Bernkastel: In Black & White

Hi there! I've been planning a handful of fun posts to share in the next few weeks, but first and foremost I wanted to share some pictures from my holiday in Germany. It wasn't a whirlwind trip like DCT's and my visit in September, I honestly just laid around at home eating & boozing with my parents and brothers (a classic way to spend the holidays in my family, haha).

We did take a little trip down to the Bernkastel Christmas Market, where more eating and drinking was had, haha! I love the city of Bernkastel, it's located right on the banks of the Mosel River and climbs up rolling hills of vineyards. As with all German towns, the architecture is absolutely stunning which came out that much more with their holiday decorations strung throughout the city.

All the pictures below are in black and white as I really liked the effect it had on the photos. Something about them being devoid of any color really helps focus on the details of texture and lighting in the pictures.

I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading! Happy Friday!

Outfitted: Blue Christmas

Hi all! For those of you who celebrated, I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. My day was pretty low-key, presents were opened that morning and then the rest of the day was spent lounging around, reading new books (which I never get to do anymore), cooking, and drinking everything from mimosas and eggnog, to wine and amaretto spiked hot chocolate ;) Needless to say a very fulfilling Christmas, haha!

Co Crepe Dress (on sale at Urban Outfitters!) / Grey Ruffle Coat (Christmas gift, similar here) / Charlotte Russe Glitter Booties / Michael Kors bag

So remember that little challenge I gave myself for the holidays? Where I would wear one dress, styled in different ways, throughout the season. Well, I had all the intentions of continuing that challenge for Christmas, however when I took that dress out my closet to pack for Germany I found the nastiest tear in the front, which I'm completely convinced was the result of my cats playing in the closet and climbing over our clothes. Needless to say they are no longer allowed anywhere near the closet and my holiday challenge had to be put on hold till I can figure out a way to remedy the problem.

So instead of my metallic gold number, I put this simple cobalt blue drop-waist shift dress on for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Paired with a heather grey ruffle coat, tights, and glitter booties (the same ones from this post, fell in love and had to have them!) I'm loving how the blue truly pops against all the neutral accessories.

Some of these items were special Christmas gifts that I just couldn't wait to share with you, the coat and vintage cameo ring from my mother and the Michael Kors bag (my new baby) from DCT :) I would say I made out pretty well this Christmas, haha!

I have one more day left in Germany, which will probably be spent at a holiday market downtown enjoying the last bit of time with the family. I'm glad I was able to get over here for Christmas, but sad it had to be such a short trip (darn you adult responsibilities!). 

Once again I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday and as always, thanks for reading!

Jetset Style: A European Holiday

Hi there! So as I mentioned last week, I'm off to Europe again for Christmas! I was feeling a little homesick this holiday season and was *luckily* able to secure another trip back home. It's definitely not going to be as crazy as DCT's and my trip in September as I'm barely staying a full week, but it'll be nice to just hang at home with the family vegging out on the couch and maybe doing a little retail therapy at various Christmas markets.

Europe in general has become a second home to me and has influenced my life in more ways than one. From their food, culture, and style I try and bring various aspects back with me to Chicago. Today I wanted to share some style inspirations I've had for the holidays, so whether you're staying in the city, heading home, or jetsetting on a fabulous end-of-the-year getaway take some style influences from popular destinations in Europe, no passport required :)

Longchamp 'Le Pilage' Large Tote / Gray Laple Pocket Wool Coat / Paris Love Ring / Mel by Melissa Oatmeal Bow Flat / Lodis 'Audrey' Passport Case / Animal Cloche / Diana Mini in Latitude Camera / TopShop MOTO Skinny Leigh Jean / Charlotte Russe Glitter Back Ankle Bootie / Collette Beat Stripe Sweater / Forever21 Faux Fox Fur Scarf

To me, Parisian style is about keeping things simple and chic. Build an outfit with a neutral color palette and classic cuts, then add cool pops of color and other stylistic details such as leopard print and sparkles.

Grey Hoodie Woolen Poncho Coat / Brixton Grace Infinity Scarf / Bakers Anarchy Wedge Sneaker / N2 by Les Nereides Bicycle Necklace / Dot Knee-High Socks / Modern Black Sunglasses / Levi's Fair Isle Mittens / Zara Ankle Boot With Double Zipper / Want Les Essentiels De La Vie 'Ohare' Canvas Shopper / Tribal Pattern Intarsia Knit Cape / Lot78 Skinny Jeans

In Amsterdam you want to stay comfy, casual, and cool. Cozy knits with fair isle prints styled with a pair of sharp booties will have you ready for strolls through the canals and un cappuccino at the corner cafe.

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat / Dorothy Perkins Kardashian Leopard Clutch / TopShop Black Waffle Full Midi Skirt / Oasis Faux Leather Sleeve Drape Coat / ModCloth Nine Out Of Tenacious Heel / Stella & Dot Lucia Bracelet / TopShop Embellished Shoulder Skater Dress / Warehouse Chevron Faux Fur Coat / Miss Selfridge Embellished Collar Top

You're in for a glamourous holiday experience in Florence. Furs and anything in the quintessential Valentino red are a must-have. Punch up the 'wow factor' with embellishments and sequins, for in Italy 'la vita e bella'.

Do you have any plans for the last bit of the holidays? 

I hope this was inspiring! Thanks for reading!

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers For Naturals

Hi there! So, I have a sneaky feeling that December is about to fly by just as fast as November and before we know it Christmas will be here! If you're anything like me and get some weird thrill out of waiting till the absolute last minute to get gifts (I have mastered the art of procrastination, thanks college *wink*), then you're probably still trying to figure out what to get everyone.

Well, while perusing the Internetz for gift ideas I came across Essence Magazine's Ultimate Natural Hair Blogger Gift Guide where they offered tons of ideas for gifts for the naturally-savvy people in your life. Their gift guide inspired me to create my own (with a couple of repeat offenders form the list on Essence), with items that are all the perfect size to stuff into stockings and all under $40!

Here's hoping that this will inspire your gift hunting as it did mine!

iPhone Case by Brandi Q($35): How precious are these iPhone cases? I'm obsessed with the 'Fro Hawk' silhouette, and she has a variety of other prints in her store as well. Definitely check it out!

Hair Spa Candles($10): Essentially a two for one deal, these not only act as candles but also as a moisturizing blend that can be used to do two strand twists, braids, or a scalp massage. "A Mane-icure in a jar that won't do you wrong".

Fro Dangle Earrings by Toni Daley($12.50): These earrings will make any naturalista feel super fly.

Afro Chic Decal: Available in custom sizes, this decal would add sass to any room in your home.

Cricket UltraClean Combs($4): This detangling comb offers a slip resistant finish and clean seam design. The Big Time Comb also comes with a  free travel size comb, tiny enough to fit in even the smallest of bags.

Oyin Handmade Snack Pack($23): A sample pack is a great way to become acquainted with new products without committing to full sized packages. This pack comes with Oyin's Honey Hemp Conditioner, Greg Juice leave-in spray, Shine & Define serum, Hair Dew creamy leave-in, as well as the full-sized 1-oz Mini Burnt Sugar pomade. A great gift for someone and their curls!

Natural Hair Tote by QuellyRue Designs($36): Celebrate and embrace natural hair beauty with this tote bag. She offers a variety bags with different silhouettes and hair styles :)

Target Gift Cards: I know what you're thinking, 'a gift card...from Target?', but hear me out. Target as a retailer has really stepped up their game when it comes to offering hair and beauty products for people with multicultural backgrounds. I feel like every time I make a Target run their natural hair section has grown and they offer some great brands from Miss Jessie's, Mixed Chicks, Kinky-Curly, and my all time favorite Shea Moisture. It's like being a kid in a candy store and it also releases any pressure on you if you pick a product that doesn't work with someone's hair.

Any fun or cool natural hair gifts you've come across that you think should be added? Please share!

Thanks for reading and Happy Wednesday!

What to Wear :: A Very *Velvet* Holiday

Hi there! So, unfortunately I've been feeling a bit under the weather this past week and could not muster up the strength to take outfit pictures (plus if I wasn't going to work, I pretty much lived in sweatpants and a t-shirt all week). I'm going to try and beat this thing over the weekend as next week is going to be jam packed with school finals, holiday outings, and a special friend who I haven't seen in years will be coming to visit soon! So there will be lots of tea, soup, and NyQuil filling up my weekend in order to be in tip-top shape come Monday.

But while I force uncomfortable amounts of snuggle time on my cats and con DCT into catering towards my every need, I thought I'd get some style advice from you, lovely readers. Next weekend is my company's holiday party and this year we have a theme - Velvet. I have a couple velvet pieces, but I almost never wear them, so I've been playing around in my closet trying to come up with a few outfit ideas and I've narrowed it down to three possible selections. I would love your input on which you think I should go with!

I like the play on textures with the leather peplum top and velvet pants. And with all the black you know I have to add some sort of color, and I think the blue suede shoes would be the perfect pop, plus I can never say no to a statement shoe. Finally I like how the silver accessories complete the look.

I think I'm leaning towards this look the most as I have the majority of the pieces in my closet already. Velvet shorts are a little unexpected and I find the darker, ox blood blazer gives a more refined look to a holiday outfit than a bright Christmas red.

This look is what I like to call 'go Glam or go Home', haha! This may be a little too fancy pants for my company's party, but I think it'd be fun to rock it anyways. The crimson red velvet dress is very va-va-voom and I'll gladly use any excuse to carry a sparkly gold clutch. It's very modern day/real life Jessica Rabbit, no? Haha!

So there we have it! Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading and Happy Friday!

21 Party Shoes To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Well, it's here. The holiday season has landed. Downtown Chicago is ablaze with Christmas lights, holiday jingles are in the air, and I've officially dusted off my holiday movie collection.....ok that's a lie, I totally watch holiday movies in the middle of July. Love Actually, anyone? Best. Movie. Ever.

Besides having an excuse to watch Love Actually more times than necessary (and rewinding certain scenes to watch over again cause they're just that good...yeah, I know I have a problem). The holidays also mean it's time for get-togethers with family and friends, as well as those ultimate work parties that never fail to entertain. So while you may have an arsenal of amazing party dresses for the season, don't forget to show you feet a little love too (a "foot party", perhaps? No? I'm trying too hard, I know).

From velvety reds, shimmering metallics, and elegant blacks, I've rounded up 21 holiday heels that will see you through your every holiday fete :)

Holiday Hues: Anthropologie Cut Out Wedges / Anthropologie Teniso Mary Janes / ThreadSence Uptown Girl Bootie / ModCloth Exquiste Entrance Heel / Zara Vamp Shoe / Zara Wedge Court Shoe

Sequins, Glitter, Silver, & Gold: Zara Shiny Sandals / Madewell Glitter Frankie Pump / Zara Mirrored Court Shoes / ASOS Prissy Metallic Pointed Wedges / Ruche Midnight Mystery Heels / ALDO Soshnik Pointed Courts / F21 Metallic Mesh Pumps / Anne Michelle Enzo Heels 

Pretty Bows, Classic Blacks: TopShop Guilty2 Mary-Jane Crystal Heels / TopShop Genie Glitter Bow Pump / Zara Studded Ankle Strap Sandal / Miss Selfridge Barcelona Cuff Boot / F21 Metal Heel Pump / Miss Selfridge Star Embellished Bow Heel / TopShop Solo Bow Back Platform

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween little monsters! While you'll definitely find me celebrating in my costume today this past weekend was the more "adult" Halloween celebration. With vampire blood punch and other ghoulish libations, this weekend was a spooky good time ;]

Tonight will remain pretty tame for me, but whether you're heading out for a monster bash, treating the little trick-or-treaters, or snuggling up to a scary movie or two, I hope your Halloween is 'spook-tacular'! (yes, I really talk like this.)

Happy Halloween!!

Outfitted: America.

Hi friends! Happy *Belated* Independence Day! I hope your day was full of friends, family, good food, and, of course, fireworks! 

This was my "after-work" hours Independence Day outfit, as we're still experiencing this crazy heat wave like everyone else in the country, I wanted the least amount of clothes touching my body without being too indecent and keeping it festive. 

The actual 4th was pretty low-key for DCT and I as the night before we had a big BBQ at our place with his parents, sister, and friends. However, we did get out to view some fireworks in our hood, we just walked the streets and people were literally shooting off huge fireworks right around the corner from our apartment. It was awesome as we got to enjoy a pretty stellar firework show without dealing with the crowds downtown. It was also a bit more thrilling as there was the slight chance the fireworks could go astray and send the 50+ people who were at this block party running for their lives. Haha!

Hope you all had a great 4th! Thanks for reading!

'Till Next Time...

::Outfit::

Top: H&M

Skirt: H&M (old)

Sandals: Aldo (on sale!)

Bag: Jason Wu for Target

Sunnies: Crossroads