holiday love.

This year I have come to appreciate the fall and winter seasons more than ever before. The cool cozy wood-burning air is so energizing and extra snugly + it adds such charm to the every day. I crave the time when hot tea, pumpkin bread, and twinkly lights make the house extra yummy and warm. Maybe I cherish this season so much because I love being at home with my family in Dallas or my sweet husband, especially when I am cuddled up in soft warm socks, loose fitting tees, and sweats.

I am so thrilled to be partnering with Aerie this month to show you a few of my hang-around-the-house ensembles. Not to mention, I am so honored to support the #AerieReal movement, which promotes anti-photoshopping. I hope everyone comes to notice their true beauty this holiday season. It seems that the important things come to light during the moments when the stores close, when we are forced to slow down and be. We all have flaws, and when they are fully embraced, that is beauty.

Everyone closest to me knows I live in cozy (no noun needed). When I wake up in the morning, I throw on this cozy faux fur vest or this fleece swingy poncho to warm up after I get out from under the covers. I love to mix and match over these flannel joggers and this #AerieReal tee. Oh! And how good are these slippers!?

After I read, answer a few emails and watch Kathie Lee and Hoda, I throw on this fringe turtleneck and call it a day. Or if I am feeling extra snugly, I will pair this teddy fleece with this pom beanie. Jason and I are headed to Big Sur this weekend, and I can't wait to pack these warm pieces for our relaxed trip!

Thank you to Aerie for sponsoring this post. Photos by Jen Sosa.

Party Planning

It's almost that time of year again - where Hobby Lobby puts their Christmas trees out & radio stations start playing Christmas music way too early...and you have holiday party after holiday party to pick out an outfit for. In my experience, the best way to approach the most wonderful time of year (in regards to your holiday party attire), is to plan ahead! Don't want until the night before your party and then realize you have nothing to wear.Lo & I wanted to help you get a head start on your party-outfit planning and give you two great looks that would stand out at any holiday party!Lo wore this adorable Alice & Olivia skirt to a recent bachelorette party she had in Dallas. The shimmer in the skirt makes it perfect for any holiday party, but the classic shape + great length make it totally work or day appropriate as well. (+ bonus! it's currently on sale!) I love this little crop top with its subtle shimmer, because it makes it so easy to dress up or down. I paired mine with this great faux leather pencil skirt (psst - the waistband is elastic!). A leather skirt is a must for the holiday season - perfect for parties, but you could also wear to the office. I'm also crazy about these color block heels because they are so comfortable, AND they are actually velcro! This feature totally sold me.So there ya go - get a head a start on your "party planning" this season & shop our looks here!:[show_shopthepost_widget id="353680"]

gift guide: for the men

Is it just me, or are men just hard to buy for? Guys for the most part are so simple and seem to be content with what they have, so it's difficult to think of anything but the typical to give. My goal each year is to think outside the box and give something useful, yet thoughtful. Does he like golf? Get him a new driver, golf bag, or fun accessories. Did he just start a new job? Get him a great pair of work shoes, ties, and nice clothes. Does he travel a lot? Bose speakers, an iPad Air, or a travel bag are always good options. Check out some of my favorite presents to give the guys!1. For the guy that loves a cold drink, especially a Moscow Mule. S/2 Antiqued Copper Mugs2. For the man who loves biking. P.S. Find any care kit imaginable here. FA Seeds Co. 'Cycle Care Kit'3. For decor, warmth, and snuggling. Filson Mackinaw Wool Throw Blanket4. To  spice up your man's watch collection. Tsovet Watch5. The holiday food has arrived, and a pair of Nike's only adds to the new year work out motivation.6. Nothing compares to Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones.7. The most manly calculator and the perfect stocking stuffer.8. For the dude who loves golfing. Golf Trunk Organizer9. A great Jack Spade Flannel iPhone Case for fall.10. For the guy who travels a lot. American Heritage Leather Travel Kit11. A good henley always makes a man look good.12. There is nothing like a good boot on a man. Rag & Bone Archer Desert Boots 13. A great bag for an overnight trip or a carry-on vacation. 

gift guide: stocking stuffers.

Yes, I am 25, but I would tear up if my parents stopped filling up our stockings. It's a sweet reminder of childhood and a tradition that should never end. Not to mention: what a fun way to give creative little adorable presents. Check out my favorite picks!1. Cute knee socks never fail to make Christmas mornings extra fun. 'Holiday-big spot' Pompom Knee High Socks2. New MAC lip gloss is a dream, especially when they are in holiday colors. MAC Nocturnals Coral Lip Gloss (Limited Edition)3. Such an adorable gold polka dot case for wintery days. Le Pavillion iPhone 5 Case4. I can't even get over how adorable these are. Bow Push Pins5. A necessity in my handbag. 'Holiday' Shea Butter Hand Cream6. These are just as cute as their classic rain boots! Hunter Faux Fur Cuff Welly Socks7. I saw this the other day at Nordstrom and almost caved.  Jonathan Adler 'His' Luggage Tag8. Perfect for any Christmas occasion. Kendra Scott 'Niko' Long Earrings9. Christmas morning is always a great time to get new jammies. Wildfox Dreamer Sleep Shirt10. Four flavors of this fabulous lip balm? Yes please. Kiehl's Since 1851 Lip Balm Set11. Crayon lip color is my newest obsession. Jumbo Lip Crayon Set12. This case is so cute it almost has the power to make your passport pic look good. 'This is Mine' Passport Case13. This alone makes me want to plan a trip.  Jonathan Adler 'Hers' Luggage Tag14. Any girl could always use a new cosmetics case. Tory Burch 'Brigitte' Cosmetics Case15. Interior design on a wine stopper. Woodland Park Owl Bottle Stopper Set16. Gorgeous eyeshadow shades. Dior Couture Eye Palette17. I can't fall asleep without this. Mary Green Sleeping Eye Mask18. My all time favorite hair ties. They truly don't leave a crease in your hair. Peacock and Moss Hair Ties