she is red

This is it folks!! The last week before Christmas is winding down fast – and the world didn’t end! – so you better finally finish your Christmas shopping.  Luckily you can buy all of the items below in time for December 24th: either on Amazon with one or two day shipping, or for 50% off at your local Target!  So treat your parents to fun gifts that they’ll remember for years to come, by putting a little magic under the tree:

1. Altuzzara cocktail shaker and matching glasses, for fancy, romantic nightcaps {$24.00 each}
2. Italian Replica Globe Bar, because it’s practical and a great conversation starter
3. Nexus 7 Tablet by Google, so you can make them react like a kid again when they unpeel the wrapping {and so you can Skype them from anywhere!}
4. Rag and Bone Sweater, to make your dad look extra cool this winter {for just $39.00!}
5. Dinner a Love Story, to tell your mom how much all those family dinners meant to you
6. Oscar de la Renta pet bowl, to treat all the cats and dogs they’ve welcomed into their home

What are your plans for the upcoming holiday loves? My parents and I are planning to brave the roads and drive to Montana to spend a week with my brother, and I couldn’t be more excited! It will be a long trip – but totally worthwhile once we’re all together in the snow-covered mountains.

Wherever you’re headed this weekend, I wish you the safest of journeys!

xxxx

I have to agree with the Beatles on this one: without a single doubt, “I get by with a little help from my friends”.  My friends who are happy to share a one-bedroom apartment with me and laugh out loud over crappy romantic comedies and red wine.  My friends who have stunning tattoos, love animals and call me on Skype regularly just to catch up – even though we’re thousands of miles apart.  Friends like these make the hard times easier, and the good times even better. So for them this holiday…

1. Adorable birch tree paper straws, to make cocktail hour even more fun
2. A giant gummy bear, because it’s adorable and hilarious
3. Photo prints, so all your Insta-adventures will be keepsakes forever
4. A holga-lens case, for even more fun photos to post on Twitter
5. Beautifuljewelery, to make her even more excited about going dancing
6. A beautiful scarf, to keep her warm and help a child in Cambodia
7. The awesome Essie set from Baublebar – nailpolish and three complimentary bracelets?! Best arm-party gift ever {and there’s free 3-day shipping, so hurry!}

I’m sorry for my absence recently loves – this month has truly been a doozy. But after {yet another} apartment move in NYC, and a hellish day of traveling, I am now settled on the West Coast with my family for the holidays. I’m so happy to be here… and I also need a nap!!

See you soon loves! zzzzzzzz

Last month, I was asked to participate in Marshalls’ Fall Challenge: use $100 to create a complete fall look that reflected one of the season’s trends – color, prints or ladylike with an edge. Of course I chose ladylike with an edge, and off I went to Marshalls on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, with my best friend Josh.

Almost immediately, he busted out this stunning, shimmering lace dress. I think his reasoning was: it’s sparkling lace. Alex will love this.

And love it I did. Though I tried other options, nothing could hold a candle to this sweet number.

We then spent about an hour in Marshalls ginormous shoe section, trying to find the perfect match for my perfect dress. It wasn’t easy – I wanted them all! Patent platforms from Jessica Simpson, feathery pumps from Kate Spade, and much more. It was shoe heaven.

But finally I settled on these suede platforms, which add just enough edge to the delicate dress. They are the kind of heel that will work with just about anything, and I’m so glad to have them in my closet.

I tied the look together with simple accessories – a vintage belt, DIY gold drop earrings, and a resin flower headband over {my very sad attempt at} a beehive hairdo. Voila!

Kay Unger New York lace dress and Zigisoho suede heels c/o Marshalls

To win your very own $100 Marshalls giftcard, simply enter {up to five times!} below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{This contest is open to US readers specifically, since Marshalls stores are only located in the US! Sorry international sweets!}

Good luck darlings!!! xxx

I love how Pinterest has opened my eyes to a whole new world of DIY projects and ideas.  And, since my DIY board is in front of me every day, I’m far more likely to complete the projects that I find!  For example, I first saw Ali’s DIY of these gold glitter earrings a few days ago, and luckily had everything I needed to already make a pair {or four!} of my own.  Here’s what I did: » Read the rest of this entry «

Congratulations to the beautiful Aisling, who won the H&M gold hair cuff and other fun goodies!!

Thank you to everyone who entered – it’s been so fun to host this giveaway, and I’m so happy you enjoyed it!  Now the question is… what should I give away next!?!

Happy Valentine’s Day darlings!

xxx