Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that traditional holiday decorations are the only way to go (think big wreaths, fair isle sweaters, and sparkly red & green ornaments)…

If you have a more rustic home or are just a lover of the classics, than these options are great.  But for those that perhaps live in a more urban setting (or simply want to put their own spin on things), there are tons of alternative options out there that I’d categorize as Modern Holiday.  Not only are these all under $50, but I think you’ll get use out of them long after the tree comes down.  

Nest: Ditch the Santa mugs and choose these diamond designed CB2 dessert plates instead.  From holiday cookies to New Year’s bites, serving on these is instantly more chic.  After all, Marilyn Monroe asked for a few carats for Christmas, why shouldn’t you?  

Dressed:  Sparkly dresses have their place, but this velvet one shouldered romper from Mango?  So utterly cool, and completely unpredictable.  I’d wear it with snakeskin strappy heels and a big silver cuff bracelet on each wrist. 

The Rest: While the glittery globe ornaments are great for pops of color and to fill in a larger tree, the off beat ornaments are always my favorite.  This Aspen Bunny from Anthropologie, complete with ski mask and furry vest, would look cute propped on your desk top all winter long.  
 

I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that traditional holiday decorations are the only way to go (think big wreaths, fair isle sweaters, and sparkly red & green ornaments)…

If you have a more rustic home or are just a lover of the classics, than these options are great.  But for those that perhaps live in a more urban setting (or simply want to put their own spin on things), there are tons of alternative options out there that I’d categorize as Modern Holiday.  Not only are these all under $50, but I think you’ll get use out of them long after the tree comes down.  

Nest: Ditch the Santa mugs and choose these diamond designed CB2 dessert plates instead.  From holiday cookies to New Year’s bites, serving on these is instantly more chic.  After all, Marilyn Monroe asked for a few carats for Christmas, why shouldn’t you?  

Dressed:  Sparkly dresses have their place, but this velvet one shouldered romper from Mango?  So utterly cool, and completely unpredictable.  I’d wear it with snakeskin strappy heels and a big silver cuff bracelet on each wrist. 

The Rest: While the glittery globe ornaments are great for pops of color and to fill in a larger tree, the off beat ornaments are always my favorite.  This Aspen Bunny from Anthropologie, complete with ski mask and furry vest, would look cute propped on your desk top all winter long.  
 

This holiday weekend seemed both relaxing and also to have flown by, if that’s possible?


Friday we avoided the Black Friday shopping crowds altogether and escaped to the beautiful Getty Museum (if you live in the Los Angeles area and haven’t been, I highly recommend it – it’s equal parts gallery and secret garden atop the city).  Seemingly overnight, Thanksgiving is a thing of the past and main streets, malls and palm trees are all in the holiday spirit.  Despite the lack of really wintery weather, I want to slow down enough to fully take in my first Christmas in California.

p.s.  The boy and I signed a lease on a townhouse that will be ours as of December 1 – and I am already dreaming up a million decorating ideas, so you can count on me posting lots of before and afters as we go! 

This holiday weekend seemed both relaxing and also to have flown by, if that’s possible?


Friday we avoided the Black Friday shopping crowds altogether and escaped to the beautiful Getty Museum (if you live in the Los Angeles area and haven’t been, I highly recommend it – it’s equal parts gallery and secret garden atop the city).  Seemingly overnight, Thanksgiving is a thing of the past and main streets, malls and palm trees are all in the holiday spirit.  Despite the lack of really wintery weather, I want to slow down enough to fully take in my first Christmas in California.

p.s.  The boy and I signed a lease on a townhouse that will be ours as of December 1 – and I am already dreaming up a million decorating ideas, so you can count on me posting lots of before and afters as we go! 

Happy (black) Friday! Whether you’re checking off your gift list, picking up holiday decorations, grabbing something for yourself, or shopping online from the safety of your own home – go forth and conquer.  Above, a few ideas – all on sale!

Clockwise from top left:
(Anthropologie Earrings, World Market pillow, Urban Outfitters duvet cover)
(Old Navy sweater, West Elm ConfettiSystem Tree,  Madewell Dress)
(The Wonderful World of Fifi Lapin book, Gap Booties)