Winter Essentials

It's funny how I am talking about "winter essentials" today yet it was 72 degrees and sunny all weekend long.  Since this week is supposed to get way cooler, I figured it would be a good time to share some of my favorite winter essentials in my closet including boyfriend flannels, quilted puffer vests, and cute beanies. I also have to share how unbelievably awesome my weekend was. 

The Best Black Friday Sales

Happy Black Friday!

 Let the Christmas decorating and holiday shopping begin!  Scroll down below for some really great Black Friday sales that will make your holiday shopping a lot easier this year. 

 I've rounded up my favorite sales of the weekend so if you're the online type of shopper, you'll want to grab some hot chocolate or coffee and stick around! If you're the brave type and want to hit the stores today, take a look at these sales and map out your plan! Either way, a bunch of these are too good.  My personal Christmas shopping goal this year is to get it all done online and completed by the middle of December so I can really enjoy the holidays once it gets closer to Christmas! 

Fall Blues

I've always been a fan of florals but this specific floral print is the prettiest I've ever seen! Not only does it come in a blouse version as pictured in this post, but there is a dress and a scarf too.  I went for an all blue look paired with some grey over the knee boots and accessories. 

Suede Vest

Happy Thanksgiving week! I don't know about you but I am super excited for this week being a short and sweet one.  I also can't contain my excitement for Christmas decorating on Friday.  I love Thanksgiving but my family will be out of town this year so we celebrated last night with a full Thanksgiving dinner.  It was delicious and my refrigerator is stocked with leftovers... the best!

Spots

If I could recommend one good pair of pants that every woman should have in their closet... it would be these black highwaisted ones! They are definitely on the pricey side but I can see myself wearing these probably once a week to work or even out to dinner with friends.

Coat Season

It's almost Thanksgiving and I cannot believe it.  This entire year has flown by way too fast.  On the bright side, my coat closet has accumulated quite the collection of fall and winter coats over this year and last.  I just can't help myself with them! Having some good choices of coats makes cold weather not so bad at all. Thanks to Bernardo Outerwear, this one added a little pop of color in my black and white ensemble the other week. 

Workwear for Active Women

I love my comfy weekend clothing so it can be sad on Sunday nights saying goodbye to oversized t-shirts and leggings before a long week of work.  I try to be as active as possible on weekdays so it is important to me that I wear very comfortable and moveable clothing.  Fortunately, there is a designer who has created the most perfect workwear for active women! Meet, Jackie Real... where fashion meets function! 

Outfit Essentials + 25% Off Code

Lately, I've been finding myself wearing a little bit less color than usual and to be honest, it hasn't made me feel any less "colorful" at all! Have y'all taken a moment to soak in the gorgeous colors of fall?  The leaves are at their peak and everywhere I look, I'm reminded of how beautiful the season is.  I've also found a few black staples that I have had on repeat in my closet, especially these perfect black booties, the timeless tweed skirt, and the everyday turtleneck. 

Farewell Fitting Rooms

The older I get, the less I enjoy going to the mall and trying on clothes.  I would rather spend my precious (and limited) weekend time doing fun things outside or spending time with my boyfriend, pup, friends, and family! Luckily, there is this new thing called Lyon + Post which solves that problem so easily! 

Parlor Blow Dry Bar

A couple weeks ago, I finally was able to try out Parlor Blow Dry Bar.  I met up with a few blogger friends in the Raleigh Blog Society for blow outs and dinner and it was the perfect way to relax after a long day of work.  Plus, I woke up the next day with my hair already nice and voluminous! 

image via

I went for a hair style that was close to my typical look - curled, down, and as full as possible.  As my hair has gotten longer, it has been more difficult to achieve that "full and volumized" look.  If anybody has any hair stylist recommendations, please share them in the comments as I am in desperate need of a cut!

I absolutely loved the atmosphere at Parlor.  I've been in there once before, but only to attend a braiding class.  This time, they gave me a nice glass of wine, washed my hair, and completely styled it for a really good price.  I'd highly suggest this as a girl's night or weekend idea.  The stylists were all so sweet too and made the experience fabulous!

I've always been the customer to ask 100 questions about the products they use and this time was no exception.  I was educated each step of the way and learned several tricks and tips on how to (try to) achieve the look at home! All of the products at Parlor are Bumble and Bumble and my favorite product would have to be the Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray!

Isn't Kate from Sara Kate Styling adorable?  I loved how her hair turned out.  

We ended the night at Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar on Glenwood in Raleigh and the food was delicious.  After the assortment of appetizers we ordered (hush puppies, crab dip, wings), I attempted to be healthy and order a caesar salad with blackened salmon on top.  It was so delicious. 

Thank you Parlor Blow Dry Bar and  Shuckers Grill & Oyster Bar for having us that night! 

Left to Right: Angela of Head to Toe Chic | Maddie of Raleigh Revealed |

Kate from Sara Kate Styling | me | Meghan of Champagne & Suburbs

Wrapped Up in Plaid

Happy November, friends! I'm not sure how that happened so quickly but I am really excited to see what November has in store this year.  I stumbled upon this plaid coat the other day while running errands and the colors had me sold immediately.