Post-Thanksgiving Cardio!

The holidays are officially upon us! Parties, food, constant activity, ladies and gentleman we are in the thick of it. Which means you are probably stuck between wanting to eat all the Christmas cookies and fitting into that sparkly red party dress — it's a dilemma. I promise that you can do both, though. Just maybe only have one cookie.

No you won't come out the other side with a six-pack, but you also won't end up with a food baby stuck fitting into nothing, but your Christmas pajamas. The trick my friends is to really invest an hour of your day this month (STARTING TODAY! NOT DEC. 1) to a high-intensity workout. You need to sweat, you need to lift and you need to get your cardio on and your heart rate up! 

Once the New Year passes you can get serious about meal prepping and eating raw or clean or whatever fad comes up between now and then. I am all about realistic goals and I know that this time of year all I can do is prevent weight gain and maintain health. With my massive to-do list, the traveling and a holiday social calendar it's not realistic to plan every single meal down to the calorie. So enjoy the season and just do what you can to stay in great health!

Love you lots,

Today's (and last week's) workout look:

Support Small Business Saturday!

So I know you probably shopped until you dropped yesterday, but it's time to rally and support some of your local businesses. Find a local coffee shop and a boutique near you and spend a little money in your community. I love boutique shopping for unique Christmas gifts and decor. Plus, they usually have some of the best stocking stuffers out there. Staying local is so important!! I know it's easy to do all of your shopping on Amazon, but trust me on this one. Your boutique gifts will be greatly appreciated not only by the person you're gifting to, but the store owners who rely on you to keep their passions going!

Cake Plate in Napa invited me back after last week's posts to share a few great fall outfits that you can pick up today! I was so excited to go back! I wanted to take each of these pieces home, but ended up just buying the suede pants because they were too cute to leave behind. It's the season of giving and I can't spend all my cash on gifts for myself! No matter what you're shopping for you can find it at Cake Plate. A party dress for your holiday or New Year's party, a cookbook with every Nacho recipe you could imagine, adorable cards, a sweater for your man, and even bar cart accessories! Make a list, check it twice and finish some of your shopping today!

 MILLY top and Paige denim

Bailey/44 Top and Velvet by Graham and Spencer Suede Trousers 

Oh did I mention that Cake Plate is doing a gift with purchase deal today? How cute are these koozies!! 

Where are you shopping local today?

Love you lots,

Like something you've seen? Contact Paige at Cake Plate for shipping options! 

Thanks Cake Plate for providing these looks.

A Little Preppy Never Hurt Anyone

Gap White Shirt || J. Crew Factory Vest || Levi 721s || Dolce Vita Boot, similar || 

Vintage Dior Earrings, similar || Coach Tote, similar || J. Crew Factory Necklace ||

Knot Bracelet || MK Watch || Kate Spade Bangle ||

Who doesn't love a good puffer vest?! I have added a new color to my collection for the last few years and I still wear each and every one. This apple green was the first colored option that I picked up since my collection started, but I just love the pop of color that it adds to an outfit. It's bright and vibrant and takes a somber autumn look to another level.

I think it's imperative for every woman to own a white shirt. In an emergency it can be dressed up or dressed down and can easily be the most versatile piece in your closet. This one is a boyfriend shirt from Gap and sadly after this photoshoot I decided to retire it (my washer/dryer has eaten it alive). However, with Black Friday only two days away I will definitely be picking up a new one! I think splurging on key wardrobe pieces that will last you forever (if you don't have a devil washing machine) at a fraction of the cost is the best way to take advantage of all the amazing sales happening this weekend!

These boots made an appearance in a post last week, but what can I say — they're so great that I can't stop myself! Matte metallics are so in right now and I am so happy that I've held on to this Coach tote! I randomly found it at one of their outlet stores a few years back, but was Christmas shopping and couldn't buy myself a gift. My amazing BF went back and snuck it home for me and it's been a closet staple ever since. I love the luggage details on the corners and how much it holds! It's perfect for traveling!! I just piled on the gold accessories to match and there's your proof! You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take that southern preppy style from the girl!

Love you lots,

More ways to get the look:

Gilmore Watch Party!!

Headphones || Face Mask || Poodle Plate || Red Polish || Base & Top Coat ||

Gold Travel Mug || Polka Dot Mug || My Fav Coffee || Flannel Sleep Shirt ||

OH MY GOSH! My fellow Gilmore Girls, we are so close to six more hours of our favorite kooky characters and the most charming town we've ever dreamed of living in! So in anticipation I've come up with a list of things to make your Netflixing a little more Gilmore-approved.

First you will need snacks and lots of them! I have a bit of a sweet tooth so Mallomars are near the top of my list, but buckets of popcorn, potato chips, pretzels and tater tots fresh from the sock warmer ... I mean, oven ... are also a must. I also recommend stocking up on take-out menus and updating Postmates (an app I am positive the girls would love!). The more food you have around you and the more takeout boxes in the fridge the better! Serve some of your treats on your new poodle tray for a cute look. And eat a Mallomar every time someone says, "Oy with the poodles already!"

It wouldn't be Gilmore without a ton of coffee. Pick up a travel mug so you're coffee stays warm and make sure it's cute or Lorelai wouldn't approve. Brew a pot or two because I'm sure you'll need it to stay up for all four of these amazing episodes, especially if you're waiting up for the very second they're launched. 

While I don't plan on sitting and watching these episodes all in one go, I know some of you are planning on doing just that! Keep yourself busy with a face mask and a pedicure because everybody knows that private school girls are bad. And bad girls always wear red nail polish.

That brings us to your attire! You'll need to be cozy and there's nothing better than a flannel shirt. I mean just ask Luke. This sleep shirt will look cute and keep you comfy no matter how many episodes you decide to watch. Add in these super cute headphones to keep out any distractions. The fast talking is back and you don't want to miss a single pun, pop culture reference or God-forbid a plot point!

I attended a Q&A with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino a week ago and hearing them talk about these four episodes got me even more excited. I'd never give insight to the scenes they showed because that wouldn't be fair to you all, but let's just say you will not be disappointed! I can't wait for Friday to get here!! Copper Boom!

Love you lots,

The Turkey Leg Workout!

Thanksgiving is almost here and let me tell you I cannot wait! However, I am also making sure that I don't gain ten pounds of holiday weight, which is easy to do if you're not getting active. Yes, it's a cheat day, but it's not a cheat month! We all have to make an active decision to make healthy choices until Christmas!

I hate working out in the cold, so the short spurts of energy in these videos aren't only great for your busy holiday schedule, but you can stay in your warm living room! Matt always recommends getting at least an hour of exercise a day, so keep that in mind this season more than ever. Work in the extra cardio to burn the fat and sweat out the toxins! Pair that with eating healthy when you're not at a holiday dinner or party and your New Year's resolution won't be as hard to achieve!

Hope you have a great and healthy week leading up to all that pie!

Love you lots, 

My Workout Look:

Lunch at Raymond Vineyards

ASOS Sweater dress || Similar Scarf || Coach Loafers, Similar || 

Vince Camuto Bag, similar || Kendra Scott bracelet ||

Kate Spade Bracelet || Knot Bracelet || BaubleBar Earrings ||

Over the weekend I was on the social media team for the Napa Valley Film Festival! It was such a cool experience that led us to spending a lot of time at events up and down the valley. For one of the lunch events we went to Raymond Vineyards, which is such a crazy and fun place to visit! The gold room in the pictures was one of my favorites because it was so lavish and overdone, but so cool at the same time. I hear there's also a red room featuring this season's hottest fabric — Velvet. However we didn't venture over to that part of the property. Instead, we had a lovely afternoon complete with a few glasses of rosé because I like my wine like I like my lipgloss, pink and sparkling.

This sweater dress came in the mail approximately 12 hours prior to me wearing it. I opened the box, opened the plastic bag it was folded in, shook it out and put it on. I was so happy with the fit and the color (I love charcoal)! I admit this dress is not the most slimming, but not in an unflattering way because it's obviously meant to be oversized. I ordered a size 4 and still had plenty of dress to deal with, so size down if you want something a little slimmer.

My original plan for this outfit was a pair of pink suede lace-up oxfords that were also on the ASOS site. I loved the idea of the dark grey and the pink so much that I was blinded by the idea of a great fall look. They showed up in the same box, but the shoes were much too big. Only later did I realize that they were from the men's section and will have to go back. Luckily I have these patent pink loafers from Coach that I got last winter and I could achieve a very similar look. Just goes to show that you're not at your best when you're late night Internet shopping.

Have you ever bought something late at night that just did NOT work?

Love you lots,

More ways to get the look: 

The Bold Printed One!

Trina Turk Dress || Velvet by Graham & Spencer Bag ||

Nine West Shoes || Kendra Scott Bracelet ||

And last, but not least I bring you look three! This dress is by far the one I got the most compliments on while I was taking photos. It's again a Trina Turk and still a statement on it's own. Unlike the first Trina Turk look this dress doesn't have any frills, but the bold fall floral is enough to really liven up this classic cut. The fabric also has this really cool mesh detail that adds almost a sporty edge to it! It's very stretchy and super comfortable, so it's a great choice for a party that lasts late into the evening. You won't get that stuffy feeling! I also really loved the length of this dress. As someone with no torso and loooong legs dresses can get really short really fast so it's great to find a style that hits right above the knee. Especially if you need something for a work party this is a great cut.

Of course, this outfit would look stunning with a fitted black blazer or an oversized wool coat to stay warm. It's just not that cold here in Napa yet, so I left the outerwear packed away in my coat closet. I like sticking with neutrals for a piece this vibrant, but you could easily mix it up with something a little funkier for a more editorial look.

That brings us to the shoes because you can't go wrong with a black pump. These are Nine West and have an embossed snakeskin detail all over them. I like the added texture that plays off the texture of the dress. I think it would also look stunning with a black suede or even a black velvet. Playing with textures when you want to wear a black shoe can really amp up a look without risking your comfort levels. It's also a piece that you can always splurge on because they're so versatile you will wear them forever!

Since I went pretty conservative on the shoes I needed to amp it up a little with my other accessories. Enter: this rose gold bag. Rose gold is undeniably the hottest metallic out there right now (although silver is having a huge resurgence) and this luxe leather crossbody is one of my new obsessions. While it looks amazing with this dress, it would also pair perfectly with jeans, a brown shearling coat and boots for something much more casual. The metallic goes with everything and dressing it up and down is part of the fun!

So out of these three looks (here are one and two), which was your favorite?

Love you lots,

Like the dress or the bag? Let Paige know for shipping options! 

Thanks Cake Plate for providing these looks.

The Blue Frilly One!

MILLY Dress || Nine West Shoes || Loeffler Randal Clutch || Kendra Scott Earrings ||

I know bright blue doesn't scream Fall, but decide to stand out in a crowd because everyone needs this MILLY dress. It's actually the first dress I put on because I was obsessed with the frills and the neckline, not to mention the color. It's unlike anything I've ever worn or really even picked up off the rack. From the minute I zipped it up, though, I was sold! 

I picked these shoes up for a long, green velvet dress that I wore over the weekend and they doubled as a perfect pairing for this blue. The muted gold is so pretty and I love that it's a hint of metallic, but doesn't detract from the dress. The chunky heel is also a favorite trend of mine because not only are they more comfortable to walk in, but I like the extra weight that it adds to the look.

I planned to carry a gold clutch, but #bloggerstruggles are real. I left it on my bed when I packed up the three looks in garment bags to go shoot, so this pale nude clutch from the first look was a great substitute. I did, however, link a gold clutch below just in case you'd want a little more metallic for your look!

With a neckline this high I recommend letting it have it's moment. A pair of chunky earrings really accent it well, but a necklace would just distract. I'd even say that putting your hair up into a stylish bun would take this look the the next level! This dress has a lot going on so with the metallic shoes, the statement earrings and the little clutch I popped on some nude-y lip gloss and let it be the centerpiece.

Love you lots,

P.S. Check out Look #1 Here!

Like the dress? Let Paige know for shipping options! 

Thanks Cake Plate for providing these looks.

The Red Off-the-Shoulder One!

Trina Turk Dress || Steve Madden Shoes || Loeffler Randall Clutch ||

This weekend I had the amazing pleasure of meeting Paige Smith the co-owner of Cake Plate Boutique in Napa. It's seriously the cutest store!! Since then we've set up plans to do a few collaborations and this is the first one. So follow along today for three mini posts of three different looks created with items from Cake Plate!

These dresses are perfect for any party you plan to attend and with the holidays coming up I know we all have a packed social calendar. This red Trina Turk was my favorite of the three dresses I tried on (even though I was pretty obsessed with each of them)! I love that if you want a traditional red number for your Christmas extravaganza this option offers some extra flair with the off-the-shoulder detail. It brings one of summer's biggest trends to fall/winter. Oh and it has pockets, so there's really no reason to say no. 

Can we talk about this necklace? It was also a Cake Plate piece and it's a great way to bring a little flair to this dress. Like most Trina Turk styles it doesn't need a ton of accessorizing because of the gorgeous ruffle detail, but we all definitely need a little sparkle!

Check back later for look number two!

Love you lots,

Like the dress or the necklace? Let Paige know for shipping options! 

Thanks Cake Plate for providing these looks.

Cozy Sweater on a Sunny Day!

Abercombie & Fitch Sweater || Levi's 721 || Dolce Vita Boot, similar ||

J. Crew Factory Sunnies || Vince Camuto Bag, similar || Nixon Watch ||

If you saw my post last week you'll know that I did a little shopping at A&F. Who knew they had more than polos, sweatshirt and branded gear?!? This collegiate sweater was something I immediately fell in love with and when it went on sale I grabbed one! This style was on runways everywhere at the AW16 shows. The sporty collar and cuffs is a fun way to add a preppy almost ivy league look to any outfit! I got a medium and it's perfectly slouchy. It is a really warm piece and I was not a chilly day when I wore it, but I can't wait to layer with it on a trip to Tahoe! It's such a close dupe for the Phillip Lim one linked below!

These boots have been on the blog multiple times because they've easily become one of the most worn things in my closet. I absolutely love the heavy suede and stack heel that makes them really comfortable to walk in. The cognac color is so versatile that I find a new way to wear them each time I get dressed. I love Stuart Weitzman Highland boots for a classic OTK pair, but this style works so much better for a casual weekend look. And while these are sold out the Vince Camuto ones I wore in this post are almost identical and come in this brown color, too!

So what are some of your favorite fall trends? Any style a-la TommyXGigi is at the top of my list!

Love you lots, 

More ways to get the look: