Bundle Up!

Here in NJ we've had our first snowfall of the season and we'll probably have many more before the grass turns green and the flowers bloom again. And, it's freaking COLD outside! Thankfully, I found some great pieces that will keep you warm and stylish all at the same time, while sipping a delicious cup of coffee (or Winter cocktail)!

So, my grandma always told me that if my head was cold, the rest of me would be cold...and I have to say, she is right! A hat is a must-have accessory for Winter and I love this fleece lined one from Free People. It's super warm and I just love the pom pom! As I have mentioned before in many Instagram posts, I love pairing black and navy. Some are opposed to this color relationship, but I'm all for it! I found this coat at Karen Millen. It's navy, very warm, has fur trim on the bottom, and a cool belt that is super flattering. What's not to like?? Underneath, a navy turtleneck cashmere sweater from Aqua (yup - my long, skinny neck is always cold), black suede leggings from Aritzia and snow worthy boots from Sorel. And I can't ignore my awesome accessories - a beautiful ring and charm bracelet from Ward Vintage and my go to Ray Ban Aviators. Here's to keeping warm and enjoying the Winter season!

All Blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

Early Resolutions!

We all wait until December 31st or January 1st to choose and commit to a New Year's Resolution. Be more patient, don't sweat the small stuff, stop swearing, eat healthier, laugh more and of course, work out and get into shape. These are just a few resolutions I've heard over the past few years. I say commit NOW, and get a new and cute workout outfit for a little motivation and inspiration! I know I am always more inclined to work out if I feel good in what I am wearing.

My youngest and I both love clothes and exercise (well, I love clothes a bit more than exercise!), so I thought it would be fun to do this blog together. Cam loves dance and gymnastics and I found the cutest work out clothes for her at Attiva Collection (check them out on Facebook!) which is part of Annie's Playhouse. The clothes are fun and versatile. The black long sleeve shirt is great for the cold weather and the paisley genie pant is an awesome alternative to a work out legging. The second look which Cam has been living in since I bought it for her, is perfect for all of her Annie's Playhouse activities. Whether she's doing cartwheels or tap dancing, she's comfortable, warm and super cute! Now, I always want to look good while sweating as well as when I am running errands or picking the kids up from school! I found these black and white pants, black tank and jog bra at Attiva Collection and they all work so well with my existing work out clothes (bonus!). Final touches, my fave retro New Balance sneakers, a light weight jacket from Athleta, a gorgeous bracelet from Ward Vintage and a "love" necklace from Henri Bendl. Yes...I wear jewelry when I work out. LOL

All Blog Photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

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