorites...

Pleated Sheer-Sleeve Dress | Love the perfect shade of ballet pink and the womanly cut.

Dot Shiftdress | The dotted sheer fabric placements really make this dress.

Dotted Tux Shirt

Fair Isle Sweater w/ Sequin Skirt | Love this overall look...great combo.

City Storyteller Scarf | They have a few different styles of these. Fun and whimsical.

What the above scarf looks like opened up.

aberdeen boot | Great menswear inspired look to dress up and down.

Mara Hoffman cut-out one piece | Never have I ever been more excited about a one piece swimsuit.

Sweater: Loft (old) | Tee: Madewell (old, similar here) | Coated Jeans: Express (old, similar here) | Heels: Cosmopolitan | Jewelry: Madewell, JewelMint

Even though it is starting to look like Christmas outside with all the fun decorations, it definitely doesn't feel like it when it is 70 degrees out. Regardless, it was still a beautiful day today to be out running errands. Christmas is just a little over a week away, and I still have a few people on my list to purchase gifts for.

I still like to dress it up a bit when running errands...a girl can do a lot in heels. :) This loft sweater was a favorite end-of-season purchase last year. I love the dolman sleeve...makes it amazingly comfortable and easy to utilize as a layering piece.

I know I have been off the grid for awhile. December is always a busy month with all the family birthday/holiday events. My sister turned 30 last week, so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. The city was amazing...lots of great history there but more to come later. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

With the holidays just around the corner, bargain shopping is a great way make your money go further while still looking stylish. I love to bargain shop for trendy shoes that don't always fit into my budget. Check out what I was able to find!



Obsession: Valentino Pump $895

Bargain: Cosmopolitan Pump $40

Obsession: Christian Louboutin Gold Cap Heels $$$$$

Bargain: Mossimo Gold Cap Heels $33