And just like that, Christmas has come and gone. I planned to check in here over the weekend, but instead ended up checking out from blog-land for a bit and just really enjoying time spent with family. Adam and I kicked off celebrations on Christmas Eve Eve which is our ‘meet-aversary’ .. meaning it’s been 6 years since the night we met. I wore this little red dress (now on sale!) for a fancy sushi dinner here in the city and our own present exchange before we headed home to Pennsylvania the next morning. We were lucky enough to be able to visit with all 5 of our grandparents before spending Christmas day with my parents, sister and brother in law and an extra special present this year.. our 11 month old niece!
We’re back in the city now, and setting our sights on ringing in the New Year. We still haven’t secured plans (this holiday feels like it sneaks up on me every year) but no matter what we’re doing I’ll definitely be wearing something festive like this silver slip dress and beaded bag.
Of all the pieces I first debuted at the beginning of the holiday season (see them all in my ‘Complete Guide to the Holidays‘), this plaid coat and faux fur scarf have easily gotten the most wear since then. Okay this flannel sleepshirt is in the running.. but the first two have definitely seen the most light of day.
Not only am I in a mild state of disbelief that Christmas is less than a week away – but the thought that New Year’s Eve is just around the corner has me in a general state of shock. Adam and I have tentative plans to head down to my cousin’s beach house in Delaware and have a fairly low-key NYE – but that doesn’t mean that I won’t want to still get a bit dressed up. This off the shoulder sweater and pleated metallic midi skirt balances that line between night out glitz and night in cozy in a fun way.
Oh hi there! Remember me?! These past couple of weeks (okay.. months) have been a whirlwind between my full time job, real life and this corner of the internet so hoping you can excuse the few days of radio silence (but in the meantime be sure you’re following me on Instagram so you see the day to day). I spent most of this weekend trying to race around time to get my holiday shopping wrapped up – and if you’ve decided to wait until one week before Christmas to do your own shopping (or just have been equally busy and haven’t yet had the time) at least you can take advantage of the major sales/shipping deals happening right now. Below – what’s been up on Instagram lately + some last minute gift suggestions. And for more – check out my holiday gift guide here.
INSTAGRAM LATELY
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SALES
ANTHROPOLOGIE: 30% off clothing & accessories, 20% off home & beauty
BODEN: Up to 40% off select items – order by 12/21 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23
BANANA REPUBLIC: 40% off full-priced styles with code BRHOLIDAY – order by 12/18 for standard delivery by 12/23
FRENCH CONNECTION: Extra 50% off sale – order by 12/19 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23
GIGI NEW YORK: Free personalization, shipping and gift with purchase this weekend only
JCREW: 40% off your purchase with code HOLIDAY – order by 12/20 for delivery by 12/23
OLD NAVY: Up to 60% off the entire store + free shipping through 12/18 to arrive by 12/23
While I definitely have fun switching up my costume jewelry to match the trends of each season, the pieces that I wear on a daily basis – and are easily the most meaningful ‘fashion items’ that I own – are all fine jewelry. From a custom-made ring that spells out my last name in precious stones to a thin gold band passed down to me from my favorite great Aunt, there are pieces that I’d be devastated to lose. Fine jewelry, unlike almost any other wearable item, just feels so incredibly sentimental and long-lasting.
Which is why it’s important to protect it – and where Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company comes in. Accidents can happen no matter how careful we are. My late grandmother infamously threw away her own un-insured wedding ring and I once helped a friend search through gravel for hours after losing a brand new diamond stud earring that she’d yet to insure… and we never found it. There’s really no excuse for not having jewelry protection. Jewelers Mutual offers repair/replacement (including worldwide travel coverage!) for all types of jewelry and watches whether it’s been lost, stolen, damaged or just plain mysteriously disappeared.
So now that you know how to protect it – comes the fun part. Shopping for it (or hint, hint.. sending this post to someone who needs a little extra guidance in shopping for you!). Below, a few handy tips to picking the perfect fine jewelry gift this time of year. PLUS! Enter here for a chance to win a $1,000 jewelry gift card + other great prizes in the Season to Sparkle Sweepstakes from Jewelers Mutual.
To me, the wonderful part of fine jewelry is that it manages to feel timeless yet can be so tied to a particular moment or milestone. Avintage Hermes watch to celebrate a successful year of business or a sapphire studded ring to mark the addition of a new baby to the family. Pieces that will grow with you but will always call to mind special memories of when you first received them.
When looking for myself or for gifts I always look for that extra sentimental factor. I just got these Zodiac element studs in 10karat – one Air sign for Adam who is a Gemini and one Earth sign for my Taurus self to wear as a mismatched pair that represents us as a couple. And I gifted a stack of these sterling silver number rings to my sister on her wedding day (510 for her May 10th anniversary). Symbols, colors and stones are all great ways to add an air of personalization. Aside from that – I look for classic silhouettes that won’t feel aged or go out of style, yet still have details that make them feel modern. These natural pearl studs with minimal gold settings or this abstract diamond cluster necklace are both great examples.
Happy shopping! And don’t forget to add on Jewelers Mutual coverage to really make it a forever gift!
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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
