Holly's Favorite Things - Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Oprah has her "Favorite Things" for the holiday season each year, so why can't I?  Here's my list of top gift picks for the 2012 holidays.  Men, ask your ladies and I am sure there are several things on my list that they would want for Christmas!  Ladies...email this page to your guy to drop some not-so-subtle hints.

1.  For the fashionistas -  
Chunky Infinity Scarf by Paula Bianco - revolveclothing.com $71

A cozy chunky loop scarf is a great neutral shade can be paired with so many great wardrobe items.  Plus..they're really warm and comfy!


2.  Hue Solid Skinny Jeanz Leggings - Black $29

I seriously wear my Hue jeggings all the time.  They are so comfortable and great to throw on with an oversized sweater and flats.  The color is a faded black and matches everything.

3.  Capri Blue - Volcano scented candle $25 - $88 depending on size  (anthropologie.com)

This is the BEST candle out there!  The scent is heavenly and makes my house smell like my favorite store...Anthropologie of course.  The lid is a plus because you don't have to blow out the candle and have that smokey after smell.  The $88 version is HUGE..it has like 3 wicks.

 

4.  Vintage Tall Sweater Sock - Free People $20

These socks are the perfect companion to a pair of tall riding boots.  They look amazing over leggings or skinny jeans.


5.  OPI Top Ten Set - available at ULTA $25

Who wouldn't want the 10 best selling shades of OPI polishes??  I love the "You Don't know Jacques" and the "Lincoln Park after Dark" shades.  Great stocking stuffer.

6.  Trish McEvoy - Voyager Collection Glamourous Beauty Kit $85

Seriously...this makeup is the best.  I have used Trish McEvoy since 1999 and have been loyal to the brand ever since.  Trish makeup is an OCD organizer freak's best friend.  You buy the individual squares or rectangles of makeup and arrange them on a magnetic page in a zip up leather planner.  You can create your own color palates.  It is so easy to just zip it up and go.  The brushes are awesome too! This kit is a great starter kit if you are looking to throw out your random Wal-Mart makeup.

7.  For the tech-savy ladies:
   Michael Kors iPhone Case $80

Great for parties, concerts, football games, shopping...anywhere that you don't want to lug the giant purse to.  I am a huge fan of all Michael Kors products and love the metallics.

8.  iPad Mini in white $329

I am a Macbook Air user myself and have tried the big original iPad before.  I think this smaller version is better because you could throw it in your purse or tote - it's less bulky and more portable.  But...larger than the iPhone so that the visually challenged people like myself can get a better view.  White is my color choice for the ladies.

9. For the cook of the house -  
   Williams Sonoma Gold Touch 4 piece pan set $99

I am obsessed with my Williams Sonoma bakeware.  I registered for at least a dozen pieces when I got married.  I use them all the time and they look brand new.  The nonstick surface is great and requires little scrub time which all dishwashers out there will appreciate.

10.  For the jewelry obsessed -
Micheal Kors Rose Gold Watch - Bloomindale's $250

I don't own a watch, but if I did, it would definitely be one like this.  The rose gold is so unique.


So, there's my top 10 holiday gifts for 2012.  I am really feeling inspired to start my holiday shopping now...how about you??  Until next time....

Hooray for Chambray

Looking for a way to class up your boring fall sweaters?  Layering a sweater over a chambray shirt can create some snazzy looks to take you through the fall season.  There are so many looks you can create - preppy or cozy....it's a great outfit to wear at Thanksgiving dinner with some stretchy leggings to allow for expansion after devouring the turkey and dressing.

Start with a great basic like this from JCrew.

Layer over a loose knit or chunky sweater.  Pair with colored tights, feminine skirt, and booties.

Or...wear under a chunky sweater, cardigan, or sweatercoat.  Pair with an equestrian style belt and leggings or jeggings and of course, tall riding boots.

Bring out those colored jeans from the spring!  You can transition into the fall by layering with a sweater.  Bring it back to fall wearing camel boots/booties and carrying a camel purse.

There's always the classic head-to-toe denim look.  Nude shoes and a navy blazer really add lots of class to this look.  Just make sure your shades of denim are varied.

Where are you going to buy your Chambray Shirt?  Here are my pics:

JCrew - Keeper Chambray Shirt $78

Anthropologie - Stitched chambray buttondown $128

Gap - Easy Chambray Shirt $49

Anthropologie - Fitted Chambray Buttondown $88

Madewell - Chambray Cargo Shirt Cornflower Wash $75

Urban Outfitters - BDC Button down chambray tunic $64

Banana Republic - Soft wash denim shirt $69

Lucky Brand - Chambray top $75

Looking to spend less?  I have seen similar styles in Target, Old Navy, and American Eagle.  Go out and snag yours today.  I would definitely be out buying one of these now, but living in Auburn has its shopping limitations (especially on game days)!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Peter Pan Collars

Hello a la mode lovers!  It's Tuesday and I am recuperating from a three day weekend of fun.  It seems like the more time I have off, the harder it is to go back to work.  I spent some time on Sunday shopping at the Summit with my super sweet mother in law, Joy.  During our two hour plus time spent in Anthropologie...I know, it is sad that I could spend that long in one store....I came across some great pieces that woke up my fashion taste buds.  Peter Pan collars are everywhere!  On shirts, dresses, and even jewelry...the Peter Pan trend is one to be added to the fall shopping list.

Here are the pieces at Anthropologie that first sparked my interest:



The Peter Pan collar necklace is on the top of my Peter Pan trend wishlist.  The good thing about wearing this trend as a piece of jewelry is that you can change it out with a variety of tops or dresses.  You have to be careful of the neckline that you place this piece with....it needs to be a crewneck or high scoop neck.

Some of my Peter Pan Picks:

This trend is feminine and flirty, so I would suggest pairing a Peter Pan collared shirt with a tailored pencil skirt, full skirt, trouser pants, or skinny jeans.  My two outfit creations will have you headed to Never Never Land in no time.

Preppy Peter Pan Skirt outfit:

• Top - Anthropologie
• Belt - Anthropologie
• Shoes - Seychelles
• Bag - Michael Kors

Pants outfit:

• Top - Jcrew
• Pants - Level 99 plum pants
• Shoes - Jcrew
• Bag - Hobo International

Hope you can use these ideas for some outfit inspirations!   Until next time....