Five {little} Blessings

The week after Thanksgiving is typically a bit rough for me. I've had multiple days off with my family and husband, gone shopping and drank coffee with friends, decorated my home for Christmas and baked holiday goodies... And then I suddenly return to the world of textbooks, exams, and antibiotic stewardship in the blink of an eye. And it's the end of the semester, which means multiple finals and this year, the looming thought of moving to a new city alone. Because the transition back to school made this a challenging week, these five blessings have been especially important over the last few days.

{Hopes and dreams of the future}

{Winning a subscription to Southern Flourish magazine from one of my favorite ladies.}

{These Teva Stilettos that I find equally intriguing and hilarious. Thanks Brittnie and Christy!}

{Fashion inspiration via my bestie}

The more familiar two people become, the more the language they speak together departs from that of the ordinary, dictionary-defined discourse. Familiarity creates a new language, an in-house language of intimacy that carries reference to the story the two are weaving together and that cannot be readily understood by others.

~ Alain de Botton, On Love (via)
{This quote that reminded me to cherish these days with my sweet husband because they are numbered.}

xoxo

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Winter Work

When it comes to winter dresses, I typically just layer tights and cardigans over sleeveless silk pieces and let my wool coat do all of the work. Lately, however, I have taken a turn toward dresses that are more specific to the colder months. {This one is a new favorite.} Although it won't get really cold here until February, I pulled out this winter favorite of mine this past weekend. The amazingly soft flannel-esque fabric and muted jewel tones make it a perfect winter companion.

F21 jacket & boots, Lizard Thicket Boutique dress, gifted scarf, Simply Vera tights, vintage belt, vintage & Banana Republic rings, Target earrings, Essie Chinchilly polish


Do you believe in winter dresses?
xoxo


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Baby, Put on That Party Dress

I don't usually need an excuse to get dressed up. In fact, I've been known to wear stilettos to the grocery store for no particular reason. However, there is something about holiday parties that makes me a bit giddy. Maybe it's the glitter, the sequins, or the sweetheart necklines of my favorite fancy dresses. Or maybe it's just the warm buzz of being around some of my favorite people. Either way, these party dress picks will have you looking chic whether you're attending an office party, a family gathering, or a swanky soirée.

Chiffon Chain Waist Dress - Topshop

Strapless Silk Bustier Dress - Rebecca Taylor
Ruffle Dress - American Eagle

Bronze Statuesque Dress - Modcloth

Berry Kiss Dress - Spotted Moth

Cream & Navy Sequin Dress - Miss Selfridge

Gold Sequin Sleeveless Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Feather Embellished Silk Dress - Rebecca Taylor

Folded-sequin silk-organza dress - Adam

Dream a Little Gleam Dress - Modcloth

Rose Sequin Tunic - Topshop

Red Carpet Royalty Dress - Modcloth

High Caliber Dress - Modcloth

Beaded Leopard Print Dress - Topshop

Rebecca Dress - French Connection

Devoré velvet dress - Juicy Couture

Puff Sleeve Lace Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Navy Embellished Dress - Miss Selfridge

Happy party dressing.

xoxo

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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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