weekend reading: 12.27.14

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This weekend why don't you :: add some sparkle

{what you might have missed on Here&Now}

{1.} 3 places I enjoy getting sweet treats in Nashville: Jeni's Ice Cream, Provence Bakery, & the Elliston Soda Shop. 

{2.} Getting cozy with cute PJs. 

{3.} 2 ways to wear sequin leggings. 2 ways to wear a polka dot sequin top.

{4.} Tulle skirts are made for celebrating the holiday season.

{5.} What's on trend for this winter?

{6.} What I gifted this Christmas. 

{posts I'm loving around the internets}

{1.} 50 questions to reflect on before 2015. 

{2.} A minimalistic wardrobe project I'm thinking about joining. 

{3.} Looking for a new hobby? Check out this cute DIY supply/project shop! 

{4.} Modern wardrobe essentials. 

{5.} I didn't think I needed a blanket scarf tutorial… but I do! 

Sweet Treat: Elliston Soda Shop

The last stop on my Sweet Trip tour is the Elliston Soda Shop. This local favorite has been in business since the 1940s & their milkshakes give you any reason you need as to why.

I popped in for a chocolate milkshake in between stops of a pre-holiday prep filled afternoon, & it was just the perfect reason to slow down & enjoy the moment. 

Follow my Nashville Sweet Treat trail with Off Broadway Shoes to Jeni's Ice Cream & Provence Bakery as well!

{What I Wore for milkshakes: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck // Le Tote skirt // Rebecca Minkoff purse ℅ Zappos // Nine West lace-up heels ℅ Off Broadway Shoes }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography 

Seriously obsessed with these lace-up Nine West heels from Off Broadway Shoes. Shop my top 9 favorites for similar "cage" styles below:

{1} lace yourself up into this romantic style // {2} the sweetest of the bunch // {3} so into these - now somebody throw a party I can wear these babies to! // {4} in love! With the color, the style, the everything! // {5} - the ones I have! No detail was left unturned - real leather, easy to get on & wear! // {6} turn some heads in these stunners! // {7} Badgley Mischka beauties! // {8} be bold in red // {9} If elegant styles are more your speed, this is the pair for you! 

What is your favorite style?

Are caged heels only for "going out" or can you incorporate them into your everyday styles too?

This post was sponsored by Off Broadway shoes, but all reviews and opinions are my own.

Sweet Treat: Provence Bakery

The second stop on my Sweet Treat tour around Nashville is Provence Bakery. This delicious shop is nestled in the center of one of my favorite neighborhoods, Hillsboro Village.

During the warmer months, I pop in for a coconut French soda + a salad sampler. But now that the temps have started to drop, I'm craving their Peppermint Patti specialty coffee & macarons. Don't worry, I've done the leg work for you & tried all the flavors, & while they are each divine in their own right, the chocolate is hands down my favorite… seriously melts in your mouth!

See my first Sweet Treat stop here & be sure to stay tuned for the final installment with Off Broadway Shoes tomorrow.

{ What I Wore to coffee & macarons: Adrienne Vittadini loafers ℅ Off Broadway Shoes // scarf handmade by my sister // dress ℅ Boutique Onze }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography 

I thought that this mix of classic silhouettes & patterns was a decent "Nashvillian in Paris" look… thoughts?

These leopard shoes from Off Broadway Shoes are not only insanely stylish, they are crazy comfortable too! My first instict was to go for the basic black pair, but I'm super happy that I branched out & went with the leopard spot calf hair pattern. Still a neutral, but with an added dose of punch!

Still thinking that flats can't be stylish? Then you haven't shopped the crazy good selection available at Off Broadway Shoes! I've pulled my 10 favorites for meeting the sweet spot of style & comfort!

{1} the two piece flat - this is a style that is here to stay! // {2} the ones I have - so comfortable, so chic! // {3} a year round staple // {4} comfy everyday styles don't have to be boring! // {5} no words - total perfection! // {6} go ahead, get the electric blue! // {7} loved the updated look for these espadrilles // {8} adore the sassy bow on this basic ballet flat // {9} can't get enough of these subtle scallops from Tahari! // {10} a perfectly Parisian pair

This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes, but all reviews and opinions are my own.

Sweet Treat: Jeni's Ice Cream

Happy week of Christmas! I am off from teaching until after January, & so far there has been much movie watching, lounging, catching up on emails, present wrapping & JOY! (Oh & ignoring the 3 foot stack of papers to be graded that is waiting for me in the corner of my office!)

I am also super excited to be teaming up with Off Broadway Shoes to show you my favorite places for a Sweet Treat in Nashville. Today's these fabulous over the knee boots are taking me to a much loved ice cream joint - Jeni's on 12th South!

One scoop egg nog + one scoop dark chocolate peppermint = one happy Jessica!

{What I Wore for ice cream: faux fur snood ℅ Zappos (sold out, shop similar here) // Le Tote dress // J.Crew Factory belt (under $20!) & tissue turtleneck (under $20!) // boots ℅ Off Broadway Shoes // Lip stick (The Lip Bar "Crimson Wonderland") ℅ Glossybox }

Scroll down for my 9 favorite riding boots from Off Broadway Shoes. 

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography

I love Jeni's because not only for their creative & delish flavors (pistachio and lavender are other favorites of mine!), but because they are just an awesome company & their scoop shops offer unlimited samples (one of each please!)

In the 12th South neighborhood, Jeni's is nestled between some super adorable shops and other restaurants. You could totally make a whole day of shopping, eating, & sipping your way through the area, but a midday double scoop snack at Jeni's is a must!

1 // 2 the ones I have - obsessed! // 3 // 4 love the lace up fronts! // 5 the two tone brown & black is so versatile // 6 just basic black, but nothing "basic" about it // 7 the crossing straps are so chic // 8 // 9 the perfect shade of cognac brown - literally goes with everything!

Where is your stop for a sweet treat in your town?

Anyone else go for ice cream regardless of the weather outside? It's my weakness!

This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes, but all reviews and opinions are my own.

elf business

Giving gifts is my love language - birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, just because gifts… gifts that people didn't even know that they wanted.

Typically I am someone who purchases gifts all year long - picking up things that remind me of this person or that person. Squirreling them away for a stress free holiday season.

However, this year, this year as a first year teacher has caused me to laugh at old planning ahead Jessica. A world in which I had enough free time to leisurely look for presents… this Jessica gives a big hearty HA to that Jessica.

So thank goodness for Opry Mills Mall where I can start and finish my Christmas shopping all in one day! I visited their big sale last weekend, and seriously scored! This is now my one stop for all things gifts - to hit up their on point mix of regular retail and outlet stores.

I still can't get over the H&M (whaaaaat!?), & that combined with the J.Crew Factory + outlet stores for Banana Republic, Cole Haan, Coach (love the men's store selection!), Gap, Old Navy & Michael Kors (dangerous!)… just to name a few. (check out their full store selection here)

I'm so excited to share what I picked up for everyone on my list from Opry Mills Mall below (& if you are on my Christmas list & reading this… please still act surprised… )

All about the finishing touches! I fell in love with these hefty card stock tags from J.Crew Factory. 

The spread - it makes me so happy to think about all the smiles these presents will bring to my friends & family! Slippers for my Brother-in-Law, scarves for my girlfriends, a delish fragrance for my man, tech gloves for my new Sister-In-Law, & fancy socks for all (I love to give people fancy socks, something just fun!)

A leather clutch from the Coach Outlet Men's store - going to make an attractive purse for one of my fashion forward lady friends! I love raiding the men's selection for timeless, neutral pieces.

A "lovely" tray from J.Crew Factory for my Aunt and a retro cool scarf from Gap for a high school friend (it is in the mail to her now!!)

Stuffing a blanket scarf into a box for friends far away in Brooklyn!

Too pretty to unwrap!? Loving the striped ribbon I picked up this year.

Somebody special is going to be getting this pretty number from J.Crew Factory - I had to slip it on, for just a second!!

Proving that these blanket scarves from Aerie really are BLANKETS!

And in the spirit of sharing the holiday love, the Opry Mills Mall is giving one of you lucky readers a $100 gift card (must be able to pick it up from the Nashville mall location)

Enter below, one random entry will be chosen on 12/26 (just in time for post-holiday sales!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was compensated by Opry Mills Mall for this post, but all reviews are my own, and all products were chosen by me!

Holiday Happenings: Christmas Party

Joining up with my girlfriends to show you how we dress for Holiday parties!

It seemed that everyone was having parties last weekend (if the time I had to wait for an Uber was any reflection), & I was right there with them! We celebrated the (almost!!!) end of the first semester. This first semester of teaching has been trying in just about every way possible, some that I didn't even know existed, & we are so close to the half way point (3. More. Days.)

Nothing like celebrating teaching the next generation like wearing a ballerina tutu & toasting to funny stories from the trenches - kids DO say the darndest things!

{ What I wore to my work holiday party: J.Crew factory striped top (similar, under $20!) // H&M faux leather jacket (similar, under $60!) // Shabby Apple tulle skirt // ShoeMint heels // earrings ℅ Amelia Rose Design // RayBan sunglasses // Daisy Gem necklaces }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography

This skirt really does make me feel like a princess! I have worn it before more casually, & then for Christmas last year as well, but I think this is my favorite way yet!

The edgier accessories & these stunning earrings really seal the deal for me.

What are you wearing to your holiday parties this year?

Trending December

Shop this look at Nordstrom Rack: knit beanie // gray cardigan // white blouse // olive wool coat // dark wash skinny jeans // metallic heels

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo 

This month is all about making a statement while staying warm. Think playful beanies, patterned puffer vests, embellished sweaters, and tailored outwear. Look to mix slouchy & cozy, chunky knits with printed scarves. Contrast of soft creams with bold reds with touches of glam from gemstone jewelry and statement accessories. 

My December style secret? I like to sport a beanie for bad hair days, but no one has to know it wasn't just a fabulous style statement!

I’m usually shopping for myself when I go to Nordstrom Rack, but now that it’s December, I’m realizing it’s also a great place to pick up gifts for others. I easily found 11 gifts for everyone on my list! Looking to gift that man in your life? I love giving stylish bags & watches, two things they never think to get themselves!

{1} playful leather gloves // {2} a stylish watch // {3} follow your arrow necklace // {4} add stylish sound to your gift recipient's home - wireless speaker // {5} even your phone should have good style // {6} sleek weekender bag // {7} for your friends with New Years resolutions for good health - a pretty activity/sleep monitor // {8} cozy slippers that won't break the bank // {9} put a bow on it - the daintiest of earrings // {10} headphones to up your street cred // {11} classic cashmere glove/scarf set

 This post was sponsored through a collaboration with Nordstrom Rack. All opinions and review are my own.