Angel Reinares Handbag Giveaway (and $150 coupon code)!!-CLOSED.

So.... remember this incredible, beautiful, gorgeous, amaaaaahzing Angel Reinares handbag that I reviewed in this post?

Well, you can WIN IT and make this baby your own. (Say whaaaat?!!)

Just enter the Angel Reinares Santa Angel Giveaway here in the next 2 days and enter to win your choice of any of these three luxury handbags:

One Angel Reinares "Bobal Satchel ": Approximate Value USD $585.00

One Angel Reinares "Macabeo Tote ": Approximate Value USD $615.00

One Angel Reinares "Cabernet Tote ": Approximate Value USD $605.00

And what's even better?! An exclusive coupon code ("angelsanta150") for $150 OFF any purchase over $300. Amazing!

So, if you like chic luxury handbags, do your closet a favor and enter the Angel Reinares handbag giveaway here. 

(But, hurry, the winner will be chosen this Saturday, December 20th!)

Good luck, Loves!!

...
The winner of this fabulous contest is Jessica Westfall of Elkview, WV. 
Congrats, Jessica!!

(Click here for the original announcement)

Work & Play.

It's been years since I have bought more than a handful of clothing items that were strictly for "play". Due to my very exciting night life (or lack thereof), almost everything in my wardrobe tends to pull double duty. If I can't use a piece as part of my work wardrobe, it's very likely that it will hang out in the back of my closet for a very long time.

However, with a little creativity, many things can be fashioned into workwear.
A chiffon dress? Great! Let's put a sweater over it and make it work appropriate. 
A fitted pencil dress? Let's put an oversized cardi over it and belt it.

I guess it must also be said that my office environment is pretty casual. So, I often use the term "work wear" loosely. Regardless, the idea still holds true. Pieces that can be used in different situations often give the best bang for your buck--easy peasy day to night transition is where it's at!

Here's what I've been wearing lately--

Polka dot blouse (Similar here & here)//
Black and white sweater (Almost exact here; Similar here)//
Red ankle pants (Similar here, here & here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here, & here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
Black (patent leather) flats (Similar here & here;Not patent, but love these here)

"Striped Sensation" tunic dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black wedge boots (Exact here; Similar here & here)//
Black and silver chainmaille bracelet c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here; Love this one here)

Black turtleneck (Similar here, here, & here)//
Oversized burgundy sweater & faux leather pencil skirt c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here & here)//
Leopard print cuff c/o Sira & Mara (Exact no longer available; Love this bracelet in similar colors here)//
Sheer black tights (Exact here)//
Black wedge boot (Exact here; Similar here & here)

"Cayla" dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Black crew neck sweater (Similar here, here, & here)//
Fringe tribal scarf c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black booties (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny black belt (Similar here & here)
Black and silver chainmaille bracelet c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here; Love this one here)



Maci dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Rosa cardi c/o Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)
Black wide stretchy belt (Similar here, here, here, & here)
Opaque black tights (Exact here)//
Black booties (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Pearl dangle earrings c/o Blossom Jewelry Design (Exact here)



Bauble Boutique Holiday Giveaway-- CLOSED.

I absolutely love Christmas time. LOVE.

Do you know what else I love? Giving away gorgeous jewels from the lovely Bauble Boutique, a fabulous online jewelry shop.  

So, while I decorate my house and falalalala my way through my Christmas shopping, you lovelies can enter to win all the goodies above from Bauble Boutique!

Winner will be announced next Friday (12/12) on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page. Just use the Rafflecopter app below to enter! (Remember, the more points you complete using the app, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing.)

GOOD LUCK, girls!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The small print: Giveaway ends on Friday, December 12th, and is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. Winner will be announced on the Hello Gorgeous Facebook page and must claim prize within 48 hours. If prize is left unclaimed within this time, a new winner will be chosen.

Satchel up.

Plaid flannel button-up shirt (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Ivory cable knit sweater (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Burgundy riding boots (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Bobal satchel c/o Angel Reinares (Exact here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)//
Belt buckle bracelet (Similar here)

Plaid flannel button-up shirt (Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Ivory cable knit sweater (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Burgundy riding boots (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Bobal satchel c/o Angel Reinares (Exact here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)//
Belt buckle bracelet (Similar here)

...

I’ve said it many times before—but, if I had to pick just a few wardrobe pieces to invest in, I would always choose staple accessories: a chic coat, great boots, and a well-made, beautifully constructed bag. The first two are pretty self-explanatory (see this post)-- especially for someone living in the North Pole. 

Just kidding, I live in Michigan. But, that’s kind of the same thing, right? Only minus Santa and cute little elves? =P

But, I digress.

 A gorgeous bag will last for years and become a staple in a wardrobe that’s bound to change with time. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for bag-investment—first, because I love beautiful bags. (Who doesn't?!) But, mostly because I am really tough on bags and if it’s not a quality piece, it's guaranteed to fall apart in a couple of short months. I’ve literally had a cheap-o bag rip with all of my work materials in it (in a parking lot). It was not fun. To put it into perspective, I’ve had the same Louis Vuitton bag for 11 years and it’s still in great condition. And my relatively new Michael Kors bag (which I had longingly saved for) still looks brand new after months of daily wear. And as with most things, quality matters. But, I think this concept is most important with core pieces and accessories.

So, when I was asked to review a bag from Angel Reinares, a Spanish handbag company, I was more than happy to do so. I’m always up for discovering new brands—especially those who feature classic, quality pieces. After some back and forth, I ordered the Bobal satchel in the cognac color (called Lion on the site) instead of the Cabernet tote in Brandy. I think my indecision was due to the fact that I couldn’t decide if I wanted a tote or a satchel, and I was lusting after both bags equally. Generally, a tote or purse with a long strap is more convenient for me because most of my week is spent at work. So, I just cram all of my things into it, hang it over my shoulder, and go. But, I figured since I had just bought the MK Hamilton tote, I should venture out and get the Bobal satchel. And boy, am I glad I did! 

This bag is seriously beautiful. Soft, luxurious leather. Great construction and color. Lots of room for all of my things. And wait for it… a detachable strap! Boom. 

So, if you’re looking for a new bag or a great piece to pop on your Christmas wish list, check out Angel Reinares. They have so many drool-worthy pieces that are truly well worth it!   

Winter Survival 101.

___________________________________________________________________________
Wool coat/parka (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here, & here)//

Mittens (Exact here; Similar here; LOVE these patterned mittens here and here)//

Earmuffs (Similar here, here, here, & here (the earbuds detach!)//

UGG boots (Exact here; Similar here & here)// 

Hunter wellies (Exact here; A wider fit here)//

Hunter Brit Cuff boot socks (Exact here; Love these here & here)//

Sorel Joan of Arctic boots (Exact here; Similar without fur here)

Generally, I don't claim to be an expert in any particular area (except my job!). Sure, I know a number of things. But, there are many things that I don't know and I'm okay with that. And what I do not know, I can always learn, right?
 However, I am here today to proclaim myself an absolute EXPERT in dressing for frigid temperatures. 
If there was a PhD in dressing for warmth, I would have received it (with high honors!).
...
Having lived in Michigan most of my life, I have learned that in order to stay alive and functioning from November through April, I have to dress for the weather. As a blogger, I would love to wear something other than boots and sweaters for those six long months. But, in reality, I'm a total wuss in the cold. And I'm fully convinced that when I'm cold my body goes into hibernation mode. (Let's not even talk about how unpleasant I am when I'm freezing.) So, out of basic necessity, I've learned to bundle up and just get on with it. 

So, above, I've linked my favorite (fashionable!) cold-weather accessories. Seriously, if you know me in real life, you know that I wear these exact pieces every single day for months on end. But, they are tried and true items that I recommend from my own personal experience in surviving the Polar Vortex. ;)
Stay warm, friends!
...

A few afterthoughts:

-A wool coat or a parka is a MUST in cold temps. I really like versions with faux fur because they are especially cozy and help insulate your entire neck and face.

-Faux fur earmuffs are fantastic-- they're warm, cover your ears (which are bound to get cold faster than your head), and they save you from having crazy hat hair all day.

-UGGs-- the warmest boots I have ever owned. However, they are NOT waterproof (even with the waterproof spray). 

-Hunter rain boots-- I didn't own a pair of Hunters until last year. Apparently, I lived under a rock. But, these boots are LIFE CHANGING. They are completely waterproof. However, they are not warm. If you want to "winterize" them, get some Hunter boot socks. They don't make the boots super warm, but they are pretty good.

-SOREL Joan of Arctic boots-- if you live in a snowy climate, do yourself a favor and buy these boots. They are the most important winter boots you'll ever buy and you will thank yourself for the rest of time. They are REALLY warm (too warm for Fall) and completely waterproof.

Nordstrom Sale: Part Deux.

Guys, I just can't get enough of the Nordstrom sale!  
I'm especially loving the tortoise shell sunnies and the patterned flats below. But, really there are just so many great deals. They have everything from makeup to clothing on sale. But, remember, it ends tomorrow (Nov. 11th)! 
Check out my picks below-- clicking on the images will take you directly to the pieces. I hope y'all are finding as many things as I am! 

Have a great week! :)

Check out the Nordstrom Sale here!

The Nordstrom Sale: Staple Pieces.

Every once in a while it dawns on me that not living in a bigger city does have tiny little disadvantages. Disadvantages like not having a Nordstrom nearby so that I can shop the huge sale that's happening now. 
My friends who live on the east side of the state always talk about shopping at Nordstrom and how great it is, not realizing that I don't have one nearby. (Yes, Jen, I'm calling you out! Love you!)  But, then again, there's always online shopping! And true to form, I've already got my eye on a few staple pieces that are on sale right now.  Mostly, I'm looking for classic pieces that will transition easily from work to play and from season to season. Living in Michigan, buying great pieces that you can only wear in the summer isn't always the best choice. (It already dipped down to 21 degF this past Sunday!!) So, I'm eyeing a lot of sheath dresses and boots.

Here are some of the of things that are in the running-- just click on the images to get linked through to each piece!

Are you going to be shopping the sale? If yes, what ya' gettin'?!

Check out the whole Nordstrom Sale here!

Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane Exclusive Look!

In trying to keep up with the blog more, it also seems fitting to get back to the Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane Exclusive Look. 

And this month's look is seriously awesome, if I may say so myself! It also feeds right into my current vest addiction. Honestly, if you've been looking for a military style vest that is high quality and gorgeous, look no further. This is IT, my friends.

Plus, the watch and the purse? LOVE. The purse is the perfect color and the watch has just the right amount of quirk. 

I know you're going to love them!!

To purchase this exact vest, watch, and/or purse check out Avery Lane Boutique. 

Happy shopping! :)

Black and white plaid button-up (Similar here, here, & here)//
Military vest c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)
Yellow pencil skirt (Similar here; Love this floral version here)
Two-tone riding boots (Similar here & here)//
Skinny brown belt (Similar here & here)//
Watch c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Rhinestone necklace (Love these ones here and here, & this daintier one here)//
Messenger bag c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)

One Extra Hour.

I didn't realize that today was Day Light Savings until late last night. And because of that one extra glorious hour of sleep, I woke up feeling refreshed and like a whole new person. 
I even finished chores that I had been needing to work on for weeks. 

And since I'm on a roll...here's what I've been wearing lately!

Ivory blouse (Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Red ankle pants (Similar here, here & here)//
"Arabelle" vest c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)
Patterned satin scarf (Exact here; Similar here)//
Tortoise shell watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)//
Black riding boots (Great options here, here, & here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)//
Tortoise shell watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)

Elephant blouse c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here)//
Skinny dress pants (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
5 Flower Statement Necklace c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here)//
Pink pumps (Similar here, here, & here)//
Pyramid stud cuff ℅ Stella & Dot stylist Erika Lehman (Exact here)

White button-up shirt (Similar here, here, here, & here)//
Floral dress c/o TeodoraB (Exact here)//
Black tights (Exact here)
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
"Fall Lines" earrings c/o Button Down Accessories (Exact here)//
Black booties (Similar here, here, here, here)

Plaid "Lilly" top c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)
Navy sheath dress (Similar here, here, here, here)//
Champagne pearl cluster necklace c/o T+J Designs (Exact here)//
Burgundy riding boots (Similar here,  here,  here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)

The World's Easiest Scarf Tying Tutorial (maybe).

There are girls in this world who can show you how to tie a scarf in ten different ways in under one minute. 

My friends, I am not one of those girls. 
Through the years, however, I have learned a couple of pretty solid ways to tie my scarves, and this particular tie is how I wear my scarves 99% of the time. I'm not really YouTube savvy. So, I apologize for the total newbie video. But, I put it together because I've gotten quite a few requests for a tutorial. So, here you go!  

See, it looks kind of fancy, but it's not! 
And isn't that the way all things should be? ;)

Forever 21, plus a few.

Holy guacamole! Two posts within two days? What's going on?!

I'll tell you what's going on-- you need to get yourselves over to Forever21 right now. They have their Fall/Winter stuff out and so many of their pieces are absolutely phenomenal. I especially like their new fur vests, sweaters, and their plaid tops.
But, shhhhh. Because I didn't just buy any of those things yesterday or anything. ;)

It's not as if it's not obvious. But, I'll just put it right out there and say that I'm a huge F21 fan. I love that I can find such a great variety of things at prices that don't make my husband freak out when he looks at our credit card bill. (Love you, babe!) 

But, back to the point. People are often surprised that I find so many of my wardrobe pieces at Forever21. But, it's true-- I have everything from blazers to skinny jeans and scarves that I bought there. And I will tell you-- sometimes I feel a little weird going into the store dressed in my work outfits and my badge and definitely NOT feeling like I'm 'forever 21'. (Let's just say that I've gotten referred to as "ma'am" more than once.) But, I keep going back (or going online. Lol.) because I genuinely like a lot of their pieces and I feel like I can find and afford so many trendy or work-appropriate things there.  

I know that to some, the store can feel a little overwhelming at first because there are just so many options. But, I guess it doesn't bother me. I have a strange laser-like focus when it comes to shopping. It must be an awesome gene that I inherited from my mother. For us, shopping is an extreme sport with one goal in mind: to WIN. 
To win at buying all of the things (without breaking the bank!). 

And now that you know about my secret shopping superpowers, here are a couple of outfits from this past week. (See how many are Forever21 pieces?!) 

Plaid Top (Exact here; Similar here and here; LOVE this version here)//
Collared button-down shirt (Great options here & here)//
Red ankle pants (Similar here & here)//
Bonded Glam Necklace c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)//
Skinny black watch (Similar here & here)//
Black flats (Cute versions here, here, here) 

Black and white contrast trim blouse (Similar here & here; Cute sleeveless version here)//
Seamless cami (Exact here; Similar here)//
Tweed pencil skirt (Exact here; Love these pencil skirts here and here)//
Pearl necklace c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact Sold Out; Cute versions here, here, & here)//
Leopard print flats (Great options here, here, here. & here)

Black and white plaid button-up (Almost exact here; Similar here & here)//
Denim jacket (Exact here; Similar here and here)//
Dark washed women's skinny jeans (Similar here & here)//
Red plaid scarf (Exact here; Love these options here, here, here and here)//
Two-tone riding boots (Similar here & here)//
Skinny brown belt (Similar here & here)//
Oversized grey watch (Cute options here, here, here, here)//
Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet ℅ Erika Lehman

Oh, MK!

 

^So, I just learned how to make this cool clickable widget with pictures. I'm kind of really proud of myself, guys!! You can click on each image and it will take you directly to the Macy's page where you can view the individual items. Ta-Da!^

If you poke around my blog for even half a second, you'll notice that I am a very budget-friendly shopper. After all, there's no reason to spend big bucks to look put together, amirite? BUT (and this is a big but!), there is a time and a place for spending a little bit more and investing in quality pieces that will last for years.  In fact, I think one the best ways to have a great wardrobe is to mix classic budget-friendly pieces with pieces that are well-made (and more often than not, the "real" thing). I do this all the time. A lot of my clothes are from Forever21 and Target, but I also have a few select pieces that help "up my game". =P

This is where my love for Michael Kors comes in. I don't know exactly when I found out about MK. But, I think it was some time in high school. Me and my best shopping buddy (Hi, Mom!) would browse the aisles at Macy's and drool over MK bags, MK coats, MK boots, MK watches, and the list goes on. So,  when I got into the workforce and needed to look put-together, one of the first things I did was buy a gorgeous red Michael Kors trench (very similar to the one above!). Well, that's not entirely true. My mom actually bought that trench for me! But, the reason that she did was because she is also a big proponent of "dressing for the job you want" and she wanted me to look professional and chic at my first job.
My second big Michael Kors purchase was made this past Summer. I had wanted the Michael Kors Hamilton tote bag for as long as I can remember. So, I finally took the plunge and purchased the bag-- and let me tell you, I have never been happier with a purse. Ever. This bag is EVERYTHING. It's roomy, it's structured, the leather is beautiful and supple. I cannot say enough good things. So, if you love the Hamilton tote as much as I do, do yourself a favor and go buy it right now! You won't regret it.

So, now that you know all about my obsession with Michael Kors, check out my favorite MK pieces above-- if you click on the images, it will take you directly to each product. Personally, I'm eyeing an MK watch for my next purchase. ;)
How about you?!