Faux Leather Leggings + Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Fuzzy Sweater: Target / Faux Leather Leggings: Club Monaco
Bag: Chanel (Similar) / Earrings: Ann Taylor / Heels: Levity (Similar)

I can’t believe the holidays are just days around the corner and we are seriously DAYS away from Christmas! I wanted to share this super cozy yet chic look I wore over the weekend with one of my favorite fuzzy sweaters from target (under $15!) paired with faux leather leggings from Club Monaco. I’ve had these leggings for a while now and they can be dressed either up or down. I love that only the front panel is faux leather and the back is a thick legging material. I highly recommend them!

If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet or looking for a few great stocking stuffers look no further! I rounded a few of my favorite items below which are perfect for yourself, a friend, girlfriend, fiance, mother, etc.!

1. Handbag: I’ve had my eye on the Gucci Marmont bag recently. I also recommend (and have) the Saint Laurent Monogram Quilted Leather Wallet on a Chain bag for the last few years and couldn’t recommend it more! If you are looking for something more budget-friendly I highly recommend this crossbody Tory Burch bag.

2. Perfume: Even though this is on the personal side you can’t go wrong with gifting perfume! My favorite in general is Chanel, specifically the Coco Mademoiselle and N5.

3. Initial Necklaces: I love receiving and giving dainty jewelry. I’ve been a big fan of the Kate Spade initial pendant necklace which is very personal and makes the perfect gift!

4. Sunglasses: I love sunglasses and can’t ever get enough of them (probably because I loose them all the time)! My favorites include Ray Ban, Chloe and Quay.

5. Scarf: You can never go wrong with gifting scarves. They come in so many colors and patterns - the options are endless! My favorite picks are this scarf and this scarf.

6. Candles: I know I love receiving candles. My favorites include: Diptyque, Jo Malone and Yankee Candle. I literally have them all over the house and loveeee how the house smells.

7. Cozy Sweaters: You all know I love my cozy sweaters. This year cozy sweaters come in all shapes and sizes. I am just loving this one from target which is so fuzzy and on sale for under $15!

8. Slippers: I love these slippers because they are so warm and cozy but these are also super trendy! These UGG slippers have the cutest bow and I love these classic UGG slippers as well.

9. Earrings: I love diamond stud earrings, but I also love me a good pair of statement earrings! This year statement earrings came in so many different lengths and styles - like these Bauble Bar tassel earrings and these beautiful Kendra Scott earings!

10. Makeup Sets: Ladies, you all know that makeup can be soo expensive! If the person who you are shopping for is into makeup this set literally has every lip color and this set is super popular as well!

Birthday Outfit and Birthday Q&A

Velvet Bodysuit: Zara / Leather Skirt: Zara (Similar) /Tights: Spanx
Earrings: DFTI (Similar) / Booties: Sam Edelman

Today on this day, I am another year older and wiser. As I’ve said before, December is one of my favorite months out of the year. It’s always so wonderful to spend time with loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, attend holiday parties, warm cozy sweaters and wearing ugly Christmas sweaters… oh and My Birthday!

We kicked off my birthday celebrations over the weekend by hosting our closest friends at our home on Saturday for dinner and drinks (and the yummiest ice cream cake from Scoop DeVille). This was followed by some amazing karaoke in our private room at Lair KTV. Today we will be going to dinner at one of my favorite steak places in the city, Del Friscos. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by and I feel so blessed each and every single day.

I usually have a fun post for my blog on my birthday. Last year I did this post and told you guys 10 things you didn’t know about me. This year I wanted to do a Q&A where I asked my wonderful followers on Instagram about anything they wanted! So here is goes!

BIRTHDAY Q&A

PERSONAL

How long have you been married for? How did you and your husband meet?

The hubby and I have been married for 4 years and we’ve been together for a few years before that. We met many years ago when we were younger through our place of worship. We drifted apart for many years but reunited in Philadelphia through a mutual friend!

What’s been your favorite place that you have traveled too? Do you have any upcoming travel plans?

I love to travel and to explore new places. Honestly it gives me something to look forward too and just to experience new things in the world and see how others in the world live is such an amazing experience. This year we made two big trips - the first was to Santorini and Mykonos in Greece in May and then we went to India in October. Our next travel plans include a trip to Connecticut followed by Arizona where my in-laws live. I love going out there in the winter time because it’s so nice and warm! We will definitely have some amazing trips coming up next year so stay tuned!

What did you go to school for?

I attended the University of Connection (UCONN) - Go Huskies and I went to school for Accounting. I have both my Bachelor of Science and my Masters both in Accounting.

What book are you currently reading?

Currently I am reading the Alchemist. I also recently finished all three books in the Crazy Rich Asians series by Kevin Kwan - Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problems. I highly recommend them!

What’s your favorite investment bag?

Hands down my favorite investment bag would be Chanel. Chanel in general really holds it value and is worth every penny. Their bags are also stunning and well made! You can read my review on the Chanel mini I got last year for my birthday here.

Will you be doing a home tour or a tour of your closet?

I am super flattered that you all want to see my home and closet! I currently don’t have any plans to do a home tour or closet tour but I did post about our living room last year which you can read here.

What is your favorite place to eat in Philadelphia?

There are so many awesome places! My favorites include -
Top Choice: Zahav
(This year on Valentine’s Day my husband surprised me and took me here. I also got to meet Michael Solomonov who was soo nice!)
Steaks: Del Friscos
Burgers: Dandelion and Pub & Kitchen
Sushi: Royal Izakaya
Salads: Sweetgreen
Dessert: Franklin Fountain

BEAUTY/STYLE

Who is your celebrity style inspiration?

There are so many that inspire! First off and foremost I would have to say my mother is a style inspiration to me! I would also have to say Natalie Portman, Victoria Beckham, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Obama - so timeless and classic, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.

Where do you shop/what are your favorite stores?

Zara, Nordstrom, ASOS, Sephora

How do you curl your hair and what products do you use?

I use a 1 1/4 inch Hot Tools curling iron. I try not to use too many products on my hair. My everyday curls usually consist of brushing my hair out, curling, then using hairspray. I use Garnier for hair spray - I go through so much it doesn’t make sense to splurge on hair spray.

What are your staple makeup products?

I use the following products everyday:

Foundation - Lancome
Concealer - Tarte
Color Corrector - Becca
Setting Powder - Laura Mercier
Highlighter - Becca
Eyebrow Pencil - Anastasia Beverly Hills
Lip - Kat Von D
Mascara - Dior
Blush - Too Faced
Contour Palette - Smashbox
Eyeshadow - Stila

Do you have hair extensions? How do you keep your hair so healthy?

I don’t have hair extensions nor have I ever wore them. My hair is pretty healthy - or at least that’s what all the hair stylists tell me. I have never colored my hair nor have I gotten any chemicals put on my hair (no keratin treatment, etc). I don’t plan on doing that since it really damages your hair!

Will you be doing any beauty tutorials?
This is something I have been thinking about doing something for a while but have not yet gotten around to it! Keep a look out on my YouTube channel and make sure to subscribe!

BLOGGING

Why did you get into blogging?

I always wanted to have a job in the beauty and fashion industry but I went into business in college and received my Accounting degrees. Blogging is an outlet for myself to have a connection with that industry and I’ve truly enjoyed every minute of it.

What do you do for a living? Do you blog full time?

I am a full time Accountant in Philadelphia and I blog on the side!

Who takes all your blog photos?

My wonderful husband takes all my photos and this blog wouldn’t exist without him.
Thank you so much!!!

How long does a blog post usually take to write?

It takes a long time! There’s alot that goes into a blog post that people don’t see or know. From the initial brainstorming, getting ready and styling outfits, shooting content, editing photos to actually writing the post (which is probably my least favorite part). I usually see what’s coming up a few weeks before (vacations, holidays, birthday, etc) and start planning backwards from there.

What are the struggles that come with blogging?

With any business especially one that’s yours, you can’t ever really “turn it off.” I work full time and do blogging on the side so my “free time” is pretty much taken up! Also, with the weather it’s harder to take photos during the week during the winter months since it gets dark out so early. We’ve been taking photos during the weekends. Bloggers make things look so glamorous and portraying (and that just comes with the job) but there is soo much more that goes into it! Additionally, when you’re blogging you are sharing so much of your life with others and that can be hard to draw a line of what to share and what not to share. It’s also important not to get caught up with what others are doing and just do you!!

Whats your favorite thing about blogging?

One of my favorite things is meeting new people and attending events! I’ve made some wonderful connections through blogging especially here in Philadelphia!

I hope you all enjoyed this post! From the bottom of my heart thank you all so much for your support!

Holiday Dresses

Metallic Dress: ASOS / Heels: Levity (Similar)
Purse: Chanel (Similar) / Earrings: Ann Taylor

The holidays are my favorite time of the year. Not only is December my birthday month but it also means endless spending quality time with your loved ones, holiday parties and eating all your favorite yummy holiday foods.

With the holidays, it also means the chance of dressing up in your best! There are days which I do like to be casual and then this time of year especially I love being able to wear anything metallic, sequin, and glitter! There’s just something about getting all dressed up for the holidays that I love. I am currently obsessing over this silver metallic dress that is soo chic and stylish. I love the midi length of the dress and how it drapes. You can also pair this dress with tights and booties.

If you have any events to attend this holiday season check out my top 10 picks below!

Best Cyber Monday Sales 2018

Happy Cyber Monday! I went through all of my Black Friday links and updated them for Cyber Monday! Cyber Monday is one of the best shopping days of the year and a great time to get all your shopping for the holidays done (click the links below to shop - everything is in alphabetical order)!

Best Cyber Monday Sales 2018:

7FORALLMANKIND // 40% off Full Price Items // Code: CYBER40

ABERCROMBIE + FITCH // 50% off Purchase + Free Shipping

AMERICAN EAGLE // 40% off Purchase + Free Shipping

ALDO // 20% off Regular Price & 50% off Sale Prices

AMAZON // Amazing deals everyday!

ANN TAYLOR // 50% off Purchase // Code: CYBER2018

ASOS // 25% off Purchase // Code: EPIC25

BANANA REPUBLIC // 50% off Everything
Also when you use your card get an extra 10% off Code: BRCARD

BAUBLE BAR // 35% off Everything // Code: CYBER35

BCBG // 50% off Entire Purchase

BLOOMINGDALE // 25% off Select Items

CHICWISH // Extra $10 off $70+ Code: BF10 Extra $20 off $120+ Code: BF20

COACH // Select items 50% off

COLE HAAN // 50% off Select Items & 10% Additional off with Code: CYBER

CLUB MONACO // 25% off $150, 30% off $250, 35% off $400 // Code: CMCYBERMONDAY18

EXPRESS // 50% off Everything Online Only + Free Shipping

GAP // 50% off Everything and Extra 10% off Everything // Code: CYBER Bonus Code: YOURS

H&M // 30% off Everything + Free Shipping

HUNTER BOOTS // 30% off Selected Footwear

INTERMIX // 30% off Everything

JCPENNEY // So many amazing deals!

JCrew // 50% off Purchase // Code: CYBER

JCrew Factory // 60% off // Code: ADD2CART

KATE SPADE // 30% - 40% Off Everything

KOHLS // Take Extra 15% // Code: JOY

LOFT // 50% off Purchase // Code: CYBER

LUCKY BRAND // 60% off Sale

MACYS // So many amazing doorbusters and deals!

MADEWELL // 25% Off Purchase // Code: SHOPALLDAY

MICHAEL KORS // Up to 60% off Select Styles + Free Shipping

NEIMAN MARCUS // Earn a $50 - $750 Giftcard

NEW YORK & COMPANY // Everything up to 75% off Code: 112399

NORDSTROM // Up to 60% off Select Items

POTTERY BARN // 25% off Sitewide + Free Shipping // Code: CYBER

RALPH LAUREN // 40% off $125 Purchase // Code: CYBER

REVOLVE // Up to 75% Off Markdowns and 20% Off Sale Code: CYBER20

SAM EDELMAN // 15% off $60, 20% off $90, 25% off $120 // Code: MORESAM

SEPHORA // Select items on sale!

SHOPBOP // Additional 30% off Sale Items // Code: WOW18

STUART WETIZMAN // 20% off Sale Items // Code: CYBER20

TARGET // Amazing deals everyday!

TORY BURCH / 30% off $250 // Code: THANKS

URBAN OUTFITTERS // $10 off $50, $25 off $100, $50 off $150

ULTA // Select items on sale!

VICTORIAS SECRET // 20% off $125 + Free Shipping on $30+ // Codes: SHIP30 & SAVE20

WEST ELM // Save up to 70%

THE ULTIMATE BLACK FRIDAY SALE ROUNDUP AND DISCOUNT CODES 2018

Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays of the year. It's the one holiday that I have never missed with my family and I look forward to it every year. This year my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving today in our home in Philadelphia and we the most amazing time with our family!

After Thanksgiving, we all know comes Black Friday - seriously, one of the biggest shopping days of the YEAR! I used to get up early to get to the stores as early as 5am (or even sooner!) but now with everything accessible online there is no need to fight the crowds! This is definitely the best time of year to get all of the items you have been eying and a great time to get all of your Christmas shopping done (click the links below to shop - everything is in alphabetical order)!

The Ultimate Black Friday Sale Roundup and Discount Codes 2018:

7FORALLMANKIND // 40% off Full Price Items // Code: BLACK40

ABERCROMBIE + FITCH // 50% off Purchase + Free Shipping

AMERICAN EAGLE // 40% off Purchase + Free Shipping

ALDO // 20% off Regular Price & 50% off Sale Prices

AMAZON // Amazing deals everyday!

ANN TAYLOR // 50% off Purchase // Code: BLACKFRIDAY

ASOS // 20% off Purchase // Code: HELLO20

BANANA REPUBLIC // 50% off Everything
Also when you use your card get an extra 10% off Code: BRCARD

BAUBLE BAR // 35% off Everything

BCBG // 50% off Everything

BLOOMINGDALE // 15% off $100-$249.99, 20% off $250-$399.99, 25% off $400+

CHICWISH // Extra $10 off $70+ Code: BF10 Extra $20 off $120+ Code: BF20

COACH // Select items 50% off

COLE HAAN // 50% off Select Items & 30% Everything else

CLUB MONACO // 25% off $150, 30% off $250, 35% off $400 // Code: CMBLACKFRIDAY18

EXPRESS // 50% off Everything + Free Shipping

GAP // 50% off Everything and Extra 10% off Everything // Code: BLKFRIDAY Bonus Code: TREAT

GUESS // Everything 40%-50% off

H&M // 30% off Everything + Free Shipping // Code: 3238

HUNTER BOOTS // 20% off Selected Footwear

INTERMIX // $50 off Every $250 + Free Shipping

JCPENNEY // So many amazing doorbusters and deals!

JCrew // 50% off Purchase // Code: TGIF

JCrew Factory // 40%-50% off Everything // Code: ADD2CART

KATE SPADE // Up to 75% off

KOHLS // Take Extra 15% // Code: JOY

LANE BRYANT // 40% off Sitewide + Free Shipping // Code: BLACKFRIDAY

LOFT // 50% off Purchase // Code: THANKS

LUCKY BRAND // 50% off Everything

MACYS // So many amazing doorbusters and deals!

MADEWELL // 25% Off Purchase // Code: DEALWITHIT

MICHAEL KORS // Up to 50% off Select Styles

NEIMAN MARCUS // $50 off $200 Purchase // Code: THANKFUL

NEW YORK & COMPANY // Everything up to 75% off Plus Extra 10% off Code: 113100

NORDSTROM // Up to 60% off Select Items

OLD NAVY // 50% off Purchase

POTTERY BARN // 25% off Sitewide + Free Shipping // Code: THANKFUL

RALPH LAUREN // 40% off $125 Purchase // Code: TAKE40

REVOLVE // Up to 50% Off

SAM EDELMAN // Up to 50% off Sitewide // Code: SAMSGIVING2018

SEPHORA // Select items on sale!

SHOPBOP // 15% off $200+, 20% off $500+, 25% off $800+ // Code: MORE18

STUART WETIZMAN // Up to 30% off Select Items // Code: BLACKFRIYAY

TARGET // Amazing deals everyday!

TORY BURCH / Up to 60% Off // Code: THANKS

URBAN OUTFITTERS // Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Everything

ULTA // Select items on sale!

VICTORIAS SECRET // $50 off $250 + Free Shipping // Codes: SHIP50 & SAVE5OVS

WEST ELM // 15% off $100, 20% off $500, 25% off $1,000, 35% off $3,000 // Code: SAVEMORE