Holiday Loot!

Hi there! Its been awhile since I've posted, and I've missed it. I came down with the stomach flu the day after Christmas and have just gotten back on my feet. I always seem to get sick around the holidays. Despite that I had a really great holiday with my family and friends. I got some awesome gifts that I wanted to share with you all.

I got my new camera! Nothing special but I didn't have a working one before so it was rather difficult to take nice pictures. I also got a new hair straightener. I used to have one that curled as well as straightened and I missed it. I mentioned that I wanted one in passing and was super surprised and happy to see it under the tree. It curls perfectly, too! My aunt picked me up some adorable Kate Spade slippers when she was in NYC a few weekends ago as well!

Lastly, my amazing boyfriend got me a kindle and a few odds and ends. I'm an avid reader so this was a perfect gift for me and I absolutely love it! I also got an adorable pink case for it as well!

Hope you all had amazing holidays! Can't wait to sit and read through all your blog posts.

♥K

Merry Christmas!

picture courtesy of weheartit

Happy Holidays!

Hope you all have an amazing holiday! And if you don't celebrate have an amazing day off! Right now I'm making hideous, but made with love homemade cookies and listening to Christmas songs with the family. Hope you all spend some wonderful time with family and friends! Can't wait to see what you all get!

♥K

Prep You're Shoes for Winter

The first snow has fallen here in New England. Don't get me wrong, snow is beautiful. However, it tends to wreak havoc on the condition of my shoe collection with all the salt and moisture. I used to only wear one or two pairs of shoes that I knew were water proof for fear of ruining them. Last year I got fed up and went in search of ways to protect my shoes. I learned a few tips and tricks I'd like to share with you:

• Start with proper storage-

At the end of each season I take special care to properly clean and store my shoes that I won't be wearing in the upcoming season. I stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper then store them in air tight containers. This will prevent and misshaping, dust and discoloring during storage.

• Give the shoes some lovin'-

When you remove your shoes from storage you need to give them another proper cleaning for the upcoming season. This will ensure they are in perfect condition.For leather remove all dirt and give a proper scrub with a product designed for smooth leathers. I generally use saddle soap such as Kiwi Saddle Soap, but you can use any soap you find that is designed for such shoes. For my suede shoes I use a supply kit from Sports Authority but you can use any cleaners from drugstores such as CVS that specify treatment for suede shoes. You need to scrub off any scuffs and clean with the shampoo and brush. If you have designer shoes you feel uncomfortable cleaning yourself bring them to your local cobbler.

• Call in the big boys-

Sometimes there might be a problem with a loose heel or a worn down sole. This is when you need to bring your shoes to a cobbler. I myself used to put this off and hope I can get through the season and fix it at the end. Don't do it, because it causes irreversible damage to the shoes core that might make it impossible for a cobbler to fix later. I usually bring my shoes to a small cobbler in my hometown. He is local and does a really great job. Its nice to bring it to local businesses and cultivate a relationship since many times I've gotten a free shoe cleaning and shine with my repair.

• Limit wear in the outdoors-

Try limit the amount of time your shoes are exposed to the elements. Its hard when walking through the city but when you can pack your shoes in a bag and wear inexpensive flats or rain boots when trekking through the snow. I know this seems like a no-brainer but I've seen women plough through snow in four inch heels before!

Hopefully these help you care for your shoes this winter season! If you're going to invest your money in expensive shoes, its important to get the best out of it and take good care of them.

If you have any additional tips or comments I'd love to hear them!

Snake Skin Booties

I think I'm in love...

No really, though, these Jimmy Choo booties are gorgeous. The snake skin ribbing on the mesh makes these shoes perfect for a night out. I could see them paired with a black long sleeve mini dress or black trousers and a top. If the price tag weren't so steep you can bet these babies would be mine!

I've been looking for the perfect red shoe for forever. I have my trusty wine colored pumps, but I'm looking for something with more of a pop. I like my statement pieces to complete the outfit. I usually go for an all one color outfit and a splash over color with a shoe or bag.

What do you look for in a statement piece?

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.

I love the Holidays. Growing up, we would always decorate the tree after Thanksgiving dinner, marking the beginning of the holiday season. I've been singing carols for weeks now, and scurrying around stores searching for the perfect presents. I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things about the holidays.

When we decorate our tree its an all day affair. We drink hot cocoa and talk about the memories and meanings behind each ornament. Even the embarrassing homemade ones from 3rd grade.

Living in New England, snow is huge part of the holiday season. I'm not one for skiing or snowboarding, but I do love to build a snowman or two!

I love baking around the holiday season. I love the smells of peppermint and gingerbread wafting through the house. We have a giant party on Christmas Eve and I love to bake desert.

all photos from weheartit

I love giving and getting presents. I love spending the time to pick out presents that I know my family and friends will love. I also love the bustle of the mall around the holidays. Having to shove through crowds somehow makes it all the more exciting.

Whats your favorite part of the holiday season?

Skins

I first discovered Skins while reading through some blogs from the UK. I immediately fell in love with the show and watched the whole first season in one weekend. The characters are so down to earth and remind me of a few of my friends (minus a lot of the drug use).

My favorite character was always Effy even before she became the main focus. She sparked my interest in the first episode with her sneaking into the house stunt. The actress Kaya Scodelario has a very classic and beautiful face. They balance out her natural femininity by making her wardrobe edgy and rough. Its a combination of blacks and blues, rips and tears, and short skirts and long tops.

picture courtesy of e4.com

Its unusual that I am so drawn to Effy's wardrobe. I'm much more of a pencil skirt and pearls type of girl than a leather pants and ripped t-shirt. Anyways, I created a look that I think personifies Effy's style for the everyday girl. Its the right amount of edge while still remaining wearable. If Skins was popular in the States I would most definitely wear this for Halloween.

Soft Wool Side Top, $105
Tear It Up Legging, 40 AUD
TAO Boots, 975 EUR
Cats Necklace, 110 GBP
Paige Novick Knotted Chain Bracelet in Rhodium, $230
PSD Detail | Ink Splat | Official PSDs

There has been a lot of hype around Skins in the States lately because they are going to make an Americanized version. I'm not to anxious to see how it turns out. I don't think it can ever live up to my expectations after watching the British version.

If you watch Skins, how do you feel about the upcoming USA version of Skins?

It Happened One Night...

As of yesterday afternoon, Christmas break has officially begun for me! This means that I have so much time to do all the productive things I've meant to do all semester, such as clean out my closet and apply for internships.

But of course that's not what I'll actually do. Instead I spent a wonderful afternoon watching one of my favorite classic movies of all time.

I've always had a thing for old movies and TV. I didn't watch the Nickelodeon like most kids. My parents kept TVLand on 24/7. Instead of Wild Thornberries, I watched reruns of I Love Lucy. My mom and me used to sit down and watch classic movies together on Saturday mornings. They were some of my favorite memories about my childhood.

This movie gets me every time. It has the perfect balance of romance and comedy. I find myself swooning over Peter Warne (Clark Gable) almost as much as Ellie (Claudette Colbert). Its nice to be reminded that love can be found in the most ridiculous of situations.

I've also noticed that my love of old films has found its way into my wardrobe. I have always found myself gravitating towards items with a more vintage feel. My wardrobe is full of classic cuts with a little extra lace and pearls here and there.

The movie of course inspired me and so I came up with a cute Christmas party outfit with a classic style to it.

Kalanchoe Blooms Dress, $245

Atop the Turret Cardigan, $68

Belle Bonita Tights, $35

Charmed Life Heel, $119

Tory Burch Logo leather clutch, $350

Retrograde Braid Bracelet | Mod Retro Vintage Bracelets | ModCloth.com, $16

Do you find that your taste in clothing comes from certain aspects of your childhood?