So Now You Wanna Help Me?!?!

When it comes to packing, I like to think I'm a pro... scratch that -- When it comes to packing for work related trips, I am a pro. When it comes to packing for fun getaway trips, I struggle. I have work packing down to a science. I know exactly how many outfits I'll need based on what my schedule is filled with, but when I go on fun trips with no agenda, I.AM.LOST! 

Wouldn't it have been nice of my friends at J.Crew, Madewell and Nordstrom to have graced my inbox and their homepages with these marketing campaign gems just a week earlier???

J. Crew Customer email

Madewell Customer email

Nordy Homepage

I seriously received the J.Crew and Madewell emails {which look awfully similar... go figure!} and the Nordy homepage the day I came back from vacation! Yes, J.Crew in fact I was going somewhere! And yes, Madewell, I would like to have packed happy! And yes, Nordstrom, a clean getaway would have been nice!

Oh well! All is well that ends well... and as you saw from my pics yesterday, Cabo definitely went well. To say the least! One thing I did realize as I busted out my summer wardrobe is that I need to step up my game when it comes to swim cover-ups. Since I'm not feeling as great in teeny bikinis anymore {thanks a lot, metabolism... just kidding... kind of}, I think I'd feel a little better at the beach if I could at least strut to and from looking cute! I need to scrap my boring cotton dresses for something more fun like one of these:

Roberta Roller Rabbit / Collective Concepts / DV by Dolce Vita

Turns out I won't need one of these again until the summer, so I'll keep my eye out for the right one {or two}, but I'll keep you updated when take the plunge!

Gift Guide: The Pampered Pooch

I can't believe how fast these weeks leading up to Christmas are flying by! Gift guide by gift guide we are getting closer to the holiday! While you're out shopping for the boys, the girls, your BFF's, your tech-y friends and the home-bodies... don't forget about your pooch!

Anyone who knows me, knows my pup, Lola, is one pampered little girl and she is definitely on my holiday shopping list! Here are a few items I have my eye on for my Lola girl:

1. Three Dog Bakery Treats: Last year I went all out and baked homemade dog treats, but truth be told, I'm not so sure anything I could make could even compare to this trio of flavors! Plus there's plenty here in the combo pack to share with her furry brother, Elway and her friends Sophie and Lucy!

2. Beanie Bones Bone: Lola's favorite leopard boney is looking a little shabby these days. It might be time for a replacement and this one is super cute!

3. Bowl: So Lola already has really pretty bowls from Nell Hill's {if you are ever in KC you must go... amazing home decor store!}, in fact, Lola's dish wear is nicer than my own, but somehow I still want to buy a set of these Oscar de la Renta for Neiman Marcus+Target... I may even want these more than my plate pick from the collection!

4. Collar and Leash: Another Oscar de la Renta for Neiman Marcus+Target. So ladylike and lovely. Right up Lola's alley! 

5: Barkin Bag Toy: If Mama {aka ME!} can't have her Berkin, the pup should at least have a Barkin. 

6. Kiehl's "Spray-n-Play" Spritz: I don't know about other dog owners out there, but my dog is not a fan of the bath, so a fresh spritz here and there is just the ticket to keeping Lola fresh between tubs.

7. Fleece Blanket: My girl is a sleeper! Most mornings she's already back in bed before I even get out of the shower, so a soft blanket is definitely a gift she'd love.

Happy Wednesday, all! Halfway to the weekend! Wahoo!!!

Gift Guide: Dress My Tech

Hiya friends! I'm back with another Holiday Gift Guide! If you're looking for gifts for you BFF or a man in your life, check here and here for other GG's in the series!

Do you have any of those people on your Christmas list that are impossible to buy for? These days no one can go a minute without checking some form of technology for some sort of information, so why not help your friends dress their tech!

1. Smart Phone Wallet- Ingenious! If someone gifted me this I would always know where my phone is!

2. iPad Cover- Now isn't this clever? Combine the look of vintage books with the functionality {and protection... no I don't ever drop my iPad!} of an iPad case. You're sure to look chic pulling this out of your tote!

3. Personalized Phone Case- I've said it before... when all else fails go for the monogrammed/personalized gift. Always a winner in my book!

4. Battery Booster- This is for your friend that's always asking you, "Do you have a phone charger with you?" 

5. Earbuds- Add a little personality to plugging into you favorite tunes! How cute are these??? And let's be honest, the Apple issued earbuds could use an upgrade in the comfort department!

6. Tech Gloves- I.need.these. It is so annoying to have to take off your gloves in order to use your touch screen devices! Santa, take note!

7. Bose Speaker- And if you really love the techy on your list, splurge on a great speaker system. Tunes for everyone all around to enjoy!

Gift Guide: For Him

Ok, so I have to admit... I am not good at shopping for boys. I think in comparison to what they have to offer for the gals, the boys section is b.o.r.i.n.g. In fact, I hate it. I breeze right by their department. This gift guide was not easy for me to put together, and although it's somewhat general, I'm kinda happy with how it came together!

1. flannel - every boy needs a good flannel!

2. sweater - the go-to gift... boring, yet functional.

3. game gear - I feel like this isn't necessarily something a boy would buy himself. Most of my friends are still wearing the college game gear they acquired during our school years and it's time for an upgrade!

4. travel kit - again, not something a guy would maybe buy himself, but would definitely come in handy!

5. scarf - a great piece to splurge on! A true classic!

6. watch - even boys like a little bling.

7. decanter - when all else fails, go for something with a monogram!... that's my theory!

So there you have it! Happy holiday shopping for all of your boyfriends, hubbies, brothers, friends, dads, cousins, uncles and so on out there! 

Gift Guide: BFF

The holidays are coming! Before you know it we'll be passing out presents under the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa while the fire place roars... wait -- that sounds a little too perfect -- somehow Christmas always ends up a little more crazy than that... and I love every minute of it!

I think one of the best parts about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for someone you love. Somehow I am always more excited to give the gifts I have purchased, than I am to receive gifts {not a huge fan of surprises... silly, I know!}.

What better way to countdown to Christmas that prepare with a fresh batch of gift guides? Since we have 7 shopping weeks left before Santa Clause graces us with his presence, I think that calls for 7 gift guides. Who might we be shopping for you ask...

• Your BFF
• For Her
• For Him
• Homie 
• The Tech-ster
• The Pup
• For YOU

So, without further ado:

Friends can be hard to buy for, but hopefully this little list will help you out just a bit!

1. This infinity scarf is both cute and cozy! The color combination would make a great compliment to any wintery wardrobe.

2. My favorite candle always makes chilly winter nights a little warmer. It's called "Aloha Orchid"... maybe I'm just dreaming of a warmer Hawaiian environment!

3. Who said friendship bracelets are just for kids?

4. It's always fun to dress up your phone and this is one of those purchases I hate to buy for myself! 

5. How fun is this two-tone clutch? Not only a great pop of color for a winter wardrobe, but versatile for year-round use!

6. Add a little sparkle to compliment her clutch! 

7. And of course, no holiday gift guide would be complete without some socks! I always wear fun socks under my boots... it's like a little bit of cheer each time I take my shoes off after a long and cold day!

I Covet Kate Spade

First up, thoughts and prayers to everyone out East being effected by Crazy Lady Sandy. Stay safe! 

Kate and I go way back. I did an internship at the Kate Spade boutique in Chicago when I was in college, plus, Kate herself is a Kansas girl just like me! It's safe to say I truly love anything Kate Spade.

Right now, I'm obsessing over the shoes! When I worked at the store we had to wear the shoes, but I haven't really allowed myself to splurge on very many pairs since {it sure is a shame when the employee discount goes away!}.

Here are just a few that have caught my eye recently:

Left {top to bottom}
1. Charm: Can we say fancy? This shoe would make any party outfit!
2. Reena: I think I would wear this as my go-with-everything fall shoe. I was in love with these the first time I laid eyes on them when I was in NYC... and now they're on sale... time to pull the trigger? Just maybe!
3. Fondue: A great leopard print and a statement heel? What a perfect combination!

Middle
1. Mandie: Oh Mandie! You had me at the bow!

Right {top to bottom}
1. Loire: A little something extra to the basic black? Yes, please! We all know I love my polka dots! And a little sparkle never hurts!
2. Leslie: Well hello neutral with a twist! Love the wooden heel.
3.  Kalla: And of course, Miss Spade knows how to add a smart splash of color. 

My closet needs each and every one of those! 

On another note, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Hope you all are trick and treating yourself to a sweet treat or two! I wonder if I hop down to the Kate Spade boutique and trick or treated, if they would give me a pair of shoes from my wishlist? Might be worth a try!

Southwest Style

I'm traveling in the Southwest this week and it's got me wanting to spice up my style! I already love chunky turquoise jewelry and bright colors, so I think a little southwest influence is destined to make its way into my wardrobe.

It's kind of like animal prints... you don't need a lot... just a touch here and there. Here are a couple of pieces on my wishlist:

1 / 2

Let's play dress-up, shall we?

top / earrings / ring / cords / boots


Look 2:

dress / necklace