A Grey Sky Morning

I've been doing quite a bit of layering lately to keep up with the weather changes. Socks over tights, vests over cardigans. Not that I mind, really. Layering is definitely one of my favorite ways to spice up an outfit as well as a practical way to stay warm or cool according to your surroundings. I wore these layers last weekend for a Sunday morning & afternoon out with the husband.

Twelve by Twelve silk tunic, Forever 21 cardigan & vest, J. Crew belt, Modcloth tights, MRKT wedges via DSW, vintage ring, Essie Ballet Slipper polish


Happy Layering.
xoxo


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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, and among them is gift giving. Whether it's a sparkly trinket or a killer pair of heels, I love giving something special to the people in my life. Here are some of my favorite finds for less than $50. {For gift ideas under $20, see my previous gift guide.}

1. Relief Gold Bud Vases - Jonathan Adler $39.95
2. Ruched Platform Heel - LuLu's $31
3. Sparkling Wine Evening Dress - LuLu's $44
Faux Fur Mittens - Urban Outfitters $28
4. Classic Century Salt & Pepper Shakers - Crate & Barrel $38.95
5. Mini Donut Maker - Urban Outfitters $30
6. Atessa Vase - Crate & Barrel $29.95
7. Top of the Charts Bag - Modcloth $34.99
8. Feather Collar - Twelve by Twelve $22
9. Taupe One Shoulder Dress - LuLu's $47
10. Little Birch Jewelry Stand - Urban Outfitters $32
11. Something About Sophia Fragrance - Benefit $36
12. Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups - Anthropologie $48
13. Capri Blue Mercury Jar Candle - Anthropologie $25
14. Patent Platform Boot - Charlotte Russe $42.50
15. Illuminated Moon - Urban Outfitters $45


Happy Gifting.
xoxo

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Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it centers around being grateful for what comprises our lives. While I am very thankful to have a great apartment & rent that allows me not to work while in school, the things on my list this year aren't things. This year {and always} I am thankful for the people in my life who make me feel happy and loved - my family, my friends, and you. But most of all I am thankful for a kind, caring husband who is strong in his faith.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
xoxo


image via we heart it
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LuLu's Loot

LuLu's has been one of my favorite online stores for a while now, thanks to my girl over at Junk. I can always find something I love for a really great price point. That's why I am excited to tell you that LuLu's is offering 15% off to Hiking in Stilettos readers from now until Novermber 28th! With already affordable prices, this discount is a steal! Be it something special to wear to a holiday party or a gift for a girlfriend, you will definitely find something at LuLu's that's just perfect. Here are some of my favorites:

Details:
The offer is for 15% off your entire purchase, site wide. Just enter "HIKING" (it's case-sensitive, all caps please!) at checkout. It's valid for customers in the US and Canada and is a one use per customer coupon. It expires on November 28th, and some of my favorites are already selling out, so best go now! Let me know what you end up with! I know I will be doing a bit of Christmas shopping for a few of the ladies in my life.

xoxo

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It's All About the Veggies

I've never met a vegetable that I don't like {well, except for baby corn, which just freaks me out & has a weird texture}, so Thanksgiving to me is more about the veggies than the center-stage bird. Honestly, I've often filled my plate with delicious-looking sides and completely forgotten about the whole turkey thing. After I stumbled upon this article, my stance on vegetables was only more solidified.

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. An entire day devoted to family, friends, blessings, and food? It's perfect. This year I'm trying out recipes with a twist on the traditional. Here are some veggies that are contenders for this year's table.

PW Green Bean Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

PW Rosemary Acorn Squash Wedges

Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread


What are you cooking this Thanksgiving?
xoxo

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These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

{And for sitting on benches...}

I've wanted a pair of moccasins for quite a while now, so when I stumbled upon these {and on sale!}, I just couldn't pass them up. Although they are a bit difficult to put on, they are by far the most comfortable shoes that I own. Perfect for a day spent walking around Virginia Highlands and watching the game with my one and only.

Rodarte for Target top, F21 skirt, vintage belt, jewelry & clutch, Old Navy scarf, Minnetonka moccasins


I look forward to pairing them with tights, tall socks, and a dolman-sleeved dress.
xoxo


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Five {little} Blessings

This week absolutely flew by in a haze of schoolwork, appointments, and deadlines, leaving me ready for a low-key weekend. A weekend comprised of hot cocoa and Christmas decorating, {I'm literally working all day next Monday - Wednesday, so I feel it's acceptable to do a bit of early decorating}, time with my family and in-laws, brunch with husband, and time in my kitchen. Even despite the hectic schedule of this past week, I found time to take in the small things in life that make it that much better.

{Brightly colored mums sitting beside my front door}

{The window beside my desk}

{A pine-tree scented candle}

{A warm & cozy poncho to wear while I'm studying}

{The pièce de résistance: homemade turkey bacon, egg, and Gorgonzola sandwich for brunch. My husband makes delicious breakfast food.}


Happy Weekend.
xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

With daily temperatures in the mid 70s, it's hard to imagine that next week is Thanksgiving. That means Christmas is barely over a month away. In all honesty, I'm incredibly excited. One of my favorite parts of the season is buying gifts for the people I love. There's something so rewarding about finding that perfect something that you know your recipient will love. To prove that this can be done on a budget, here are some of my favorite picks for adding a bit of glam for under $20.

1. Alice & Cards Plates - Urban Outfitters, set of 4 for $20
2. Retrograde Braid Bracelet - Modcloth, $15.99
3. Sequin Beret - Forever 21, $8.80
4. Rosie Lee Polish - butter London, $14
5. I Ain't Lion Earrings - Modcloth, $17.99
6. Bear Bottle Opener - Urban Outfitters, $10
7. Glamour Pearl Clutch - Forever 21, $14.80
8. River Rapids Necklace - Modcloth, $15.99
9. Lace Gloves - Forever 21, $5.44
10. RSVP shadow - Benefit, $17
11. Cadee Bootie Slippers - Target, $18.99
12. Ribbed Knit Snood Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80
13. Skull Bottle Stopper - Urbran Ooutfitters, $ 12
14. Style Spotted Scarf - Modcloth, $19.99
15. Branch Bit Bottle Stopper - Anthropologie, $14


Happy Gifting.
xoxo


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Lanvin Love

Photographer: DAVID SIMS

Photographer: STÉPHANE GALLOIS

This weekend is packed full of exciting things, one of which is the release of the Lanvin H&M collection in my city. I've been obsessing over the perfection of the vibrant dresses, chic black silhouettes, and ruffled skirts for a quite a while, and I can't wait to actually see my favorite pieces in person.

I dream of wearing the yellow, one-shouldered party dress to the wedding of a very dear friend. I know she would appreciate the significance. {We initially bonded over our similar fashion tastes.}


Have you seen or purchased anything the collection?
What are your favorites?

xoxo


all images courtesy of H&M
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All Bundled Up

The term "sweater dress" has never really been appealing to me for whatever reason. I tend to think of sweaters as bulky, over-sized pieces that pair well with jean leggings and tall boots (or more recently, with shorts). Enter this dress, and my opinion completely changed. There's really nothing outstanding about it, but I love it. Cozy, warm, and suitable for dressing up. Now I'm thinking about transitioning those long, bulky sweaters into dresses as well.....

H&M dress & faux-fur stole, Charming Charlie's belt, Modcloth tights, Dolce Vita wedges, Banana Republic & vintage rings


Happy Bundling.

xoxo

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Five {little} Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in all of the negativity surrounding us sometimes. From work stress to school deadlines to strained relationships, all of the bad seems to pile up so quickly. Unfortunately, bad attitudes are far more contagious than positive ones. That's why I am joining some of my favorite bloggers in a weekly round up of things that are filling my days with little bits of happiness....

These house shoes - because when they have feet in them, it means that husband is home.

This lamp - because it brightened up my dimly lit kitchen

This book - because I love the recipes and the lovely pictures

This planner - because it reminded me that there are no more exams until finals.

This bag of goodies - because soon it will be packaged into a shoebox and sent to a little girl who would not have had any Christmas presents otherwise.


What little things made you smile this week?
xoxo

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Street Style Inspirations

With the fickle fall/winter weather taking its toll on my wardrobe creativity these days, I turned to some of my favorite sources for inspiration - other fashion bloggers. There's definitely something to be said for photo shoots and runway shows, but sometimes you just want to see someone real. Isn't that why we all started blogging anyway? I digress. Here are some of my recent inspirations from the street.

kertiii
I love the overt femininity of this outfit, especially paired with the black tights and studded bag.

lookbook
Since mother nature can't decide between winter frosts and summer temperatures, I think shorts and bulky sweaters will be my new uniform.

Street Peeper
I'm beginning to reevaluate the idea of long skirts on my petite form.

Cupcakes & Cashmere
Chic simplicity. Love it.


Where are you finding fashion inspiration these days?
xoxo

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Southern, My Way

It's no secret that cooking is one of my favorite hobbies. I love the feeling of spending time in the kitchen and producing something so delicious that you look forward to making it again. You could chalk it up to my southern heritage, I suppose. A part of me just loves the simplicity and implied provision of setting dinner on the table. I get it honest. My mom is truly the best cook {and most outstanding southern woman} I know.

So imagine how excited I was when I received Gena Knox's most recent cookbook, Southern My Way from her PR firm located in Atlanta. Another southern soul with a passion for creating something from nothing, providing good food for her family, and supporting local farms in the process? Sign. me. up.

Knox's recipes are dear to my heart as they take a new turn on some of my favorite southern dishes. Recipes like Butterbean Bruschetta with Country Ham and Summer Seafood Stew over Parmesan Grits fuse southern cooking with unconventional flavors and produce quite a result. Her passion for locally grown produce and support for local farmers only fueled my love. I am a firm believer in supporting one's local economy. Not only because it impacts us directly, but because there's something special about knowing the hands that raised your food. Maybe it's an old-fashioned southern idealism, but it's something that both Knox and I cherish.

What really sold me on Knox's collection, however, was the fact that she included a section of breakfast recipes. I plan on making her Rosemary Biscuits with Honey Ham this weekend after having incredible success with last weekend's breakfast endeavor - Herb & Goat Cheese Scrambled Eggs.

{Crumbled gorgonzola & tomato salsa}

Note: I substituted Gorgonzola for goat cheese & served the eggs over lightly toasted whole grain bread. Perfection!

Saturday brunch will never be the same.
xoxo


Southern My Way courtesy of Melissa Libby & Associates
photos copyright Hiking in Stilettos
copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Take a Hike

Faux fur meets stiletto hiking boots. This outfit embodies most of my favorite things - sequins, texture, heeled boots, layers, and a bit of glamor. It was the perfect ensemble for a Sunday afternoon out not only because of the texture and detail, but because it kept me surprisingly warm against a cool fall breeze.

H&M blazer & scarf, The Loft top, J. Crew corduroys, F21 heels & earrings, Banana Republic & vintage rings

What are your favorite things to wear?

xoxo

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Festive Fall/Halloweekend

Last weekend husband and I decided to forgo the costumery of Halloween and celebrated instead with a weekend revolving around food, trail runs, football, food, and pumpkin carving. It was gloriously relaxing and just what I needed after a hectic week.

{Eggplant Parmesan}

{Apple Walnut Cinnamon Rolls}

{A werewolf & a hoot owl}


This weekend will include more new recipes {I've been dying to try some from this book!}, trail runs, and probably a fire or two in the fireplace. What are your weekend plans?
xoxo

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