merry christmas!

photo by michelle dorman photography

merry christmas, everyone!

it's been a busy and exciting year.
thank you for reading this little blog and for
your continued love and support! 

wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. 

i'll be here in my pajamas, drinking hot coco, 

and watching christmas movies all day (!!!). 

xoxo. 

holiday glam with value village

let's be honest - even the very best budgeters can struggle

around the holidays (or maybe that's just me?).

there are so many parties to attend, presents to buy,

places to drive, and the list goes on; it gets expensive!

and then there's the most difficult decision: what am i going to wear?

today i am partnering with value village to 

share my holiday look for less! 

what i'm wearing:

dress: c/o value village ($6.99)

black jacket: c/o value village ($12.99)

ballet flats: c/o value village ($9.99)

sweater: urban outfitters (similar here)

tights: target

necklace: nordstrom (old)

lipstick: covergirl colorliscious lipstick in 'flame' (similar here)

photos by michelle dorman photography

thrifting is one of my favorite forms of shopping! 

i love the possibility of finding something unique or vintage

at a greatly affordable price. while thrifting does require patience,

if you're open to sifting through the racks and trying on numerous 

items, it can be very rewarding. 

when shopping for this look, i hoped to find a semi-formal dress or skirt, 

a sweater or jacket, and shoes to complete the outfit. 

i was thrilled to find the black and gold flecked dress!

i quickly put together the rest of my look from there. 

i love the black patent flats, and the bows on the shoes are velvet;

they're perfect for my family's holiday dinner party this week.

the black trench coat is like-new, and i've already worn it several times!

it has kept me both warm and dry from the seattle rain.

a special thank you to value village for sponsoring this post,

and happy holidays, everyone!

xoxo.

**value village was kind enough to provide me with 

a gift certificate to purchase my dress, jacket and shoes. i had a wonderful time

creating this look and am grateful for the opportunity 

to collaborate with value village! 

holiday shopping with spring!

source

wireless speaker // terrarium // blanket

it's hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner!

have you finished your shopping?

with the cold weather and seemingly never-ending seattle rain,

walking downtown or heading to the mall 

is the last thing on my mind (and finding parking? no, thank you!).

with the spring app, however, i can check off items on my holiday 

shopping list from the comfort of my apartment (while sipping

hot coco and wearing pajamas, too!). 

spring carries 800+ brands and receives new arrivals daily! 

many items are discounted and can be purchased directly from the designers

that make them. the variety of pieces are endless;

whether you're shopping for a fashionista, tech-savvy family member, 

or a home decor-loving individual, spring has the gifts you need.

book // watch // boots

you can learn more about the mission behind spring here.

some of the brands they carry include:

everlane, frye, j brand, joie, ray ban, shinola,

kate spade new york, jo malone london, smashbox cosmetics, and more!

bucket bag // jacket // sunnies 

i had to pick a few of my favorites, of course! i sure

wouldn't mind opening that gorgeous black and white bag - 

the size and shape are perfect for this teacher-on-the-go. the best part?

it's under $100! there are many beautiful accessories from spring, too.

do you have the spring app? i'd love to know what you think.

and happy shopping, everyone!

xoxo. 

holiday gift guide for her (part ii)

i shared the first part of my holiday gift guide, 

featuring seattle goods and services, here.

i have a few additional ideas for the women in your life;

happy shopping!

photos found here

you know i am completely addicted to false lashes! i apply 

drugstore brand lash-strips most days. i've come to feel naked 

without them (whoops!). the solution? 

a visit to noir lash lounge, located in bellevue.

schedule an appointment at their boutique before attending 

your holiday parties! you're sure to look and feel glamorous

with a gorgeous set of lashes. to learn more about 

noir lash lounge, visit their website here.

cap sleeve top // ankle leggings // camisole classic

are you familiar with mere basics? 

this local brand features luxurious layering pieces that are 100% cashmere! 

each item is incredibly soft with feminine details. 

the tanks, tops, and leggings are sleek and lightweight enough 

that they can be worn year-round. be sure to check out mere basics

when completing your holiday shopping here.

photo found here

is there a fashionista in your family?

look no further than lika love! the former mobile boutique 

has grown into two, full-line stores in the seattle area.

malika and her team will help you find the perfect 

gifted item - whether a holiday dress, cozy sweater,

comfortable jacket, or accessories to wear with all the above!

learn more about lika love and check out her lookbook here.

despite completing two holiday shopping gift guides, 

i have yet to start actually shopping! here's to hoping

the sales continue, the shopping isn't too tedious,

and i can find the perfect gift for everyone on my list.

xoxo. 

holiday gift guide for her

thanksgiving is over, which means!? it's time for 

anything and everything christmas! 

will and i started decorating our apartment yesterday.

as we live in a studio, we don't have space for a christmas tree,

but you can bet i've hung ornaments and decor in every nook and cranny!

one of my favorite parts of the holiday season is shopping for 

friends and family. shopping can be stressful, but certainly doesn't have to be!

i put together a few gift guides for the upcoming holiday season- 

this first one is dedicated to the women in your life;

all of the items or services are local to seattle, too!

filigree & sea foam green bracelet by lk designs // black & crystal drop filigree earrings by lk designs

burgandy flower & pearl earrings by atelier godole // golden flower pendant necklace by lk designs

jj caprices, founded by jennifer jedda, 

is an online-based bellevue boutique. each of jennifer's pieces

are hand chosen from all over the world! they are gorgeous and unique, 

yet affordable. i'm lusting after all of the above items (especially 

the black and crystal drop filigree earrings, by lk designs).

best of all, a portion of the proceeds from each sale is 

donated to world vision to help women and girls in need.

you can learn more about local boutique, jj caprices here.

photo from here

do you have a fashion-lover in your family? 

or could a lucky lady in your life benefit from a closet makeover?

styled seattle is the answer!

with styled seattle, you can provide someone the opportunity to work

with a professional stylist. the stylist will examine

what is already in their closet and help recommend or fill in potential gaps.

visit styled seattle here to purchase a gift certificate.

photos from here

located on upper queen anne, bella fiore organic med spa

offers a holistic approach to skin care and treatment. bella fiore uses the latest

in organic skin care technologies to provide lasting, beautiful results. 

they also offer med spa facials, laser hair removal, and detox retreats. 

this year, treat your mom (or girlfriend, aunt or grandma!)

to the gift of happy skin at bella fiore. 

learn more about beauty packages and services here.

photos from here

the gift of good health? priceless!

for the health and wellness gals in your life, 

a subscription box or gift certificate to jujubeet is simply perfect.

organic and artisan juices, smoothies, and tasty treats

are just some of what is on jujubeet's menu. i am anxious to try the 'green limeade'

(spinach, parsley, kale, celery, cucumber, apple and lime!!). 

you can find a jujubeet location near you here!

happy shopping, and stay tuned for additional

gift guides coming soon!

xoxo. 

a holiday update

it is hard to believe christmas is already here! 

finished the last of my holiday shopping... yesterday...

nothing like leaving it to the last minute, right? 

this past week has been a blast. 

celebrating with friends.

snuggling my favorite pup.

being reunited with my very, very best friend after her travels abroad.

delicious treats.
christmas vacation has begun.

taking in all the festive sites seattle has to offer around the holidays. 

now it is off for some quality family time.

p.s. dear santa, my car really REALLY really needs an oil change. 

love always, megan.