What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve, one of my favorite nights. Mainly because it is THE perfect excuse to dress up and wear something sparkly. But I love all the hype. Some might say it's the most overrated holiday and those people don't know how to have fun. Taken, single, or in limbo, it can always be a fun night! I haven't had a bad one yet and I can't wait for this year!

For the outfit, try to think outside the box. Maybe don't go for the traditional sparkly dress. What about a fun short? (Sparkly, of course. Or leather?) Or a plain dress with great tights, like these, paired with a festive earring. I'm wearing a simple black dress but jazzing it up with tights, jewelry, and amazing shoes. I can always find an excuse to buy a new dress. I found one for $20... My tights were actually more than my dress! Or even throw a fun fur vest over a basic dress. Have fun with it! Here are some suggestions:

H&M cutout dress/ BCBG Max Azria / J.Crew sequin blouse / Madewell / Mango sequin jacket / LOFT ankle pants / Sequin shorts / DKNY / Alexis Bittar / Forever 21 antique jewelry / Kendra Scott teardrop earrings / Capulet Leather Short | Piperlime

This has been such an amazing year and I can't wait to see what 2013 has to offer!
Happy New Year!


Cheers!

Boho Chic

The weather is finally feeling winterish again. I thought it was appropriate to bring out one of my favorite things from an end of season purchase last year. I call it my blanket (ha). But some might call it a wrap or a poncho. Whatever you want to call it, I love it. I feel so "boho" in it. 

Blanket/wrap/poncho: Dillards (old); Jeans: 7 for All Mankind ; Shirt: Gap (old); Bangles: Random 

This brings up a great point of shopping at the end of season. Believe it or not, the "winter" season is coming to a close in fashion. I know we still have a few months of cold weather but after Christmas everything will go on sale and you're going to see the swimsuits. For frustrated Texans, like myself, it can make you mad because you're thinking, "I haven't even worn my winter coat yet and they have swimsuits in the store?!" I got this blanket/poncho thing for about $15 regularly $60. So keep an eye out for those "After Christmas" sales.

P.S.- The BEST time to buy tall boots is after the first of the year. Never pay full price.

Hello Brooklyn, How ya Doin?

First NYC post takes place in Brooklyn (like my Jay-Z lyric for my title?) and it's a blogger's dream for backdrops. 

Sweater: Gap (old but similar here); scarf and hat: H&M (old); Pants: Uniqlo; Boots: Madewell

I'm obsessed with these pants from Uniqlo. They are a cross between a legging and jean. Oh a jegging?  Not exactly. These are a nice stretch twill with an elastic drawstring waistband, all while being tight and not loosing their shape. No wonder they call them the "Perfect Pant." I might have bought a few colors in these. And they are only $19.90! Have I sold you yet? You can now order online. 

I love Uniqlo. It's nothing crazy special, it's a Japanese cross between a Gap and H&M. They have great basics with some special pieces mixed in. And their prices are great. I also find the quality to be pretty good. The store is extremely organized and their flagship store on 5th Avenue is amazing. Currently they only have stores in NYC and LA. But they recently opened an online store. (I swear this post is not sponsored by them, I just really like the store.)

Jingle Bell Frock

I can't wait to share some great pics and adventures from my NYC trip this weekend, but there's a lot going on with work and the busy festive season! I do want to share this fun event that is taking place tomorrow night at the Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio in Inwood Village.

 In order to attend, RSVP here: 

http://www.gotidbits.com/dallas/dallas-tidbits-holiday-party-last-call-studio

The first 50 guests will get a swag bag with goodies. And we all know you're still running around looking for a great outfit for some sort of Holiday party. Last Call Studio is the perfect place to find fashion's top designers at great prices. Even better? The first 100 guests will get a coupon for $20 promo cards. (We all know how I love my extra discounts.) 

See ya there!

Getting Back into the New York Groove...

Today I'm heading back to my old stompin' grounds: New York City! I'm super excited to see friends, shop, eat, and (finally) get in the Christmas spirit! Packing for NYC is always stressful, especially in the winter time. Winter clothes are bulky and I tend to over pack. So this time I stuck to a black palette (so NY) and a few pops of color. And black is great for traveling because it's versatile and goes with just about everything.  It should pretty chilly this weekend and I can't wait!
I'm also going in the midst of Sample Sale craziness. I'll be missing the DVF sample sale by ONE day!. Let's just not even go there....

Vest: Kohls (sold out online); Shirt: H&M; Jeans: James Jeans; Booties: Lucky Brand; Necklace: Forever 21

On another note, Pantone announced the 2013 Color of the Year: EMERALD GREEN. You can read about it here. So don't be surprised to see shades of Emerald all over the place this upcoming year.

Have a great weekend! And I'll be sure to have a fun NYC post for y'all when I get back!

Gifts for Her- Under $200

Rebecca Minkoff mini shoulder bag / Coach cross body handbag / Green Jeweled Necklace / J.Crew bangle bracelet / Nixon Watch  / Lauren Ralph Lauren fingerless glove / MICHAEL Michael Kors Sunglasses  /Missoni Head Wraps  / Kate Spade New York 'gramercy Grand' Bracelet Watch / Tocca beauty product /Deborah Lippmann Nailpolish / Capri Blue Jar Candle, Turquoise / Vogue Cover Book


Whether it be for a friend, GF, or any girl near and dear to your heart- buying gifts for ladies can stress a guy out! Here are some fun suggestions. After a few guys inquiring about gifts for their lady friend, I thought I'd put some fun things together. Now if it's someone really special, when in doubt, something sparkly, in a nice box, with the 4 c's... Diamonds. You can never really go wrong.

Gentleman, a few things to maybe not do this Holiday season:

-Wait till Christmas Eve. After working many Holiday seasons, I witnessed many men scrambling around trying to find sizes, colors, and other specifics. Well guess what? They are out of it and now you have to settle on something.

-Buying anything that plugs into the wall. Meaning anything from the electronic family. I know you'd really like that 100" LED TV for the media room but don't put a big red bow on it and give it to your wife. Unless of course, you were directly told of a specific item, I would steer clear. They just aren't very personal. So if you're mindlessly walking around the mall on Christmas Eve, whatever you do, don't walk into the Apple store.

-And when in doubt, ask her friend or anyone else that knows her well. There's nothing wrong with that!

Happy Shopping!