Cheers to 2012

Wow - what a year 2012 has been! 

I want to thank every single one of you who has joined me on my blogging journey this year ... 

I love this blogging world that I have found, and you all have become my friends & family!

I have a full heart & bright eyes looking forward to 2013.

{ via }

Don't let anyone dull your sparkle - as Rhianna would say, "shine bright like a diamond"

Cheers to a spectacular year in 2012, & a blank slate of potential moving into 2013!

Looking for a little bit of fabulousness to kick off 2013?

Enter my Giveaway ($50 to my favorite store... Pssst... it's J.CREW!!!) over on Shannon Hearts! 

Enter { here }

See you next year lovies!

rent the glitter

Ok, I was going to wait to post this until tomorrow, the 12th day of glitter, but then a little birdie in my inbox told me that all NYE dress rentals from Rent the Runway are 50% off with code "NYE50"... so if you haven't figured out what you will be wearing to greet 2013, do not fret, there is still time to pick out a gorgeous designer dress, even on your budget! (but this sale only lasts until tonight at midnight, EST)

Sequins & glitz are safe (& super fabulous) NYE fashion choices, but why not try a stunning bright pink ruffled dress, winter white beauty, a green sequin shift, or even a lacy romper for your New Year's kiss moment?

Top Row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Middle Row: 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

Bottom Row: 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15

** I couldn't stop at only 12... so I picked out 14 fabulous dresses & a romper **

As before, I have not been paid or perk'd to post about RTR, I just have mad love for this site, and have been a happy customer 5 rentals later. Read about one of my previous dress rental experiences { here }

glittered cherry on top

On the 11th day of glitter - it is all about the gilded, finishing touches!

A girlie bow, disco ball nails, a whimsical clutch, a bedazzled neckline... isn't it fabulous being a girl!

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 }

What is your favorite cherry on top for your holiday outfit?

10 calling cards

Hooray - I had a fabulous Christmas, survived 2 days cooped up with my family sans power (no central heat, no lights), made it out of the snowy tundra that become Arkansas... & am safely back in TN.

I love pretty paper products, & use Christmas cards, Valentine's, Birthday cards, & no-occasion-at-all cards to fuel my obsession. This year I made our Christmas cards from Shutterfly (seen here), but that doesn't mean I'm not tempted to send out New Year's Cards as well!

On the 10th day of glitter (making up for my absence yesterday), I bring to you 10 calling cards.
Whether you meant to send out Christmas cards & forgot, need to mail thank yous & love for holiday gifts, are looking to make New Year's cards your new thing, or just want to ring in the new year with a little snail mail cheer, these cards have you covered & more (Who needs a reason for some old fashioned mail anyways!?)

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 }

My favorite sources for physical cards include: Kate Spade, Rifle Paper Co., Anthropologie, & Shutterfly. I am also a recent addict to digital cards thanks to Red Stamp & Paperless Post (their Kate Spade collection is adorbs!)

family traditions

My parents have lived in the same small town in Arkansas my entire life, and because of that fact we have some rich family traditions especially those that center around holidays. Looking at the same festive houses, going to the same Christmas tree lot, spending our Christmas Eves and Christmas Days in much the same way over my 25 years... and I wouldn't change a thing. 

My favorite family Christmas traditions include:

{1.} Christmas light viewing at the botanical gardens

{2.} Our church's Christmas Eve candlelight service

{3.} Guessing how many candy pieces were used to build the Gingerbread house at the Arlington Hotel

{4.} Picking out our favorite light display in the downtown park

{5.} Opening one present on Christmas Eve (the worst is when it is shoes and my dad wraps the shoes separately!!)

One of my new favorite things is including Tyler in our "Sweatt Family" ways!

What are some of your favorite family traditions?

**update: I am snowed in at my parents house in Arkansas (#mistlesnow #SnowpolalypseLIT), without power and without a way back to Nashville. Currently using the last of my mom's iPad power to rearrange blog posts for the next few days. It might be quiet around here tomorrow, but I'll be back on the air by Friday! Cheers! 

bottoms up, bling out

Tis' the season of the cocktail ring... when glasses are raised, bring holiday cheer to all around you with a big hunk of glitter on your finger (...or 5)!

{ original image via }

On the 9th day of glitter, I bring you nine razzle-dazzle rings:

{ 1 // 2 // 3  // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 }

I often forget about the statement ring in lieu of the statement making necklace, but I just got gifted a festive cocktail ring & I can't wait to layer it on to my holiday bling.

Are you a cocktail-ring rocker?

Any finger bling catching your eye lately (well, besides this rock that I have on my wish list)?

good tidings of great joy

To those of you who celebrate, Merry Christmas!

I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones & wearing fuzzy socks (I AM!)

Sending love & cheer from Ty, Doug and I this holiday season & everyday!

shoes for dancing feet

On the 8th day of glitter - fabulous sparkles for your pretty dancing toes!
Whether you are joining Ryan Seacrest on the couch, getting gussied up for a night out on the town, or spending the holiday with 30 of your closest friends in a cabin in East TN (... that one might just be me), in my book, all of those New Year's Eve celebration occasions call for killer shoes (I'll accept bedazzled house shoes on a case-by-case basis)

{ 1 // 2 // 3 }
 { 4 // 5 }
{ 6 // 7 // 8 }

How do you like to dance the night away?

Boogie in sky high stilettos? Swing in classic black pumps? Bar hop in chic flats?

seven joyous jewels

This holiday season, how about you treat yourself to a little frosting! 
A eye catching cuff, a blinged out necklace, or a pretty cuff... spice up your LBD with something unique, fierce, dainty & most of all SPARKLY!!
On the 7th day of glitter, I bring to you seven stunning statement pieces

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 }

** I can't compltetly take credit for "frost yourself"... It was said on the amazing movie that is "How to lose a guys in 10 days" & my hilarious internet friend Sam totally reminded me of it in this post last week 

How do you make a statement with your jewels?
I am all about the "here-I-am" necklace (#7 is officially on my wish list!)

P.S. Sound the alarms! Today is the last day to enter my Blue Bird Etsy Shop giftcard giveaway { here }... just in time to add a little extra sparkle (ahem, FROSTING) to your NYE outfit!

P.P.S. Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

custom couture

Think you can't afford custom fashion - Think. A.Gain.

I recently stumbled upon Edressy.com ... quickly picked out 7 dresses that I wanted to get for New Years... so I picked out 1 for ME & decided to share the rest with you, on the 6th day of glitter!

These dresses { 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 }range in price from $90-200, come in many colors, & are super easy to customize. Each dress is made to order, & yet the turn around time is very reasonable.

Ladies, we are not all off the rack sizes, you deserve a dress that is a size YOU!
What is your NYE outfit style?

a little graphic

I finally caved and picked up one of those cute little graphic sweaters that have been popping up every.where.
And I have to say, as with most trends that I reluctantly find myself trying... I totally get it, I love this sweater!

{ What I Wore: Forever21 Eye Sweater // Windsor Store liquid leggings // DIY leather hair bow }

{ Get the Look }

graphic sweater {$27.80, exact one} // liquid leggings {$19.90, exact pair} // bow heels {$36.00}t // hair bow {$1.80, so cute!}

And whaddaya know - it plays nice with my liquid leather pants, so I think it can stay!

Ooh & now for the 5th day of glitter - I know these graphic bad boys aren't glitter-ific, but I think they would look FABULOUS paired up with your glitter skirts and holiday best!

 { 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 }

Have you jumped aboard the graphic sweater train?

Which graphic-ly chic statement is your favorite? 

(P.S. I'm still not over mustaches)

P.P.S Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $20 giftcard to Shop Blue Bird { here }

all that glitters

On the 4th day of glitter - I bring to you, the fabulous sequin skirt (X4)!

I feel a little bit like a fake myself since I don't yet own one myself (keyword: yet), but these ladies & their genius sequin styling has me ready to jump in & get finally make that purchase!

white + sequins, sequins with chambray, dressed down sequins, sequins & stripes, polished sequins, & perfectly layered sequins... these sparkly guys have become everyday staples!

Top 1 // 2  Middle 3 // 4 Bottom 5 // 6

Are you sequin skirt-less like me?! 

These are the ones I have my eye on... #2 is the front runner!

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 }

How have you been rocking sequins this holiday season?

P.S. Enter to win a $20 gift card to the FABULOUS Etsy Shop Blue Birdie right over { here }

(today is the last day to order & get your purchase in time for Christmas with standard delivery, or you can order any time to pick up some pretties for yourself!!)

3 dazzling blazers + a giveaway

On the 3rd day of glitter, the glitter fairy (moi!) brought to you, 3 blazers blazing!

I am all about some girlie goodness - bring on the tulle, the glitter, the bows, and the heels - but I think dressing up my feminine favorites with pieces made for the boys is a super fun mix! Blazers + mini skirts, skinny jeans + ties, oxfords + frilly maxi dresses

Rag & Bone tuxedo jacket {$374.50}

Rock & Republic color block blazer {$48.00} + sequin skirt {$24.99} + glitter heels {$33.58} + bow tie {$17.85} + silver clutch {$26.95} + spike bracelet {$13.80} 

I have been on my soap box preaching about investing in classics for your closet, & I am not about to change my story, but I think the smart shopper can find classic pieces for her wardrobe at the price point that works for her.... whether it is the gorgeous $375 Rag & Bone tuxedo jacket above, or the chic Rock & Republic for Khol's blazer that comes in under $50.

Are you a frugal fashionista like me looking to add a stylish masculine touch to your holiday party look?

 Shop these 3 blazers blazing (all under $50.00):

white & sequins // blue + glittered // tailored black & white

Need an extra splash of pizazz for your holiday party looks?
How about a fabulous statement necklace from Shop Blue Birdie?!
Enter to win a $20 Giftcard to this fabulous Etsy Shop, & you could be rocking this geometric bib, a textured bubble necklace, or even a pretty purple tear-drop necklace 
(giveaway ends at midnight on 12/23, and winner will be announced on this post 12/24)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

wrap it up

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 }

This year I wanted to showcase my gifts in wrappings that had a homey, "made with love" aesthetic... kraft paper, twine, & mixed-&-matched washi/fabric tape made my wrapping dreams come true. 
Usually, I find the gift tag options lacking, but I loved all of the free printable gift tag options that I found on Pinterest this year { many rounded up here }, and chose 3 that fit with my wrapping style.

Even though the cashier at CVS said that my kraft paper was "hipster wrapping paper", I love this clean, under appreciated medium. I am obsessed with dressing up brown paper with some fun glitter ribbon & girlie pom-poms or luxe velvet ribbon & sparkling pipe cleaners (maybe next year!).

Are your presents wrapped and ready to go?
How did you clothe your gifts this year?

sweater fairy

On the 2nd day of glitter... we are talking about pairing glittery skirts with feminine sweaters

I have seen your pins, we are all OB-sessed with this outfit!

{via}

And guess what, I think you can {1.} totally rock this during the holiday season & {2.} pull it together with things you already have in your closet, for much less than the designer duds above!

{ Splurge }

Alice+Olivia skirt {$458} Christopher Kane mohair sweater {$855}

{ Save }

Topshop sequin skirt {$90} + Merona Sweater {$20.99} 

{ Accessorize }

Cinderella slippers {$55} + crystal necklace { save Bar III $28.00 // splurge J.Crew $135.00 } + glitter clutch  { save DSW (so cute & geometric!) $29.99 // splurge J.Crew $69.99 } 

I seriously wouldn't be able to tell the $1300 price difference between the outfit on the left & right if I saw them on the street, but I know I definitely want to pair up all my glittery bottoms & cozy tops!

the future is bright

I respect each & every blogger who is having a day of silence in memory of the precious lives lost at Sandy Hook ... I have yet to wrap my mind around this senseless tragedy, & probably never will understand such a horrible act of human on human violence... my best coping mechanism is to keep doing what I do, especially the part of my life that I do just for me - blogging. Some of the topics I post about - shopping, styling holiday outfits, gift guides, etc. - are admittedly a little silly in light of the heavy matters on all our minds these days... but I hope just for a moment, to be a bright spot in someone's day...
As Mr. Obama so beautifully said, let's find the strength to carry on, better the world around us, & make this country worthy of their memory

{ What I Wore: Warby Parker "Jasper" sunnies // Banana Republic sweater // Citizens of Humanity boyfriend jeans // Steve Madden heels }

{ Get the Look }

sunnies {$95, exact pair} + yellow sweater {$49.99} + boyfriend jeans {$69.95} + nude heels {$40}

I have been admiring the brand Warby Parker from afar for a while, but got an up close introduction when their traveling shop/school bus rolled into my neighborhood here in Nashville. If you shop WP online, you order 5 pairs, get to try them on for 5 days at home, and then return any pairs that you don't want to keep (with free shipping each way!)

I took advantage of the rare opportunity to try on all the sunnies in the shop bus, & couldn't leave with taking the "Jasper" pair with me!

With all these fabulous pairs in front of me it was a TOUGH choice, but I loved the updated classic shape & the color I picked up is tortoise but with purple flecks (see the photo of me holding it up to the light below)... so fun!

Fillmore//Sinclair 

Begley//Winston 

Rafferty//Jasper 

Mabel//Tenley 

Quickly added this pair to my daily must haves!

Need another reason to check out Warby Parker (for yourself or for someone on your list), for every pair you purchase, WP gives glasses to someone in need, & is working to train new low-income entrepreneurs (win-win in my book!)

What is your favorite pair!?

** I wasn't paid or perked for this post, I just have mad love for some Warby Parker action!

On the First Day of Glitter: party peplum

I'm not sure where the 12 days of Christmas came from, but this year I want to celebrate the 12 days of glitter

Looking for outfits to wear this holiday season, ways to spice up your closet for a party, wanting to add some glitter to your looks over the coming days - the 12 days of glitter is a celebration of all things girlie & fun... and on a budget!

On the first day of glitter, I want to show you how adding 1 special piece to your wardrobe this holiday season can add functionality to your future outfits, if you just pick the item smartly.

Considering purchasing an all-the-rage peplum top for your party look but not sure how it will mesh in your closet any other day besides your party? Pulling all of your glitzy pieces for the party & then pairing this trendy piece with laid back cool items every other day will result in outfit versatility ... money well spent if you ask me!

{ Party }

peplum top {$58} + sequin skirt {$35} + gold heels {splurge, Kate Spade {$325} // save {$63} + gold collar necklace {$50} + glitter belt {$34.50} + lady clutch {$53}

{ Brunch }

wax coated skinnies {$50} + sequin flats {$75} + funky bag {$64} 

seeing double

{ What I Wore:  ASOS leopard coat // Everlane tee // Old Navy Rockstar skinny jeans // BHLDN bow slingbacks // Target cateye sunnies}

{ Get the Look }

leopard coat {$60.00, exact one} + pink pashmina {$12.99} + tee {$15.00, exact one} + skinny jeans {$29.50, exact pair}+ pink bow heels {$80.00, exact pair} + cateye sunnies {$16.99, exact pair}

Since the ever fabulous Blair of Atlantic-Pacific is the reason I finally took the plunge & purchased a leopard coat of my own, I found it only fitting to pull together this look inspired by her as my inaugural leopard coat outfit on the blog. 

I love when a new piece instantly adds a little needed oomph to go-to looks already in my outfit rotation... and this leopard coat is the epitome of that. I want to add it to allllll of my looks, and so far it has looked great with everything!

Do you have any pieces that instantly pack a punch to any outfit?

Anyone else rocking a leopard coat these days?

let's go to the beach

Two years ago Tyler's family treated me to their family Christmas trip to Hawaii... yes, I am spoiled. I am also someone that once they go on a Christmas trip to the beach, they think this should be a yearly occurrence... right?!

Well this year I am only headed to the balmy destination that is small town Arkansas... but if you think that is going to stop me from turning up the heat, donning this new suit from SwimSpot.com, and catching up on my juicy gossip mags, well then you don't know nothin'!

{ SwimSpot Ella Moss swim suit c/o // ASOS sunnies // Jack Roger glitter sandals // J.Crew sun hat & straw tote // Kate Spade beach towel }

Any holiday beach bound babes out there? Room for me in your carry on?

 Have swimsuit will travel!

But seriously, for all those lucky ladies out there who are hitting the beach, the ones hitting the couch, or even for those in hibernation from swim suits until next summer... check out the cuteness that is available on Swim Spot... you'll never know when the hot tub will call!

spread thin

{ via }

I love blogging, but I have felt lately that I have gotten in too deep.... like trying to wrangle 4 cute puppies all at once 
(too much of a good thing, can sometimes actually not be a good thing)! 

(currently giggling to myself about the Bridesmaids quote, "I think I over committed with 9 puppies, 6 is a good number")

The list of Social Media sites where I have a profile associated with my blog seems to grow by the week. I currently have a presence on:

Blogger, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, LookSoup, Canopi, ShopStyle, Currently Obsessed, Tumblr, Chictopia, Pose, Bloggers.com

And that seems like WAY too many!
Where are you favorite sites on which to share your media?
Where would you like to see Here&Now content?

trends that make you go hmm... the leopard coat

This statement making coat might not be for everyone, but these chic spots are popping up everywhere, & I personally couldn't resist. I'm blaming it on these gorgeously styled ladies of Pinterest:

Top 1 // 2 // 3 Bottom 4 // 5

See what I mean!? Paired with all black, laid back skinnies, lace skirts & more - this classic print topper instantly makes everything fabulous (imagine how glam paired with your holiday dress!)

I just picked up this coat from ASOS (currently on sale... run ladies, run) & couldn't be more in love - I apologize in advance if all of my outfits for the rest of the month feature it!

Are you on team leopard?

If you are looking for some fierce spots of your own, check out these picks (at price points - from $60-200!)