As much as I love living in Southern California, it just doesn’t feel as “Christmas-y” as other (read: colder) parts of the country. Yes, every outdoor mall has a giant Christmas tree, but sometimes part of me wishes there was some snow and more bundling up to match the festivities of this time of year. But then I come to my senses and realize how lucky we are have to have gorgeous weather year round. It’s December, and I’m able to walk outside wearing this while finishing up my holiday shopping! I really can’t complain.
Rodeo Drive is so beautiful over the holidays. On the one hand there are holiday decorations all over the storefronts and along the street, and on the other hand you have these quintessential SoCal palm trees.
This past weekend I wore this top with these jeansand my new go-to flats from Restricted Shoes. They’re only $55 and I wear them all the time to the office and out and about on the weekends. I love how comfortable and easy to style they are, and I honestly cannot recommend Restricted Shoes enough because of their on trend styles and price point. Pretty much everything is under $100. You know I’m all about a good high low combo – after all, budgets are very real (especially this time of year!) and I definitely believe that good shoes don’t need to break the bank.
If you’re looking to snag a pair of shoes for someone else as a gift (or yourself because let’s face it, you deserve it : )) you can use THELUXILOOK25 for 25% off all full priced styles. Now that’s a deal I can get behind. Happy holidays!
Going on a ski trip this winter? I’m currently in the middle of planning a couple, so naturally the first thing I did was go to Pinterestand start pinning some cute après ski outfits. Maybe I’ll bring a few faux fur jackets to hit the slopes? I’m not the biggest skier, but browsing Pinterest left me feeling inspired by all the snow bunny looks. If you’re planning a ski trip or two this winter, see above for my favorite picks to keep you looking chic and staying toasty on and off the slopes.
Some cold weather style tips to keep in mind
If you’re traveling to one of the chicest ski towns (think: Aspen, Deer Valley, somewhere in Europe), you’ll want to keep some cold weather style tips in mind. Cold weather + snow doesn’t mean it’s time to let your style game down! Some easy tips to keep you warm but don’t mean looking like a Michelin man:
+ Fitted gear is key.
Fitted ski pants, jackets, slim base layers, and leggings help maintain *some* semblance of a shape. They might be a little more pricey (good fitting clothes always are!), but view it as an investment that you’ll wear for years and years to come. If your family/friend group is big on skiing, you can probably safely bet it won’t be the last time you’ll pull these pieces out! Stick to black or white – these colors will keep your entire outfit looking sleek + chic, and can be worn every year.
+ Don’t forget about accessories.
Earmuffs, hats, scarves, mittens – these are cold weather essentials! Faux fur, colors, and prints help add a unique touch to your look. I’m personally a huge fan of faux fur accessories in the snow.
+ It’s all about boots!
Avoid leather or suede that will get ruined in the snow, and get yourself a pair of functional snow boots. I love Sorels for the price point, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, there are some very high end, chic options.
Like most girls, I love clothes, shoes, accessories, beauty products. You name it. It’s so easy to go overboard with shopping this time of year when there are so many Black Friday/holiday/end of year sales. Between how easy it’s become to buy things online and how fast shipping has gotten, I’ve found myself in situations in the past where I frankly have more stuff than I know what to do with. The end of the year also marks a season of giving. And after spending time at home and then volunteering some time in the community, I’m approaching my wardrobe and apartment with a new philosophy.
I absolutely hate clutter and I hate seeing products go to waste. Also, I am not the type of person who likes to hold onto a piece of clothing because I “might” wear it again someday. The older I get, the more willing I am to embrace minimalism, which is why I’ve been focusing more and more on classic and simple clothing pieces, as well as a new shopping philosophy. Basically with every item that comes in, at least one needs to go.
A couple reasons for doing this:
One, it’s way too easy to accumulate stuff. Especially as a blogger we receive a lot of PR samples and gifted product.
Next thing you know you have endless boxes and no where to store everything. I know some girls may really like this, but it honestly drives me nuts.
Finally, my boyfriend had enough, and we both agreed that something had to give! We live in a small apartment and there just is not enough space to keep everything.
Also, by constantly re-evaluating all of the things you have, it really forces you to prioritize and come to terms with what pieces actually get use and what pieces are just sitting in your closet or bathroom collecting dust. We’ll see how this experiment goes but for now I could not be happier with the progress I’ve made. Yes, the closet looks emptier, but in a good way. I’m able to clearly assess what I have and more importantly, what I actually need.
In this sense, Rent the Runway Unlimited has been a huge help in filling some of the gaps in my wardrobe!
Also, they are helping me determine what are “essential” pieces that I will actually want to have in my closet. Even though I’m not 100% satisfied with the product assortment in the service, I really do love their mission of reducing waste (the fashion industry is sadly incredibly wasteful to the environment) and democratizing fashion, which is why I will continue to support them. In fact, after renting this VEDA leather jacket for the past month, I’m so in love with it that I am seriously considering purchasing it for myself.
As for where my items go when I am finished with them – some things my sister is excited to scoop up, other gently used clothing can be donated to local organizations or Goodwill. Then there are certain things that can be resold. I have been largely using Poshmark, although I know some people love Depop. Between these methods, I have been fairly effective at really streamlining my closet. Give me another few months and hopefully I will be closer to Marie Kondo status!
Not going to lie, getting moving today was tough but so, so worth it. Thanksgiving is a day to go all out on a feast but it’s also an unofficial kick off to a month (plus) of indulging and festivities. To *try* to balance some of the excess eating and drinking, I always like to up my workouts in December – both in frequency and intensity. It also helps that Black Friday this year has so many great activewear deals to help motivate and inspire you to stay on track this holiday season. Let’s face it, no one wants to gain weight over the holidays, and what better way to motivate yourself to workout than some new workout clothes?
The way I look at activewear purchases – I aim to workout every day of the week (it doesn’t happen but I figure by aiming high I leave myself some wiggle room), and if you’re looking at things from a pure cost per wear basis, activewear is the lowest for me. I joke that I wear my workout clothes more than my normal clothes, and at this point it’s probably true. I already rounded up my favorite all around Black Friday deals (yes, I’ve participated from my couch and there have been some incredible scores) but I wanted to do another post on the best Black Friday (+ Cyber Monday) activewear deals because there are so many!! As an added bonus, they also double as a great excuse to shop for your family, friends, significant other, etc. – these make incredible gifts!
Up to 50% selected items. Definitely worth checking out. I LOVE my Ultraboosts and they’re on sale in the dusty pink color (which honestly never happens).
30% off everything on the site. I love Alala for their moisture wicking fabrics and flattering cuts. I have several sets from this brand. Some of my picks:
Everything is 30% off! Alo is my favorite line for cute yoga studio to street styles, they really nail athleisure and have the best loungewear and outerwear you’ll just want to live in (these are honestly the most comfortable pair of leggings I own). Now is the perfect chance to snag any items you’ve had on your eye – Alo rarely has sales!
Get 30% off select items using code INDULGE30. Linking some of my picks below. Also, not on sale, but if you don’t know what to get someone for Christmas, chances are they will be thrilled with a Carbon38 gift card! Carbon38 is my go to site for activewear and accessories – they always have the best selection. I was really pleasantly surprised by how good the selection of 30% items were. Their in house line Takara leggings are really comfortable and can be worn from class to brunch.
I’ve shared my experience with Classpass before, if you haven’t tried the service yet and have been on the fence, now may be the time to try. For Black Friday and Cyber Monday you can get your first month free if you sign up online.
Up to 60% off select items. All of my Koral pieces have worn really well and lasted a long time. Highly recommend snagging some of their black leggings if you have a chance.
You don’t find Lululemon on sale everyday. There’s a reason why the brand is still a staple and go to for so many people. Here are my Lululemon Black Friday picks: these classic leggings, this printed sports bra, and this super cozy jacket.
Select items up to 60% (!!) off. I am OBSESSED with all things Michi. The fabric is thick yet moisture wicking. Their mesh paneled black leggings are seriously the most flattering and comfortable ones I own, they suck everything in and are thick enough that you will always reach for them first, especially on days like today when you’re stuffed like a turkey ; ). You can’t go wrong with any of their leggings and sports bras, but I like to go for black – they will be the most slimming leggings you own! I would wear mine everyday if I could.
Up to 40% off select items. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Outdoor Voices on sale – I love my gray kit and wear it a lot (sometimes even just to run errands) and have been dying to try their new TechSweat fabric (meant to be more moisture wicking and better for high intensity workouts).
I included this in my last Black Friday sale post but had to do it again. Morgan Stewart’s line continues to be one of my favorites. I always buy the matching sets – they’re flattering, simple, and super well made. I just love the fabric and the fact that she releases the sets in fun colors (hello, neon for summer!). The capsule collection consists of white, black, and electric red, and I’m convinced I need all 3 in my closet ASAP.
Now that the feast (or round one at least, I don’t know about you but I’m all about that leftover life) is over and the turkey coma has set in, if you don’t feel like leaving the house don’t worry! All of the best Black Friday sales are online so you can shop from the comfort of your home, preferably in the stretchiest pants you own. Detox starts next week, am I right? Happy shopping! xx
