Holiday Casual

Tis the season of holiday parties and social gatherings. While I love dressing up, y’all know I like to keep it casual too. Since this time of year requires so many dresses & heels, I thought I would share a really fun and casual, but, classic outfit. This is perfect for those days when you’re running errands, doing last minute Christmas shopping, or just having a casual lunch with your best friend.

You can never go wrong with jeans and a white button down. These jeans are a VERY relaxed fit with lots of destruction. They are some of my favorite jeans, which is weird because I usually only gravitate towards dark wash skinny jeans. These guys are 0 for 2, but I reach for them more often than not…go figure.

This white button down is from one of my favorite brands, Bella Dahl. The cut of their button downs are so flattering and they always use the softest material.

Ok now can we please talk about these shoes? If you follow me on instagram you know I am OBSESSED. They are the perfect Gucci dupe and ring in at just under $25. They also come in a blush pink color I have my eye on. (I’d recommend going up a half size. I’m always a 7.5 but got these in an 8.)

Top: Bella Dahl | Jeans: Blank NYC old (similar here, here, & here) | Shoes: Target | Purse: Old (love this one & this one) | Earrings: BaubleBar old (similar here & here also love these) | Sunnies: Sonix | Lipstick: Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in It's Happening

What’s everyone’s plans this weekend? I have a HH tomorrow night, Saturday during the day we are getting our tree, a holiday gathering Saturday night, then a Jags game on Sunday! (This is how packed all my weekends are; until after the first of the year.)

I’m hoping to have a gift guide up tomorrow, however if not tomorrow, I will definitely get one up Saturday. (Notice how I just keep adding more to my plate. Haha. It’s what I do best.)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope y’all have a fabulous weekend!

Blue Velvet

Hi babes!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, I feel like the Christmas Holiday is in full effect. We decorated our house on Friday, and now we just need the Christmas tree, which we will be getting this weekend. (J is so funny and won’t allow a Christmas decoration, movie, song, not even a Christmas cookie crumb, before Thanksgiving. hah)

Now that holiday parties and get-togethers are in full swing, I wanted to share one of my favorite trends for this time of year…velvet.

This trend was picking up steam this time last year, and now it’s EVERYWHERE!! The thing that really stuck out to me about this dress, besides the fact that it’s velvet, is the color. I love the color blue for December. It’s something different than your typical red and green, but still feels festive. The nice thing about velvet is that it’s the perfect alternative to sequins. It isn’t quite as flashy, but it still feels so appropriate for this time of year. My dress is no longer available; however, I have linked some similar options as well as my other favorite velvet picks for all your upcoming holiday festivities.

Dress: Dillard's old (similar here, here, here, & here) | Shoes: Steve Madden | Lipstick: Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lip in More Better

Other velvet pieces I love:

This skirt

These pants

LOVE this dress

OBSESSED with this dress

Cool bomber jacket here

Great velvet skirt here

This romper

Pair this top with leather pants for an effortless cool girl look

Love the color of these pants

I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday. I’m hoping to have my first gift guide up this Friday. I know it’s a little late in the game, but I feel like Christmas, gift giving, & sales start earlier and earlier every year; so I try my hardest to wait on all things of that nature, until after Thanksgiving.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. I really appreciate it! 

Thanksgiving Eve Outfit

Hello lovelies!

I originally planned to share a Thanksgiving look today, but I was way too tired to shoot yesterday when we got home. But don’t worry I have another semi Thanksgiving holiday outfit to share with you.

Did you know the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest nights of the year to go out? Everyone is back home to visit family for the holiday and when you’re in college it’s usually the first time you’re home visiting.

Even though my college days are long gone, we still go out on Wednesday night for a few drinks.

If you do plan on going out tomorrow night this is a great outfit to wear for the evening. This sweater will keep you warm if the temps are low where you live; the shorter hemline and lace up sleeves keep it on trend. I paired it with my favorite leather pants, because again, they keep you warm, and you still look cute. Sometimes in the winter I struggle with outfits to wear out because I want to be warm, and still look stylish. Anyone else have this issue?  I got these leather pants last year, and they are back again this year. The price point is amazing, and I promise you will wear them non-stop!

Sweater: Nordstrom sold out (similar here, here almost identical here) | Pants: Dillard's | Shoes: Steve Madden old (similar here & here) | Sunnies: Quay Australia | Lipstick: Smashbox Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in Dream Huge

I hope everyone is ready for the big feast on Thursday. Do you have all your shopping done or are you more of a last minute kind of gal? I will be sending J to the store tomorrow to finish grabbing all our stuff for mac and cheese and s’more pie so I am clearly part of the later group.

Patchwork

Happy Thursday!

Today is actually my Friday and I must say I’m really excited about it! J and I are headed on a little weekend trip later this afternoon. (Follow me on instagram to see where we are headed) Not sure how I managed to pull off a four day weekend before Thanksgiving week, but I’ll take it.

Today I’m sharing a super fun fall look with y’all since the temps have made it actually feel like fall lately.

I got this patchwork leather skirt last year, and I just love how all the colors are perfect for fall! It would look even better if my backdrop was beautiful autumn trees, and all their pretty colors. However, that’s asking a lot of Florida. I paired it with a tank, and my favorite cardigan here. I also love it with this cashmere sweater, and black OTK boots, if it’s a little cooler.  Can we also talk about this hat again? I just can’t get enough of it. (Last seen here.) I have my eye on a similar one in brown because why not.

Anyway, I hope you babes have a wonderful weekend. I’m sure most people will be buying all the things needed for their Thanksgiving feast next week. I plan on staying out of the grocery store until after the first of the year. Too crowded for this gal!

Skirt: BCBGeneration old(similar here & here) | Tank: Topshop old (similar here, here, & here) | Cardigan: Nordstrom | Hat: Forever21 | Booties: Lulus old (similar here love these, these, & these) | Purse: Old (similar here, here, & here) | Sunnies: Sonix | Lipstick: Mac Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Diva| Necklace: Gift (similar here)

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little of your day with me. I truly appreciate it! 

Outfit Inspo: Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Tuesday babes!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just a little over a week away?! Where has the year gone? Today I've put together some outfit ideas for the feast next Thursday. Hopefully this will give you enough time to go shopping or order online. I would suggest doing expedited shipping on anything you might order. (better to be safe than sorry)

Leopard Scarf

C&V Green Floral Shirt

Goodnight Macaroon Sweater

Cold Shoulder Plaid Dress

Paige Denim (Paige denim typically has a lot of stretch...ideal for when you are going to be eating your weight in food)

Free People Cardigan  (Free People has the BEST sweaters & cardigans)

Scrunch Booties

Articles of Society Denim (also very stretchy denim)

Free People Velvet Dress (seriously obsessed with this dress!)

White Button Down (Not sure why, but I love the idea of this top, jeans, and mules...seems so classic)

Jcrew Ruffle Sweater

Free People Sweater Dress (can be worn with pants or as a dress)

OTK Heeled Boots (such a steal at under $50!!)

Blush Fur Mules (I own these in black and they are so comfy!)

Moto Leggings (leggings,,,enough said)

What's everyone's plans? We always go to Pete's Bar in the morning to spend time with family and friends. (Sounds weird I know, but it is a HUGE tradition in our beach town) After that I think me, J and out families will be having a pretty small, low key Thanksgiving. 

Whatever your plans are I hope you have a wonderful day full of family, friends, food and being thankful! 

P.S. A few of these items do have bell sleeves. Just be mindful when wearing these/picking out your outfit because there will be lots of food, lots of passing & maybe some reaching! The last thing you want is mashed potatoes and gravy all over your sweater sleeve. 

Today I'm linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels, The Fashion Canvas, Visions of Vogue, & The Samantha Show for the Trend Spin Linkup!

Sephora Sale Picks

Happy Hump Day!

Today I've put together my picks for what to buy during the Sephora Beauty Insider sale. If you are part of the Beauty Insider program you probably received your coupon sometime last week. And if you're anything like me, it's been burning a hole in your pocket ever since! Alas the sale finally starts this Friday and I can't wait!! (Unless you're rouge and shopped this past weekend) 

Here are some things I have my eye on:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Pallet

T3 SinglePass Luxe Straightening & Styling Iron

Sephora Bran Face Masks (these and the sheet masks are great stocking stuffers)

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (stock up on favorites)

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (favorite mascara)

Olehenriksen 3 Little Wonders (love the day serum so trying some new stuff)

Glam Glow Let it Glow! SUPERMUD Set

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 (LOVE this stuff)

Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume (might finally pull the trigger on this)

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation (want to try out this foundation)

Stila Written in the Stars Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (perfect for holiday makeup)

Dyson Blown-A-Ouai Set

Tarte Limited Edition Artful Accessories Brush Set (now is the time to get new brushes)

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel & Eye Makeup Remover (always a great thing to have on hand)

NYC Travel Diary Part 5: Nightlife

Happy Friday my friends!

This week wrapped up my BUSY season at work, so I am very excited. Since I technically work in retail we will still be busy due to the holiday but, nothing like I have been for the last 2 months!

Today I have the fifth and final installment of my NYC travel diary. And since its Friday, I thought it would be appropriate to share NYC nightlife. I obviously know there is more to nightlife than just bars, dancing, & drinking but, those are the things I will be sharing on today’s post. As with every other post there is no shortage of things to do in this category.

Bar Nine: This is a dueling piano bar my best friend took me to and I had the BEST time. Some girls I work with have gotten me into dueling piano bars, and I love them because it’s live music, all songs you know, and everyone sings along and has a blast!

Mr. Purple: A rooftop bar is always a good idea when visiting the city. This one is located in the lower east side on top of Hotel Indigo. We went during sunset and it was amazing; because you could see One World Trade Center, The Empire State Building, The Chrysler building, and everything else. There’s an indoor and outdoor section, however, I obviously recommend sitting outside!

Upstairs at the Kimberly: This is another rooftop bar located in Mid-town, and is on top of The Kimberly Hotel. The thing I like about this one is that the majority of it is enclosed; so, if it’s cold or raining, you can still enjoy rooftop views & vibes. They also serve you truffle popcorn, which is definitely the way to my heart!

The Frying Pan: This is probably one of the coolest places in the city in my opinion. It’s actually located on a Coast Guard lightship in the Hudson River. They have beer, wine and specialty drinks as well as a small menu of munchies. This has been on my list of places to go for a while and I finally went this time. It’s seasonal so make sure you check if they are open before you go.

Bar Veloce: We went to the one located in Chelsea for HH one day after my friend got off work. Their specialty for HH is actually prosecco Happy Hour. If you know me you know I thought this place was perfect!

Beauty & Essex: I went here a few years ago, and it was such a good time. This is a place you can go for just drinks, or you can also eat there. If you are having a later dinner I would highly suggest going here! The atmosphere is really fun and will put you in the mood to go out! Hah

Sweet & Vicious: My friend usually goes here for HH, and loves it. However, we actually went a little later and it was still pretty fun. They have a patio if you go earlier in the day; which is always a perk in my book. I will say the music selection when we were there was on point. If a bar is playing Backstreet Boys & Spice Girls they are a winner in my book!

College Alumni Bars: This isn’t a Friday night thing but, if you are in the city during college football season and your Alma matter is a big time football school, I highly suggest checking out your alumni bar.  I obviously go to the FSU bars when I’m there but, I’ve been to a gator bar and Ohio State bar that were a good time. (Obviously FSU bars are the best in my book)

McSorley’s: This is actually the oldest continuously operated saloon in NYC! Some of my best friends told me about this place, and one night when I lived in New York J and I just happened to walk by. They only serve light or dark beer, and when you order one you actually get two beers but, it’s a pretty good time. Also if any of you are fans of The Carrie Diaries you might recognize this place. (Confession: When J and I went I might have had one too many, and talked to the door guy for like 20 minutes, and heard the entire history of this bar and I asked WAYYY too many questions. Haha J was BEYOND embarrassed.)

Like food places, bars and nightlife are EVERYWHERE! Seriously if you are walking down the street and something looks like a good time, you should stop in because it will probably not disappoint!

This wraps up my NYC travel diary!

I hope you have enjoyed a little insight into my FAVORITE city! If I have left you wanting more please email me (fashionablylateblonde@gmail.com) or leave a comment and I would be more than happy to give you even more recommendations. Especially if you have a trip planned for the upcoming holidays! New York at Christmas is a whole different world that I think everyone should experience.