shopping list 4

Since I'm not going to a huge New Year's Eve bash next week, it seems silly to cover myself in sequins (and even if I were, that's not necessarily my style). But a little extra flair is fun and appropriate. Makeup and nail polish with extra sparkle and shine kick up a low-key night without it looking like you fell into a snow globe. I've used Bobbi Brown's shimmer brick for years (first to complete my butterfly costume for Carnival in Cádiz in 2009, but since, much more pedestrian occasions)— and layering the complementary shadow shades really makes my eyes stand out. Plus, the compact lasts forever. L'Occitane's cherry blossom lotion leaves a pretty floral scent and iridescent finish that will make you look and feel radiant, and you can't go wrong with a megawatt manicure. Shop all of my picks for a sparkly 2014 send-off below!

SHOP THE BOARD

1 | Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Color

2 | Steve Madden Pumps 3 | Smashbox Highlighting Powder

4 | L'Occitane Shimmering Lotion 5 | Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

6 | Shimmer Body Mist 7 | Glitter Bobby Pin Set

8 | Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss 9 | Beaded Top (make it a matching set)

10 | Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner 11 | Michael Kors Pave Drop Earrings

12 | Cage Minaudiere Clutch

hot now 4

Calvin Klein is synonymous with underwear. In the 1980s, the designer introduced a wildly successful line of men's boxer shorts, and in the '90s, larger-than-life billboards of Marky Mark (recently recreated by Nick Jonas..!) helped his underwear become known as simply Calvins. I've always considered the brand more of a guy's game, but recent photos of it models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner in the new Modern Cotton line are slapping that idea straight down. The collection features updated cotton and prominent logo bands. I'm obsessed with the nineties-nostalgic, tomboy look of the racerback bras and shorts—perfect for lounging and lazy weekends at home! I don't know about you, but I'm snagging (at least) one of every color.

SHOP THE BOARD

Modern Cotton Bralette
also available here

Modern Cotton Shorts
also available here

Complete Modern Cotton collection
More Calvin Klein underwear 

top images via

look of the week 10

Just like when she picked up her own milk and eggs at the supermarket, the media's going crazy over the D of C's recent decision to wear—gasp—a hoodie. While it is a striking contrast to chiffon gowns and fascinators, it's refreshing to see a royal in such bourgeois garb. And—cue the Kate Middleton effect—no matter what she wears, we're all going to drop everything and scramble to follow suit. So dig an old sweatshirt out from your closet (yay for my overflowing collection finally coming in handy) or use this as an excuse to get a new one. Wear it with skinny jeans and sleek riding boots so you're not too sloppy and—poof—new weekend wardrobe. It's never been so easy to copy Kate.

SHOP THE BOARD

1 | Nike Hoodie 2 | Burberry Sunglasses

3 | Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rosé 4 | J Brand Skinny Jeans

5 | Seychelles Riding Boots 6 | Longchamp Tote

7 | Sapphire Ring 8 | Stud Earrings

inspiration images via: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

More ways to get the look: 

keep your nose to the grindstone

This blog is mostly about shopping, but it's also a small window into my life, and I wouldn't feel right not writing something about my grandma, who passed away the day after Thanksgiving. She would've turned ninety-four this month. I'm grateful to have had such a wonderful grandma in my life and am warmed by many happy memories. In an age of email and electronic bill pay, maintaining a correspondence with her was one of the only reasons I kept buying stamps. It was sweet the way she scoured the newspaper to find my sisters' and my names in high school sports recaps, and she never sent a card without a five-dollar bill taped securely inside. She planted evergreens for each grandchild in her sprawling backyard (it was so fun to measure the height and shape of MY tree against the others) and kept a sizable garden from which she once treated us to a snack of rhubarb dipped in sugar. I remember feeling slightly peeved at receiving something from the ground when fruit roll-ups and Oreos existed, but looking back it makes me smile. At my own house it was Barbie heaven 24/7, but at Grandma's, puzzles were the go-to toy, and we slowly chipped away at the toughest together. When we met at Michael's for family dinners, she greeted my sisters and me with Kit Kats (while my grandpa gave us pennies), and I'll never forget the taste of her chocolate chip cookies, the small glass jar in the kitchen always my first stop. She never learned to drive a car, but enjoyed walking and got around small Chatfield, Minnesota just fine on foot. Holidays were hosted at her home, and there was no feeling of content quite like when night finally fell after food and present opening. My sisters and I would change into our nightgowns and start to fall asleep as loud chatter became quieter conversation. If there's one thing that stands out the most, it's how much she thought of (and worried about) her grandkids. "Keep your nose to the grindstone," was her constant catchphrase, and whenever I assured her of something (good grades, winning a game, getting the job), she would say "Oh, good" and clasp her hands in her lap with such satisfaction. She wanted the best for all nineteen of us, and it meant everything that she was proud of me.

in loving memory Helene Spelhaug

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As cute as Christmas-specific prints and patterns are, I prefer not to spend money on sleep sets I'll only wear for a few days in December. And even in winter, I like shorts—my legs need to be free! So instead of Rudolph leggings and Frosty the Snowman onesies, add holiday spirit to your present-opening ensemble with a tartan throw, playful Santa hat or red velvet bow. Banana Republic's chunky cardigans are perfect for staying warm when the fire isn't enough. This limited-edition ombre cocoon would look so good with this stretch-modal top and adorable pintucked shorts (I love the higher waist!). Sparkly but simple jewelry adds a little glamour to the day—a dazzling bracelet dangling nonchalantly from your wrist while you lounge will make you feel straight f.a.n.c.y. I think it's required to eat candy on Christmas morning, so don't hold back on this crunchy toffee—perfect with coffee. ONE WEEK TIL CHRISTMAS, BABES! I'm excited to head back to the homeland on Saturday and finally clock some time with the Christmas tree! (P.S. Because I included Williams-Sonoma in this post, have you seen this? It made me laugh.)

SHOP THE BOARD

1 | Pajama Top 2 | Santa Hat

3 | Square Leverbacks 4 | Tennis Bracelet

5 | Pajama Shorts 6 | Patterned Throw

7 | Slippers 8 | Toffee

tree image via


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