Christmas Chaos

We are that crazy family with the tree on top of our car before the last bit of Thanksgiving left overs are eaten. My family loves the holiday season and everything that goes along with it. I admit there are arguments and some swearing (usually over the lights - my husband).  Then you have the crazies...the ones who stalk you in the parking lot at the mall or the ones who give you the hand gesture (you know which one I mean) because you are taking too long to pull out of the coveted parking spot. But putting all of that aside- I love this time of year. The decorations around the house, the smell of the tree, and our big family Christmas Eve celebration. I guess it's all about balance....or planning ahead....or online shopping? Honestly, I'm starting to get embarrassed by how often UPS stops at my house! In the end I try to take deep breaths and enjoy the chaos and even the shopping (well, I actually do love it!), because the look of delight when someone opens the perfect gift - well it makes it all worth it!

I borrowed this cute Christmas tree from Cooper's room. All of my girls have little trees in their rooms, something we started doing a few years ago. They love the lights when they go to bed at night. I chose this outfit for the blog, because I wanted to show how to mix casual with dressy. Sometimes you need an "in-between look". Whether it is for a lunch, a meeting or get together - you don't want to be too dressed up, but you also don't want to show up in your work out clothes (however tempting that is). I have had these "boyfriend jeans"  from the Gap for a while now. They are super comfy and hang loose (bonus for making you feel skinny!) and I paired them with my new fave top from Aritzia. And finally the perfect accessories to complete the look - an amazing black tote from August Designs (meganwschroeder @gmail.com), a gold cuff from Posh Shop, and black velvet pumps with sparkly detail - yes, I am fully channeling my junior prom night with these shoes, but I love them! Here's to Holiday Spirit, deep breaths and no jerks in the mall parking lot!

All blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

Dressing Santa's Helpers.....

This time of year I'm not only dressing myself for holiday parties, but my kids as well. This takes some compromise and often times a few trips to the mall or UPS for returns! I have never been into the matchy-matchy dressing, even when the girls were little. They have very different personalities and their style should show that!

At this point my 14 year old is basically shopping in my closet (at least for things she considers cool enough to wear)! So for this photo shoot she borrowed my Louise Et Cie patent leather oxfords and Louis Vuitton tote - both of which I demanded back once the day was over! She tends to "hold on" to things of mine she loves and I never see them again. I paired these two great accessories with a simple, but very cool dress from Top Shop and a white hat from Aldo since it was about 40 degrees out that day! Accessories - the very popular mantra bracelets and Caedan bracelet! Cooper who is 12 is on the cusp of being a teen, and her look shows exactly that. Her Crewcuts sweater is sweet, yet sophisticated and when put with a denim skirt and Steve Madden boots, the look becomes fun and edgy. Cam is my sparkly girl. She always has been. The more bling, the better. So, there is a lot compromise! Thankfully, Crewcuts has a lot great options that make mom and Cam both happy. Navy is one of my favorite colors and I am so happy that it is so popular this season and in sequins! And this fun sweater (similar to shown) is super cute and can easily go with jeans and leggings too. Finally, studded black flats from Zara, which go with everything (Cam's exact words)! Holiday kid dressing made easy!

All blog photos by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

'Tis the Season for Cocktails...and Dresses

This time of year is not only filled with shopping madness, crowded parking lots and a few curse words (sorry, but it's true), but also holiday parties.... and lots of them. For the first holiday party you get a new dress...the one you spent a month prior to the event looking for. You even have the accessories. Head to toe - you are ready to rock that party! But then, you have your husband's work event, the kid's holiday concert and you can't forget your Aunt's family gathering. Oh Boy. In these situations I believe that you can always count on a black cocktail dress to get the job done. Now, I don't mean just any black cocktail dress. I mean a dress that will stand out because of the tiniest details, and come across as anything but a simple black dress.

I have always been a big fan of Rebecca Taylor dresses. They have the greatest fit and always surprise with me their attention to detail. This is why I fell in love with this black dress the moment I saw it. The silhouette is very sophisticated and classic, but the sleeve and neck detail make the dress! I paired the dress with a simple black pump and added some glamour with beautiful earrings and a ring from Ward Vintage. The final touch is a Carrie Dunham bag - one of my favorite designers whose modern take on the "Bermuda Bag" is spot on. Happy Cocktail Dressing!

All photos on blog by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty On Location

3 Girls and their clothes...

I decided to feature my 3 girls on today's blog. Shopping for girl's clothes, especially pre-teen isn't easy. I think the biggest struggle is finding the middle ground between looking too young and for lack of a better word, slutty! And all of my girls have different personalities. Whether it's clothing, movies or activities - they like to dress differently from one another. I hit the ground running and found some amazing looks (which all 3 loved - phew!) at great prices. Here's to making your teenage clothing shopping experience quick and painless!

My 8 year old loves anything with a pattern - often head to toe (this comes with a lot of compromise!). However, the plaid top from Zara and cheetah booties from Target work perfectly together when paired with the super comfy and plain black pants from Zara. The final piece - a fur vest with a hood! She is on the phone (Posh Shop) with Santa making sure he received her (long) list! Cooper is 12. She's like me - she dresses in a lot of neutral tones, but always adds a pop of color with an accessory. And her clothes have to be comfortable. The sweatshirt from Crewcuts is cozy and works well with the gray ripped jeans from American Eagle. Adidas Stan Smiths are a must, and my fave piece of this look is the pink bomber jacket by Top Shop (pictured below). After 10 years in a uniform, my high schooler is thrilled to have some fashion freedom when dressing for school. Walking between buildings to go to class, she always has to be ready for any kind of weather. The "duck boot" (wish I had saved mine from high school) from Sperry is great for rain or snow - Winter is coming! She loves any jean with a stretch and I loved these from American Eagle with the rips on the knees. A long cream sweater also from American Eagle and a classic waxed jacket from JCrew and my 14 year looks grown up but also age appropriate. (so mom and kid are happy!)

All photography on blog by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty On Location

Holiday Lists, Crowded Stores and Wine...lots of wine

So, how are you going to survive the next couple of weeks? (Besides with a glass of wine or two?) The time between Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and Christmas is way too short. Literally a blink of an eye. Between getting your holiday cards in the mail (oh, and the damn holiday photo where one of your kids is crying, eyes are shut or their clothes are dirty within first 5 minutes) to gift-giving.....kids, parents, in-laws, husbands, wives, grandparents, teachers...oh my! Are you stressed out yet? Rocking yourself to a safe, happy place? Well, take a deep breath and call me! I am happy to help you with all your holiday madness (minus the holiday card...I have my own to deal with!)

You all may be surprised to see me in a color and not my usual neutral palette! But, when I was out shopping for Christmas gifts, I saw this beautiful blue dress from Anthropologie and I had to have it! It's always nice to imagine myself being whisked away the day after Christmas...after all the chaos, eating and drinking...to a warm, tropical place where I can wear this dress with my feet in the sand! The dainty gold strap on the dress is my favorite detail and by adding amazing accessories like these gold earrings from Anthropologie, gold cuff from Posh Shop, and beautiful pink clutch from August Designs (meganwschroeder@gmail.com) - this look is simple and elegant! And yes, I'm wrapping gifts while wearing a fantastic dress...because I'm a mom and an amazing at multi-tasker! Here's to hoping that one of you will be whisked away come December 26th!