Winter Recipes To Try

I love cooking home-cooked meals all times of the year, but especially in the winter months. There is something so comforting and cozy being inside when it's dark and cold outside! Below is my current list of recipes to try and I would love to hear any recommendations that you have in the comment section. xx meliss

*basil cashew chicken via half baked harvest

*creamy roasted red pepper and cauliflower soup via closet cooking

*garlic butter mushroom risotto via pinch of yum

*chicken tikka masala via savory tooth

*leek frittata via coveteur

*garlic butter white wine pasta via savory nothings

*beet risotto via well plated

*asparagus and smoked salmon pizzas via from the kitchen

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.

The White Tank

Don't you love when you have go-to staple basics in your closet? Like they are so good, you wish you had one in every color? I recently discovered a new favorite: the perfect white tank. Did I mention it's only $20? It's fitted just enough + flatters every figure + alludes a chill vibe. #caliiswearingoffonme || scroll down to see two ways to style it. [show_shopthepost_widget id="513639"]

a hint of leopard.

I am such a fan of being comfy, and if I am not in a pair of sweats or my favorite lounge denim, then I love to add a little chic-ness to the leisure look. T I P S: add a statement vest with a rad shirt dress.[show_shopthepost_widget id="503315"]

casually striped.

This is my go-to running-errands ensemble. Neutrals have started dominating my closet, and I incorporate the outfit pop in textures and prints rather than color (aka stripes, sweatshirt arms, and denim all over).[show_shopthepost_widget id="503287"]

a sweater + skinnies

there's something so wonderful about a good sweater that you can throw on with skinnies and have a complete outfit. yes, it's always fun to dress up and layer and accessorize, but I think there's so much beauty in simplicity as well.

sweater | handbag | scarf (buy one get one free!) | skinny jeans | long necklace | horseshoe necklace | booties

Shop my look here![show_shopthepost_widget id="502264"]

Winter Whites

I've always been one of "those girls" who wears white after labor day - even when this was considered "breaking a rule". I love white. Not only is it my favorite color just in general, but it's my favorite color to wear. I think it feels so feminine and classy.

Mock Neck Sweater | Fur Vest (similar - mine is from LOFT years ago!) | Boyfriend jeans (similar - mine are from Zara) | Clutch | Earrings | Sunnies | Booties

I am obsessed with this mock neck sweater because it's so soft, thin and I love the loose fit. A lot of girls shy away from sweaters because of the extra bulk they add. Not this one! It would also be so cute with skinny jeans or a leather legging.

Not only do I love the color white, but I think wearing white on white (on white!) is such a sleek and clean monochromatic look. Just make sure they are all slightly different shades of white to give your outfit some dimension.!

Shop my look here! (bonus - the clutch and earrings are on MAJOR sale!)

[show_shopthepost_widget id="492564"]

Shearling love

I'll be real with you: I am an outerwear connoisseur. You really can never have enough coats! I recently got my first shearling coat which I am absolutely in love with. I wanted to share it with you all, because if you order it before Saturday, you get free 3-day shipping, and this coat would make SUCH a great Christmas gift!

Shearling Aviator Coat | Aviator Sunglasses | Gold Feather EarringsI love this coat because for me, it's a little out of my realm of norm for outerwear. I didn't have a single item in my wardrobe that looked like this. Plus if you're planning a trip to the mountains or a cabin anytime this winter, this coat is PERFECT for those trips, and for traveling! It's also such a classic coat that I know I'll be able to wear for years to come!Hope you're able to enjoy this coat as much as I am - or get it for someone who will!xx, lauren

bundle up.

I was laughing this week when I heard a New Yorker comment on the slight warm front that was breezing through the city. What?? To me, The Big Apple accompanied North Pole temps. When my face was almost too frozen to speak after walking three short blocks, I recognized bundling up was a necessity...like layers upon layers + new rules: no holes in jeans, no public exposure without a massive scarf, no texting without gloves. Oh and I needed to live in a bini (and I did).